
Qass. 
Book- 



LANDMARKS 



OF 



TOMPKINS COUNTY 



NEW YORK 



Including a History of Cornell University 

By prof. W. T. HEWITT 



EDITED BY 

JOHN H. SELKREG 



irilustrateb 



SYRACUSE, N. Y. 

D. MASON & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 

1894 



flu 



31 to 
■Oi 



PREFACE 



With each passing year the task of preparing a history of any local- 
ity becomes more and more difficult. Those from whom historical 
facts can only be obtained, pass away; manuscripts and memoranda are 
lost or destroyed, and their disappearance involves unusual labor in ob- 
taining necessary data from other sources. It is the aim of the author 
of this volume to arrange and present in comprehensive form such in- 
formation as could be secured through diligent effort, to the end that 
an authentic History of Tompkins County might be presented to the 
public. A residence of fifty-three years in Ithaca furnishes the writer 
with much in the line of personal knowledge, and his acquaintance in 
the past with men prominent in public affairs here, leads him to hope 
that this work may reach a fair degree of accuracy, and add something 
to former publications. 

In preparation of this history the author desires to acknowledge the 
great assistance rendered him by others — too many in number to name 
here ; and he feels that whatever measure of success has been reached, 
credit therefor belongs to many compilers and writers who have asso- 
ciated with him in the work, rather than to himself alone. 

J. H. Selkreg. 
Ithaca, 1894. 



/i)l 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 

CHAPTER I. 

The Local Tribe and their Absorption bj^ the Cayugas— Route of Sullivan's Army 
on both Sides of Cayuga Lake— Indian Villages Destroyed— Their Location- 
Flight of Indians to Niagara— Their Destination after Sullivan's Victory 
— Cession of their Lands to the State 1 

CHAPTER II. 

Original Civil Divisions— Erection of Counties— Dates of the Creation of Coun- 
ties in Western New York— Formation of Tompkins County— Original Towns 
and when Formed— Present Towns and Dates of Organization— Geographical 
Location of the County— Its Area and Population— Soil and Original Forest 
—Its Water Conrsss, Scenery and Water Falls thereon— Climate— Ab- 
sence of Excessive Snow Fall— Absence of Fogs on Waters Flowing North 
ward. ^ 

CHAPTER III. 

The First White Men in what is now Tompkins County — The Last of the Local 
Indians — The March of Civilization— Arrival of the First Permanent Settlers 
—Trials and Perils of their Journey— The Route Taken— Locality of First 
Settlement— The Pioneers of Ithaca— Dates of Settlement in the Various 
Towns 10 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Work of the Pioneers— What was Accomplished prior to County Organiza- 
tion Beginning of the New County Government — The Financial Panic of 

1837-8— Its Effects in this County— Recuperation— The War Period— Prompt 
Action in Ithaca— Filling the Various Quotas of the County 14 

CHAPTER V. 

The Panics of 1857 and 1873— The University and its History and Influence on the 
Growth of Ithaca— Official List of Officers before and since Organization of 
County— Senators— Members of Assembly— County Clerks— Superintendents 
of Schools. 23 



vi CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Tompkins County Political Notes— Reminiscences of Important Campaigns- 
Vote of the Coimt}^ on prominent Officials from 1817 to the Present Time — 
Political Officials of the County, Past and Present 26 

CHAPTER VII. 

The First Roads — How the Pioneers First Reached their vSettlements — The Early 
Stages— Early Stage Drivers— The Cayuga SteamboatCompany— Its Various 
Boats — Busy Scenes on the Lake — The Celebrated "Smoke Boat" — Modern 
Steamers and Yachts— The Sodus Canal— Other Canal Projects— The First 
Railroad — Some of its Peculiarities— Other Railroads 32 

CHAPTER VIII. . 

The First Newspaper in the County— Its Very Early PubHcation— Its History 
down to its Present Successor, the Ithaca Journal— Opening of the Telegraph 
Line to Ithaca— The Ithaca Chronicle— The Democrat and its Predecessors 
—The Weekly Ithacan— Newspapers of Trumansburgh— Other Publications 42 

CHAPTER IX. 

History of Tompkins Agricultural Society— Its First Officers— Insignificance of 
Early Premiums Offered — Sales and Purchases of Property — History of the 
County Poor House— Statistics of its Presest Condition — Masonic Societies in 
the County— Other Societies and Institutions. 48 

CHAPTER X. 

Comparison of State Law with the Common Law — Evolution of the Courts — The 
Court of Appeals — The Court of Chancery — The County Court — The Surro- 
gate's Court—Justice's Court — District Attorneys — Sheriffs— Court House — 
Judicial Officers — Personal Notes— Important Trials, 53 

CHAPTER XI. 

Early Methods of Medical Study — Medical Societies Authorized by Statute — 
Tompkins County Medical Societj^— Dr. E. J. Morgan, sr. — The "Regi.stra- 
tion Law " — List of Registered Physicians 77 

CHAPTER XII. 
HISTORY OF THE TOWN AND VILLAGE OF ITHACA 93 

CHAPTER XIII. 
TOWN OF ULYSSES. 205 



CONTEXTS, vii 

CHAPTER XIV. 
TOWN OF DRYDEN. 344 

CHAPTER XV. 
TOWN OF CAROLINE. 267 

CHAPTER XVI. 
TOWN OF DANBY 295 

CHAPTER XVII. 
TOWN OF NEWFIELD 303 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
TOWNOFGROTON 310 

CHAPTER XIX. 
TOWN OF LANSING 329 

CHAPTER XX. 
TOWN OF ENFIELD 349 



HISTORY OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY 

I. — Introduction . 359 

II. — The National Government and Higher Education. — The Land Grant Act, 

Establishing Colleges of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts 360 

III.— Preliminary History: 1. The People's College. — 2. The New York State 

Agricultural College 384 

IV.— The Charter of the University 398 

V. — The Management of the Land Grant. — Mr. Cornell's Services 413 

VI. — Constitution of the University : 1. Plan of Organization. — 2. The Military 
Department. — 3. Manual Labor. — 4. Coeducation. — 5. The Non-Resident 
Lecture System. — 6. The University Senate. — 7. Alumni Representation in 

in the Board of Trustees. 423 

VII. — The Relation of the University to the State: 1. Scholarships. — 2. The 

Church. , 463 

VIII. —The Opening of the University. . 474 

IX.— The University as Established 504 



viii CONTENTS. 

X.— Student Life 512 

XL — Languages: 1. The Classical and Oriental Languages. — 2. The Germanic 

and Romance Languages. _. _540 

XII. — Department of Philosophy 557 

XIII. — Department of History and Political Science 564 

XIV.— Mathematics and Physics. 578 

XV. — Natural Science. 583 

XVI. — Department of Agriculture. 621 

XVII. — Department of Architecture. 637 

XVIII. — Department of Civil Engineering 639 

XIX. — Department of Mechanic Arts 642 

XX. — Professional Schools 659 

XXL— The Quarter-Centennial. 667 

BIOGRAPHICAL: 

Ezra Cornell ....672 

Andrew D. White 677 

Henry W. Sage 681 

John McGraw 686 

Goldwin Smith 687 

William D. Wilson 688 

Charles C. Shackford 690 

Brief Personal Sketches ' 691 



PART II. 

BIOGRAPHICAL 1-72 



PART III. 

FAMILY SKETCHES 1-256 

INDEXES. 

PARTI - 257-271 

PART II . 271 

PART III 271-275 

PORTRAITS --- 275 



\ 



LANDMARKS 



TOMPKINS COUNTY 



CHAPTER I. 

The Local Tribe and their Absorption by the Cayugas — Route of Sullivan's Army 
on both Sides of Cayuga Lake — Indian Villages Destroyed — Their Location — Flight 
of Indians to Niagara — Their Destitution after Sullivan's Victory — Cession of their 
Lands to the State. 

The present territory of Tompkins county was, at the date of Sulli- 
van's expedition in 1779, inhabited by a local tribe of Indians known 
as the " Todarighroones. " In 1753 Sir William Johnson mentions 
that the Cayugas holding the country around the lake were " about to 
strengthen their castle by taking in the Todarighrooners. " In the 
same year they are mentioned as attending a conference at Mount 
Johnson, and are described as one of the "nine confederate nations." 
The town is indicated at the head of Cayuga Lake on the Guy Johnson 
map of 1771 in the same position where it was found by Colonel Dear- 
born in 1779, under the name of " Todarighrono, " the name of the 
people. The Indian village known as " Coreorgonel," called " De-ho- 
riss-kanadia " by George Grant, was located on the west side of Cayuga 
Inlet, about three miles from the head of Cayuga Lake, and about two 
miles southwest of Ithaca city, on high ground south of the present 
school house on the farm of Joseph Allen, and just beyond Buttermilk 
Falls on the Inlet-Newfield road. Several skeletons have been ex- 
1 



3 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

humed here at various times within a few years past, and the usual va- 
riety of relics found, such as hatchets, wampum, beads, etc. The town 
at the time of its destruction by a detachment of Sullivan's army, un- 
der command of Col. Henry Dearborn, on the 24th of September, 1779, 
contained twenty-five houses, besides ten or twelve scattered between 
the main village and the lake. The detachment of the army came up 
the west side of the lake, reaching Goodwin's (or Taughannock) Point, 
on the 22d of September, 1779, then marched to the Indian village on 
the Inlet on the 23d, and burned the houses, corn and vegetables on 
the 24th. This detachment united with that from the east side of the 
lake on the 25th and marched thence to meet the main army at New- 
town (Elmira). The notes of Gen. John S. Clark, of Auburn, found in 
the "Journals of the Military Expedition of Major-General John Sulli- 
van, against the Six Nations of Indians in 1779," published under au- 
thority of chapter 361, laws of 1885, passed by the Legislature, seem 
to furnish by far the most authentic as well as the most detailed infor- 
mation in reference to the Indian history of this locality. 

The detachment of Sullivan's army which destroyed the towns on the 
east side of Cayuga Lake, joining the detachinent from the west side 
at Ithaca, marched down the east side of Seneca Lake, crossed the out- 
let where it leaves the lake, and very near the present Lehigh Valley 
Railroad track ; thence the route lay north of the outlet through the 
swamp, to what is now known as Mud Lock, three miles north of the 
present railroad depot at Cayaga. Here the Seneca River was again 
crossed and a trail followed to Union Springs, where East Cayuga, 
Cayuga Castle, and Upper Cayuga Indian villages were situated ; thence 
to Chonodote, or Peachtown, the site of the present village of Aurora, 
and thence to Ithaca, which was reached on the 25th of September, 
1779, the day after the village on the Inlet had been burned by the 
soldiers under Dearborn, as above stated. 

On map 103 C, of the Simeon De Witt collection in the archives of 
the New York Historical Society, being the manuscript maps and sur- 
veys of Robert Erskine, who was geographer to the American army, 
the distance is fixed at thirty-eight miles from Cayuga to Ithaca. On 
this map a fall of 120 feet perpendicular is indicated on the Fall Creek 
stream. 

In Clark's History of Onondaga Coimty it is stated that on the Jesuit's 
map, Cayuga Lake is called " Tichero-lac. " Charlevoix calls it " Ge- 
jugouen," while Thurber's map designates it as "Gwangweh. " The 



EXTINCTION OP THE CAYUGAS. S 

Indian designation of Ithaca was " Ne-o-dak-he-at" ; its signification, 
"At the "End of the Lake." 

The Cayugas retreated to Niagara before the march of Sullivan's 
army after the battle of Newtown, and few ever returned to their old 
hunting grounds ; neglected and badly treated by their English allies, 
and insufficiently provided with food, sickness and death made fearful 
ravages ainong them during the cold winter following Sullivan's cam- 
paign. In 1789, a treaty was concluded with the Six Nations whereby 
the Indians acknowledged allegiance to the general government and 
ceded to the State of New York the lands lying east of Seneca Lake. 
This cession and treaty opened up the country to the immigration of 
white settlers from the Eastern States, and new characters appear up- 
on the scene. 

Father Carbeil was a missionary among the Cayugas and probably 
his labors reached into the territory now included in Tompkins county. 
In a letter dated June 24, 1672, he speaks in glowing terms of the beauty 
of the country, of the great quantity of fish in Lake Tiohero (Cayuga), 
and immense clouds of game on its waters and in the forest bordering 
its shores. He found the Cayugas more tractable and less haughty 
than the Onondagas or Oneidas. He mentions also a battle between 
the Andastes and the Cayugas while the latter were on their way to the 
Susquehanna River from the head of Cayuga Lake, the Cayugas losing 
twenty-four warriors slain or taken prisoners. 



CHAPTER II. 



Original Civil Divisions — Erection of Counties — Dates of the Creation of Counties 
in Western New York — Formation of Tompkins County — Original Towns and when 
Formed — Present Towns and Dates of Organization — Geographical Location of the 
County — Its Area and Population — Soil and Original Forest — Its Water Courses, Scen- 
ery and Water Falls thereon — Climate— Absence of Excessive Snow Fall — Absence 
of Fogs on Waters Flowing Northward. 

In compiling the history of any locality, reference must of necessity 
be had to every source of information possible. These sources are to 
be examined and their accuracy determined ; this involves the perusal 
of old records, of scattered memoranda, and the separation of fact from 



4 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

fiction and errors, which, by reiteration at times crrow into accepted 
truth, subsequently found to be without foundation. It is subject of 
regret that the pioneers of Tompkins county did not appreciate the im- 
portance of events in which they were actors and preserve in tangible 
form a detailed record of occurrences which were of little apparent in- 
terest to them, but which in the lapse of a century have become very 
material, possess absorbing interest, and yet require great labor and re- 
search on the part of the eager historian to obtain the facts regarding 
them. While this condition is to be deplored, it does not lessen the 
sense of duty on the part of those who may essay to preserve and per- 
petuate incidents connected with the original settlement of this part of 
the State, which has been transformed from a dense forest into broad 
acres of cultivated fields; from a region where the woodman's clearing 
was the only evidence of occupation, to a beautiful country where are 
now to be found villages and cities teeming with population and filled 
with every evidence of refinement and wealth ; where the hum of busy 
industry and successful trade is heard, and where educational institu- 
tions of the most advanced type have been created, which are the glory 
of the inhabitants and the wonder of the world. 

In a preceding chapter the histor}' of Indian occupation of this local- 
ity, so far as known and can be ascertained, is given. The settlement 
of the white race followed closel}^ upon the close of the Sullivan cam- 
paign in 1779, which resulted in the practical extinction of the Cayu- 
gas, who were driven westward, their families scattered, their villages 
destroyed, and the field left open for peaceful possession b}^ the white 
pioneers at least a dozen years before the beginning of the present 
century. 

In order to trace properly the history of the State of New York and 
the counties composing it at the present time, reference to original civil 
divisions is made. Under the Dutch the only divisions were the cities 
and towns. In 1665, a district, or sheriffalty, called Yorkshire, was 
erected. It comprised Long Island, Staten Island, and part of the 
present county of Westchester. For judicial purposes it was divided 
into three " Ridings." The East Riding comprised the present county 
of Suffolk ; the West Riding, Staten Island, the present Kings County, 
Newtown and part of Westchester ; the North Riding, all of the present 
county of Queens excepting Newtown. 

Counties were erected for the first time by the act of 1683. and were 
twelve in number, as follows: Albany, Cornwall, Dukes, Dutchess, 



CIVIL DIVISIONS. 5 

Kings, New York, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Ulster, and 
Westchester. The county of Cornwall consisted of what was known as 
the District of Pemaquid (now in Maine), and Dukescounty consisted of 
the several islands on the coast of Massachusetts. These counties 
were included in the patent to the Duke of York. They were detached 
on the reorganization of the government in 1691. Cumberland county 
in 1766, Gloucester in 1770, and Charlotte in 1772, were formed out of 
Albany county. The first two and part of the last are now in the State 
of Vermont. 

Tryon county .was erected in 1772, also from Albany, and comprised 
the country west of a north and south line extending from St Regis to 
the west bounds of the township of Schenectady, thence running irreg- 
ularly southwest to the head of the Mohawk branch of the Delaware, 
and along the same to the southeast bounds of the present county of 
Broome; thence in a northwesterly direction to Fort Bull, on Wood 
creek, near the present city of Rome — all west of the last mentioned 
line being then Indian territory. Thus the province consisted at the 
Revolution of fourteen counties. 

On April 2, 1784, the name of Tryon county was changed to Mont- 
gomery. On the 16th of February, 1791, Herkimer county was erected 
from Montgomery; on March 5, 1794, Onondaga county was created, 
its territory having been a part of Herkimer. Cayuga county was taken 
from Onondaga On the 8th of March, 1799. Seneca county was erected 
from Cayuga March 29, 1794; and Tompkins county was erected from 
Cayuga and Seneca on the 17th of April, 1817. 

As originally organized Tompkins county embraced the towns of 
Hector, Ulysses, and Dryden (from Seneca county), and portions of 
Locke and Genoa (from Cayuga county). The towns afterwards 
erected from Locke and Genoa were called Division (now Groton) 
and Lansing. The original dimensions of Tompkins county were 
enlarged March 22, 1822, by adding thereto the towns of Caroline, 
Danby, and Cayuta (now Newfield) from Tioga county. In 1853 a strip 
from the west side of Newfield was annexed to Chemung county ; and 
on April 17, 1854, Hector was made a part of the then newly-erected 
county of Schuyler. Tompkins therefore now consists of nine towns, 
viz: 

Caroline, organized February 22, 1811, and taken from Tioga and 
annexed to Tompkins March 22, 1822. 



6 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Danby, organized on the same date as Caroline and also transferred 
to Tompkins from Tioga at the same time. 

Dryden, taken from the original town of Ulysses (then in Seneca 
county), February 22, 1803. 

Enfield, taken from Ulysses March 11, 1821. 

Groton (as Division), taken from Locke April 7, 1817. 

Ithaca, taken from Ulysses March 16, 1821. 

Lansing, taken from Genoa April 7, 1817. 

Newfield, taken from Spencer February 22, 1811. 

Ulysses, organized March 5, 1794, the date of orgaijization of Onon- 
daga county. ^ ^ 

In 1794 the Board of Supervisors of Onondaga county fixed the val- 
uation of the town of Ulysses, then comprising in addition to its present 
boundaries, the present towns of Dryden, Enfield, and Ithaca, at ^100 
and the total taxes at ^12 10 0. In 1797 the board gave the census of 
Ulysses at 52 and the valuation at $4,777. In 1798 the inhabitants had 
increased to 60 and the valuation to $5,000. 

A glance at the map of the State of New York shows Tompkins coun- 
ty situated in the western part, nearly central between Lake Ontario 
and Pennsylvania, practically square in form, and bounded on the 
north by Cayuga and Seneca countieSj east by Cortland and Tioga 
counties, south by Tioga and Chemung, and west by Schuyler. The 
territory embraced in its borders is divided into nine towns, with an 
aggregate area of 292,724 acres, and a population of 32,923 according 
to the United States census of 1890, which is the latest national enu- 
meration. The State enumeration of 1892 gives the population at 35,055, 
an increase of 2,132 

The town of Ulysses borders on Caj^uga Lake on the east, and is the 
northwest division ; Enfield lies centrally west, south of Ulysses ; New- 
field in the southwest ; Danby centrally south ; Caroline southeast ; Dry- 
den centrally east; Groton northeast; Lansing between Groton, Dr}'- 
den and Cayuga Lake on the north, with Ithaca, the county seat, in the 

1 Although, for convenient reference the towns are given in alphabetical order, in 
the subsequent pages of this work they will be treated in the order of the dates of 
their formation. 

^ A township on the Military Tract was a particular parcel of land laid out, con- 
taining certain one hundred lots. Thus in the Military Tract which covered part of 
Tompkins county, Ulysses was numbered 32, and Dryden 23. — Clark's Onondaga, 
p. 360. 



WATER COURSES. 7 

center. Cayug-a Lake, about forty miles long, and from one to three 
and a half miles wide, extends into Ithaca from the north, separating 
Ulysses and Lansing-. 

The soil in the northern half of the count}'' is generally a gravelly or 
clay loam, created by drift deposits, while the larger portion of the 
southern half is a slaty loam, created by disintegration of the softer 
rock, which, dipping slightly to the south, appears on the surface of the 
hillsides where they fall awa}^ to the north. 

Excepting small parts of the county, the original forests consisted of 
a magnificent growth of white pine of the highest quality. The more 
elevated parts of some of the southern towns produced hemlock, beech, 
maple, oak and other varieties of valuable woods. 

The south half of the county is high and rolling, with elevations of 
from 400 to 700 feet, forming the watershed from which streams flow 
into the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay on the south, and the 
Seneca-Oswego River into Lake Ontario on the north. This watershed 
reaches on the southwest into Schuyler and Chemung counties, and on 
the east and northeast into Cortland and Onondaga counties. In their 
passage from the upland the streams have worn deep gullies or gorges 
in the soil, and there is no other portion of the State containing water- 
falls in either number, height or beauty, at all approaching the locality 
embraced within the county of Tompkins adjoining the head of Cayuga 
Lake. 

Salmon Creek reaches the lake in the town of Lansing, rising in Cay- 
uga count}^ and flowing generally in a southerly direction. It is noted 
for some picturesque falls and beautiful gorges. 

Fall Creek has its source, for one of its branches, in Dryden Lake, a 
small body of water situated close to the Cortland county line just 
south of the center of the town of Dryden. The other and larger branch 
rises in Cayuga county in the town of Summer Hill, flows southerly 
across the town of Groton and unites with the south branch in Dryden, 
and thence through the city limits of Ithaca and into Cayuga Lake. 
This stream, the largest in the county, has upon it within the city of 
Ithaca five falls ranging in height from 40 to 140 feet, and overhanging 
banks equal to these distances above the water, which tumbles and foams 
as it flows doAvnward through the gorge below. 

Cascadilla Creek rises in Dryden and flows nearly west through the 
northern part of Ithaca, joining a branch of Fall Creek and the Inlet at 
the steamboat landing. This is the smallest of the streams reaching 



8 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Cayuga Lake through the city. In its descent from the table lands 
above there are may picturesque gorges and beautiful cascades. 

Six Mile Creek rises in Dryden, flows southwest through vSlaterville 
and Brookton, thence northwest through Ithaca, uniting with the Inlet 
at the foot of State street. The only considerable waterfall upon it is 
known as Wells Falls, situated inside the city limits, but the valley of 
the stream above abounds with deep gorges and wild, impressive scen- 
ery. 

Buttermilk Creek rises in Danby, flows nearly north, and reaches the 
Inlet just outside of and south of the city line. There is a magnificent 
cascade upon this stream in full view of passing railroad trains, which 
is ah object of attraction to every traveler upon both the D., L. and W. 
and the Lehigh Valley Railroads. It is from this stream that the wa- 
ter supply of Ithaca is taken, and as the creek is fed wholly by springs 
at its sources, the supply is remarkably pure and free from contamina- 
tion. 

Less than a mile south of Buttermilk Creek a streamlet known as 
Lick Brook affords a beautiful waterfall over 125 feet in height, while 
along the length of the stream are several remarkable scenic gorges. 

Ithaca Inlet rises in Spencer, Tioga county, flows through Danby, 
Newfield and Ithaca, into Cayuga Lake. It follows a deep valley, 
flanked by hiljs on either side hundreds of feet in height. 

Five Mile, or Enfield Creek, rises in the town from which it is named, 
flows south and southeast, joining the Inlet on the border town lines of 
Newfield and Ithaca. Enfield Falls upon this stream, near nine miles 
southwest of Ithaca, is a point of great resort, and has been made the 
subject of many sketches by artists, attracted by the natural beauties of 
the scenery. 

The head waters of Taughannock Creek are in Hector, just over the 
county line, and the stream reaches Cayuga Lake nine miles north of 
Ithaca. The swiftly flowing waters have worn a very deep gorge for 
the distance of a mile back from the lake, where the recession was ar- 
rested by a surface strata of hard rock, over which the water is precip- 
itated in an unbroken sheet 215 feet, the highest waterfall in this State. 
Precipitous banks tower 150 feet above the stream, and below the fall 
show a sheer unbroken wall of 365 feet. Taughannock Falls have an 
extended reputation and are visited by thousands of admiring sight- 
seers yearly. 



CLIMATOLOGY. 9 

Trumansburo-h Creek has its extreme sources in both Seneca and 
Schuyler counties. Its general course is east through Trumansburgh 
village and then bending to the north it empties into the lake in the 
county of Seneca. 

The face of the country in this county and its slope in all directions 
towards the lake, with the great number of streams feeding it, produces 
the rare combination of gorge and waterfall found no where else in this 
State. 

On the southeast Owego Creek forms the border line between the 
town of Caroline and Tioga county. In Newfield, at the southwest, a 
valley slopes to the south and Cayuta Creek follows it, reaching the Che- 
mung River near Waverly, after traversing Van Etten and other por- 
tions of Chemung and Tioga counties. 

Rising in Dryden, the Owasco Inlet flows north through the central 
valle}^ of Groton, and thence through Locke and Moravia to Owasco 
Lake. 

In climate Tompkins county partakes of the general characteristics of 
Central and Western New York, with more favorable temperature and 
less range than elsewhere in the region named. Goodwin's History of 
Cortland Count}^ states that the inean temperature of Homer is 44 deg. , 
17 min. , while at Ithaca it is 47 deg., 88 min., or 3 degrees and 71 min- 
utes in favor of Ithaca. The same authority states the annual range of 
the thermometer at Homer is 104 deg., while that of Ithaca was 91, or 
13 deg. in favor of Ithaca. This immediate locality also escapes the 
excessive snow falls which cover Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, 
Herkimer and Otsego counties. These snow falls in that part of the 
State lying east of Tompkins county are doubtless owing largely to 
evaporation from the surface of Lake Ontario, the waters of which are 
very deep and seldom freeze. The prevailing northwest air currents 
in winter carry this evaporation over the localities before named, where 
it is deposited as snow by condensation. 

The territor)^ embraced in Tompkins county, excepting in the south- 
eastern and southwestern sections, is almost wholl}^ free from the dense 
fogs which, especially in autumn, appear almost daily in the valley of the 
Susquehanna and its tributaries. The author is unaware that any sat- 
isfactory solution of the cause of the frequency of fogs on all waters 
flowing to the south, and their absence, as a rule, on waters flowing to 
the north, throughout the whole central part of this State, has ever been 
attempted. A remarkable verification of this difference appears in the 
2 



10 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

town of Caroline, where a swamp is the source of streams running both 
north and south. Those ultimately reaching- Chesapeake Bay will of- 
ten be covered with a dense fog, and not a mile distant the stream head- 
ing for Lake Ontario will at the same hour bask in bright sunshine. 
For weeks, and often for months, on the land sloping to the north trav- 
ersed by streams discharging into Lake Ontario, not a vestige of fog is 
seen, and the author has known a whole year to pass in this locality 
without a single foggy morning being experienced. 



CHAPTER in. 



The First White Men in what is now Tompkins County — The Last of the Local In- 
dians — The March of Civilization — Arrival of the First Permanent Settlers — Trials 
and Perils of their Journey — The Route Taken — Locality of First Settlement — The 
Pioneers of Ithaca — Dates of Settlement in the Various Towns. 

Probably the first white persons who visited this locality were mis- 
sionaries, and an account is given of one who passed through here from 
the Susquehanna River as early as 1657, but whether others came or 
not is not recorded. Following this single missionary, or others if there 
were more, the Sullivan expedition and members of his army may prop- 
erly be said to have been the first white men who set foot on the soil of 
the present county of Tompkins. There exists no evidence that an 3^ of 
the army remained, for as a body the troops marched to Catherine Town 
after the Indian villages were destroyed, and joined the main force, 
the entire command at once returning on the route through the Che- 
mung, Susquehanna and Wyoming valleys. 

The Indians, retreating before Sullivan's army, did not return from 
the western part of the State ; or, if scattered families came back, it was 
to find the cabins they formerly occupied burned, their crops destroyed, 
their fruit trees cut down, and only desolation before them as they 
wandered from the site of one Indian village to another. Under such 
circumstances it is not to be wondered at that the spirits of the warriors 
were measurably broken and the desire to again make this region their 
home, to again build up their villages and cultivate anew their devas- 
tated fields, passed away forever. The few Indians who remained here 



li'IRST WHITE SETTLER^. ll 

after that memorable campaign against them, removed to the north- 
ern part of the State in 1790. ^ 

From 1779 to 1788 there was no change. The few Indians who es- 
caped Sullivan's army and remained here, or who returned and brought 
families, cultivated their clearings in a half-hearted way, supplying 
their needs by hunting and fishing, for the forests were filled with game 
and the waters of Cayuga Lake and the streams flowing into it swarm- 
ing with fish. 

The first white persons intending to become permanent settlers were 
the eleven men who left Kingston, on the Hudson River in April, 1788. 
With two Delaware Indians as guides, they started out to explore the 
wilderness west of the Susquehanna River. All knowledge they pos- 
sessed of the locality towards which they directed their steps was de- 
rived from Indians who had hunted in the dense forests which covered 
the entire western part of the State, and those adventurers started up- 
on a journey supposed to be full of peril and replete with dangers inci- 
dent to travel in an unknown and unsettled region. Something over a 
month passed before the party returned to Kingston, having examined 
only the country embracing Cayuga and Seneca Lakes and a few miles 
in each direction around these waters. They made no selection of 
lands and came to no decision to ever return to the localities they had 
visited. In April, 1789, however, three of those who had traversed the 
country the previous year determined to return, and the}^ finally set- 
tled upon a lot of -lOO acres, extending east from Tioga street in the 

^ The pages of history tell us of the barbarities practiced by the red men upon the 
pioneers of New England. It is not, perhaps, strange that a knowledge of those 
barbarities which have scarcly ceased in the western world at the present day, should 
have led later generations of white people not only to regard their authors as merci- 
less savages without one redeeming trait, but also to believe that the bloody deeds of 
of the red men were committed without any material provocation. A more careful 
study of the Indian peoples will, however, indicate that such was not the case. 
While it is undeniable that the march of civilization cannot be stayed, and that the 
weaker must give place to the stronger in the world's progress, it is also true that the 
natives of the western world never failed to meet the first white comers to any par- 
ticular locality with open arms and peace in their hearts. That the contest with all 
its horrors was inevitable, is undoubted ; but in it each side took its share of the re- 
sponsibility, and the untu.tored savages, their brains influenced by the rum of the 
white man, turned upon the latter the very guns for which they were deluded into 
giving up their birthrights. It was a struggle for supremacy and each side used 
whatever advantage it possessed to achieve victory, and met its foes according to its 
nature and circumstances. 



12 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

present city of Ithaca. Within the valley upon thi.s tract clearings 
were found from which the hazel and thorn bushes had been removed 
by the Indians, and which had been cultivated by them. Within these 
clearings and upon this tract of 400 acres, Jacob Yaple, Isaac Dumond, 
and Peter Hinepaw settled. By them the clearings were at once put 
under cultivation ; corn was planted and, leaving a younger brother of 
one of the party to care for the crops, these adventurous men returned 
east to fetch their families to the new homes amid the almost unbroken 
forest, which they reached in September following. They brought 
with them a few articles of necessary household furniture, some farm- 
ing utensils, and hogs, sheep, cattle and horses. No better history of 
these men and their settlement here can be given than is to be found 
in a lecture delivered by Horace King, one of the most brilliant young- 
men ever resident in Ithaca, on the 5th of April, 1847, reprints of which 
are now somewhat rare. He said : 

The Yaple family was composed of Jacob Yaple, his wife and three children, and 
John Yaple, a younger brother, aged about twenty years. The Dumond family con- 
sisted of Isaac Dumond, his wife and three children, and John Dumond and his wife, 
who had then been lately married. The Hinepaw family was comprised of Peter 
Hinepaw, his wife and five children, the oldest of whom was about twelve years of 
age. In all there were twenty individuals. 

The length of time occupied in their journey from Kingston hither, in the light of 
rapid traveling of this day, seems incredible. A month was consumed in reaching 
the point where the village of Owego is now situated, and from thence to Ithaca nine- 
teen days. But a reference to the route pursued and to the manner of traveling ex- 
plains it. From Kingston they crossed to the eastern branch of the Delaware, 
reaching it at Middletown, the southeastern township of Delaware County; there 
they constructed canoes, in which they descended the river to a little below the fork ; 
then they crossed to the Susquehanna, and again making canoes, descended that river 
to Owego. Between that place and Ithaca there was no road of any description — 
unless a well-beaten Indian foot-path might be considered one — and therefore they 
were compelled to clear the way before them in order to journey onward. Having 
arrived at their place of destination, they immediately proceeded in their prepara- 
tions for permanently remaining. In a short time three log cabins were erected, and 
the respective families took possession of their dwellings. The first built, which was 
occupied by Hinepaw, was situated on the Cascadilla Creek near the mill at the cross- 
ing of the stream by Linn street; the second occupied by Yaple was on East State 
street where Jacob M. McCormick's house stands [now — 1894 — occupied by Miss Belle 
Cowdry] ; and the third occupied by Dumond was near the same spot. 

The only settlements within hailing distance were at Owego, where three families 
had settled the year previous ; at Newtown, where two or three families had located ; 
and at a point some four miles north of Cayuga lake, orb its outlet, where there were 
also two or three families. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 13 

It must not be supposed that the pioneers had no communication with older settle- 
ments at the east. Acquaintances were moved to engage in the same enterprise of 
finding homes, andsubduing and cultivating the land to fertilit5\ Those imbued with 
this desire in their search for attractive locations, of course traveled routes leading, 
as far as possible, where friends might be found, and such were warmly welcomed at 
all times. They brought information from the east, and on their return carried word 
back from those who had made homes amid the primeval forest. Encouraged by re- 
ports received, other families began preparations for removal to this localitjr, and 
thus a current of emigration commenced to flow in this direction, which soon attained 
large proportions and aided materially in opening up and populating the area cov- 
ered by the present county of Tompkins. 

It was only natural that those who first reached here and made their 
future homes, should have felt enthusiastic as to the climate, soil and 
every element necessary to make a settlement desirable ; and their re- 
ports induced a large number of persons from the east, relatives or 
friends of those who had gone before, as well as others, to move to the 
head of Cayuga Lake, the present site of Ithaca city, and also to sur- 
rounding neighborhoods within the present bounds of Tompkins coun- 
ty. (Further settlements on the site of Ithaca are noted in the history 
of the village and city in later pages of this work. ) 

Six years after the first settlement at Ithaca, in the year 1795, Capt. 
David Rich came from Western Massachusetts and settled in Caroline, 
and in the same year the widow of Francis Earsley, with ten children, 
emigrated to the same locality from Roxbury, Essex county. New Jer- 
sey. 

■.In 1795, Isaac and John Dumond, with Jacob and John Yaple, all of 
whom lost their title to the lot thej^ originally located upon at Ithaca, 
through the knavery or carelessness of their agent, who failed to pa}^ 
taxes at Albany upon their land, removed to Danby and built the first 
house in that town. Dr. Lewis Beers and Jabez Beers came from Con- 
necticut in 1807, bringing with them William R. Collins and Joseph 
Judson, aged respectively sixteen and fifteen years. Collins did not re- 
main in Danby, but removed to Ithaca and in after years was a man of 
note in that place. 

The first settlement was made in the town of Dryden in 1797 by Amos 
Sweet, who was followed in the next year by Ezekiel Sandford, David 
Foot and Ebenezer Chausen. 

Enfield was first settled in 1804 by John Giltner (or Geltner) and was 
advanced in the following year by John White, Peter Banfield and 
John Applegate. 



14 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The first settlement in what is now Gi'oton was made about the year 
1796 by Samuel Hogg, at West Groton ; Ichabod Brown, John Guthrie 

and Perrin, at Groton; and J. Williams, J. Houghtaling and W. vS. 

Clark near McLean. 

The earliest settlement in the town of Lansing was made by wSilas 
and Henry Ludlow, brothers, in the year 1791, and Samuel Baker and 
Solomon Hyatt began improvements there in the next year. 

The settlement of Newfield was begun by James Thomas probably 
■ as early as 1800, and within a year or two afterwards two or three others 
settled there. 

The first settlement in what is now the town of Ulysses was made in 
1792 by Abner and Philip Tremaine (now " Treman"). 

The foregoing summary of the first settlements in the several towns 
of the county may be useful at this point for reference, while the sub- 
ject is continued in detail in the town histories in later pages of the 
volume. 



CHAPTER IV. 



The Work of the Pioneers — What was Accomplished prior to County Organization 
— Beginning of the New County Government — The Financial Panic of 1837-8 — Its 
Effects in this County — Recuperation — The War Period — Prompt Action in Ithaca — 
FilHng the Various Quotas of the County. 

The history of Tompkins county during the period between the time 
of the first settletnents and the county organization is quite fully given 
in the several town histories in later chapters of this work. There will 
be found treated with especial care the deeds of the early comers in the 
various localities in laying the foundations of their future homes. 

We learn therein that while progress generall)^ during that period was 
steady, it is, on the other hand, true that the early opening of the more 
accessible and beautiful "Genesee country," as it was termed, served 
for a time to check the influx of settlers to this region. The natural 
course of immigration, moreover, seemed to be up the Mohawk valley 
and thence directly westward, which fact, combined with the extrava- 
gant reports of the beauty and richness of the western part of the State, 
produced a marked effect upon the inflowing tide of pioneers. 



PROGRESS OF THE PIONEERS. 15 

As an indication of the privations under which our forefathers hved, 
W. T. Eddy, from whose interesting reminiscences we shall draw, 
wrote as follows : 

There is considerable said in these days about hard times, but let me relate to you, 
as it was told to me how Mr. Earl, the father of the brothers Isaac and Caleb that lived 
and were masons in the village quite a number of years. Mr. Earl, the father, then 
lived up the Inlet nine miles in the town of Newfield. He walked from his home to the 
residence of Judge Townley, in the town of Lansing, a distance of about eighteen 
miles, worked for Mr. Townley until he earned a bushel and a half of wheat, took it 
in a bag on his back, came to the mill on Cascadilla Creek, had it ground, and then 
carried it home to Newfield. 

Mr. Eddy said of the second grist mill that it was owned by Joseph 
S. Sydney and was located on Fall Creek at Free Hollow near the bridge ; 
it was built in 1794. Mr. Sydney sold out and in 1802, built a grist mill 
on Cascadilla Creek not far from the depot of the E., C. & N. Railroad; 
he died there in 1815. 

But the settlers of what is now Tompkins county were not idle in their 
new homes. We have already seen that a foothold was gained in vari- 
ous localities several years before the opening of the present century, 
and it is certain that all of those who had thus early located here, with 
the many others who followed them prior to the organization of the 
county, had made a remarkable change in the territory in question. 
Roads were opened, one of the first from the eastward, as early as 1791- 
92, over which traveled many of the pioneers. Others in 1804-5, 1807, 
in which year two important highways were opened, and others at a little 
later time, as hereafter described. Saw mills multiplied on the many 
streams and the rich pine forests were prostrated and the logs cut into 
valuable lumber to be sold or used at home in the construction of farm 
buildings, the cleared ground at the same time becoming susceptible to 
cultivation. Clearings appeared here and there in yearly increasing 
numbers, and the original log dwellings were soon superseded by more 
comfortable frame structures. Grist mills, sufficiently well equipped 
to do the coarse grinding which satisfied the hardy people, were soon 
running, and incipient manufactures and mercantile business sprang up. 

Two 5^ears before the county organization Ithaca had its newspaper 
in the Seneca Republican, the forefather of the still-existing Journal. 
And there was legal business (where is there not where two or three 
human beings are gathered together?) for such attorneys as David 
Woodcock, Charles Humphrey, and A. D. W. Bruyn were in Ithaca be- 
fore there was a county of Tompkins. The physical ills of the settlers 



16 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

were assuaged, let ns 'hope, by Drs. John C. Hoyt, A. J. Miller, Dyer 
Foote, and Daniel Mead in Ithaca, and two or three others in surround- 
ing towns, before the county was formed ; and church organization had 
been effected more than a decade earlier. These are all indisputable 
evidences of progress and thrift. Ithaca was as early as 1810 regarded 
as one of the most thriving and promising villages in the interior of 
this State. 

The act of Legislature under which Tompkins county was organized 
was passed April 17, 1817, and constituted the new county from parts 
of Cayuga and Seneca counties. Its area has been twice changed ; 
first on March 22, 1822, by the annexation of three towns from Tioga 
county. On the 4th of June, 1853, by enactment a small strip on the 
west side of Newfield was annexed to Chemung county. The act, how- 
ever, was not to become operative until January 1, 1856. Before that 
time Schuyler was erected and this territory became a part of that 
county. Again on April 17, 1854, the town of Hector was taken off and 
annexed to Schuyler county. 

The act of incorporation established the county seat at Ithaca, and 
contained provisions for the erection of court buildings, as described in 
the chapter on the bar of the county. The first principal officers of the 
county were as follows: First Judge, Oliver C. Comstock, appointed 
April 10, 1817. Surrogate, Andrew D. W. Bruyn, appointed March 11, 
1817. Clerk, Archer Green, appointed March 11, 1817. Sheriff, Her- 
mon Camp, appointed April 11, 1817; (he was succeeded by Henry 
Bloom on the 26th of June, 1817. ) District Attorney, David Woodcock, 
appointed April 15, 1817. (Justices of the Peace are given elsewhere.) 

The machinery for the new county government was soon in success- 
ful operation. The public buildings were erected as provided for in 
the act of incorporation, and public improvements were actively pros- 
ecuted until they felt the check of the distressing financial stringency 
of 1836-7. Previous to that time two or three railroads had been char- 
tered and one of them opened to traffic in 1834, amid general rejoicing. 
The Sodus Canal topic was uppermost in the public mind for a num- 
ber of years during the period under consideration, while at the same 
time the agricultural element was steadily pressing forward toward the 
satisfactory condition it finally reached. 

Slavery cast its dark shadow over this county until so recent a date, 
comparatively speaking, that it almost astonishes the most thoughtful of 
us when brought to fully realize the facts. The first quarter of the 



SPECULATION AND PANIC. 17 

present century had almost expired before the last remnant of the na- 
tion's curse was expelled. The census of 1820 shows that in the terri- 
tory now contained in Tompkins county, and the town of Hector, then 
a part of it, ^ilaves were held as follows : Ulysses (then including the 
present towns of Ithaca and Enfield), two males and one feinale. Dan- 
by, two males and four females. Caroline (see history of that town), 
eighteen males and fourteen females. Hector, nine males. Dryden, 
Groton and Lansing, none. In the population of the town of Hector 
there were thirty free colored persons ; in Ulysses, eighteen ; Caroline, 
none ; Danby, five. 

In the disastrous financial revulsion and panic which swept over the 
entire country in 1836-7 Ithaca suffered severely, but not more so than 
most other similar places, and far less than some. During the early 
part of the first year named, and to some extent in 1835, the specula- 
tive fever began and soon rose to its highest pitch. Fabulous prices 
were paid for land and fictitious valuation thus created without any solid 
foundation. Of course most of this financial expansion was witnessed 
in and near by the village of Ithaca; but its effects were felt through- 
out the count3^ Suburban farms were laid out in village lots, and it 
has been stated that scarcely an acre of land within two miles of the 
village was purchasable for tillage. The speculators (and they em- 
braced almost the entire community) saw visions of numerous banks, 
railroads branching out in every direction, canals filled with a continuous 
procession of laden boats, and above all, money without stint. In a 
number of the Ithaca Journal in July of 1836, is a report that a sale of 
sundry water power rights at Fall Creek were sold at auction and brought 
$220,000, and that "a parcel of the De Witt estate which was purchased 
last December for $4,676, sold at auction on the 6th [of July] for 
$52,929. A farm which was purchased last summer for $50 per acre, 
has recently been sold for $500 per acre, and the purchaser has been 
offered and declined an advance on his purchase." Usurious rates of 
interest prevailed everywhere and money was in active demand at ex- 
orbitant figures. This is explainable by the fact that many persons, 
influenced by the general speculative fever, were led to borrow funds 
with which they hoped to not only pay the heavy interest from their 
profits, but clear a competenc}^ besides; thus almost the entire com- 
munity was drawn into the whirlpool. There could be but one ending 
to this. It was precipitated by the issue of President Jackson's well- 
known "specie circular," and the crash was overwhelming to many. 

3 



18 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Men were brought suddenly to realize that there were some things in 
the universe (one of which was the solid ground) that could not be pur- 
chased at depreciated prices with depreciated currency. Banks con- 
tracted their currency, a general suspension of specie payments fol- 
lowed, and ruin was prevalent. The succeeding stagnation in Tomp- 
kins county is evidenced at least to some extent by the fact that while 
previous to 1837 there was various legislation relative to the incorpo- 
ration of companies, inauguration of public enterprises, improving the 
charter of Ithaca village, etc. , some of which went into effect almost 
yearly between that year and 1857 (a period of about twenty years), 
when legislation of this nature nearly ceased. 

Recovery from this memorable panic was slow in this county, and to 
it may undoubtedly be credited in a large degree the extremely conserv- 
ative methods of the business men during the next quarter of a cent- 
ury. But if the growth during that period was slow and business 
methods were conservative, that growth was healthy and built upon a 
solid foundation. The effects of this panic upon Ithaca and its imme- 
diate vicinity are described more in detail in the history of the village 
and city in later pages. 

Again in 1857, at the time of the general bank suspension, the Mer- 
chants' and Farmers' Bank alone paid specie for its bills, but did it by 
gold drafts on Albany. 

The time at length arrived when the inhabitants of this county were 
called upon to share in the burdens, the terrors and the triumphs of the 
great civil war, the records of which are enrolled upon many brilliant 
pages. For this work a concise account of the events of the great con- 
flict as they applied directly to the county must suffice. 

Scarcely had the first roll of the drum been heard in the north when 
active operations were begun in this county. Volunteers came forward, 
many of them being members of the old De Witt Guard, and enrolled 
their names, and on the 23d of April, only six days after the first call 
for troops, they met to the number of sixty-one, sufficient for a company, 
and elected the following officers : Captain, Jerome Rowe ; first lieuten- 
ant, James H. Tichenor; second lieutenant, William O. Wyckoff; first 
sergeant, William M. Godley; second sergeant, E. V. Fulkerson; third 
sergeant, Edwai-d Atwater ; fourth sergeant, Doctor Tarbell ; first cor- 
poral, Leonard Atwater; second corporal, Clinton McGill; third cor- 
poral, James A. Dickinson; fourth corporal, George B. Shepherd. 
This company left for New York on the 3d of May, and by the 8th an- 



DURING THE REBELLION. 19 

other company was filled and commanded by Captain John Whitlock, 
which left on the 9th for Elmira. These organizations joined the 32d 
Regiment which left for the front on the 25th of June, 1861, and saw 
severe service during its term of three years. Military enthusiasm was 
at white heat. The Tompkins County Bank offered the governor $25,- 
000, and J. B. Williams notified the governor that he would advance 
means to fully equip any volunteers raised in this county. 

Meanwhile a committee appointed by the citizens of Ithaca on the 22d 
of April for the furtherance of military operations and particularly to 
raise a fund for the relief of the families of volunteers, had succeeded 
by May in raising nearly $9,000. As accessory to this committee the 
Ladies' Volunteer Association was organized on the 14th of June, and 
the 25th reported that they had received about $350 in cash and a vast 
quantity of supplies of various kinds. Miss Jane L. Hardy Was secre- 
tary and treasurer of the association, and was conspicuous in all move- 
ments for the benefit of soldiers and their families; she is still living 
in Ithaca. 

On the 7th of September, 1861, a mammoth mass convention was 
held in Ithaca, at which patriotic addresses were delivered by Daniel 
S. Dickinson, Horatio Ballard and others; the call for the convention 
was signed by ten or twelve columns of names in the Journal. 

In the summer of 1862, when the prospects in the field were looking 
very dark and there seemed to be doubt about securing additional vol- 
unteers, the governor appointed a large committee in each senatorial 
district of the State to take charge of raising a regiment in each district, 
to apply on the 50,000 volunteers required from the State. The names 
of the committee for this district were L)'man Truman, B. F. Tracy, 
George Bartlett, Ransom Balcom, J. B. Williams, J. W. Dwight, and 
H. D. Barto. The committee met in Owego on the 21st of July. To 
aid in the work the committee appointed town committees which were 
for Tompkins county as follows : 

Caroline — William Curtis, John Bull, William Taft, Epenetus Howe, 
John J. Bush. 

Danby — W. A. Mandeville, T. J. Phillips, Josiah Hawes, Harvey D. 
Miller, E. L. B. Curtis. 

Dry den — Luther Griswold, Smith Robertson, Charles Givens, Thom- 
as J. McElheny, W. W. Snyder. 

Enfield — W. L. Bostwick, Samuel V. Graham, Joseph Rolfe, L. H. 
Van Kirk, Henry Brewer. 



20 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Lansing— H. B. Lord, A. W. Knettles, J. N. Townley, David Crocker, 
Albert Baker. 

Newfield— B. R. McAlli.ster, C. C. Cook, Oliver Puff, P. S. Dudley, 
Benjamin Starr. 

Groton— William D. Mount, D. B. Marsh, H. K. Clark, Charles Per- 
rigo, John P. Hart. 

Ithaca — J. L. Whiton, George D. Beers, E. C. vSeymour, L. R. King, 
B. G. Jayne. 

Ulysses — Lyiiian Congdon, J. De Motte vSmith, Monroe wStout, David 
Dumont, S. R. Wickes. 

So prompt and efficient was the action of these committees that a 
regiment was soon filled, and another followed directly after — the first 
one being mustered in early in August and the latter went to the front 
on the loth of September. Both of these organizations performed he- 
roic deeds on the battlefield and left many of their members among 
the honored dead in unknown graves where they fell, and in the hos- 
pital cemeteries. 

In the prosecution of the work of securing volunteers in the summer 
of 1862 a great war meeting was held in Ithaca on the 25th of July, at 
which inany well known men made speeches. Under the then existing 
call for 300,000 men the quota for Ithaca was 83; for Dryden, and Gro- 
ton, 92; for Enfield, Ulysses and Lansing, 92; for Newfield, Danby 
and Caroline, 84. Town committees were appointed to enroll all who 
were liable to draft, preparatory to the draft incident upon failure to fill 
the call of July 2, 1862. The quotas necessary to be raised to avoid 
the draft were as follows : Caroline, 72; Danby, 70; Dryden, 15-4; En- 
field, 58; Groton, 110; Ithaca, 212; Lansing, 100; Newfield, 92; Ulys- 
ses, 104. Total, 972. Meetings were promptly held and a subscrip- 
tion started to raise a fund to pay each volunteer $100 bounty ; nearly 
$15,000 were subscribed at once. This action had the desired effect, 
and was about the first of a series of measures for the payment of the 
liberal bounties that were afterwards given to volunteers. 

Enlistments were now rapid and the 109th Regiment, with compa- 
nies A, F, and G from Tompkins count)^, was mustered in on the 28th 
of August and left Binghamton on the 30th. Other volunteers from 
this county previous to the time under consideration had joined the 76th 
Regiment, the 64th (mustered in the fall of 1861), and other organiza- 
tions. 



DURING THE REBELLION. 21 

The 137th Regiment was raised in the 24th Senatorial District in the 
summer and fall of 1802 and mustered in at Binghamton September 
25. Company D was largely recruited in Tompkins county. 

On the 34th of March, 1802, a meeting was called in Ithaca to form a 
Loyal League. The attendance was large and enthusiastic. Wait T. 
Huntington occupied the chair, with A. M. Hull, secretary. The or- 
ganization was effected, with Charles E. Hardy as president, and aided 
materially in various ways in the promotion of the LTnion cause. 

The 143d Regiment, in which companies D and I were almost wholly 
from Tompkins county, was mustered into the service October 9, 18G2. 

The summer of 18G3 was an exciting time. A call for 300,000 vol- 
unteers had been promulgated and a draft ordered for July in case the 
quotas were not filled, which were as follows ; Ithaca, 228 ; Lansing, 
94; Groton, 90; Dryden, 124; Caroline, 03; Danby, 51; Newfield, 83; 
Enfield, 54; Ulysses, 80; total, 873. The enrollment in the county 
was 5,379. The quota was not filled and the draft was held for this 
county in July. As is well known, this draft, with the commutation 
provision by which drafted men could pa}- $300 and be exempt from 
service, resulted in verj^ little accession to the armies of the Union; 
the result was another call in the autumn for still another 300,000men, 
to be followed by a draft on January 1 for quotas not filled. Under 
this enrollment the quotas were as follows: Ithaca, 110; Lansing, 47; 
Groton, 49; Dryden, 64; Caroline, 33; Danby, 25; Newfield, 41; En- 
field, 27; Ulysses, 40; total, 436. Now the supervisors came forward 
and adopted resolutions offering $300 bounty to each volunteer under 
the call, and taking the necessary steps to provide the issue of $150,000 
in bonds to furnish the funds. Although the quota of the county was 
not filled by the 1st of January, the time was extended for the draft and 
the necessary enlistments were made before the expiration of the ex- 
tension. 

Under the call for 500,000 volunteers issued July 18, 1804, the Board 
of Supervisors offered a bounty of $300 for one year men, besides the 
$100 offered by the government. Enlisting agents were appointed in 
the several towns and the work of filling the quota went rapidly forward. 
The quotas were as follows : Ithaca, 158, against which there stood a 
credit of 108; Lansing, 66, credit 18; Groton, 73; Dryden, 96, credit 6; 
Caroline, 50, credit 2; Danby, 40, credit 4; Newfield, 66; Enfield, 37, 
credit 17; Ulysses, 57, credit 18; total quota, 643; total credit, 173, 



32 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

leaving 490. These quotas were all filled by the 7th of vSeptember and 
the draft thus escaped. 

The last call for troops was made on December ID, 18G4, and the few 
that were lacking in the county were easily secured. The gross amount 
of bonds issued by the county for war purposes was $217,085. Notifi- 
cation was published that of these bonds •$113,371 would be paid on pre- 
sentation at the county treasurer's office, on Feburary 25, 1SG6. All 
these bonds have been since paid. 

The military organizations which included Tompkins county men 
were the 32d, 64th, 109th, 137th, 143d, 179th (all infantry), and the 
10th, 15th, and 21st cavalry. A few volunteers may have left the county 
to go elsewhere and enlist. The number of enlistments from each town 
will be found in the later town histories. The county may ever point 
with just pride to the career of her soldiers in the war for the preserv^a- 
tion of the Union. 



CHAPTER V. 



The Panics of 1857 and 1873 — The University and its History and Influence on the 
Growth of Ithaca — Official List of Officers before and since Organization of County — 
Senators — Members of Assembly — County Clerks — Superintendents of Schools. 

There is little to record of a general character in relation to the his- 
tory of the county from the close of the war until the present time, 
that is not given in detail in succeeding chapters. The " flush times," 
as they were called, ■\vhich immediately succeeded the great conflict, 
when money was plenty and all kinds of individual and corporate un- 
dertakings were being inaugurated, with the reaction which produced 
the financial stringency of 1873, are well remembered. Tompkins coun- 
ty did not enter so largely into the prevailing expansion after the war 
as many other localities, and the rebound was hence not so severe ; but 
its effects were felt in Ithaca more than that of 1857. In 1873 there 
were failures of several notable firms whese credit had previously stood 
high, and which had withstood the stringency of 1857. These failures 
were disastrous ones and their effects were long felt here. 

The great university, of which the only complete history ever writ- 
ten is found in these pages, has grown to its present magnificent pro- 



OFFICIAL LIST. 28 

portions since the war ended. Ithaca as village and city has taken new 
life, especially in quite recent years, and promises to become an impor- 
tant business, educational and social center. 

OFFICIAL LIST. 

Previous to the organization of Tompkins county in 1817, several 
residents of the territory now embraced in it, held official positions in 
the counties in which they resided. Thus John Cantine, with Simeon 
De Witt, perfected a treaty with the Onondagas on the 18th of Novem- 
ber, 1793, by which certain lands were quit-claiined to the State. 

The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Onondaga county 
was held May 27, 1704. Robert McDowell, of Ulysses, was one of the 
members of the board. Francis i\. Bloodgood was a member of the 
Council of Appointment from the Western District in 1812, and a sen- 
ator from 1811 to 1815 inclusive. Henry Bloom was a senator in 1816- 
17. Richard Townley was a member of assembly from Onondaga 
county in 1808 and 1800 ; Henry Bloom in 1800 and 1810. Oliver C. 
Comstock was member of assembly from Seneca county in 1810 and 
1812, and member of congress three terms commencing in 1813. Da- 
vid Woodcock was member of congress from 1815 to 1818 inclusive. 
Archer Green was member of assembly from Seneca county in 1817. 
Benjamin Pelton was judge of Seneca county in 1809. Moses I. Can- 
tine was district attorney of Seneca county in 1805; and Hermon Camp 
was sheriff of that county in 1817 and held the same office in Tompkins 
county after its organization. 

Senators. — Up to and including the year 1822, five years after the 
organization of Tompkins county, the State was divided into four sen- 
ate districts, the Southern, Middle, Eastern and Western. Henry 
Bloom was the only senator residing in the territory of the present 
county of Tompkins, until the session of 1823, when the State was 
again divided into eight districts, with four senators in each district and 
a term of four years, Tompkins county was in the vSixth District. 
Peter Hager, 2d, was senator from 1826 to and including 1829. Ebe- 
nezer Mack was senator from 1834 to and including 1837; George D. 
Beers, senator from 1845 to and including 1847, when the constitution 
changed the districts to thirty-two in number, placing Tompkms coun- 
ty in the 25th. Timoth}^ S. Williams was the first senator under this 
new division, serving in the sessions or 1848 and 1849. Josiah B. Will- 



24 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

iams served in 1852, 1853, 1854, and 1855. Ezra Cornell, 1800 and 180?. 
John H. Selkreg, 1874, 1875, 1876, and 1877. Peter W. Hopkins, 1878; 
he died during the session and Edwin G. Halbert was elected to fill the 
vacancy; he was also elected to the full term of 1880 and 1881. David 
H. Evans, 1882 and 1883. Edward S. Esty, 1884 and 1885. Charles 
F. Barager, 188G and 1887. William L. Sweet, 1888 and 1889. Thom- 
as Hunter, 1890 to 1893 inclusive. Charles T. Saxton, 1894. 

Assemblymen. — The sixth apportionment of members of assembly 
was in operation in 1817, when Tompkins county was erected. Seneca 
county then had three members, which number was reduced to two, 
and Cayuga four members reduced to three. Tompkins county was al- 
lowed two members. In 1818-19, Samuel Crittenden and John Sutton 
were elected members. 1820, Hermon Camp and Joshua Phillips. 
From November 7 to November 21, 1820 and in 1821 and 1822, vSam- 
uel Crittenden and Peter Hager. 1823, Jacob Conrad and Peter Hager, 
2d. 1824, Peter Hager 2d, and Nicoll Halsey. 1825, Joshua North 
and Jared Patchen. 1826, Nathan Benson and David Woodcock. In 
1827 the representation of Tompkins county was increased to three and 
Nathan Benson, Benjamin Jennings and John Sayler were members. 
1828, Amasa Dana, Samuel H. Dean, Josiah Hedden. 1829, Amasa 
Dana, Samuel H. Dean, Jonathan B. Gosman. 1830, Elijah Atwater, 
Jonathan B. Gosman, Ebenezer Mack. 1831, John Ellis, Jehiel Ludlow, 
John Sayler. 1832, John Ellis, Horace Mack, John James Speed, jr. 
1833, Thomas Bishop, Daniel B. Swartwood, Ira Tillotson. 1834, 
George B. Guinnip, Charles Humphrey, Thomas B. Sears. 1835, 
Charles Humphrey, Parvis A. Williams, Caleb Woodburj^ 1836, Will- 
iam R. Fitch, George B. Guinnip, Charles Humphrey. 1837 (num- 
ber of members reduced to two), Lewis Halsey, Benjamin Jennings. 
1838, Elbert Curtiss, Robert Swartwout. 1839, David Bower, Jesse Mc- 
Kinney. 1840, Wm. H. Bogart, Robert Swartwout. 1841, Levi Hubbell, 
Alpha H. Shaw. 1842, Charles Humphrey, Bernardus Swartwout. 
1843, Sylvanus Earned, George T. Spink. 1844, Peter Lounsberry, 
Charles M. Turner. 1845, Sherman Miller, Lyman Strobridge. 1846, 
James W. Montgomery, Henry S. Walbridge. 1847, Samuel Lawrence, 
kenry W. Sage. 1848, John Jessup, Alpheus West. 1849, Darius Hall, 
Charles J. Rounsville. 1850, Henry Brewer, Elias W. Cady. 1851, 
Alexander Graham, Benjamin G. Ferris. 1852, Alvah Hulburt, Ste- 
phen B. Gushing. 1853, David Crocker, jr. , Ebenezer S. Marsh. 1854, 
Benjamin Joy, Eli Beers. 1855, Frederick S. Dumont, Justus P. Pen- 




^-^^^-^^^^^^^I^z^ 





OFFICIAL LIST. 25 

noyer. 1856, William C. Coon, Robt. H. 8. Hyde. 1857, Alexander 
Bower, Elias W. Cady. 1858, (representation reduced to a single 
member), Edward S. Esty. 1859. William Woodbury. 1800-01, Jer- 
emiah W. Dwight. 1802-03, Ezra Cornell. 1804-C5, Henry B. Lord. 
1806, Lyman Congdon. 1867-71, John H. Selkreg. 1872-73, Anson 
Knettles. 1874, Wm! L. Bostwick. 1875, Geo. W. vSchuyler. 1870, 
Samuel D, Halliday. 1877, Silas R. Wickes. 1878, Samuel D. Halli- 
day. 1879-80, Chas. M. Titus. 1881, Truman Boardman. 1882., Jno. 
E. Beers. 1883-4, John E. Cady. 1885, Hiland K.Clark. 1880, Chas. 
M. Titus. 1887, Walter G. Smith. 1888-9, Frank J. Enz. 1890-i)l, 
Nelson Stevens. 1892-3, Albert H. Pierson. 1894, Edwin C. Stewart. 

County Clerks. — Archer Green was the first clerk of Tompkins coun- 
ty and was appointed April 11, 1817. John Johnston succeeded him 
February 14, 1821, and was elected in November, 1822. Samuel Love, 
elected 1828. Arthur S. Johnson, November, 1834. Wait T. Hunt- 
ington, November, 1837. Willet B. Goddard, November, 1840. Hen- 
ry B. Weaver, November, 1843; he died and Ezra Weaver was appoint- 
ed October 2, 1840, to fill out the term. Norman Crittenden, Novem- 
ber, 1840. Horace Mack, November, 1849. Ezra Weaver, Novem- 
ber, 1852. Charles G. Day, November. 1855. Stephen H. Lamport, 
November, 1858. Martin S. Delano, November, 1861. Thomas J. Mc- 
Elheny, November, 1864 and 1807. Doctor Tarbell, November, 1870 
and 1873. Orange P. Hyde, Nov., 1870. Squire B. Rolfe, Nov., 1879. 
Philip J. Partenheimer, November, 1882, and November, 1885; he 
died February 0, 1888, and Monroe M. Sweetland was appointed to fill 
the term expiring December 31 following. Leroy H. Van Kirk was 
elected in November, 1888, and re-elected in November, 1891. 

County Treasurers. — William S. Hoyt, elected November, 1848. 
Leander Millspaugh, 1851. Wesley Hooker, 1857. Edward C. Sey- 
mour, 1863. George H. Bristol, 1869. Koert S. Van Voorhees, 1875. 
Edward K. Johnson was appointed in the place of Van Voorhees, who 
resigned in December, 1877, and Johnson was elected in 1878. George 
H. Northrup, 1881. Charles Ingersoll, 1890, and re-elected 1893. 

County Superintendents of Schools. — By an act passed April 17, 
1843, Boards of Supervidors of the several counties were directed to 
appoint county superintendents of common schools. Under this power 
J. T. Denman was appointed and served one term. He was succeeded 
by Smith Robertson. The office was abolished May 13, 1847. Since 
1857 these officers have been elected under authority of an act passed 

4 



36 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in 1856. The first election under this act, however, was not held until 
November, 1859. The commisioners for the First District were T. R. 
Ferguson, William W. Ayres, John D. Thatcher, Alviras vSnyder, Al- 
bert H. Pierson, Orville S. Ensign, Andrew B. Humphrey, Amasa G. 
Genung, Charles Van Marter. The First District consisted of Danby, 
Enfield, Ithaca, Newfield and Ulysses. The charter of Ithaca city 
took the corporation out of the district, but the town outside remains 
therein. Second District — Marcus Lyon, T. S. Armstrong, Alviras 
Snyder, Jackson Graves, Robert G. H. Speed, James McLachlan, jr., 
Solomon L. Howe, Frank W. Knapp, Ella Gale. The Second District 
consists of the towns of Caroline, Dryden, Groton and Lansing. Al- 
viras Snyder appears as holding the office in both districts. He was 
commissioner while there was only one district prior to 1868, and also 
in the Second District after the county was divided. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Tompkins County Political Notes — Reminiscences of Important Campaigns — Vote 
of the County on Prominent Officials from 1817 to the Present Time — Political Offi- 
cials of the County, Past and Present. 

While the political character of Tompkins county at and since the 
year 1859 has been quite pronounced, previous to that date majorities 
were limited as to size and not definitely fixed as to party, varying at 
different times from one side to the other. In 1820, the first presiden- 
tial election after the formation of the county, Monroe received the vote, 
as there was practically no opposition, and the name of Daniel D. 
Tompkins upon the ticket for vice-president (the county being named 
after him) added materially to what would have been otherwise a some- 
what one-sided contest. In 1824, in the struggle between Jackson, 
Adams, Crawford and Clay, Mr. Adams had a small majority, followed 
by a large majority in 1828 for General Jackson, and by a smaller ma- 
jority for his re-election in 1832. Mr. Van Buren's majority in 1836 
was very light, reaching only 150 in the county. This was reversed 
in 1840 and Harrison had several himdred votes over Van Buren. In 
1844 Polk received a light majority, while in 1848 Taylor had a ma- 



POLITICAL NOTES. . 37 

jority of .some 350 over Van Buren and a very large vote over Cass. 
The majority for Pierce in 1852 was only 62. 

The anti-Masonic excitement which swept through the vState was 
felt in some towns of the county, where the popular vote was very 
largely controlled by it, while in other towns opposition to it was very 
. pronounced. The most marked contest upon these lines occurred in 
1831 when vSamuel Love and Eleazer Brown were candidates for coun- 
ty clerk, Love being the Masonic favorite and Brown representing the 
anti-Masonic sentiment. The vote of that year is given to illustrate 
the division. While Love received 575 majority in Ithaca and Caroline, 
Brown's large vote in Hector, LTlysses, Enfield and Groton, left Love 
but 37 majority in the county. 

Love. Brown. 

Ulysses 109 335 

Hector 335 346 

Enfield 69 335 

Newfield 305 118 

Danby 179 187 

Caroline 338 69 

Dryden 338 401 

Grotori 146 379 

Lansing . 344 173 

Itliaca 580 174 

3,343 3,306 

In 1853 the so-called American party first appeared in Tompkins 
county politics, and although failing to cast a large vote, it gave evi- 
dence of great vitality. Following the agitation of the compromise 
measures of 1850, supplemented by the threatening aspect of the slav- 
ery question, culminating in the anti-Nebraska legislation in 1854 and 
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, great meetings were held in 
various parts of the county, participated in by men who had before 
been members of the Democratic and the Whig parties. This anti- 
slavery agitation measurably broke up former organizations, the Whig' 
party after the defeat of General Scott in 1852 becoming disorganized, 
although Myron H. Clark, its candidate for governor, was elected in 1854. 

The organization of the Republican party in 1854, so far as it proceed- 
ed, took for its members portions of the Barn-burner or Free-soil Dem- 
ocrats of 1848, and the Seward or Free-soil Whigs from the Whig par- 
ty. Those opposed to the Democratic party who were termed Silver- 
Grey Whigs (so named from the silvery locks of of one of their leaders, 



38 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Francis P. Granger, of Canandaigua), largely entered the American 
party, and that party elected its local candidates by a vote of 817 to 93 
at the Ithaca charter election in the spring of 1855, and county candi- 
dates in November by nearly 600 majorit)^ wStephen B. Gushing, of 
Ithaca, candidate for attorney-general on the American ticket, was 
successful, and assemblymen and lesser officers also by nearly the 
same vote. 

The Fremont campaign of 1856 was one of the tnost exciting ones 
which ever took place in this locality. Old party lines disappeared, a 
very heated canvass, opening in July, continued in intensity up to elec- 
tion, and the Fremont ticket received 4,019 votes, the Buchanan ticket 
1,430 votes, and the Fillmore ticket 1,470 votes. Since 1856 Tompkins 
county has never given an anti-Republican majority at a presidential 
election, and only once were the Democrats successful on any State 
officer previous to 1884. 

At the election of 1882, the Folger and Cleveland campaign, Presi- 
ident Cleveland received a majority of 929 for governor. The normal 
Republican majority in the county on a full vote in a national campaign 
can be set down as scarcely less than 1,000; it has at times reached 700 
above this, and once it gave General Garfield only 454. 

County officers since 1856 have been uniformly Republican, although 
the Democrats have succeeded in electing assemblymen five times with- 
in the period in question. 

The temperance sentiment is quite strong in the county, many of the 
towns voting uniformly against license. At the election in November, 
1893, the anti-saloon candidates received a vote of about 1,300, the 
highest ever cast by the county organization, although the mayoralty 
of Ithaca turned upon that question in March, 1893, the anti-saloon 
candidate being successful by a majority of 127. 

The following table is valuable for reference, at least, showing the 
vote of each town in the county in the year 1817 for the several State 
officials : 



POLITICAL NOTES. 29 



be 



\D ffi o Q hJ Q e^ 
Governor, 

De Witt Clinton 345 87 223 201 228 202 1286 

Peter B. Porter. _ _ _ 6 . _ 6 

Lieut. Governor, John Taj^lor.-.. 340 84 226 208 229 201 1278 

Senators, 

Jedediah Prendergrast 308 52 _ 207 228 202 1010 

Isaac Wilson 198 94 228 198 228 202 1148 

Assemblymen, 

John Sutton 671 88 _ 286 88 121 1254 

Samuel Crittenden 669 87 _ 283 88 121 1248 

Isaac Allen 63 216 373 53 267 109 1081 

CalebSmith 63 221 373 54 267 111 1088 

Horace Pierce, Phineas Culver, each one vote for governor ; David Woodcock, one 
vote for lieutenant-governor; John Wilson, David June, Isaac Wilton, each one vote 
for senator, all from Hector; John Sutton, one vote for governer, and Nathaniel King, 
one vote for lieutenant-governor, both from Covert. 

Vote for 1818 (same towns). — Senator, Gamaliel H. Barstow, 720; David E, Evans, 
806 ; Perry G. Childs, 568 ; Samuel S. Payne, 371. For Assembly, John Sutton, 1,305 ; 
Samuel Crittenden, 1,311; Richard Townley, 666; Alex. McG. Comstock, 666. 
Charles H. Monell and Garrett G. Lansing, each 42 for senator. 

1819 — (Covert not in county) — For senators, Gideon Granger, 729; Lyman Pa3me, 
717; Philetus Swift, 414; Nathaniel Granow, 425. For Assembly, Joshua Phillips, 
1,194; Hermon Camp, 1,143; Richard Townley, 638; Peter Hager 2d, 732. 

1820— For governor, De Witt Chnton, 582; Daniel D. Tompkins, 941; lieutenant- 
governor, John Taylor, 580; Benjamin Moores, 1,034. 

1831 — For senator, Henrj' Seymour, 890 ; James McCall, 891 ; Samuel M. Hopkins. 
484; Stephen Bates, 487. For member of congress, William B. Rochester, 1,452; 
David Woodcock, 1,198, Jonathan Richmond, 944; Hermon Camp, 724. The vote 
for a convention to amend the Constitution was 2,402 in favor, and 19 against. This 
election was held from the 24th to the 26th of April. On the 19th of June an election 
for delegates was had, Richard Townley and Richard Smith being chosen. Town- 
ley had 853 votes and Smith 754. The convention assembled on the last Tuesday of 
August, 1821. 

1832 — On the 3d Tuesday of January, 1832, a vote on the Constitution was had. 
It resulted 1,521 in favor and 165 against. The general election under the new Con- 
stitution was held November 4, 5, and 6, 1823. The vote for governor was : Joseph 
C. Yates, 1,798; Solomon vSouthwick, 19, and 29 for all others. 

1833 — On the 3d, 4th, and 5th of November, at the election, Latham A. Burrows 
received 1,271 votes for senator; 36 for all others. For Assembly, Peter Hager 2d, 
1,735; NicoU Halsey, 1,310; Benjamin Jennings, 988; 57 scattering. 

1824 — Samuel Young received 1,897 votes for governor, and De Witt Clinton 1,667 

1825 — For senator, Peter Hager 2d, received 1,612 votes; Andrew D. W. Bruyn, 
1,470. 



30 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

In 1825 on the 15th day of November, the county canvassers, as the record shows: 
' ' Do set down in writing in words written at full length, the number of votes thus 
given as aforesaid, that is to say: fifteen hundred and sixty-four votes were given 
for the election of electors of President and Vice President 'by districts;' nine hun- 
dred and fifty-five votes were given for 'by general ticket plurality' and two votes 
were given for 'by general ticket majority.'" 

1826 — William B. Rochester had 2,130 votes for governor, and De Witt Clinton, 
1,588. 

1827 — For senator, Grattan H. Wheeler had 2,424 votes and 78 scattering. 

1828 — For governor, Martin Van Buren had 3,062 votes; Smith Thompson, 1,595; 
Solomon Southwick, 713, a^d 5 scattering. 

1829 — For senator, Levi Beardsley had 1,632 votes; Joseph Maynard, 1,373, and 6 
scattering. 

1830— For governor, Francis Granger had 2,591 votes; Enos T. Throop, 1,882; 17 
scattering. 

1831— For senator, John G. McDowell had 2,357 votes; Nehemiah Piatt, 2,279; 8 
scattering. 

1832 — William L. Marcy had 3,269 votes for governor, and Francis Granger 3,093. 
The Jackson electors received 3,336 votes, and Clay electors, 3,045. 

1833— For senator, Ebenezer Mack received 2,063 votes; John A. Collier, 2,048; 4 
scattering. 

1834 — For governor, William L. Marcy received 3,511 votes; William H. Seward, 
3,077; 5 scattering. 

1835 — For senator, George Huntington received 1,569 votes; 15 scattering. 

1836 — Van Buren electors, 2,935; Harrison, 2,786. For governor, W. L. Marcy, 
2,997; Jesse Buel, 2,718. 

1837— For senator, Laurens Hull, 2,960; Calvin H. Bryan, 2,658. 

1838— For governor, WiUiam H. Seward, 3,444 votes; Wm. L. Marcy, 3,211. 

1839— For .senator, Andrew B. Dickinson, 3,409; William Maxwell,. 3,275. 

1840 — Harrison electors, 3,989; Van Buren electors, 3,558. For governor, W. H. 
Seward, 3,903; William C. Bouck, 3,632. 

1841 — For senator, James Faulkner, 3,405; Allen Ayrault, 3,381. Assembly, Ber- 
nardus Swartwout, 3,416; Charles Humphrey, 3,414; Levi Hubbell, 3,368; Alpha H. 
Shaw, 3,372. 

1842— For governor, William C. Bouck, 3,619; Luther Bradish, 3,395. 

1843— For senator, Clark Burnham, 3,005; Henry S, Walbridge, 2,432. 

1844 — Polk electors, 4,013; Clay electors, 3,845. For governor, Silas Wright, 4,051; 
Millard Fillmore, 3,831. 

1845— For senator, Thomas J. Wheeler, 3,022; Lorenzo Dana, 2,891. 

1846 — For governor, Silas Wright, 3,009; John Young, 3,153. 

1847— For Heutenant-governor, Hamilton Fish, 2,957: Nathan Dayton, 2,637. At 
the special election in May, for county judge, Alfred Wells i-eceived 1,837 votes; Ben- 
jamm G. Ferris, 1,723. 

1848 — Taylor electors, 3,003; Van Buren, 2,648; Cass, 1,270. For governor, Ham- 
ilton Fish, 3,006; John A. Dix, 2,635; Reuben H. Walworth, 1,312. 

1849— Secretary of state, Christopher Morgan, 2,932; Henry S. Randall, 3,132. 

1850 — For governor, Horatio Seymour, 3,475; Washington Hunt, 3,344. 



POLITICAL NOTES. '31 

1851 — At the special election on the 27th of May, for senator, Henry K. Stanton, 
2,970; Josiah B. Williams, 2,984. At the November election, Henry S. Randall for 
secretaiy of state, 3,180; James C. Forsyth, 3,100. 

1852— Pierce electors, 3,472; Scott electors, 3,410. 

1853— Secretary of state, James H. Ver Planck, 1,487; George W. Clinton, 1,300. 

1854^-For governor, Myron H. Clark, 2,347; Horatio Seymour, 1,482; Daniel Ull- 
man, 1,406. At a special election on the 3d Wednesday of Februarjr, 1,852 votes 
were cast for the proposed convention in regard to canals, and 1,583 against. 

1855 — For secretary of state, J. T. Headley, 3,163; Preston King, 1,956; Aaron 
Ward, 173 ; Israel T. Hatch, 474. 

1856 — Fremont electors, 4,019; Buchanan, 1,430; Fillmore, 1,470. For governor, 
John A. King, 3,900; Amasa J. Parker, 1,511; Erastus Brooks, 1,470. 

1857 — Secretary of state, Alnion M. Clapp, 2,865; Gideon J. Tucker, 1,570; James 
O. Putnam, 867. 

1858 — For governor, Edwin D. Morgan, 3,450; A. J. Parker, 1,954; Lorenzo Bur- 
rows, 745. 

1859 — For secretary of state, Elias W. Leavenworth, 3,280; D. R. Floyd Jones, 
2,514. 

1860 — Lincoln electors, 4,348; Douglass, 3,026. For governor, Edwin D. Morgan, 
4,293; William Kelly, 3,067. 

1861 — Secretary of state, Horatio Ballard, 3,383; D. R. Floyd Jones, 1,845. 

1862 — For governor, James S. Wadsworth, 4,005; Horatio Seymour, 2,627. 

1863— Secretary of state, Chauncey M. Depew, 4,277; Daniel B. St. John, 2,708. 

1864 — Lincoln electors, 4,518; McClellan electors, 3,996. For governor, Reuben 
E. Fenton, 4,509; Horatio Seymour, 3,006. 

1865 — Secretary of state, Francis C. Barlow, 4,621; Henry W. Slocum, 2,437. 

1866 — For governor, Reuben E. Fenton, 4,456; John T. Hoffman, 2,952. 

1867 — Secretary of state, James B. McKean, 3,635; Homer A. Nelson, 2,926. 

1868— Grant electors, 4,646; Seymour, 3,100. 

1869^Republican secretary of state, 3,539; Democrat, 2,456. 

1870— Republican governer, 3,965; Democrat, 2,893. 

1871 — -Republican secretary of state, 3,562; Democrat, 2,278. 

1872— Grant electors, 4,318; Greeley, 3,369. 

1873 — Republican secretary of state, 3,118; Democrat, 2,809. 



1874— Republican, 3,370 
1875— Repubhcan, 3,704 
1876— Republican, 5,032 
1877— Republican, 3,293 
1878— Republican, 3,549 
1879— Republican, 4,382 
1880— Republican, 4,896 
1881— Republican, 3,592 
1882— Republican, 2,690 
1883— Repubhcan, 3,050 
1884— Republican, 4,420 
1885— Repubhcan, 4,362 
1886— Republican, 4,161 



Democrat, 3,340. 
Democrat, 3,531. 
Democrat, 4,028. 
Democrat, 3,158. 
Democrat, 2,586. 
Democrat, 3,587. 
Democrat, 3,956. 
Democrat, 2,652. 
Democrat, 3,619. 
Democrat, 3,206. 
Democrat, 3,992. 
Democrat, 3,681. 
Democrat, 3,369. 



32 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



Democrat, 2,896. 

Democrat, 3,909. 

Democrat, 2,930. 

Democrat, 3,075. 

Democrat, 3,450. 

Democrat, 3,404. 

Democrat, 2,751. 

For delegates at large to the Convention of 1894, Republican average, 3,654; Dem- 
ocrat, 2,743. For district delegates to same, Frank E. Tibbetts, Republican, 3,705; 
Murray E. Poole, Democrat, 2,718. 



1887— Republican, 3,939 
1888— Republican, 5,073 
1889— Republican, 3,762 
1890— Republican, 3,720 
1891— Republican, 4,330 
1892— Republican, 4,717 
1893— Republican, 3,666 



CHAPTER VII. 



The First Roads — How the Pioneers First Reached their Settlements — The Early 
Stages — Early Stage Drivers — The Cayuga Steamboat Company — Its Various Boats — 
Busy Scenes on the Lake — The Celebrated "Smoke Boat" — Modern Steamers and 
Yachts — The Sodus Canal — Other Canal Projects — The First Railroad — Some of its 
Peculiarities — Other Railroads. 

The first settlers of Tompkins county, notably those who came in by 
way of Owego, were compelled to cut their way through the forest, 
and along the path thus created, teams were driven and transporta- 
tion of goods and merchandise commenced in 1788-89. The story of 
making the first paths through a trackless wilderness by the adventur- 
ous pioneer is always an interesting one, if the reader can imagine the 
condition of the face of the country at that time. Where now the vis- 
ion of the observer sweeps over a cultivated landscape, showing all the 
familiar evidences of occupancy by closely associated and busy people, 
the cleared fields presenting an area far greater than that of the wood- 
land, the pioneer might at any given point in his toilsome journey try 
in vain to see more than a few rods from his position, unless it were 
heavenward. Hemmed in on every side by the monarchs of the wood, 
he would, without having learned the mysteries of woodcraft or with- 
out a guide in man or compass, be as much lost as if in mid ocean. 
Yet by the exercise of patient industry and unflinching perseverance, 
the pioneer foiind his way through the wilderness and while his heart 
was light and his spirits exalted he laid the foundations of his home. 



ROADS AND STAGE ROUTES. 33 

One of the very early and prominent roads terminating- at Ithaca 
was that which was cut through from Oxford, Chenango county, by 
Joseph Chaplin in 1701-93, under contract. This road came into 
Tompkins county from the east via Dryden village, Etna and Varna. 
Many of the early settlers passed over this highway in the latter part 
of the last and the early years of the present century. 

In 1804 a charter was granted for the construction of the Bath and 
Jericho Turnpike, b}^ a company bearing this name. This highway 
was laid out through the present towns of Caroline, Dryden, Ithaca, 
Enfield, Hector, and thence on westward by the head of Seneca Lake to 
Bath. Its eastern terminus was at Richford, Tioga county. 

In 1807 a charter was granted to the Ithaca and Ovvego Turnpike 
Company, and under it, in 1811, the road authorized by its provisions 
was opened. This was one of the more important of the early high- 
ways. In the same year the Ithaca and Geneva Turnpike Company 
opened a road between these two villages. From that date to the year 
1820, all general travel was confined to these turnpikes. 

In the early years of the county public passenger traffic was carried 
on wholly by stages. Edmund H. Watkins was the pioneer stage man- 
ager in this locality, and came to Ithaca January 1, 1825. He was 
connected with stage lines as owner or agent down to 1857. The first 
stage drivers who regularly mounted the box and sounded their horns 
were John Bartley and John McQueen, both vividly recollected by old- 
er inhabitants. Jesse Grant & Son owned stage lines to Newburg, Ge- 
neva and Auburn in 1827, and competition was so spirited at one period 
that the fare from Ithaca to New York by way of Catskill, was only 
$1.50. 

In 1834 Chauncey L. Grant & Co. were proprietors of stage routes to 
Catskill, 160 miles, Newburg 175 miles, Jersey City 206 miles, Auburn 
forty miles, Geneva forty-five miles, Bath fifty-two miles, Elmira forty- 
eight miles. Joshua Cummings controlled the routes to Albany and 
Utica. The three principal hotels in Ithaca were stage offices. 

Full lines of four horse thorough-brace coaches ran from Jersey City, 
Newburg and Catskill to Ithaca. The former came over the Owego 
turnpike and the latter by the Bath and Jericho route, all going west to 
Geneva and Buffalo. Full lines of stages ran from Ithaca to Auburn 
and also to Utica. 

A few of the older inhabitants are still left who delight to talk of the 
coaching days, and the pleasure of bowling along over the turnpike be- 

5 



34 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

hind spirited horses, guided by a skillful driver, the sharp crack of 
whose whip echoed in the forest by the roadside. But time had not 
acquired the value in those days that is ascribed to it in these times. 

The author well recollects his own experience in " rapid transit " by 
stage, as late as March, 1841. He left Poughkeep.sie on Tuesday 
morning for Fishkill Landing. The ice was moving in the Hudson, 
and passage across that river occupied the entire day. Leaving New- 
burg at four o'clock Wednesday morning, all that day and night and 
Thursday until Friday morning at 2 o'clock were passed in reaching 
Pleasant Mount in Pennsylvania. Leaving there at eight- o'clock next 
morning, Owego was reached at 11 o'clock that night. Leaving Owe- 
go at noon on Saturday, Ithaca was reached at eight P. M. — five full 
days. 

The mail from New York came over the Jersey Cit}^ stage route. 
In January, 1842, a season of extreme bad roads, no mail was received 
from the city for an entire week. The stage on Saturday night brought 
up all arrears, and accumulated mail for the six days was contained in 
a single leather bag, with handles on either end, and the barn-door 
opening on the side, secured by a chain and padlock. Letters and pa- 
pers for the week only equaled three bushels in bulk. 

On the 15th of December, 1819, two years after the organization of 
Tompkins county, the Cayuga Steamboat Company was formed, having 
as oflicers David Woodcock, president, and Oliver Phelps, James Pum- 
pell}^, Joseph Benjamin and Lewis Tooker, directors for the ensuing 
year. The company thus formed resolved: " That a steamboat should 
be built to run from one end of Cayuga Lake to the other." It may be 
worth recording that this was only twelve years after Robert Fulton 
launched his first steamboat, of which he has been falsely credited with 
the invention, on the Hudson River. At a subsequent meeting of the 
directors of the before mentioned company, additional officers were 
chosen as follows: Charles W. Connor, treasurer; Charles Humphrey, 
secretary; Oliver Phelps, agent for the building of the boat. The keel 
of the " Enterprise " was laid March 18, 1820, and the hull was launched 
on the 4th of the following May. The machinery was manufactured 
in Jersey City and brought to Ithaca by teams. On the first day of 
June a trial trip was made, with about 150 women and men on board. 
Eight hours were consumed in reaching Ca3aiga. ^ The landing at Ith- 

1 In connection with thisiirst steamboat, W. T. Eddy, son of Otis Eddy, has written; 
"In the year 1819 the first steamboat for Cayuga Lake was built on the west bank 



STEAMBOATS. 35 

aca was at the southeast corner of the lake, then known as Port Renwick. 
Stages ran from there to the village of Ithaca for transportation of 
passengers. About the year 1827 the steamboat landing was changed 
from Port Renwick^ to Green's Landing, the present terminus. The 
boat was eight)^ feet long, with thirty feet beam and 120 tons capacity. 
The Journal of June 7, 1820, made the following announcement: 

The " Enterprise " is connected with the line of stages from Newburg to Buffalo, 
and thus furnishes to travelers from New York, and others going west, one of the 
most expeditious and pleasant routes in the State. The stage runs from Newburg to 
this village in two days. Thus travelers may leave New York at 5 o'clock P. M. in 
the steamboat on the Hudson; the second day arrive at Ithaca; go on board the 
steamboat " Enterprise" the same night; receive good accommodations, and rest in 
comfortable berths during the passage, resume the stage next morning at Cayuga 
Bridge, and the same night arrive at Buffalo ; making the whole route in three days 
— one day sooner than is performed bj^ way of Alban3^ 

Early boating on Cayuga Lake was a success. Success in almost any 
direction is always followed by competition. In 1825 Phelps & Good- 
win built the " Telemachus," which, although larger and swifter, was 
not a perfect specimen of water craft. The " Enterprise " then be- 
came a towing boat. In 1827 Elijah H. Goodwin, Richard Varick De 
Witt and S. De Witt Bloodgood purchased the interests of all other 
parties in the coinpany. In 1829 the " De Witt Clinton " was built. 
She ran as a passenger boat and the ' ' Telemachus " was used for freight. 

Capt. T. D. Wilcox had been connected with steamboat navigation 
on the Hudson since 1818, having been employed on the "Paragon," 
the third of Fulton's boats. After remaining there four years he was 
employed on Long Island Sound, where he was captain of the " Ful- 
ton " in 1831-32. He came to Ithaca in 1840 and purchased the steam- 

of the inlet and it was launched May 4, 1820, amid much rejoicing. There was some 
difficulty in sliding it down into the water, as one end started first, and it was intend- 
ed that it should go sideways, but the delay was only short and the launching was a 
success. After the boat was finished there was a crowd of ladies and gentlemen 
that had a pleasant time on the trip. It was all going well when David Woodcock, 
who was president of the company, came to my father and said the engineer was 
drunk and wanted him to take charge of the engine. He did it, although it was his 
first eftbrt in that capacity, and was engineer for three weeks, until they could send 
to Albany for another engineer. " 

1 On the 16th of April, 1834, a charter was granted by the Legislature for the 
Ithaca and Port Renwick Railroad. On the 8th of May, 1835, this company was 
authorized to construct a canal from Fall Creek to the lake, and collect tolls thereon. 
In 1836 the time for building the railroad was extended two j'ears. 



36 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

boats bnilding, the " vSimeon De Witt" and the "Forest City." In 
1855 the Cayuga and vSusquehanna Railroad Company purchased the 
entire steamboat interest. The " Simeon De Witt " was rebuilt and 
named the " William E. Dodge," and was commanded by William H. 
Leonard. Captain Wilcox repurchased the boats from the railroad 
company, and was sole or partial proprietor until May, 1862, when 
Alonzo B. Cornell purchased Wilcox's interest and sold out to Edward 
Himrod, of Aurora, in 1863. Himrod sold to Charles M. Titus, of Ith- 
aca. Wilcox then repurchased of these parties, and was sole owner 
until his death, April 20, 1884. His heirs sold to the Cayuga Lake 
Transportation Company, consisting of Warren Hunt, H. L. Hinckley, 
Horace M. Hibbard, and Linn Van Order. In 1892 Hunt purchased 
the whole, and has since run the boats. Captain Wilcox built the 
"Kate Morgan" in 1855, the "Sheldrake" in 1857, the "Aurora" in 
1859, the "T. D. Wilcox" in 1861, the " Ino " in 1864, and the " Fron- 
tenac" in 1866. The "Sheldrake" is now the "Cayuga" and is used 
as a freight-towing steamer. The " Frontenac " is a regular passenger 
boat, and the "Wilcox" is used for excursions. 

In 1863 A. P. Osborn, of Trumansburgh, built the "Cayuga," which 
was run as a freight boat between Ithaca and vSyracuse. She was tak- 
en to vSaginaw and plied on the vSaginaw River. 

In 1864 Howland & Robinson, of Union Springs, built the "How- 
land," placing her on the Ithaca and Syracuse route, but after a short 
time she was withdrawn and used as a freight boat wherever opportu- 
nity offered. 

Capt. Abram Van Order had a steam freight boat in 1856. In 1862 
H. C. Trac}^, of Kidder's Feriy, built a steam ferry boat. The "Ith- 
aca," built at Union Springs for a ferry; the " Beardsle}', " a small 
sidewheel steamer, and the "Emily McAllister," a propeller, were 
purchased by the steamboat company and used for a short time. 
Capt. Abram Schuyler now runs the " Elfin" as a freight steamer. 

Charles Kellogg, the wealthy bridge builder of Athens, Pa., has 
built several fine steam yachts. First, the "Kellogg," then the " Hor- 
ton," and last the "Clara." He transferred the " Kellogg " and the 
" Horton " to Henry Stevens, and sold the "Clara" to parties on the 
Hudson River. He then built a still finer boat, and named her the 
"Clara." The "Bradford Almy " and the "Undine" are owned by 
Capt. John Vant, and there are many other yachts in commission at 
the present time. 



THE SODUS CANAL. 37 

Robert L. Darrag-h, of New York, with a summer residence at wShel- 
drake, lias had two fine passenger steamers constructed which are to 
ply on Cayuga Lake, commencing- early in the season of 1894. 

In this connection it will be interesting to speak of Phineas Bennett 
and his great invention, the "smoke boat." Mr. Bennett was con- 
nected with boating here between 1835 and 1840, and conceived the 
idea of producing power almost wholly by the combustion of smoke. 
He patented his invention and an engine was built at B. C. Vail's ma- 
chine shop, which stood on ground now owned by John Furey, on the 
northwest corner of Cayuga and Green streets, and was burned in 1840. 
(3ne who saw this engine and witnessed its operation, speaks of it as 
having a wooden balance wheel which was increased in weight by iron 
plates bolted upon it. This bolting was somewhat insecure and the 
motion of the wheel, detaching the weights, threw the pieces of iron 
fully a hundred feet to the imminent danger of passers by. 

Bennett impressed some persons in New York with the practicability 
of his invention, and a large steamer was built and Bennett's engine 
placed therein. On a trial trip, as related b)^ one of the passengers, the 
boat started down towards Staten Island ivitJi the tide. Attempting 
to stem the tide on the return trip, the engine failed entirely and the 
boat was towed back to the city and dismantled. 

Belief that navigation was to be revolutionized by Bennett's idea was 
prevalent in Ithaca. There were 320 shares issued by the company, 
and these were for a long time quoted at $10,000 each. 

The Sodus Canal. — From 1828 to 1838 the whole of this section was 
deeply interested in the construction of the Sodus Canal, which was to 
form a great waterway between Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario, and Ca- 
5^uga Lake. Locks were to be constructed from the Erie Canal at 
Clyde to the bay, in a canal to be built. Vessels were to be brought 
east on the Erie Canal and locked down into the Canandaigua Outlet 
and thence sail up Cayuga Lake. It was an attractive scheme. Meet- 
ings were held, the Legislature appealed to for aid, and some work was 
done in clearing out a channel at the head of the bay. In 1836 Henry 
Walton, an artist of some note, painted views of Ithaca, from South, 
West and East Hills. That from South Hill showed Cayuga Lake cov- 
ered with large, square-ngged vessels, supposed to have reached this 
locality through the Sodus Canal. The charter for this ship canal was 
first granted March 19, 1829. The capital stock was $200,000 and the 
work was to be finished in ten years. In 1861 the charter, after re- 



38 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINvS COUNTY. 

peatecl amendments and extensions, expired by limitation. In 18G2 a 
new act for the construction of the canal was passed, and it was provid- 
ed that if the general government should furnish money to complete 
the work, perpetual right of transit for government vessels free of tolls 
or charges should be granted. This canal appears on Stone & Clark's 
maps, published in 1840-42. 

Other Canal Projects. — A canal was built by private enterprise 
from Six Mile Creek to Beebe's flouring mill on the west side of the 
Spencer road, just south of the Cayuga street bridge. Boats were to 
be locked up the creek and thus floated to the mills. The mill building 
burned in 1840 and the proposed canal was never used. 

A company proposed to build a canal from the steamboat landing to 
the Cayuga street bridge over Cascadilla Creek. The lot occupied by 
the brick store on the southwest corner of Cayuga and Farm streets, 
then occupied by a rope walk, carried on by Aaron Curtis, was to be 
excavated and used as a canal basin. Happily for the projectors, but 
little money was spent on the project. 

In connection with this subject it may be noticed that much work 
has been done on the Inlet for the improvement of water communication, 
and for the establishment of ferries across Ca^^uga Lake. As earh' as 
April, 1829, J. McLallen was authorized by act of the Legislature to 
establish a ferry from Frog Point (in Covert) to "lot number 68 in 
Lansing, at or near Woodard's, or Countryman's landing," and was 
given its monopoly for fifteen years. He was empowered to charge a 
ferriage of $1 for a four-wheeled coach or pleasure carriage with two 
horses; and 25 cents for an additional horse or mule; for a sulky or 
chaise with one horse, 62 1-2 cents; four-wheeled lumber wagon, 75 
cents; one-horse wagon 50 cents, and for footmen, 25 cents. 

On the 7th of April, 1834, the canal commissioners were directed by 
act of the Legislature, to surve}^ the Inlet and report on the feasibility 
of removing obstructions therein at the bar and adapting it as an ap- 
pendage of the Erie Canal (in the language of the act). A collector's 
office was to be established at Ithaca. On the 2d of May, 1835, an act 
was passed making it the duty of the canal commissioners to dredge 
out the Inlet channel across the bar so that boats drawing five feet of 
water could pass. Under this act all property passing through the In- 
let from the Erie Canal was to pay a toll. In 1869 $15,000 were appro- 
priated by the State for dredging the Inlet, building a pier on the west 
side of the Inlet channel, etc., and in 1870, $1,000 were appropriated 



RAILROADS. 39' 

for building a lighthouse. In 1871 an appropriation of $l,-->5() was 
made by the vState to finish the work at the head of the lake, "under 
direction of William W. Wright, cominissioner in charge." 

The pier on the east side of the Inlet, being the main one, was built 
by Wm. Mott 2d, in 1836, at a cost of $10,000. It has since been en- 
larged at the head and otherwise improved. 

Railroads. — The Ithaca and Owego Railroad was incorporated Jan- 
uary 28, 1828, and was the second railroad chartered in the State of 
New York. The first officers were Francis A. Bloodgood, president; 
Richard Varick De Witt, treasurer; Ebenezer Mack, secretar}^; S. De- 
Witt Bloodgood, Andrew D. W. Bruyn, Cornelius P. Heermans, Myn- 
dert Van vSchaick, James Pumpelly, and Alvah Beebe, directors. The 
flat strap rail was used, laid upon timbers running with the rail. The 
road was twenty-nine miles long and at the Ithaca end used two inclined 
planes to reach the flat from the hill above. These inclined planes 
were operated by horse power, a separate power for each plane. The 
upper one was 2,225 feet long with a descent of one foot in twenty-one 
feet. The lower one was 1,733 feet long with a descent of one foot in 
four and 28-lOOths feet, and the total descent on this was 405 feet. 
Cars were drawn on this road with horses from the date of its opening, 
in April 1834, to 1840, when an engine built in Schenectady was brought 
to Ithaca and placed in service. It was not equal to the required duty, 
and a train of cars to attend a mass meeting at Owego arrived there by 
efforts of the passengers pushing both the engine and the cars. 

The engine was afterwards rebuilt at Schenectady and its weight and 
power largely increased. It proved too heavy for the bridges, and 
breaking through one, was so broken as not to be again used. 

The original gauge of the road was six feet and was changed in Sep- 
tember, 1878, to four feet, eight inches. The State loaned its credit 
for the construction of this road to the amount of $300,000. There 
was, of course, default in interest, and on May 20, 1842, the property 
was sold by the wState comptroller under the default, and was bought in 
by Archibald Mclntyre and others. 

On the 18th of April, 1843, the Cayuga and Susquehanna Railroad 
Company was incorporated. In 1849 the road was sold to New York 
parties and relaid with heavy rail. January 1, 1855, it was leased to 
the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western road for ninety-nine years. 

The Catskill and Ithaca Railroad was chartered April 28, 1828, with 
a capital of $1,500,000. No work was ever done under this charter. 



40 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The Ithaca and Auburn Railroad was chartered in May, ISBli, but no 
work was done under the charter. The proposed route was up the 
south bank of Fall Creek to a point just east of Etna, and thence north- 
ward to Auburn. 

The Auburn, Lake Ontario and New York Railroad was the succes- 
sor of the Ithaca and Auburn, and a large amount of work was done 
on it in 1(S50 and 1(851. The road bed was partially graded from Au- 
burn to Asbur}', and between the latter point and Fall Creek about two 
miles were finished. The route was to cross the creek on a high bridge 
nearly on a line with the present University reservoir and Cascadilla 
Creek near Dwyer's mill, thence direct to the present E. C. & N. depot. 
The heavy cut at Besemer's and the fill at Brookton, with the cut be- 
yond, so far as it extends, was the work of the old company. The 
E. C. & N. track is on the old grading from Ithaca depot south for 
about seven miles. 

The Chemung and Ithaca Railroad was chartered in May, 1837, with 
a capital stock of $200,000. Its route was on the east side of the Inlet 
valley to Spencer. No work was done on the road. 

The Ithaca and Athens Railroad Company was organized as the Ith- 
aca and Towanda Railroad in 1867, with a capital stock of $2,000,000. 
The road was opened in 1871. 

The Geneva and Ithaca Railroad Company was formed under the 
general railroad law in 1870, with a capital stock of $1,250,000. This 
road, with the Ithaca and Towanda, changed to the Ithaca and Athens, 
were consolidated April 10, 1874, and afterwards acquired by the Le- 
high Valley organization. This consolidated line is now known as the 
Geneva, Ithaca and Sayre Railroad. 

The Ithaca and Cortland Railroad, organized under the general law, 
was opened for travel over nine miles of its length between Ithaca and 
Freeville in December, 1870; was opened to Cortland, twenty-one 
miles in all, in December, 1871; extended from Ithaca to Elmira and 
opened for travel in 1874. To form a through line the old Midland 
track was utilized from Cortland to De Ruyter, the link thence to Caz- 
enovia was built, and the Cazenovia and Canastota road used to reach 
the New York Central at the latter place. The name of the through 
road was made "Utica, Ithaca and Elmira Railroad." After passing 
through a receivership and being sold, the property was acquired by 
Austin Corbin and his friends, and the name changed to the Elmira, 
Cortland and Northern. The line has been extended to Camden, on 



RAILROADS. 41 

the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg road. Its entire length from 
Elmira to Camden is 134 miles. 

The Southern Central Railroad, organized tinder the general law, 
was opened for travel between Owego and Auburn in December, 1869. 
It was subsequently extended to the southwest to Sayre, Pa. , and 
northward to Fairhaven on Lake Ontario. The line is now owned and 
operated by the Lehigh Valley Company. 

The Cayuga Railroad Company was organized in 1871, under the 
general law, for the purpose of constructing a road along the eastern 
shore of the lake between Ithaca and Cayuga Bridge. Work on the 
road was begun late in the same year. The rails were laid in the 
winter of 1872. In the spring of 1873 many miles of the road bed were 
washed out. The company was reorganized in 1874 as the Cayuga 
Lake Railroad Compan}^ ; the road w^as reconstructed, and trains began 
running in the fall. The road passed to control of the Lehigh Valley 
Company in 1877. In 1890 a branch was built from Union Springs to 
Auburn, which is now the main line, the branch to Cayuga Bridge 
being still in use. 

The Midland Railroad, which reached Cortland from De Ruyter, 
utilized the track from there to Freeville, and thence built north to 
Scipio, when work was suspended in 1872. In 1880 the road was fin- 
ished to Auburn and operated until 1889, when it was sold and the 
rails between Freeville and Genoa were taken up. In 1890 the road was 
dismantled between Genoa and Dougall's, but was used from there to 
Auburn as an extension of the Ca5aiga Railroad in 1891, when the line 
between Union Springs and Auburn was constructed. 

The Pennsylvania and Sodus Bay Railroad Company was organized 
under the general law to construct a road from a point in the town of 
Spencer where connection was to be made with the Ithaca and Athens 
road, through Newfield, Enfield, Ulysses, Covert, Ovid, Varick, to 
Seneca Falls. Rights of way were procured, the track graded, and 
many culverts and some bridges built. Towns on the route were bond- 
ed in its aid, but the enterprise was finally abandoned. There have 
been changes in ownership and law suits innumerable in regard to the 
property. 

Six of the nine towns of Tompkins county issued bonds in aid of rail- 
roads as follows : Ithaca, $300,000, in aid of the Ithaca and Athens road, 
and $100,000 in aid of the Geneva and Ithaca road. Ithaca village, 
$100,000 in aid of the Ithaca and Cortland road. Lansing, $75,000 in 
G 



42 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

aid of the Midland road and the same amount in aid of the Cayuga 
Lake railway. Groton, $15,000 in aid of the Utica, Ithaca and Elmira 
road. Enfield, $25,000 in aid of the Pennsylvania and vSodus Bay road. 
Newfield, $52,000, and Ulysses, $75,000 for the same road. There 
now remains due as principal of these bonds the following sums : 

Ithaca, for Ithaca and Athens road $75,000 

" for the Ithaca and Geneva, road 30,836.19 

Ithaca city for the Ithaca and Cortland road 29,509.55 

Groton " " " " 15,000 

Enfield for the Pennslyvania and Sodus Bay road ... 16,800 

Newfield " " " " 45,800 

Ulysses " " ," " .'. 54,200 

At the termination of an extended lawsuit the bonds issued by the 
town of Lansing were declared invalid and ordered canceled. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The First Newspaper in the County — Its Very Early Publication — Its History 
down to its Present Successor, the Ithaca Journal — Opening of the Telegraph Line 
to Ithaca — The Ithaca Chronicle— The Democrat and its Predecessors — The Weekly 
Ithacan — Newspapers of Trumansburgh — Other Publications. 

Like the history of the newspaper press elsewhere, papers have been 
established in. Tompkins county .and succeeded ; others, and very many 
of them, after a struggle for existence of brief or longer duration, sus- 
pended, and the hopes of a host of ambitious publishers disappeared 
with the close of their issues. The death roll of newspapers is a long 
one in every populous community. 

The first newspaper attempted in Tompkins county was named The 
Seneca Republican, and its first issue appeared July 4, 1815, seventy- 
nine years ago, and nearly two years before the organization of the 
county. Jonathan Ingersoll was the publisher. In 1816 its name was 
changed to The Ithaca Journal and Mack & Shepherd purchased it. 
The paper was successively issued by Mack & Searing, Ebenezer Mack, 
and Mack & Morgan, until 1824, when William Andrus became part 
owner of the establishment and the paper was issued by Mack & An- 
drus. In 1827 the title was The Ithaca Journal, Literary Gazette and 
General Advertiser ; but the paper survived the burden of such a name. 



THE PRESS. 43 

In the following year the name was shortened to The Ithaca Journal 
and Advertiser. In December, 1833, Mack & Andrus sold to Nathan 
Randall. In 1837 Randall sold to Mattison & Barnaby. Mattison sold 
his interest to L. S. Eddy, and Barnaby afterwards acquired the entire 
interest. In 1839, under an execution, the paper was sold to Alfred 
Wells. On the 1st of July, 1841, John H. Selkreg purchased a one-half 
interest, and Wells & Selkreg published the paper until 1853, when 
Selkreg became sole proprietor. In 1842 the name of the publication 
was again changed to The Ithaca Journal, which title it still holds. In 
July, 1870, the firm of Selkreg & Apgar was formed, and the Daily 
Journal appeared on July 1st of that year. This firm continued until 
1876, when D. J. Apgar resold his interest to J. H. Selkreg. In" 1877 
the Ithaca Journal Association, a joint stock corporation, was formed, 
J. H. Selkreg, George E. Priest, Charles M. Benjamin and George W. 
Wood each owning one-fourth. In 1878 Selkreg purchased the interest 
of Wood, and in 1880 sold his whole share to Priest & Benjamin. The 
Journal Association was dissolved in 1891, and the Daily and Weekly 
Journal is now published by Priest & Benjamin. Three papers have 
been absorbed by the Journal, viz. : The Jeffersonian and Tompkins 
Times, established by Charles Robbins in 1835, was sold to George G. 
Freer in 1830, and merged into the Journal in 1837. The Flag of the 
Union, started by Jonathan B. Gosman in 1848, was absorbed by the 
Journal in 1849. The Ithacan, started by H. D. Cunningham and 
George C. Bragdon in 1868, was sold to the Journal in 1870. 

The Ithaca Journal was a Jacksonian organ and continued in the 
Democratic column down to 1856. In 1848 it advocated the election of 
Van Buren as against Cass. In 1856, in July, it became Republican, 
supporting Fremont and Dayton, and has continued an ardent advocate 
of Republican principles since. The Journal now and for many years 
past has ranked among the prominent newspapers of the interior of the 
State. 

In 1846 a telegraph line had been constructed and was in operation 
between Utica and New York — a part of the main line then in process 
of building towards Bufiialo. A branch wire was operated to Ithaca, 
and for some months the Journal and the Chronicle published small 
broadside dailies, distributing them gratuitously. No charge was 
made for the reports received, and the type set for these dodgers (for 
they were little more than that) was used in the regular weekly issues 
of the two papers. 



44 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

In 1820 David D. Spencer, who had just completed his apprentice- 
ship with L. H. Redfield in the office of the Syracuse Gazette and 
Register, associated himself with Mr. Stockton and began the publica- 
tion of the Ithaca Chronicle. In 1823 D. D. Spencer acquired Stock- 
ton's interest and then sold one-half of the establishment to T. S. 
Chatterton, who purchased the remainder in 1828. He changed the 
name of the paper to The Ithaca Republican, and again changed it 
to The Tompkins American ; but he discontinued the publication in 
18:34. 

In February, 1828, David D. and Anson Spencer began the publica- 
tionof The Ithaca Chronicle. Spence Spencer, son of David D., was 
at one period in the firm. In 1853, David D. Spencer dying, Anson 
Spencer became sole proprietor. In 1854 he sold the establishment to 
A. E. Barnaby & Co., who changed the name of the paper to The 
American Citizen. The paper again came into the hands of Anson 
Spencer. 

Timothy Maloney began the publication of The Tompkins Democrat 
in the autumn of 1856, continuing it until his death in 1860. Samuel 
C. Clisbe then purchased the office and sold one half to Barnum R. 
Williams. Clisbe retired and the paper was consolidated with The 
Citizen (just mentioned), and the name changed to The Democrat in 
November, 1863. The business was conducted by Spencer & Williams 
until the summer of 1872, when Mr. Spencer again acquired the entire 
ownership and sold one-half to Ward Gregory, December 1, 1873. Mr. 
Spencer died July 26, 1876, and Mr. Gregory purchased Mr. Spencer's 
interest. On the 1st of March, 1889, George W. Apgar bought a one- 
half interest in the property. Mr. Gregory died May 30, 1889, and his 
widow retaining his interest, the firm remains unchanged. The Re- 
publican Chronicle advocated the election of Adams in 1824, and was 
the Whig organ up to 1854 in this county, when Barnaby & Co. made 
it the organ of the American party. This continued until 1860, and it 
then became and has since continued the Democratic organ of Tomp- 
kins county. It is ably edited and its sterling principles and firm 
adherence to the doctrines of its party give it a powerful influence. 

The Weekly Ithacan is at the present time (1894) published by Lewis 
A. Clapp, son of Asahel Clapp, who died March 1, 1893. In May, 
1856, H. D. Rumsey started the publication of Rumsey's Companion 
at Dryden. The name was soon changed to The Fireside Companion, 
and again a few months later to The Dryden News. In 1857 G. Z. 
House purchased the concern and changed the name of the paper to 



THE PRESS. 45 

The New York Confederac}^ The paper was soon afterward discon- 
tinued. In July, 1858, Asahel Clapp resuscitated the publication under 
the name of The Dr5^den Weekly News. He enlarged and improved 
it, and in April, 1871, in connection with Haines D. Cunningham and 
Edward D. Norton, the establishment was removed to Ithaca and the 
name of the paper changed to The Weekly Ithacan and Dryden News, 
with local editions for each village. After the lapse of. about six 
months the firm was dissolved and Mr. Clapp became sole owner. In 
June, 1874, he sold the establishment to George Ketchum, who failed 
in 1875, and Mr. Clapp was compelled to foreclose his lien on the office 
and bid it in. Since that date the paper has been enlarged and im- 
proved and has attained a large circulation. The Ithacan supported 
the Greenbackers in their day, but has made a consistent record for 
temperance ever since its establishment. 

The Press in Trumansburgh. — The best history of the newspapers 
of Trumansburgh is printed in a publication devoted to the history of 
that village and published from the Free Press office in 1890. This 
publication, evidencing great research and labor in preparation, gives 
by far the most comprehensive histor}^ of the largest village in Tomp- 
kins county outside of Ithaca, covering also much of the history of the 
town of Ulysses and many other matters in which the inhabitants of 
that locality have an interest. The writer of this volume here acknowl- 
edges the great help it has been to him in his task. We quote from its 
pages the following facts : The first newspaper in Trumansburgh was 
the Lake Light, an anti-Masonic paper, commenced in 1827 by W. 
W. Phelps. The Light was extinguished in 1829 for want of support. 
The Anti-Masonic Sentinel was its successor, published by R. St. John, 
but it lived only about three months. In 1832 David Fairchild started 
The Advertiser. He succeeded in his business and in 1837 sold his 
establishment to Palmer & Maxon ; the latter soon afterward retired, 
and Mr. Palmer continued sole publisher. John Gray succeeded him, 
changing the title to The Trumansburgh Sun. Hawes & Hooker suc- 
ceeded Gray, changing the name to The Gazette. Not succeeding, the 
establishment came into the hands of John Creque, jr., who afterwards 
leased it to S. M. Day, who changed the name of the paper to The 
Trumansburgh Herald. Mr. Day was succeeded by W. K. Creque, 
who called the paper The Independent. Its publication ceased in 1852, 
and Corydon Fairchild, of Ovid, purchased the materials. 

In November, 1860, A. P. Osborn started the Trumansburgh News, 
with Edward Himrod as associate editor. Himrod afterwards leased 



46 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the office of and continued the paper, but Osborn sold the plant to John 
McL. Thompson. A. O. Hicks and W. W. Pasko bought of Thomp- 
son, and were succeeded by J. W. Van Amie, and he by W. H. Cuff- 
man, who continued the publication until the office was destroyed by 
fire, February 22, 1864. On April 5, 1865, O. M. Wilson issued the 
first number of The Tompkins County Sentinel, the name of which was 
afterwards changed to The Trumansburgh Sentinel. February 13, 
1879, he sold the paper to C. L. Adams, and January 1, 1894, he sold 
to Charles A. Vorhees, its present proprietor. 

In 1873 A. F. Allen published The Advance, which was continued 
only three months. On the 7th of November Mr. Allen revived the 
Free Press and has successfully conducted it ; it may now be properly 
styled an established newspaper. 

The Dryden Herald was started at that village in 1871 by William 
Smith, who a few months later sold out to Osborn & Clark. In 1876 
Ford & Strobridge acquired the establishment. It subsequently came 
into the hands of A. M. Ford, and is now successfully published by his 
sons, J. B. & W. A. Ford. The Herald is neutral in politics with Re- 
publican tendencies. 

Other more or less ephemeral publications in this county have been 
The Tompkins Volunteer, which was started in Ithaca by H. C. Good- 
win in 1840. John Gray afterwards owned the establishment, and he 
sold to J. Hunt, jr., who issued the paper as The Tompkins Democrat. 
The plant was removed to Chenango county. 

The Western Messenger was started by A. P. Searing in Ithaca in 
1826 and continued about two years. Searing also started The Western 
Museum and Belles Lettres Repository in 1821, continuing it some two 
years. 

James M. Miller published The Castigator in 1823. In this paper 
appeared the proclamations of the Moral Society, famous in olden 
Ithaca. 

O. A. Bronson began the publication of The Philanthropist, a Uni- 
versalist organ, which lived about a year. 

The Templar and Watchman, a temperance journal, was started by 
Orlando Lund, who sold an interest to Charles F. Williams. Subse- 
quently Lund sold to Myron vS. Barnes, who with Williams continued 
the paper about two years. 

Edgar St. John commenced the publication of a temperance weekly 
in 1845 and continued it about two years. It was printed in the Jour- 
nal office. 



THE PRESS. 47 

The Christian Doctrinal Advocate and Spiritual Monitor was started 
at Mott's Corners (now Brookton) in 1837. It was the organ of the 
Seventh-Day Baptists and secured a large circulation, principally in the 
Southern and Western States. The paper continued several years, 
when the office was removed elsewhere. 

The Ithaca Daily Leader was started November 3, 18(39, by William 
A. Burritt. It was a small sheet six and one-half by nine and one-half 
inches printed matter, two columns on a page. February 1, 1870, it 
appeared as a three-column sheet, and the pages enlarged to eight and 
one-half by eleven inches. It subsequently passed into the hands of 
H. D. Cunningham and E. D. Norton, by whom it was enlarged. It 
was published by them until December 31, 1872, when it was discon- 
tinued. 

The Groton Balance was started in January, 1831, by H. P. Eels & 
Co., who issued it a few months, when it passed into the hands of E. 
S. Keeney, and its name changed to The Groton Democrat. It was 
discontinued in 1840. 

The Groton Journal was established by H. C. Marsh, November 9, 
1866. He continued its publication until January, 1872, when it was 
purchased by A. T. Lyon, who issued it until December 9 of the same 
year, when it was sold to L. N. Chapin, who sold it to W. H. Allen, 
who took possession July 17, 1879. He associated with him H. L. 
Wright. L. J. Townley, the present proprietor, came on the paper 
October 16, 1879, and established the Lansing department, when the 
name was changed to the Groton and Lansing Journal and did business 
as the Journal Printing Company. November 17, 1883, Mr. Townley 
purchased the establishment and associated with him H. L. Wright, 
under the firm name of Townley & Wright. December 1, 1885, Mr. 
Wright disposed of his interest to Mr. Townley, who has since pub- 
lished the paper. The Journal is a large folio, ably edited, and of 
great influence. 



48 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IX. 

History of Tompkins County Agricultural vSociety — Its First Officers — Insignifi- 
cance of Early Premiums Offered — Sales and Purchases of Property — History of the 
County Poor House — Statistics of its Present Condition — Masonic Societies in the 
County — Other Societies and Institutions. 

There was an Agricultural vSociety in existence in this count}?' at or 
soon after the organization in 1817, but no records are accessible in 
regard to its proceedings. In 1820 the annual meeting, as reported in 
the American Journal of March 22, was held on the 1st of March, when 
William T. Southworth was chosen chairman, and Piatt Ketchum sec- 
retary. Officers were chosen for the ensuing 3^ear as follows: William 
T. Southworth, president ; Alexander Bower, George Robertson, Peter 
Himrod, William Morrison and Job Allen, vice-presidents ; Piatt 
Ketchum, corresponding secretary ; Jacob G. Dykeman, recording sec- 
retary ; Luther Gere, treasurer ; William R. Collins, auditor. 

The sum of $186 was offered that year in premiums, and the fair was 
held on the last Tuesday in November at the Ithaca Hotel. Old resi- 
dents speak of the " show," as it was termed, as a great success. The 
fair closed with awards to successful exhibitors, after which a proces- 
sion was formed which marched to the Presbyterian Church, where a 
prayer was offered by Rev. William Wisner, and an oration delivered 
by William T. Southworth. The premiums awarded were then paid in 
specie at the close of the church exercises. 

There are no attainable records in regard to this society after 1820 
for a number of years. The fairs are, however, remembered, showing 
that their commencement was in 1839. Some authorities claim that 
the reorganization was in 1841, and another one in 1838. In 1855 the 
society purchased four blocks of land near the steamboat landing, and 
in 1857 another block, five in all, bounded on the west by Cascadilla 
Creek; on the north by Railroad avenue; on the east by Auburn street; 
and on the south by Lewis street. On this tract was erected a two- 
story exhibition hall, fifty by one hundred feet in dimensions, and a 
trotting track laid out. In 1875 this property was sold to B. G. Jayne, 



AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 49 

and forty-five acres bought west of Meadow street and south of Clinton 
street, in the southwest part of the city. There a large number of 
buildings have been erected for exhibition and other purposes, and the 
society, in point of efficiency and resources, stands abreast with any 
county society in the State. 

Abstract of receipts and disbursements of Tompkins County Agri- 
cultural Society for 1893 : 

Balance from last report : $37. 83 

G. C. MeClure, ex-treasurer $ 52.08 

From gate receipts - 1,075.10 

Rent of building 55.00 

Rent of privileges . ^ 534. 96 

Annual members at $1.00 2,666.00 

Members paying |5 each 620.00 

Entries for races 312. 00 

Advertisers in Premium List 150.00 

Ives Pool Fund, 1898 488.05 

State of New York, 1893 259.35 

Note at Tompkins County National Bank 500. 00 

Receipts for 1893 6,712.54 

$6,750.36 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

For permanent improvements $ 111.64 

Labor 495. 51 

Material, lumber, etc 186. 77 

Salaries 50.00 

Printing and advertising • — 670.71 

Services of superintendents, police, watchmen, gatemen and 

clerks 216.00 

Supplies for fair . 204. 84 

Music during fair 115.00 

Insurance fees and miscellaneous bills . . •. 85. 66 

Race purses 866. 00 

Payment on indebtedness... 1,130.59 

Total premiums on stock -....: 1,425.00 

Premiums paid for 1892 183. 29 

Premiums other than above, 1898 750.00 

Total disbursements 6,491. 01 

$259.35 

At the annual meeting of the society in 1894 it was resolved to bor- 
row the sum of $3,500 to pay the indebtedness of the society, and the 
further sum of $1,500 for needed improvements. The following officers 
were elected for 1894: 

7 



60 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

President, George H. Baker (re-elected); secretary, Carey B. Fish; 
treasurer, L. H. Van Kirk (re-elected) ; directors, R. G. H. Speed, 
William Nixon, W. O. Newman. Vice-presidents: Caroline, Henry D. 
Thomas; Danby, L. L. Beers; Dryden, C. D. Burch ; Enfield, B. Oltz; 
Groton, Z. Cook; Ithaca, C. E. vSeaman ; Lansing, Delos Harring; 
Newfield, C. Seabring; Ulysses, A. H. Pierson. 

Tompkins County Poor-House. — It was ten years after the organiza- 
tion of this county before action was taken by the Board of Supervisors 
towards the establishment of a county poor-house. The first record in 
regard thereto appears in the proceedings of the board on the 22d of 
November, 1827, when a resolution was passed declaring the advis- 
ability of establishing a poor-house and appropriating the sum of $4,000 
for that purpose. Of the sum appropriated, $1,500 were to be levied 
at that session, $1,250 in 1828, and the remaining $1,250 in 1829. A 
committee of one from each town was named to superintend the work 
of building, consisting of the following named persons : Solomon Sharp, 
Dryden; John Guthrie, Groton; Sullivan D. Hubbell, Hector; Elbert 
Curtis, Danby; Nicoll Halsey, Ulysses; Gilbert J. Ogden, Enfield; 
John White, Newfield; Nicholas Townley, Lansing; Ira Tillottson, 
Ithaca; Charles Mulks, Caroline. 

The site chosen is in the town of Ulysses about six miles northwest 
from Ithaca The original building was of wood, erected under the 
resolution of 1827 and added to from time to time as became necessary. 
Quite extensive out-buildings were also constructed upon the farm of 
100 acres, the soil of which is first-class, perhaps as good as can be 
found within the limits of the county. 

Through age and long use the original building and its additions 
finally reached a condition necessitating very extensive repairs, prac- 
tically rebuilding, or else the erection of an entirely new structure. 
Public sentiment throughout the county favored new, more commo- 
dious and comfortable buildings, and on the 20th of November, 1891, a 
committee was appointed to take into consideration the entire subject, 
embracing repairing of the old house or the the erection of a new one, 
and also change of location. In February, 1892, the board refused to 
change the location, authorized a new building, and at a special session 
in June, 1892, appropriated $20,000 for the purpose. The new struc- 
ture is of brick, ample in size, and constructed with special reference 
to the comfort of inmates and economy in details of management. 



COUNTY POORHOUSE. 51 

The Board of State Charities, in their annual report for 1892, notes 
that the new building was in process of construction ; that there were, 
on the 1st of November, thirty-six men and ten women inmates ; there 
were no insane : and that three children had been born in the house 
during the year then ending. 

The county superintendent of the poor is, by resolution, made keeper 
of the house. The average cost of support of inmates per year was 
$62.71. 

The report of the Board of Supervisors for the year ending Novem- 
ber 15, 1893, shows that the whole number of days' support for the 
year was 14,298; for which the cost of board and clothing was $2,440. 13. 
The average cost per week was $1.19 and a fraction. On November 
15, 1892, there were thirty-six persons in the house; November 15, 
1893, forty-eight persons. 

Statistical. — The Supervisors' reports for 1893 show that in the 
town of Ithaca there are 16,293 acres of land, and in the city, 2,940 
acres. The assessed value of real estate, including village property 
and the real estate of corporations, was, in the town, $568,585; in the 
city, $2,599,376. The total assessed valuation of personal property in 
the town was $38,725; in the city, $512,155. The amount of town 
taxes for the town was $5, 842. 27 ; for the city, $34, 745. 41. The amount 
of county taxes for the town was $1,557.98; for the city, $10,892.65. 
The aggregate taxation for the town was $8,961.45; for the city, $56,- 
553.26. The rate of tax on $1 valuation was, in the town, .015; in the 
city, .0182. 



52 



LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKIXS COUNTY. 



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1 



EVOLUTION OF STATE LAW. 53 



CHAPTER X. 

Comparison of State Law with the Common Law — Evolution of the Courts — The 
Court of Appeals— The Supreme Court — The Court of Chancery — The County Court 
— The Surrogate's Court — Justice's Court — District Attorneys — Sheriffs — Court 
House — Judicial Officers — Personal Notes — Important Trials. 

The statement is commonly expressed that the' judicial system of the 
State of New York is largely copied from the common law of England. 
While this is true to a great extent, there are important differences re- 
vealed by a close study of the history of the laws of this State, showing 
that our system is in many important respects an original growth. In 
the simple yet initiative matter of entitling a criminal process there is 
a radical difference between our method and that which must be fol- 
lowed in England. Here it is "The people versus the criminal;" 
there, "Rex versus the criminal." In the one it is an independent 
judiciar}^ responsible directly to the people; in the other the court is 
subservient to the king. 

This dominant idea of the sovereignty of the people over our laws, 
as well as in other respects, has had a slow, conservative, yet steadily 
progressive and systematic growth. In the early history of the State 
the governor was in effect the maker, interpreter and enforcer of the 
laws. He was the chief judge of the Court of Final Resort, while his 
councillors were generally his obedient followers. The execution of 
the English and Colonial statutes rested with him, as did also the exer- 
cise of royal authority in the Province ; and it was not until the adop- 
tion of the first Constitution, in 1777, that he ceased to contend for 
these prerogatives and to act as though the only functions of the court 
and councillors were to do his bidding as servants and helpers, while 
the Legislature should adopt only such laws as the executive should 
suggest and approve. By the first Constitution the governor was 
wholly stripped of the judicial power which he possessed under the 
Colonial rule, and such power was vested in the lieutenant-governor 
and the Senate, the chancellor and the justices of the Supreme Court; 
the former to be elected by the people, and the latter to be appointed 



54 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

by the Council. Under this Constitution there was the first radical 
separation of the judicial and the legislative powers, and the advance- 
ment of the judiciary to the position of a co-ordinate department of the 
government, and subject to the limitation consequent upon the appoint- 
ment of its members b)^ the Council. 

But even this restriction was soon felt to be incompatible, though it 
was not until the adoption of the Constitution of 1846 that the last con- 
nection between the purely political and the judicial parts of the vState 
government was abolished; and with it disappeared the last remaining 
relic of the colonial period as regards the laws. From this time on the 
judiciary became more directly representative of the people in the elec- 
tion by them of its members. The development of the idea of the 
responsibility of the courts to the people, from the time when all its 
members were at the beck and nod of one wellnigh irresponsible mas- 
ter, to the time when all judges, even of the Court of Last Resort, are 
voted for by the people, has been remarkable. Yet, through all this 
change there has prevailed the idea of one ultimate tribunal from 
whose decision there can be no appeal. 

Noting briefly the present arrangement and powers of the courts of 
this State and the elements from which they have grown, we see that 
the whole scheme is involved in the idea of, first, a trial before a 
magistrate and jury — arbiters respectively of law and fact — and then a 
review by a higher tribunal of the facts and law, and ultimately of the 
law by a court of last resort. To accomplish the purposes of this 
scheme there has been devised and established, first, the present Court 
of Appeals, the ultimate tribunal of the State, perfected in its present 
form by the Conventions of 1867 and 1868, and ratified by a vote of the 
people in 1869 ; and taking the place of the old ' ' Court for the trial of 
Impeachment and Correction of Errors " to the extent of correcting 
errors of law. As first organized under the Constitution of 1846, the 
Court of Appeals was composed of eight judges, four of whom were 
elected by the people and the remainder chosen from the justices of 
the Supreme Court having the shortest time to serve. As organized 
in 1869, and now existing, the court consists of the chief judge and six 
associate judges, who hold office for a term of fourteen years from and 
including the first day of January after their election. This court is 
continually in session at the Capitol in Albany, except as it takes re- 
cess from time to time on its own motion. It has full power to correct 
or reverse the decisions of all inferior courts when properly before it 





r 




Photo, by Rutjin, Ifhac.a N.r 



Atlantic Publishing t Engraving Cn, N,Y 



COURT OF APPEALS. 55 

for review. Five judges constitute a quorum, and four must concur to 
render judgment. If four do not agree the case must be reargued; but 
no more than two rehearings can be had, and if then four judges do 
not concur, the judgment of the court below stands affirmed. The 
Legislature has provided by statute how and when proceedings and 
decisions of inferior tribunals may be reviewed in the Court of Appeals, 
and may in its discretion alter or amend the saine. Upon the reorgan- 
ization of the court in 1869 its work was far in arrears, and the law 
commonly known as the "Judiciary Act" provided for a Commission 
of Appeals to aid the Court of Appeals. And still more recently, in 
1888, the Legislature passed a concurrent resolution that section 6 of 
article 6 of the Constitution be amended so that upon the certificate of 
the Court of Appeals to the governor of such an accumulation of causes 
on the calendar of the Court of Appeals that the public interests re- 
quired a more speedy disposition thereof, the governor may designate 
seven justices of the Supreme Court to act as associate judges, for the 
time being, of the Court of Appeals, and to form a second division of 
that court, and to be dissolved by the governor when the necessity for 
their services ceased to exist. This amendment was submitted to the 
people of the State at the general election of that year and was ratified, 
and in accordance therewith the governor selected seven Supreme 
Court justices, who were constituted the second division of the Court 
of Appeals. The onl)^ citizen of Tompkins county who has been placed 
upon the bench of this court is Francis M. Finch, a present incumbent 
of the office. He received the appointment May 25, 1880, from the 
governor and Senate, and was afterwards elected to the same position. 
Second to the Court of Appeals in rank and jurisdiction stands the 
vSupreme Court, which, as it now exists, is made up of many and widely 
different elements. It was originally created b}^ act of the Colonial 
Legislature May 6, 1691, and finally by ordinance of the Governor and 
Council, May 15, 1699, and empowered to try all issues to the same 
extent as the English Courts of King's Bench, Common Pleas and Ex- 
chequer, except in the exercise of equity powers. It had jurisdiction 
in actions involving $100 and over, and to revise and correct the de- 
cisions of inferior courts. An appeal lay from it to the Governor and 
Council. The judges — -at first there were five of them — annually made 
a circuit of the counties, under a commission naming them, issued by 
the governor, and giving them nisi pr ins, oy&x and terminer, and jail 
delivery powers. Under the first Constitution the court was reorgan- 



56 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ized, the judges being then named by the Council of Appointment. 
All proceedings were directed to be entitled in the name of the people, 
instead of that of the king. 

By the Constitution of 1821 many and important changes were made 
in the character and methods of this court. The judges were reduced 
in number to three and appointed by the governor, with the consent of 
the Senate, to hold office during good behavior, or until sixty years of 
age. They were removable by the Legislature when two-thirds of the 
Assembly and a majority of the Senate so voted. Four times each 
year the full court sat in review of their decisions upon questions of 
law. By the Constitution of 1846 the Supreme Court as it then existed 
was abolished, and a new court of the same name, and having general 
jurisdiction in law and equity, was established in its place. This court 
was divided into General Terms, Circuits, Special Terms, and Oyer 
and Terminer. Its members were composed of thirty-three justices, 
to be elected by the people, and to reside, five in the first and four in 
each of the other seven judicial districts into which the State was 
divided. By the Judiciary Act of 1847 General Terms were to be held 
at least once in each year in counties having more than forty thousand 
inhabitants, and in other counties at least once in two years; and at 
least two Special Terms and two Circuit Courts were to be held yearly 
in each county, except Hamilton. By this act the court was authorized 
to name the times and places of holding its terms, and those of Oyer 
and Terminer; the latter being a part of the Circuit Court and held by 
the justice, the county judge and two justices of sessions. Since 1882 
the Oyer and Terminer has consisted of a single justice of the Supreme 
Court. 

It is proper at this point to describe one of the old courts the powers 
of which have been vested in the Supreme Court. We refer to the 
Chancery Court, an heirloom of the colonial period, which had its 
origin in the Court of Assizes, the latter being invested with equity 
powers under the duke's laws. The court was established in 1683, and 
the governor or such person as he should appoint, assisted by the 
Council, was designated as its chancellor. In 1698 the court went out 
oiit of existence by limitation; was revived by ordinance in 1701; sus- 
pended in 1703, and re-established in the next year. „At first the 
Court of Chancery was unpopular in the Province, the Assembly and 
the colonists opposing it with the argument that the crown had no 
authority to establish an equity court in the colony, and doubtful of the 



SUPREME COURT. 57 

propriety of constituting- the Governor and Council such a court. 
Under the Constitution of 1777 the court was recognized, but its chan- 
cellor was thereby prohibited from holding any other office except 
delegate to Congress on special occasions. Upon the reorganization of 
the court in 1778, by convention of representatives, masters and ex- 
aminers in chancery were provided to be appointed by the Council of 
Appointment; registers and clerks by the chancellor. The latter 
licensed all solicitors and councillors of the court. Under the Consti- 
tution of 1821 the chancellor was appointed by the governor and held 
office during good behavior, or until sixty years of age. Appeals lay 
from the Chancery Court to the Court for the Correction of Errors. 
Under the second Constitution equity powers were vested in the circuit 
judges, and their decisions were reviewable on appeal to the chancellor. 
But this equity character was soon taken from the circuit judges and 
thereafter devolved upon the chancellor, while the judges alluded to 
acted as vice-chancellors in their respective circuits. But, by the 
radical changes made by the Constitution of 1846, the Court of Chan- 
cery was abolished, and its powers, duties and jurisdiction vested in the 
Supreme Court, as before stated. 

By act of the Legislature adopted in 1848, and entitled the " Code of 
Procedure," all distinctions between actions at law and suits in equity 
were abolished, so far as the manner of commencing and conducting' 
them was concerned, and one uniform method of practice was adopted. 
Under this act appeals lay to the General Term of the Supreme Court 
from judgments rendered in Justice's, Mayor's or Recorder's, and 
County Courts, and from all orders and decisions of a justice at Special 
Term of the Supreme Court. 

The judiciary article of the Constitution of 1846 was amended in 
1869, authorizing the Legislature, not more often than once in five 
years, to provide for the organization of General Terms, consisting of a 
presiding justice and not more than three associates; but by chapter 
408 of the laws of 1870 the then organization of the General Term was 
abrogated and the State divided into four departments and provision 
made for holding General Terms in each. By the same act the gov- 
ernor was directed to designate from among the justices of the Su- 
preme Court a presiding justice and two associates to constitute a 
General Term in each department. Under the authority of the Con- 
stitutional Amendment adopted in 1882, the Legislature in 1883 divided 
the State into five judicial departments, and provided for the election 



58 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

of twelve additional justices to hold office from the first Monday in 
June, 1884. 

In June, 1887, the Legislature enacted the Code of Civil Procedure 
to take the place of the Code of 1848. By this many minor changes 
were made, among them a provision that every two years the justices 
of the General Terms, and the chief judges of the Superior City Courts, 
should meet and revise and establish general rules of practice for all 
the courts of record in the State, except the Court of Appeals. 

Such are, in brief, the changes through which the Supreme Court of 
this State has passed in its growth from the prerogative of an irre- 
sponsible governor, to one of the most independent and enlightened 
instrumentalities for the protection and attainment of the rights of 
citizens of which any state or nation can rightfull)^ boast. So well is 
this fact understood by the people, that by far the greater amount of 
business, which might be done in inferior courts at less expense, is 
taken to this court for settlement. 

In this court, and those which it directl}^ succeeded, the following 
Tompkins county men held office: in the Court of Common Pleas, 
Oliver C. Comstock, appointed April 10, 1817 ; Richard Smith, appointed 
June 10, 1818; Andrew D. W. Bruyn, appointed January 18, 1826; 
Amasa Dana, appointed March 16, 1837; Henry D. Barto, appointed 
February 18, 1843. In the organization of the judicial districts of the 
State, Tompkins county was included in the Sixth, and Douglass 
Boardman, of Ithaca, was elected justice in 1865, and continued in 
office until 1870. On December 24, 1873, he was appointed associate 
justice on the General Term Bench. A more extended biography of 
Judge Boardman will be found on another page of this work. 

Next in inferiority to the Supreme Court is the County Court, held 
in and for each county of the State at such times and places as its 
judges may direct. This court had its origin in the English Court of 
Sessions, and, like that court, had at first criminal jurisdiction only. 
By an act passed in 1683, a Court of Sessions, having power to try both 
civil and criminal causes by jury, was directed to be held by three jus- 
tices of the peace, in each of the counties of the Province twice each 
year, with an additional term in Albany and two in New York. By 
the act of 1691 and the decree of 1699, all civil jurisdiction was taken 
from this court and conferred upon the Court of Common Pleas. By 
the sweeping changes made by the Constitution of 1846, provision was 
made for a County Court in each county of the State, excepting New 




/^/^^ 




COUNTY COURTS. 59 

York, to be held by an officer to be designated the county judge, and 
to have such jurisdiction as the Legislature might prescribe. Under 
authority of this Constitution the County Courts have been given, from 
time to time, jurisdiction in various classes of actions which need not 
be enumerated here, and have also been invested with certain equity 
powers in the foreclosure of mortgages ; to sell infants' real estate ; to 
partition lands ; to admeasure dower and care for the persons and 
estates of lunatics and habitual drunkards. The Judiciary Act of 1869 
continued the existing jurisdiction of County Courts, and conferred 
upon theiTL original jurisdiction in all actions in which the defendants 
lived within the county, and the damages claimed did not exceed 
$1,000. Like the Supreme Court, the County Court now has its civil 
and its criminal side. In criminal matters the county judge is assisted 
by two justices of sessions, elected by the people from among the jus- 
tices of the peace in the county. It is in the criminal branch of this 
court, known as the Sessions, that all the minor criminal offenses are 
now disposed of. All indictments of the grand jury, excepting for 
murder or some very serious felony, are sent to it for trial from the 
Oyer and Terminer. By the Codes of 1848 and 1877, the methods of 
procedure and practice were made to conform as nearly as possible to 
the practice in the Supreme Court. This was done with the evident 
design of attracting litigation into these courts, thus relieving the Su- 
preme Court.- In this purpose there has been failure, litigants much 
preferring the shield and assistance of the broader powers of the Su- 
preme Court. By the Judiciary Act the term of office of county judges 
was extended from four to six years. Under the Codes the judges can 
perform some of the duties of a justice of the Supreme Court at 
chambers. The County Court has appellate jurisdiction over actions 
arising in Justice Courts and Courts of Special Sessions. Appeals lay 
from the County Court to the General Term. Count}^ judges were ap- 
pointed until 1847, after which they were elected. 

In the County Court of Tompkins county the following have held 
offices: County judges, Oliver C. Comstock, April 10, 1817; Richard 
Smith, June 10, 1818; A. D. W. Bruyn, January 18, 1826; Amasa 
Dana, March 16, 1837; Henry D. Barto, February 18, 1843; Alfred 
Wells, elected June, 1847-51 ; Douglass Boardman, 1851-55 ; Samuel 
P. Wisner, 1855-59; Henry S. Walbridge, 1859-67; Mills Van Valken- 
burg, 1867-74; Marcus Lyon, 1874-91; Bradford Almy, elected No- 
vember, 1891. 



60 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Special county judges were authorized for this county by the Legis- 
lature in 1852. The following persons have held the office: Jerome 
Rowe (special judge and surrogate), 1852-63; Arthur wS. Johnson, 
1862-71; George W. Wood, 1871-72; Jesse M. McKinney, 1873-77; 
Edward A. Wagner, 1877-81; Jared T. Newman, 1881-84; John Tyler, 
1884-89; Judson A. Elston, 1889-92; James L. Baker, 1802-94. 

vSurrogate's Courts, one of which exists in each of the counties of the 
vSt'ate, are now courts of record having a seal. Their special jurisdic- 
tion is the settlement and care of estates of persons who have died 
either with or without a will, and of infants. The derivation of the 
powers and practice of the Surrogate's Court in this State is from the 
Ecclesiastical Court of England, through a part of the Colonial Coun- 
cil, which existed during the Dutch rule here, and exercised its author- 
ity in accordance with the Dutch Roman law, the custom of Amsterdam 
and the law of Aasdom; the Court of Burgomasters and Scheppens, 
the Court of Orphan Masters, the Mayor's Court, the Prerogative 
Court and the Court of Probates. The settlement of estates and the 
guardianship of orphans which was at first vested in the Director-Gen- 
eral and Council of New Netherlands, was transferred to the Burgo- 
masters in 1G53, and soon afterward to the Orphan Masters. Under 
the Colony the Prerogative Court controlled all matters in relation to 
the probate of wills and settlement of estates. This power continued 
until 1692, when by act of legislation all probates and. granting of 
letters of administration were to be under the hand of the governor or 
his delegate ; and two freeholders were appointed in each town to take 
charge of the estates of persons dying without a will. Under the 
duke's laws this duty had been performed by the constables, overseers, 
and justices of each town. In 1778 the governor was divested of all 
this power excepting the appointment of surrogates, and it was con- 
ferred upon the Court of Probates. Under the first Constitution sur- 
rogates were appointed by the Council of Appointment; under the 
second Constitution, by the governor with the approval of the Senate. 
The Constitution of 1846 abrogated the office of surrogate in all coun- 
ties having less than 40,000 population, and conferred its powers and 
duties upon the county judge. By the Code of Civil Procedure surro- 
gates were invested with all the necessary powers to carry out the 
equitable and incidental requirements of their office. 

The following persons have held the office of surrogate in Tompkins 
county: Andrew D. W. Bruyn, appointed April 11, 1817; Edmund F. 



DISTRICT ATTORNEYS— SHERIFFS. 61 

Pelton, appointed March 21, 1821; Miles Finch, appointed March 27, 
1823; Charles Humphrey, March 4, 1831; Evans Humphrey, January 
8, 1834; Arthur S. Johnson, March 3, 1838; George G. Freer, Febru- 
ary 14, 1843. 

The only remaining courts which are common to the State are the 
Special Sessions, held by a justice of the peace for the trial of minor 
offences, and Justice Courts with limited ciyil jurisdiction. Previous 
to the constitution of 1821, modified in 1826, justices of the peace were 
appointed; since that date they have been elected. The office and its 
duties are descended from the English office of the same name, but are 
much less important here than there, and under the laws of this State 
are purely the creature of the statute. The office is now of little im- 
portance in the administration of law, and with its loss of old-time 
power has lost also much of its former dignity. 

The office of district attorney was formerly known as assistant attor- 
ney-general. The districts then embraced several counties in each and 
were seven in number. On the 15th of April, 1817, upon the organiz- 
ation of Tompkins county, a new district was formed, number the 
eighth, which included Broome, Cortland, Seneca and Tompkins coun- 
ties. At first the office was filled by the Governor and Council during 
pleasure. The office of district attorne)^ as now known, was created 
April 4, 1801. By a law passed in April, 1818, each county was con- 
stituted a separate district for the purposes of this office. During the 
era of the second Constitution district attorneys were appointed by the 
Court of Special Sessions in each county. The following have held the 
office in Tompkins county : David Woodcock (appointed or elected) 
June 11, 1813; Amasa Dana, January 28, 1823; Samuel Love, May 15, 
1837; Benjamin G. Ferris, May 16, 1840; Alfred Wells, May 17, 1845 
Arthur S. Johnson, June 14, 1847; Douglass Boardman, June, 1847 
William Marsh, November, 1850; John A. Williams, November, 1853 
Marcus Lyon, November, 1856; Harvey A. Dowe (appointed vice 
Lyon, removed from county), June 10, 1864; Samuel H. Wilcox, No- 
vember, 1864; Merrit King, November, 1867; Samuel D. Halliday, 
November, 1873; Simeon Smith (appointed vice Halliday, resigned), 
1875; David M. Dean, November, 1876; Clarence L. Smith, Novem- 
ber, 1882; Jesse H. Jennings, November, 1883, and re-elected in 1891. 

Sheriffs during the colonial period were appointed annually in Oc- 
tober, unless otherwise noticed. Under the first Constitution they 
were appointed annually by the Council of Appointment, and no person 



63 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

could hold the office more than four successive years. The sheriff 
could hold no other office and must be a freeholder in the county to 
which appointed. Since the Constitution of 1821, sheriffs have been 
elected for a term of three years, and are ineligible for election to the 
succeeding term. The following have held this office in Tompkins 
county: Hermon Camp (appointed), April 11, 1817; Henr}^ Bloom, 
June 26, 1817; Nicoll Halsey, March 2, 1819; Nicholas Townley, Feb- 
ruary 12, 1821, and elected November, 1822. (After this date the 
sheriffs have been elected in November of each year named. ) Eben- 
ezerVickery, 1825; Thomas Robertson, 1828; Peter Hager 2d, 1831; 
Minos McGowan, 1834; Jehiel Ludlow, 1837; Edward L. Porter, 1839; 
Ephraim Labar, 1842; John P. Andrews, 1845; Charles C. Howell, 
1848; Lewis H. Van Kirk, 1851; Richard J. Ives, 1854; Smith Rob- 
ertson, 1857; Homer Jennings, 1860; Edward Hungerford, 1863; Eron 
C. Van Kirk, 1866; Horace L. Root, 1869; Eron C. Van Kirk, 1872; 
Barnard M. Hagin, 1875; William J. Smith, 1878; John K. Follett, 
1881; J.Warren Tibbetts, 1884; John K. Follett, 1887; J.Warren 
Tibbetts, 1890; Charles S. Seaman, 1893. 

Such legal business as the pioneers of what is now Tompkins county 
found necessary for about twenty years after their various settlements 
and down to the formation of this county in 1817, was of course trans- 
acted at the county seats of Cayuga and Seneca counties (the former 
taken from Onondaga county in 1797, and the latter from Cayuga in 
1804). There were, without a doubt, lawsuits among those early set- 
tlers, but they were not so numerous nor so important as those of later 
days. The pioneers felt a too kindly spirit towards each other to admit 
of their often bringing malicious prosecutions against their neighbors, 
and they were far too busy with their labors in making homes for 
themselves and their children to willingly squander time in traveling 
to distant court houses, when traveling was a serious matter, there to 
wait the often tardy action of the primitive judiciary. 

The act of the Legislature which organized Tompkins county desig- 
nated Ithaca (then a little hamlet in the old town of Ulysses.) as the 
county seat. It would seem that somebody in the then counties of 
Cayuga and Seneca feared that the new county would not fulfill its 
proper destiny, for the act provided that in case of failure on the part 
of the town to convey a site for the county buildings and raise $7,000 
with which to erect the same, the territory of the new county was to be 
reannexed to Cayuga and Seneca. But these provisions were promptly 




^Acti/ed^ (2f. (2f^x 



€^€^■7-7^/^-7^ 



THE FIRST COURT. m 

complied with, and in 1818 a building for a court house and jail was 
erected and ready for occupanc5\ As a " hall of justice " it was quite 
insig-nificant ; but it served its purpose until 1854, when the present 
structure was erected on the same site. 

The old court house became inadequate for its purposes, and an act 
was passed by the Legislature authorizing the erection of the present 
structure, which was begun in 1854 and finished the succeeding year. 
The act named Stephen B. Gushing, Samuel Giles and Horace Mack a 
building committee, and under their careful direction the building was 
completed at a cost of $12,154.76. In the light of modern architectural 
practice it cannot be said that the court house is an honor to the coun- 
ty; indeed, this fact is so apparent that at this date (1894) measures 
are advocated for the erection of a new structure which will properly 
serve the people and honorably reflect the progress of the community. 

The first judicial officers of the county were as follows: First judge, 
Oliver C. Comstock, appointed April 10, 1817; surrogate, Andrew D. 
W. Bruyn, appointed March 11, 1818; sheriff, Hermon Camp, appointed 
April 11, 1817; district attorne}^, David Woodcock, appointed April 11, 
1817; clerk. Archer Green, appointed April 11, 1817. The first jus- 
tices of the peace (appointed 1817) were as follows: W. Wigton, Elia- 
kim Avery, A. D. W. Bruyn, Henry Bloom, Charles Bingham, 
Nathaniel F. Mack, John Sutton, Simeon F. Strong, Joseph Goodwin, 
John Bowman, J. Bennett, Samuel Love, John Ellis, William Martin, 
Peter Rappleya, Chester Coborne, Thomas White, Richard Smith, 
Heniy D. Barto, Caleb Smith, Peter Whitmore, J. Weaver, Stephen 
Woodworth, Lewis Tooker, John Bowker, Charles Kelly, C. Brown 2d, 
James Colegrove and Abijah Miller. 

At the first Court of General Sessions in this county. May 28, 1817, 
the following proceedings took place : 

Present, John Sutton, esq., senior judge; Thomas White, Richard 
Smith, and John Ellis, judges and justices of the peace; Charles Bing- 
ham, Parley Whitmore, John Bowman, and William Wigton, assistant 
justices. 

Bills of indictment were presented to said court by the grand inquest 
of said county against the following persons, viz. : John C, Murry, 
Daniel Newell, Humphrey D. Tabor, Daniel Murry, Alvin Chase, 
Abraham Osborne, and Samuel Osborne. The above were " severally 
recognized in the sum of $100 each." Their securities were John 
Townsend, jr., for J. C. and D. Murry; Jabez Howland, for H. D. 



04 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Murry ; Isaac Chase, for Alvin Chase ; Isaac Chase and Henry Hewlin, 
for A. and S. Osborne. 

The witnesses, who were also " recognized in the sum of $50 each," 
were Joseph Bowen, Chester Coborn, vSamuel Rolff, and William Co}'- 
kendall. 

At this term of court a bill was returned by the grand jury for theft 
or petit larceny against Birdse}' Clark. " Mr. Johnson pleaded against 
the jurisdiction of the court. The court overruled the objection, and 
ordered that the prisoner give bail or be committed to jail. The 
prisoner requested and obtained permission to be tried by a special 
session." A bill of indictment was also returned against Calvin Kel- 
logg for assault and battery. 

The first petit jury was organized at the September term, IJSIT, and 
consisted of the following persons: 

Samuel Knapp, Marvin Buck, John Collins, Oliver Miller, iVbner N. 
Harland, Horace Cooper, John Sniffen, Aaron K. Matthews, John 
Walden, Caleb Davis, Augustus Ely, and Peter Vanvliet. 

The first case tried by this jury was the indictment against Messrs. 
Murry, Tabor, Abraham and Samuel Osborne, and Alvin Chase, for 
riot. They were found guilty, and Messrs. Tabor, Daniel Murry, and 
Abraham Osborne fined $10 each, and Alvin Chase and Samuel O-*^- 
borne $5 each. 

The first Court of Common Pleas was held at the "meeting-house," 
in the village of Ithaca, town of Ulysses, on the fourth Tuesday of May, 
1817. Senior judge, John Sutton; judges, Richard Smith, Thomas 
White, and John Ellis; assistant justices and justices of the peace, 
William Wigton, Charles Bingham and John Bowman. 

" The general pleas and the general commissions of the peace having 
been read, the court opened in due form. The court adjourned for one 
hour, to meet again at Champlin & Frisbie's hotel. The court met 
agreeably to adjournment; present as before. The venire for sum- 
moning the grand jur}^ having been returned by John Ludlow, esq., 
coroner, their names being called, they all answered. Mr. Ben John- 
son objected to the grand jury being sworn, because the)^ were sum- 
moned by a coroner and the venire directed to him. The court 
overruled the objection, and directed that the grand jury be sworn. 
They were accordingly sworn, and John Bowker, esq., was appointed 
foreman of the said inquest. At this court it was also 




iy Sanmel Sarii"''^^ 




^^^^^^^Z^'^^^^^^^^t.^r^-?^ 



EARLY MEMBERS OF THE BAR. 65 

Resolved, By the Court, that those attornies who were authorized to practice in 
the counties of Seneca and Cayuga, and in the Supreme Court, and in good standing 
as such, be admitted in this court. 

" On the following- morning- the court, having no further business, 
adjourned." 

The first will recorded and proven was that of John Morris, of Lans- 
ing, A. D. W. Bruyn being at that time surrogate. It was proven 
September 6, 1817; Isaiah Giles, J. AVhitlock, and Sarah Giles, wit- 
nesses. 

The first letters of administration were issued May 6, 1817, to Eliza- 
beth Smith, on the estate of Alexander Smith, of Ulysses. The second 
letters of administration were issued to Barzillai King, jr., and Henry 
D. Barto, on the estate of Barzillai King, of Covert. 

Tompkins county, in respect to its population, is among the smaller 
counties of this State, and its bar has not, therefore, been as numerous 
as in other and more populous counties; but it will not suffer in com- 
parison with the bar of any other interior section in respect to the 
character, ability and honor of its members. It has had, and now has, 
members occupying the highest judicial positions in the State, the 
duties of which have been performed to the honor of the incumbents 
and the people whom they represent. This county was quite well 
equipped with lawyers at its organization in 1817, and it is a pleasure 
to record some brief personal characteristics of many of the early rep- 
resentatives of the profession, as well as of those of more recent times. 

One of the foremost of the early attorneys of this count}^ was Ben 
Johnson, whose services were often in demand in the more important 
cases, and who was called to oppose some of the most distinguished 
lawyers of the State. Mr. Johnson was born at Haverhill, N.H., June 
23, 1784. His early education was obtained in the district schools, 
with a little academic training. He entered the law office of Foote & 
Rumsey, in Troy, N.Y. , studying there in company with John A. Col- 
lier, with whom he subsequently formed a partnership for practice in 
Binghamton; this existed but a short time, when Mr. Johnson removed 
to Hector (then in Cayuga), but came to Ithaca some years previous 
to his marriage, which occurred in November, 1817. He built the 
house on Seneca street, where he passed the remainder of his life. His 
office was on Aurora street, and he practiced alone until 1819, when he 
became associated with Charles Humphrey. After several years con- 
tinuance of this partnership, Mr. Johnson joined with Henry S, Wal- 



66 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

bridge, which connection terminated in 1830. His next partner was 
his son-in-law, Anthony Schuyler. His death took place at his home 
in Ithaca, March 19, 1848. We find the following written of Mr. John- 
son: 

When fully aroused in an important trial, Ben Johnson was regarded by the most 
astute advocates as the peer of the ablest counsel in the State. Erudite, of logical 
mind, and possessed of rare powers in debate, his efforts before the courts always 
challenged attention, and often admiration. An indefatigable worker, he kept 
scrupulously within the bounds of his vocation, concentrating his mental and phys- 
ical strength upon the cases in hand. His nature was social and genial, though quiet 
and undemonstrative. 

David Woodcock established himself in Ithaca as early as 1812, and 
soon took a prominent position at the bar of the State. Traveling the 
district with the Circuit Courts, as a forcible and astute jury lawyer, in 
persuasive power was seldom excelled by any whom he met at the bar. 
He represented Seneca county in the Legislature (1814-15), was dis- 
trict attorney in 1818, and was elected to Congress in 1821. At the 
close of the XVIIth Congress he retired to his professional practice ; 
but was called again to the Legislature in 1826, where he was a lead- 
ing member of the House. Declining re-election, he was in 1828 again 
elected to Congress, where his abilities were at once recognized. On 
returning he resumed his practice at the bar and was suddenly stricken 
down with his armor on. He died at Ithaca in September, 1835. His 
nature was kind and genial, generous and warm hearted, and his in- 
fluence and example with the younger members of the bar was always 
salutary. His son, Don C. Woodcock, a lawyer of great ability, re- 
moved from Ithaca to Troy, and died in that city. 

Charles Humphrey, already mentioned as a partner of Mr. Johnson, 
was another conspicuous attorney of the early years, who devoted to 
the service of the country his great legal abilities in establishing and 
fostering not only local improvements, but rendered signal service to 
the State. He was a forcible advocate, clear and sharp in attack and 
repartee, and long adorned the bar of the State. He was a member of 
the Legislature in 1834, and re-elected in the two succeeding sessions, 
serving as speaker of the House in both the LVIIIth and LIXth ses- 
sions. Years before this he had been sent to the National Legislature, 
representing the Twenty-fifth District, composed of Tioga and Tomp- 
kins counties, taking his seat in 1825. After continuing a large prac- 
tice many years he was again prevailed upon to take a seat in the State 



EARLY MEMBERS OF THE BAR. 67 

Legislature in 1842. He also served some years as clerk of the Su- 
preme Court at Albany. He suffered from a painful constitutional 
disease in his later years, but returned to Ithaca and took up his prac- 
tice in important cases before the Court of Appeals and in the Supreme 
Court. Supported upon crutches and standing- before the highest 
State court, he always commanded its strict attention and won ad- 
miration from distinguished members of the State bar. He died in 
Albany July 18, 1850, while in professional attendance at the Supreme 
Court. 

Andrew D. W. Bru5^n was an early and prominent member of the 
bar: held the office of surrogate 1817 to 1821, and afterwards under 
the second Constitution served as first judge of the county, 182G to 
1837. Elected to represent the Twenty-first District, counties of Che- 
mung, Cortland, Tioga and Tompkins, in the XXVth Congress, he 
took his seat September 4, 1837, and died at Washington in July of 
the following year. Judge Bruyn was distinguished for his legal' 
acquirements and laborious industry in his profession. He was es- 
pecially noted for strict observance of all those social, public, private 
or official duties which, with a high sense of personal honor, make a 
well rounded character. In his profession he was powerful in argu- 
ment, while on the bench his decisions were clear and dignified, and 
wholly unbiased. 

Amasa Dana was an early lawyer of Tompkins county whose profes- 
sional standing gave it honor and prominence, and whose high religious 
and moral character reflected the brightest luster. He acquired prom- 
inence as an advocate early in life, and was elected to the Legislature 
in 1828 and 1829, having already discharged the duties of the office of 
district attorney from 1823 to 1827. Returning from the Legislature 
to resume his practice he was elected to Congress from the Twenty- 
second District, serving from December, 1839, to March, 1841 ; and 
again was called to the same high office (1843 to 1845). He also served 
as first judge of the County Court, 1837 to 1843. Resuming his prac- 
tice in 1845 he gave his whole attention to its duties until his death, 
December 24, 1867, at the age of seventy-six years. It has been writ- 
ten of him : 

Judge Dana not only adorned the profession he had chosen by a life of most faith- 
ful performance and observance of every exacting requirement of duty to society, to 
his home, and to every responsible public trust, but deeply imbued with a high and 
religious sentiment, he brought to the discharge of his professional, judicial and 



68 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

legislative requirements a devout reliance upon the favor of a God in whom he 
trusted. . . . His memory will be long cherished by the church at whose altar 
he was a devout worshiper, not less than by the bar of which he was so distinguished 
an ornament. . 

Other members of the early bar were Stephen Mack, who graduated 
from Yale in 1813, located in Owego in 1814, and soon afterward settled 
in Ithaca, where he practiced his profession many years. He was a 
diligent and methodical lawyer, and died at the age of seventy-one 
5^ears, Januar}^ 7, 1857. 

Edmund G. Pelton was a lawyer of some prominence in early years 
and held the office of surrogate in 1821 ; and there were others who 
are, perhaps, entitled to mention in this connection, but whose good 
deeds have gone into the unremembered history of the past. 

William Linn, though he cannot be called a distinguished lawyer, 
confining himself largely to office work, was conspicuous for his schol- 
arly attainments and his polished style of oratory upon the platform. 
His numerous public addresses were widel}^ circulated and regarded 
by cultivated scholars as models of logical force and elegant diction. 
He died when nearly eighty years of age. He studied for the pure 
love of it, and was richly endowed with historical and classical knowl- 
edge, and was the great orator at all great assemblies from 1810 to 
1845. He was the author af the Roorback hoax of 1844. 

Horace King, whose "Early History of Ithaca " attracted consider- 
able attention, was a native of Ithaca. He had just entered on the 
practice of his profession in 1847, when he delivered his historical lec- 
ture. His very early death arrested a career which his qualifications 
as a pleader, and his attractiveness as a public speaker, must have 
made one of note in this community and elsewhere. 

Augustus Sherrill was one of the old-time lawyers of Ithaca, whose 
memory is yet vividl}' recalled by those here from 1830 to 1846. Care- 
ful, painstaking and accurate, he was appreciated by clients, and en- 
joyed to a marked degree the confidence of the community. 

George G. Freer practiced law in Ithaca for many years with Samuel 
Love. He was proprietor of the Tompkins Times in 1836 and ap- 
pointed surrogate by Governor B.ouck in 1843. Mr. Freer removed to 
Watkins, and died there some ten years ago. 

George D. Beers, as an advocate before a jury, was almost invariabl}^ 
pitted against such eminent practitioners as Ben Johnson and Charles 
Humphrey. His keen analytical mind grasped the salient points in a 



EARLY MEMBERS OF THE BAR. 69 

case, and he had a remarkable faculty of impressing- a jury by the 
earnestness of his pleading- and the grasp he had on the strong features 
of the case in hand. Mr. Beers was born at Hobart, Delaware county, 
June 7, 1812, and removed to Ithaca just after the organization of the 
county. He graduated from Union College, his diploma bearing the 
autograph of the remarkable Dr. Eliphalet Nott. He was admitted to 
practice in the Supreme Court in July, 1833, and in the Court of Chan- 
cery in 1834. In 1844 he was elected to the State Senate under the 
four-year term of four senators to a district. In 1879 he attended the 
fiftieth anniversary of his college class. He died in Ithaca, October 
12, 1880. 

Frederick G. Stanley practiced law in Ithaca four years along in the 
thirties. But little can be ascertained in regard to his early life or his 
family. Those of his profession who knew him and his conduct of 
cases, speak of him as the peer of the brighest intellects who have dig- 
nified the bar in this section of the State. Mr. vStanley removed to 
Buffalo, and after a few years, during which he built up a large client- 
age, he died. 

Moses R. Wright was a young and brilliant lawyer who came to 
Ithaca in 1841, and whose career of great eminence was ended by his 
untimely death about ten years afterwards. No record is obtainable 
on his life, but there is scarcely a resident of Tompkins county who 
will not recall him, and those who knew him personally yet retain vivid 
recollections of his great power as an advocate and his clear conception 
of legal principles. He was a writer, especially on political subjects, 
of great force. 

Henry S. Walbridge finished his law studies in the law office of Ben 
Johnson and, as before stated, entered into partnership with the latter. 
This gave him the advantages of Mr. Johnson's reputation to a certain 
extent and enabled him to soon occupy a commanding position, to which 
his superior qualifications also entitled him. He was elected to the 
Legislature in 1827, and again in 184G, serving with credit to himself 
and satisfaction to the people. After a period of devotion to his pro- 
fession he was elected to Congress from this district, and served from 
1851 to 1853. Returning to Ithaca, he was elected first judge of the 
count}^ in 1859, in which high office he discharged his duties with 
eminent ability and faithfulness until 1867. He soon afterward met 
with accidental death in a railroad casualty near the city of New York. 



70 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Benjamin G. Ferris was a college graduate, and soon after finishing 
his education he entered the office of David Woodcock. Admitted to 
the bar in due time, he soon took an enviable position in his profession 
and rapidl}^ advanced to the front rank. He served in the Legislature 
in 1851, was district attorney of this county (1840-45), and in 1853 was 
appointed secretary of Utah Territory by President Fillmore. A short 
time in that uncongenial position sufficed for him, and he returned to 
Ithaca and resumed practice, spending a few intervening years in New 
York. city. He died in Ithaca in 1893. 

Alfred Wells studied law in the office of Humphrey & Woodcock, 
and after his admission to the bar .soon became prominent in the pro- 
fession. This is indicated by his early selection in 1847 as first judge 
of the count}^, in which office he served four years. He was elected to 
the XXXVIth Congress (1859-Gl) and was recognized as an able legis- 
lator. Returning to his profession, he was afterwards appointed 
assessor of internal revenue, and occupied that station at the time of 
his death. 

Douglass Boardman during the greater part of his professional life 
occupied a foremost position at the bar and in the judiciary. His 
abilities as a lawyer were recognized soon after he was admitted, and 
he was early called to judicial labor. Elected first judge of this county 
in 1851, he served as such four years, relinquishing for that position 
the office of district attorney, to which he was chosen in 1847. Return- 
ing to his practice in 1855 he pursued it with diligence and eminent 
success for ten years, when the general knowledge of his fitness to 
adorn the bench led to his selection for Supreme Court judge in 1865. 
At the close of his first term of eight years he was renominated and 
elected without a competitor for a term of fourteen years. Soon after- 
wards, and on the death of Hon. John M. Parker, Judge Boardman 
was appointed to the vacancy thus made on the General Term bench of 
the Sixth District. His death occurred at his summer residence at 
Sheldrake in 1892. 

William H. Bogart was a lawyer b}^ profession and spent many 3^ears 
in Ithaca. He was a man of fine natural qualifications ; was elected 
to the State Legislature in 1840 and served one term ; he also served 
as clerk of the House and the Senate. He was a graceful writer and 
an eloquent speaker. Later in his life he removed to Aurora, where 
he enjoyed an elegant leisure in a beautiful and hospitable home. 



EARLY MEMBERS OF THE BAR. 71 

Milo Goodrich was for a number of years prominent in the bar of 
the county, located at Dryden. He was a native of Cortland county, 
studied in Worcester, Mass., and was admitted in 1840, soon after 
which he settled in Dryden. He was elected to the XLIId Congress, 
was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1867, and held other 
positions of honor. As a lawyer he was skillful, and gave the most 
unremitting care to preparation of his cases. About the year 1870 he 
removed to Auburn, N. Y., where he died. 

Merritt King was a son of one of the pioneers of the town of Danby, 
where his grandfather settled as early as 1800. By self-sacrificing 
efforts he obtained a liberal education ; served honorably in the One 
Hundred and Thirty-seventy Regiment N. Y. V. for three years, and 
held the rank of major when mustered out. He studied in Ithaca, and 
took a regular course at the Alban}^ Law School, graduating with 
honor. He served twice as district attorney (1867 and 1870), and in 
the fall of 1875 received the nomination for member of Assembly, but 
was defeated b}^ the university vote. 

Stephen B. Cushing is remembered as one of the most promising and 
brilliant advocates at the bar of Tompkins county from 1837 to 1855. 
Almost from the beginning of his practice he stepped to the front rank 
as a jury lawyer; was elected to the Legislature in 1852, and was a 
prominent candidate for speaker on the Democratic side. Turning 
much of his attention to politics, he was nominated in 1855 for attorney- 
general of the State, on the American ticket, was elected, and entered 
upon the duties of the office January 1, 1856. On retiring from that 
position he formed a partnership with Daniel E. Sickles, of New York 
city, and continued a successful practice. He died there suddenly in 
1865. 

Charles Clarence Van Kirk, born in Ithaca, November 4, 1855, died 
August 1, 1892. He was educated in the Ithaca Academy and after 
some years passed in Colorado and in lumbering business learned sten- 
ography, in which he became an expert. During his study he read 
law in the office of Henry A. Merritt, of Troy. He was admitted to 
the bar in 1885, and for a time had a large income from reporting and 
as a referee. On account of weakening sight he returned to Ithaca in 
1887 and opened a law office, continuing to practice until his death. 



72 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



TOMPKINS COUNTY BAR— 1894. 



Almy, Bradford, Ithaca. 
Austin, William, Trumansburg. 
Baker, James L. , Ithaca. 
Blood, Charles H., Ithaca. 
Bouton, D. C, Ithaca. 
Burchell, Geo. R., Dr3rden. 
Burns, Thomas W., Ithaca. 
Baldwin, M. M., Groton. 
Benton, Frank R. , Ithaca. 
Clock, Fred. L. , Ithaca. 
Davis, George B., Ithaca. 
Day, Chas. G., Ithaca. 
Dean, D. M., Ithaca. 
Dean, Fred. N., Newfield. 
Ellsworth, Perry G. , Ithaca. 
Elston, J. A., Ithaca. 
Estabrook, W. B., Ithaca. 
Esty, Clarence H., Ithaca. 
Finch, Wm. A., Ithaca. 
Finch, Francis M., Ithaca. 
Fish, Cary B., Ithaca. 
Fredenburg, E. E. , Ithaca. 
Gifford, Gardner C. , Ludlowville. 
Goodrich, George E., Dryden. 
Halliday, Samuel D., Ithaca. 
Hare, William W. , Groton. 
Hopkins, Herman S., Groton. 
Horton, Randolph, Newfield. 
Hungerford, A. A., Ithaca. 
Humphrey, William R., Ithaca. 

Important Trials and Crimes.^— As a part of the criminal record of 
Tompkins county, the remarkable career of Edward H. Rulloff should 
not be omitted. He was born near the city of vSt. Johns, in the Prov- 
ince of New Brunswick, and was hanged at Binghamton, Broome 
county, on the 18th of May, 1871. His father's name was William 
Rulloffson, the son taking- the name of Rulloff upon removing to this 
locality. Financial circumstances denied, him a professional career, 
and he became a clerk in a store in St. Johns. His employers were 
twice burned out and Rulloff left his clerkship to begin the study of 
law. For a theft in the store of those he formerly served he was ar- 
rested, tried and convicted, and served a sentence of two years in State 
prison. At the close of his sentence he disappeared from St. Johns, 



Jennings, J, H., Ithaca. 
Leary, Frank M., Ithaca. 
Lyon, Marcus, Ithaca. 
Monroe, Geo. E., Dryden. 
Mallery, L. D., Dryden. 
Mead, MM., Ithaca. 
Milne, John A., Trumansburgh. 
Newman, Jared T., Ithaca, 
Noble, William N. , Ithaca. 
Noble, Ossian G., Ithaca. 
Osborn, Alvah P., Trumansburgh. 
Poole, Murray E., Ithaca. 
Rhodes, Dana, Groton. 
Smith, Simeon, Ithaca. 
Smith, W. Hazlitt, Ithaca. 
Smith, Clarence L. , Ithaca. 
Smith, Raymond L. , Ithaca. 
Stoddard, Giles M., Groton. 
Sweetland, Monroe M., Ithaca. 
Tibbetts, Frank E., Ithaca. 
Tichenor, James H., Ithaca. 
Tichenor, Edwin C, Ithaca. 
Tompkins. M. N., Ithaca. 
Turner, Samuel B. , Ithaca. 
Terry, Eugene, Ithaca. 
Van Cleef, Mynderse, Ithaca. 
Van Vleet, D. F. , Ithaca. 
Whiton, Fred. J., Ithaca. 
Wolcott, Clarence R., Ithaca. 



IMPORTANT TRIALS AND CRIMES. 73 

.•and nothing is known of his career until he appeared in Dryden in May, 

1842. He claimed to be in search of employment, even as a laborer, 
if nothing better offered. His acquirements attracted great attention, 
and he secured a position as a drug clerk in Ithaca. He soon acquired 
an intimate knowledge of drugs and their effects, and then left the 
business. He next opened a select school in Dryden, and among his 
pupils was Miss Harriet Schutt, a most amiable and lovely girl of 
seventeen years. Rulloff paid her marked attention, and in opposition 
to the wishes of her parents, he married her on the 31st of December, 

1843. Almost immediately afterwards Rulloff, entirely without cause, 
developed an insane jealousy and treated his wife with positive cruelty, 
in one instance striking her with an iron pestle and felling her to the 
floor. He removed to Lansing, where a daughter was born in April, 
1845, and for a period Rulloff treated his wife with more kindness. He 
acquired quite a library, began the study of medicine, and was called 
to treat a child of William H. Schutt that was suffering with some slight 
ailment ; but the babe died in convulsions and the child's mother also 
died with symptoms of poisoning two days after. The body of Mrs. 
Schutt was exhumed in 1858 and distinct traces of copper found in the 
stomach. 

The evening of the 23d of June was the last time Rulloff's wife and 
child were seen alive. The next morning Rulloff borrowed a horse and 
wagon of Thomas Robertson, who lived opposite, placed a heavy chest 
in the wagon and drove away towards Cayuga Lake. On the following 
morning he returned, the chest then being quite light, took it into the 
house, filled it with books and clothing, and removed it in the following- 
night. Then Rulloff disappeared, but was tracked to Cleveland, Ohio, 
by Ephraim Schutt, brother of Mrs. Rulloff, who arrested the criminal 
and returned with him to Ithaca. Large sums were expended m 
dragging Cayuga Lake for remains of the wife and child, but without 
success. The bodies not being found, Rulloff was indicted for abduct- 
ing his wife, was tried in January, 1846, found guilty and sentenced to 
prison for ten years. At the close of his teraa he was indicted for the 
murder of his daughter. He secured a Temaoval of his case to Tioga 
county, where he was tried on the 18th of October, 1856;, found guilty 
and sentenced to be hung. From this Yfrdict an appeal was taken to 
the General Term, which was heard, |n April, 1857, An. appeal wa& 
then taken to the Court of Appeals^ 

10 



74 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Jacob S. Jarvis was the jailor in charge of Rulloff, and allowed his 
son, Albert, to have lengthened visits to Rulloff's cell, where the latter 
instructed him in the languages and other studies. On the 5th of May, 
1857, through the connivance of the son, the prisoner escaped, the son 
fleeing with him. The Court of Appeals soon afterward reversed the 
decision of the courts below, and Rulloff surrendered to the sheriff to 
await his final discharge. 

A meeting of citizens was held and organized for the purpose of 
breaking into the jail and lynching the prisoner on the 19th of March, 
1859. The sheriff learned of the plot and removed Rulloff to Auburn 
the previous day. He was afterwards surrendered to the authorities 
of Pennsylvania to be tried for burglaries committed in Warren, in that 
State. He escaped conviction there, and for a time disappeared from 
view of all acquaintances. 

On the 20th of November, 1861, he was sentenced to prison for two 
years and six months under the name of James H. Kerron, at Pough- 
keepsie. Rulloff at all times seems to have been in communication 
with Jarvis, who assisted his escape from Tompkins county jail in 1857, 
and a man named Dexter, and in all probability pursued a life of crime, 
which ended in breaking into the store of D. M. & E. G. Halbert, in 
Binghamton, on the 17th of August, 1870. Two clerks slept in this 
store, and one of them, Frederick A. Mirrick, was killed by Rulloff. 
An alarm being given, the burglars fled. Dexter and Jarvis were 
drowned while attempting to cross the Chenango River, but Rulloff 
escaped for a few days, when he was arrested and imprisoned. His 
trial began on the 5th of January, 1871, and continued seven days, 
when the jury returned a verdict of murder in the first degree. Rulloff 
was sentenced to be hanged on the 3d of March. A stay was granted, 
but the murderer was executed in the city of his last crime on the 18th 
of May, 1871. 

This case was so remarkable in all its features as to attract universal 
attention, and the American Journal of Insanity of April, 1872, devoted 
fifty pages to a review of the life of Rulloff. 

A legal case of great interest came before the people in early years 
in this county which grew out of the feeling which existed, especially 
in the town of Caroline, between those who brought into that town a 
few slaves and those who did not keep them and never had. Between 
the years 1805 and 1808 a considerable and very respectable colony of 
Southerners came into Caroline and brought with them in all some 



IMPORTANT TRIALS AND CRIMES. 7 

forty slaves ; their neighbors were from the East and were, of course, 
bitterly opposed to slavery. The feeling thus engendered and fostered 
finally culminated in the indictment and and trial of Robert Hyde for 
removing slaves from this State in violation of the statute. The law 
for the gradual abolition of slavery in New York prohibited the re- 
moval of a slave from the State for the purpose of sale. About the 1st 
of December, 1823, Hyde and his mother-in-law, the widow Julia 
Speed, had gone to their former home in Virginia for a visit and had 
taken with them a negro girl, Liza, a slave, whom it was believed they 
intended to sell. Hyde had not complied with the law in getting the 
consent of a magistrate to take the slave away temporarily, and when 
he returned without her he had not proven that his failure to bring her 
back was from any unavoidable cause. In the following summer when 
Hyde came back without the negro girl, curiosity and inquiry were 
general and suspicion was aroused. The entire community believed 
the girl had been sold, and Hyde's premises and those of the other 
slave owners were watched for months day and night to prevent a repe- 
tition of the proceeding. At the Oyer and Terminer of January, 1825, 
Abiathar Rounsvell appeared before the grand jury as complainant 
against Hyde in the matter. Amasa Dana was district attorney, and 
Hon. Nicoll Halsey foreman of the grand jury. An indictment against 
Hyde was found and he was first tried at the Court of Sessions in the 
following May. Ben Johnson, the Nestor of the Tompkins county bar, 
was counsel for Hyde. The prosecution depended largely upon the 
testimony of widow Speed ; she sat near the door of the court room 
and just before she was called as a witness she slipped out of the room 
and disappeared. This was an unexpected piece of strategy, but as the 
case could not then be put over, John G. Speed was sworn (he was 
Hyde's brother-in-law), and under direction of the judges the jury 
found the defendant not guilty of the fifth count of the indictment and 
did not pass upon the remaining counts, of which there were six in all. 
Hyde's second trial took place in the following December before Samuel 
Nelson, when several witnesses were sworn, but Hyde was acquitted. 
Mr. Hyde lived till between 1850 and 1860 and bore the reputation of 
being a good citizen and a kind man. The animosities connected with 
this affair continued to some extent until a second generation, but have 
now wholly disappeared. 

Since the organization of Tompkins county there have been three 
executions for murder, the first public, and the other two in the jail 



76 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

yard. In the fall of 1831 Guy C. Clark, a shoemaker, brutally mur- 
dered his wife with an axe, in a part of the .old Columbia inn, then 
occupying ground on the corner of State and Cayuga streets and part 
of the Clinton Hall block on the north. Clark was tried, convicted and 
hung in public at Fall Creek, almost upon the precise spot occupied by 
the large brick school house, but upon an elevated bluff since brought 
down to a level. The day of the execution, February 2, 1832, was a 
stormy one, melting snow covering the ground. A band of music 
headed the procession which conducted Clark to his fate. Many thou- 
sand spectators were present, some arriving on the previous day, and 
a few who were unable to find accommodations camped out over night 
or found shelter in barns or outhouses. Peter Hager 2d was sheriff 
and Minos McGowan, under-sheriff. The body of Clark was buried, 
but it is doubtful whether the grave was very carefully guarded, as the 
body was stolen on the night following the execution. 

On the 13th of July, 1841, a shoemaker named John Jones was mur- 
dered by John Graham, a fellow-workman, in a ravine just, north of 
Buttermilk Falls, about two miles southwest of Ithaca. The remains 
of Jones were discovered, Graham was arrested, Jones's watch found 
upon his person, and money which evidence showed was taken from 
the body of the murdered man. Although the evidence was wholly 
circumstantial, it was so conclusive that Graham was convicted and 
executed in the yard of the old court house, on ground now occupied 
by the county jail, on May 5, 1842. Edward L. Porter was sheriff, 
and William Byington, under-sheriff. 

In 1871 an aged man named John Lunger and his wife occupied an 
old boat drawn up on the shore of the lake a few rods south of Good- 
win's Point, nearly eight miles from Ithaca. Michael Ferguson, a 
nephew, lived with them, and a young girl was employed by them. 
Ferguson killed Lunger and his wife, took the girl in a row boat, 
crossed the lake, came to Ithaca and started on foot to escape into 
Pennsylvania. The murder was discovered, Ferguson pursued, cap- 
tured, tried, sentenced, and hung June 17, 1871. He was dull of in- 
tellect and possibly never fully realized the enormity of the crime 
he committed. Horace L. Root was sheriff, and R. H. Fish, under- 
sheriff. 



COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 77 



CHAPTER XI. 

Early Methods of Medical Study — Medical Societies Authorized by Statute 

Tompkins County Medical Society — The Homoeopathic Medical Society — Dr. E. J. 
Morgan, sr. — The " Registration Law" — List of Registered Physicians. 

The pioneers to any locality have always been closely followed by 
"the good physician." This is one of the unpleasant necessities of 
human experience. In the first years of the present century the State 
of New York, unlike Pennsylvania and the New England States, had 
done very little to encourage science, and there was no school of med- 
icine worthy of the name nearer than Boston or Philadelphia. Few 
young men could then afford to go so far to qualify themselves for a 
profession, whatever inducements its future offered. This led to the 
prevailing custom among young aspirants for medical practice to 
enter the office of a neighboring physician, study his books for two or 
three years, at the same time accompanying his tutor in professional 
visits. At the end of such a term the young doctor felt qualified to 
begin his professional career. 

Laws then governing the admission and practice of physicians were 
practically worthless, but in 1806 the Legislature passed an act repeal- 
ing former laws applying to the profession, and authorizing a general 
State Medical Society and Count}^ Societies. Under this act a society 
was organized in Onondaga county in 1806, and others closely followed 
in the counties from which Tompkins county was organized. 

The first records of Tompkins County Medical Society have been 
lost, but it is known that an organization was effected in the year 1818, 
the year following the organization of the county. As far as can be 
known, the following physicians were the original members: A. J. 
Miller, O. C. Comstock, A. C. Hayt, Dyer Foote, Alexander McG. 
Comstock, P. A. Williams, Daniel L. Mead, Augustus Crary, J. Young, 
Jason Atwater, Charles Emmons, Johjn_JW^Phillijig. George W,,. PJaiJ- 
li^, and Daniel Johnson. But there were, of course, physicians in 
the county who had practiced among the earlier settlers many years 
before the organization of this society ; and some of them had, ap- 



78 



LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



parently, either died or removed from the locality before 1818. Among 
those early physicians may be mentioned Dr. Lewis Beers, who was 
one of the early settlers of Danby in 1797 ; Dr. Dyer Foote, who was 
practicing in Ithaca at a very early date; Jason Atwater, who was 
practicing in Hector in early years, and others whose names will be 
found in later histories of the town and county. 

The medical society continued its existence, with varying degrees of 
success, until the yesLV 1844, when for some reason its regular meetings 
ceased. During that period the following physicians joined the society 
in the years following their names. The towns in which they practiced 
are also given as far as possible : 

John C. Hayt, Ithaca 1818 

A. J. Miller " 1818 

Dyer Foote, " 1818 

Daniel L. Mead " 1818 

Augustus Crary, Groton 1818 

C. P. Hearmans, Ithaca 1818 



Ashbel Patterson, Danby. 1824 

Albert Curtiss, " 1824 

Eli Beers, " ... •_..1828 

Joseph Speed, Caroline 1825 



Horace Bacon, 
'Geo. W. Phillips, 
Henry IngersoU 
N. S. Jarvis, 
David McAllister, 
V. Cuyler, 
B. B. Armitage, 
Samuel P. Bishop, 
Abraham Miller, 
H. K. Webster, 
D. R. Towner, 
W. S. Pelton, 
Joel E. Hawley, 
William Bacon, 
Henry Sayles, 
John Stevens, 
Charles Coryell, 
L. Sutherland, 
H. IngersoU, jr, 
James A. Hovey, 

J. C. Hall, Enfield (and Ithaca) 1831 

Joshua S. Miller, Enfield 1833 

J. P. A. Williams, " 1821 

A. C. Sherwood, " (and New- 
field) 1841 

Lewis Beers, Danby 1823 

Frederick Beers, " 1832 



.1821 
.1821 
.1821 
.1824 
.1823 
.1824 
.1828 
.1830 
.1882 
.1838 
.1831 
.1833 
.1829 
.1835 
.1835 
_1885 
.1842 
.1842 
.1841 
_1841 



.1818 
.1832 
.1832 
.1831 
.1835 



David L. Mead, 
James Ashley, 
R. W. Meddaugh, 
Lyman Eldridge, 
Edw. H. Eldridge, 

Chas. M. Turner, Newfield 1825 

David McAllister, " 1823 

David G. Jessup, " 1824 

M. C. Kellogg, " 1832 

Jason Atwater, Hector 1818 

J. Young, Hector (and Ithaca) 1818 

Edmund Brown, Hector 1825 

Horace Smith, " 1838 

Wm. Woodward, " 1838 

Henry Fish, " 1824 

Alexander McG. Comstock, Hector, 1818 

Nathan Scovell, Hector 1828 

1840 

1837 

1839 

1827 

__.^ 1833 



Myron A. Smith, 

Nelson Nivison, 

M. D. Hause, 

Moses Tompkins, 

Wm. Georgia, 

Justus Lewis, Hector (and Trumans- 

burgh) 1838 

John Colhns, Hector 1828 

Jno. W. Thompson, " 1888 

O. C. Comstock, jr., Ulysses 1828 

J. H. Jerome, Ulysses 1838 

P.A.Williams, " (and Enfield).. 1818 





/^J-^Z^^/^-ey^z..^ 



COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 79 

Abraham Chase, Ulysses 1831 H. Harris, Dryden 1828 

Lewis Halsey, " _-. 1822 John Page, " 1828 

O. C. Conistock, " (and Enfield). 1818 E. G. Bush, " .... 1832 

D. K. McLallen, " " -__1833 Isaac S. Briggs, " 1841 

Samuel E. Clark, " " ...1829 Jas. W. Montgomery, Dryden 1828 

Eleazur Crane, Groton 1822 Hiram Moe, Lansing 1827 

— ^-^John W. Phillips, Dryden 1820 Chauncy P. Farlin, " 1840 

Richard Lanning, " 1828 John F. Burdick, Lansing (and Ith- 

Michael Phillips, ." 1820 aca) 1829 

Edwin P. Healy, " 1841 

Besides the foregoing list, the following physicians practiced in the 
county and were members of the society during the short periods re- 
spectively named : 

Ira Wright, 1821 to 1840. Oliver Barker, 1830 to 1843. 

Charles Edmunds, 1821, died in 1828. E. W. Cram, 1832 to 1843. 

Salmon Frisbee, 1821 to 1828. William Holmes, 1833 to 1834. 

Daniel Johnson, 1821 to 1830. Mordecai Morton, 1835 to 1842. 

James Deland, 1824. A. E. Phelps, 1834 to 1835. 

D. W. Roberts, 1824 to 1828. Myron A. Smith, 1840 to 1842. 

Henry S. Rinkham, 1823 to 1828. Myron Baldwin, 1837 to 1838. 

D. Barber, 1828, removed in 1835. Norman Gaston, 1842 to 1844. 

Austin Church, 1829 to 1835. D. Lacy, 1842 to 1844 
George E. Powers, 1829 to 1832. 

After a long period of inactivity, the society was reorganized in Oc- 
tober, 1862, and the following officers chosen: President, Edwajd H. 
Eldridge; vice-president, Henry B. Chase; secretary, S. P. Sackett; 
treasurer, S. Rhoades. 

List of Presidents of the Tompkins Medical Society: 1862-3, Edward 
H. Eldridge; 1864, John M. Farrington; 1865, Richard Laning; 1866, 
C. C. Cook; 1867, T. S. Briggs; 1868, S. H, Peck; 1869, S. P. Sackett; 
1870-1, Henry B. Chase. A reorganization with changes in the con- 
stitution was effected in 1871, and in December of that year Dr. Moe, 
of Groton, was elected president; J. D. Lewis, of Trumansburg, vice- 
president; S. P. Sackett, of Ithaca, secretary; M. M. Brown, of Ithaca, 
treasurer; and S. H. Peck, librarian. President for 1872-3, William 
R. Fitch; 1874, George Rightmire; 1875, A. J. White; 1876-7, A. D. 
Simonds; 1878-9, J. M. Farrington; 1880, E. J. Rothwell ; 1881, J. 
Winslow; 1882, J. R. Gregory; 1883, J. M. Farrington; 1884-6, S. H. 
Peck; 1887, Judson Beach; 1888, W. C. Gallagher; 1889, John Win- 
slow; 1890, Eugene Baker; 1891-3, John Winslow; 1894, C. P. Biggs. 

The regular members of this society in 1894 are Drs. E. Baker, C. P. 
Biggs, E. H. Kyle, E. Meaney, S. H. Peck, S. P. Sackett, J. Winslow, 



80 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

B. G. Wilder, E. H. Hitchcock, W. C. Gallagher, J. Beach, J. E. Burr, 
J. P. Fahey, J. M. Potter, W. H. Lockerby. Honorary members: 
Drs. James Law, vS. H. Gage, Mrs. Gage. 

Officers for 1894: President, C. P. Biggs; vice-president, E. Baker; 
secretary, J. M. Potter; treasurer and librarian, E. Meaney. Censors, 
E. Baker, S. H. Peck, S. P. Sackett, W. C. Gallagher, J. M. Potter. 
Delegate to State society, B. G. Wilder. 

THE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF TOMPKINS COUNTY, i 

This society, composed of physicians of the homoeopathic school, was 
organized on the 9th of vSeptember, 1880, at the office of Dr. E. J. 
Morgan in Ithaca. Preliminary to the organization the following 
phj^sicians met at the same office on the 11th of August in that year: 
E. J. Morgan, sr., E. J. Morgan, jr., D. White, A. Bishop, N. R. 
Foster, G. E. Orton, Rufus Tallmadge, J. W. Brown, J. S. Kirkendall, 
S. J. Parker, and A. M. Baldwin. Besides these persons, Drs. D. C. 
Barr, William Barr and L. W. Carpenter responded to the call for the 
meeting, but were unable to attend. Dr. White was made chairman 
of the meeting, the objects of which were stated " to unite as many 
physicians as possible in forming a society which should eventually 
become legalized by receiving a charter from the State Homoeopathic 
Society." The following officers were then nominated and elected: 
President, E. J. Morgan, sr. ; vice-president, D. White; secretary, A. 
M. Baldwin; treasurer, J. S. Kirkendall. A committee on constitution 
and by-laws was appointed, composed of the following: Drs. E. J. 
Morgan, jr., S. J. Parker, G. E. Orton. This meeting was adjourned 
to meet again at the parlors of the Clinton House on the 9th of Sep- 
tember. On this date the constitution and by-laws which had been 

1 There is little doubt that the village of Ludlowville, in Lansing, has the honor 
(if it is an honor) of being the residence about one year of Frederick Hahnemann, son 
of the great founder of the homoeopathic school of medicine. According to the 
account of Lorenzo Meyers, of Ludlowville, Frederick Hahnemann landed in New 
York from Germany in 1827, where he boarded a canal boat then running on the 
canal, by Andrew Meyers, father of Lorenzo Meyers, and was brought to " Mej^ers's 
Landing," near the site of Ludlowville. Hahnemann opened an office and practiced 
to some extent; but the prejudice of old school physicians finally became so strong 
that he left and went on westward, at least as far as Illinois, where trace of him is 
lost. Dr. Frederick Humphrey, formerly of Ludlowville, now of New York city 
(corner Williams and John streets), who has written a history of homceopath)^ gives 
credence to the above statements. 





OyU^lX^t^tyi^t^^ 



^ 




HOMCEOPATHIC MEDICAL SOCIETY. ' 81 

psepared by the committee were adopted, and Drs. Besemer, Kirken- 
dall and Parker were elected censors. Dr. Parker read a paper on 
"Infantile Hygiene," which was the first read before the societj^ 
Drs. L. W. Carpenter, Rufus Tallmadge and J. W. Brown were ap- 
pointed to read papers before the next meeting. Dr. C. E. Van Cleef 
was added to these appointments as a substitute. 

The society continued in active existence until 1886, the last meeting 
of which there is any record having been held on February 17 of that 
year. The only apparent reason for its discontinuance was a lack of 
sufficient interest to call its members together from the various towns 
of the county and to inspire the preparation and reading of papers that 
would bring the members together. 

At the meeting of October 13, 1880, a committee consisting of Drs. 
William Barr, L. W. Carpenter, of Ludlowville, N. K. Foster, of 
Dryden, and A. M. Baldwin, of Groton, was appointed to investigate 
the legality of the diplomas then registered; also "the right to prac- 
tice of either transient or permanent physicians who may hereafter 
locate in this county." At the succeeding meeting the committee re- 
ported the names of several ph5^sicians whose diplomas were of doubt- 
ful legality. The names of these were Drs. D. K. Allen, J. C. Wall, 
Ransom Johnson, E. F. Butterfield, and J. A. Northup. Nothing 
further seems to have been done with the men. 

Dr. E. J. Morgan, jr., was chosen delegate to the State Society for 
1881, and Dr. Baldwin delegate to the County Society, including the 
counties of Tompkins, Tioga, Broome and Cortland. 

Two women were admitted to membership in the society in January, 
1881, after considerable discussion. These were Mistresses H. G. 
Smith and M. L. W. Lacy. 

In April, 1881, a committee consisting of Drs. Van Cleef, White and 
Parker was appointed to prepare and file articles of incorporation for 
the society. 

In June, 1881, the following amendment was made to the constitu- 
tion: "We believe in, and approve of, the law of similia similibus 
curantur; yet that belief shall not interfere with any therapeutical 
opinion that any individual member may hold." 

At the meeting of June 25, 1881, election of officers was held with 

the following result : President, E. J. Morgan, sr. : vice-president, David 

White; secretary, A. M. Baldwin; treasurer, J. S. Kirkendall. In 

June, 1882, the following officers were elected: President, David 

11 



82 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

White; vice-president, wS. N. Jones; secretary, vS. J. Parker; treasurer, 
J. S. Kirkendall. 

By this time, in the history of the society, complaints were entered 
on the minutes of non-attendance and lack of interest on the part of 
the members. 

For the year 1883 the following officers were elected : President, vS. 
N. Jones; Adce-president, C. E. Van Cleef; secretary, S. J. Parker; 
treasurer, J. S. Kirkendall; censors, D. C. Barr, S. W. Carpenter, R. 
Tallmadge. E. J. Morgan, sr. , was appointed delegate to the State 
Society; S. J. Parker, delegate to the Medical Society of the State of 
New York ; and J. S. Kirkendall, delegate to the State Eclectic So- 
ciety. 

Officers for 1884: President, C. E. Van Cleef; vice-president, S. J. 
Parker; secretary, E. J. Morgan, jr.; treasurer, J. S. Kirkendall. 
Delegates same as previous year. 

There is no record of an election of officers in 1885, and as before 
stated, the last meeting was held in February, 1886. 

Regarding further details of proceedings at these various meetings, 
it may be added that Dr. E. J. Morgan, sr. , Dr. Kirkendall, and sev- 
eral of the others read papers of importance to the profession, while the 
society, as a whole, undoubtedly contributed in a connsiderable degree 
to the elevation and advancement of this school of practice in the 
county. 

Edward Jay Morgan, M.D., of Ithaca, N. Y. , was born in Venice, 
N.Y. , on June 29, 1825. His father, Thomas Morgan, of New London, 
Conn., died in 1836. From circumstances connected with the financial 
condition of the country at the time, and although having once possessed 
a considerable fortune, he left his family almost wholly unprovided for. 
His mother was a remarkable woman, and to her wisdom, fortitude and 
christian character the subject of this sketch owes much. He was 
thrown from almost the first upon his own resources, a circumstance 
which in after life he came to look upon as having exerted a materially 
beneficial effect upon him. At the age of fourteen he went to Auburn, 
N.Y., for the purpose of acquiring a knowledge of dentistry, in order 
that he might earn means sufficient to defray his expenses while at 
school. He was soon enabled to commence an academic course at Au- 
burn, which he completed at Groton, N.Y. He prepared himself to 
enter an advanced course in Hamilton College, then intending to join 
the ministry. Circumstances changed his determination, and in 1844 



E. J. MORGAN, M. D. 83 

he went to Ithaca, N. Y. , but not to cease studying. Soon after reach- 
ing Ithaca he commenced the study of medicine with the late Dr. J. E. 
Hawley, allopath, who was at that time the principal surgeon in Ithaca 
and the adjoining country. Having by practicing dentistry obtained 
the funds necessary to enter a medical college, and sufficiently pre- 
pared himself, he took two courses of lectures in 1848 and 1849, at 
Geneva Medical College, becoming at the same time a pupil of Profes- 
sor Thomas Spencer. He graduated in 1850, immediately returned to 
Ithaca, and commenced the practice of medicine and surgery, in part- 
nership with his former preceptor. Dr. Hawley. 

During the winter of 1855 he was called to a neighboring city to see 
his invalid mother, by whose bedside he met Dr. Horatio Robinson, of 
Auburn, the able and honored pioneer of homoeopathy in Western New 
York. Through his influence Dr. Morgan was induced to examine 
into the claims of the new system, which he had been taught to regard 
as but the "fabric of a vision," but which, upon earnest investigation, 
he found to be based on a broad and solid foundation of scientific re- 
search. Against the advice of many of his friends he studied and 
adopted homoeopathy that same year. But he was never an extremist. 
Perhaps having studied both schools tempered any undue bias he might 
have had. Of course he experienced at this time much of the ridicule 
and opposition that one naturally meets with in espousing a new and 
unpopular cause or science. Nevertheless, he soon built up a practice, 
and before many years had succeeded in converting to homoeopathy 
many of the most intelligent and cultured people of Ithaca and the ad- 
joining country. His practice was one of the largest in central New 
York, and, in fact, few physicians have for a longer term of years en- 
joyed the esteem and confidence of any community. He is still sent 
for far and wide in consultation. 

At one period he was temporarily engaged at a medical institution 
at Spencer Springs, N.Y., the management of the homoeopathic dis- 
pensary being entrusted to him. His services to the cause of medicine, 
at the time he sought connection with this establishment, enlisted nu- 
merous highly complimentary testimonials from the best known of 
Ithacans. 

In 1851 Dr. Morgan married the youngest daughter of Judge Andrew 
De Witt Bruyn, of Ithaca, by whom he has two children, a son and a 
daughter ; the former is also an homoeopathic physician. 



84 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Dr. Morgan's years of active practice extended from 1851 to 1893, 
but since 1890 his health has been breaking, though he did not retire 
from the field till October, 1893. And still very many of his old fam- 
ilies cling to him, awaiting with anxiety the result of this last and very 
serious illness which the past winter (1894) has taken him up to death's 
very door, but from which he seems to be recovering though nearly 
sixty-nine years of age. Dr. Morgan is an eminent surgeon. It is 
perhaps in the diagnosis of disease that his greatest talent lies. His 
judgment is swift and as unerring as direct. It has inany tiines been 
said of him that he seldom made a inistake, that when he made a pre- 
diction it was usually fulfilled. This talent has brought him in the 
years past many compliments from specialists in the larger cities, and 
more than once he has had tempting offers to devote himself exclusively 
to the diagnosis of disease. 

Dr. Morgan's manner and presence in the sick room is unusually 
pleasing. He is rarely sympathetic and gives himself as well as his 
inedicine to his patients. Many and many a time he has been known 
to walk the floor till long after midnight, studying or worrying over 
very sick patients, when he should have been asleep. 

That his health was unbroken during the strain of so many years was 
due without doubt to his recreation with gun and rod. He was a most 
enthusiastic sportsman and went a few weeks of many succeeding 
summers into what vised to be called John Browm's Tract, a region 
which particularly captivated him. For he loves and knows nature in 
many of her phases as well as he knows medicine. The trees and birds 
and rocks and flowers are known to him by name and companionship 
and he ever delights to study their habits. 

Judge F. M. Finch, the poet lawyer, one of his oldest and most inti- 
mate friends, wrote of him twenty years ago when in John Brown's 
Tract : 

. . . . The doctor, first of all — 

Since always first — at early breakfast call, 

At floating for the dazed and wondering deer, 

At whipping wave and ripple far and near. 

At watching loon, the diver's distant wake. 

At wreathing clouds of smoke, like dreaming Turk ; 

Or climbing granite peak, moss-grown and gray, 

Scored by the storm^s in many a frost and fray ; 

And only last when Toil, bronze-armed and grand. 

Summoned his weary steps and doubtful hand. 



THE REGISTRATION LAW. 85 

Yet not an idler: He who wars with death, 
Upon the narrow ledges of a breath, 
On doubtful foothold of a tremulous grasp. 
May idle sometimes when the summer flowers 
With leaf and garland crown the resting hours ; 
But not when low the fire of being burns, 
And life or death upon a heart-beat turns. 

So M , prone on "the earth, his tossing hair 

Loose to the tanghng of the forest air — 
But often, in the train of marching years, 
To throw the doubtful dice of smiles or tears. 

Dr. Samuel L. Sible}^ was the first homoeopathic physician in practice, 
and opened his office only a few years prior to the beginning of Dr. 
Morgan's practice. He was formerly an old school physician. He 
practiced eight or ten years, when his health failed. He built the 
brick residence now occupied by Dr. Ho3^sradt ; was a successful prac- 
titioner and a courteous gentleman. Other homoeopathic physicians 
who practiced successfully in Ithaca were Dr. J. W. Thompson, who 
began a little later than Dr. Morgan, and died about three years later. 
Dr. Charles E. Swift was for a time a partner of Dr. Morgan, and re- 
moved to Auburn, where he had a large practice and died there 
recently. Dr. C. A. Welch, for a time partner with Dr. Morgan, was 
an able physician, and removed west. 

The Legislature of this State has done much to advance the interests 
of the medical profession, as well as those of the sick, by passing laws 
regulating practice, protecting regularly qualified physicians, and plac- 
ing restrictions upon those who might be disposed to claim a profes- 
sional position without having graduated from recognized medical 
colleges. In 1872 a law was passed specifying the means by which 
applicants might be admitted to practice medicine, either by examina- 
tion before a medical society, or by attendance at some recognized 
school. In 1880 what has been known as the " Registration Law " was 
passed, which required all physicians to personally register with the 
county clerk their name, place of birth, proposed residence in the 
county, the institution or society by which they were licensed, and the 
date of such license or diploma. A refusal to compl}^ with the require- 
ments of this law is a misdemeanor. 

Under this law, which went into effect in 1880, the following named 
physicians have registered in the county clerk's office in Ithaca. The 
list is valuable for reference and preservation in case of d estruction of 
the record book : 



86 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

August 11, 1880, Alvah Morse Baldwin, Groton ; born in Venice, Cayuga county; 
Hahnemann College, March 10, 1880. 

AugustM, 1880, John A. Northrup, Ithaca; born at Orange, Schuyler county, N.Y., 
Geneva Medical College, January 23, 1866. 

August 16, 1880, J. J. Goodyear, Dryden ; born in Groton ; Cincinnati College of 
Medicine and Surgery, February 26, 1880. 

August 16, 1880, E. J. Rothwell, Ludlowville ; born in Ontario, Canada, University 
of Michigan, March 25, 1875. 

August 16,1880, Henry B. Chase, Jacksonville; born at Whitestown, N. Y. , Gene- 
va Medical College, February 22, 1856. 

August 16, 1880, A. J. White, Trumbull's Corners; born in Newfield; University 
of Buffalo, February 19, 1863. 

August 16, 1880, Marcus A. Dumond, Danby, born in Danby; University of Buf- 
falo, February 25, 1880. " 

August, 17, 1880, Elfred R. Barnej', Ithaca; born in Erie county, N. Y. , University 
of Michigan, March 27, 1872. 

August 18, 1880, George M. Beckwith, Ithaca; born at Plattsburg, N. Y., Univer- 
sity of the City of New York, February 19, 1878. 

August 21, 1880, John S. Kirkendall, Ithaca; born in Danby; Cleveland Homeo- 
pathic Hospital, February 25, 1880. 

August 26, 1880, David White, Ithaca; born in Delhi, N. Y., Eclectic Medical In- 
stitute, Cincinnati, February 3, 1859. 

August 31, 1880, Delmer Clayton Tripp, Ithaca; born in Ithaca; Bellevue Medical 
College, March 1, 1875. 

August 23, 1880, Mary L. W. Lacy, Ithaca; born at Groton, N. Y. ; Eclectic Med- 
ical College, New York, February 15, 1872. 

August 26, 1880, Orville S. Ensign, Ithaca; born in Ithaca; University of Michigan, 
July 1, 1880. 

August 30, 1880, Huldah T. Smith, Ithaca ; born in Enfield ; Eclectic Medical Col- 
lege, New York, February 3, 1880. 

August 28, 1880, Diana C. Briggs, Dryden ; born in Genoa, N. Y. ; Tompkins 
county Board of Censors, January 13, 1875. 

August 28, 1880, Samantha S. Nivison, Dryden ; born at Jacksonville, Tompkins 
county, N. Y. , Female Medical College, Philadelphia, March, 1855. 

August 28, 1880, A. D. Simonds, Etna; born in Virgil, N. Y. ; Syracuse University, 
February 12, 1873. 

August 28, 1880, Reuben L. Smith, Ithaca ; born in Ulysses, N. Y. ; Long Island 
College Hospital, June 21, 1877. 

September 9, 1880, L. W. Carpenter, Trumansburg ; born in Bridgewater, N. Y. ; 
Cleveland Medical College, March 14, 1877. 

September 2, 1880, Richard Lanning, McLean ; born in Ulysses, Medical Society 
of Herkimer county, January 14, 1828. 

September 2, 1880, David T. Barr, Ludlowville; born in Sharon, N. Y. ; Cleveland 
Homeopathic College, March 15, 1851. 

September 2, 1880, Solon P. Sackett, Ithaca; born in Nassau, Rensselaer county, 
N. Y. ; Geneva Medical College, January 24, 1843. 



REGISTERED PHYSICIANS. 87 

September 4, 1880, Rufus Tallmadge, Trumansburg; born in New Canaan, Conn. ; 
Ontario County Medical College, Ma}- 4, 1842. 

September 4, 1880, John E. Beers, Danby ; born in Danby; Georgetown Univer- 
sity Medical College, Washington, April, 1864. 

September 6, 1880, Mary L. Briggs, Dryden ; born in Drj-den ; University of Mich- 
igan, June 29, 1879. 

September 6, 1880, D. K. Allen, Dryden ; born in Brookfield, N. Y. ; Philadelphia 
University of Medicine and Surgery, February 1, 1871. 

September 7, 1880, J. Watson Brown, Ithaca; born at Wyalusing, Pa. ; University 
of Buffalo, February 25, 1879. 

Septembers, 1880, E. J. Morgan, jr., Ithaca; born in Ithaca; New York Homeo- 
pathic Medical College, February 28, 1878. 

September 9, 1880, Anna T. Nivison, Dryden; born m Ulysses; New York Medi- 
cal College for Women, March 23, 1868. 

September 9, 1880, Oziel Nivison, Dryden; born in Ulysses; New York Eclectic 
College, February 24, 1877. 

September 10, 1880, Alonson Bishop, Ithaca ; born in Exeter, N. Y. ; New York 
Homeopathic Medical College, March 1, 1868. 

September 10, 1880, G. E. Orton, Ithaca; born in Lisle, N. Y. ; Medical College of 
New York, February 3, 1877. 

September 11, 1880, AAHUiam O. G. Springer, Jacksonville; born in Litchfield, Me., 
Medical School of Bowdoin College, Me., August 2, 1865. 

September 13, 1880, Elias R. Weaver, Groton ; born at Pharsalia, N. Y. ; University 
of Buffalo, February 25, 1852. 

September 14, 1880, C. E. Van Cleef , Ithaca ; born in Seneca Falls, N. Y. ; New 
York Homeopathic Medical College, February, 1874. 

September 14, 1880, John Goodyear, Groton; born in Sempronius, N. Y. ; Cortland 
Medical Society, July 15, 1843. 

September 14, 1880, Eli Beers, Danby ; born in Danb}^ ; Herkimer Countj^ Medical 
Society, May 15, 1827. 

September 14, 1880, Ziba Hazard Potter, Ithaca; born in Yates county; Geneva 
Medical College, January 22, 1867. 

September 15, 1880, Judson Beach, Etna ; born in Sprnigfield, Susquehanna county, 
Pa. ; The University of Michigan, March 25, 1874. 

September 15, 1880, William Fitch, Dryden; born in Franklin, Delaware count)-, 
N. Y. ; Albany Medical College, January 29, 1846. 

September 15, 1880, Isaac S. Briggs, Dryden ; born in Chatham, Mass. ; Harvard 
University Medical Department, August 26, 1879. 

September 15, 1880, Edmond H. Kyle, Enfield; born in Harrisville, Butler county. 
Pa. ; University of Pennsylvania, March 13, 1876. 

September 15, 1880, Charles E. Weidman, Dryden; born in Etna; Albau)- Medi- 
cal College, March, 1880. 

September 16, 1880, Edward Davis Allen, Dryden; born in Madison county, N. Y. ; 
New York City Eclectic Medical College, March 1, 1880. 

September 16, 1880, Edward Jay Morgan, Ithaca; born in Venice, Caj^uga county ; 
Geneva Medical College, March, 1849. 



88 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

September 17, 1880, John C. Wall, Caroline Centre; born in Abington, Luzerne 
county, Pa. ; The Board of Censors of the Eclectic Medical Association, June 1, 1870. 

September 17, 1880, F. S. Jennings, McLean ; born in Moravia, Cayuga county, 
N. Y. ; Medical Department of the University of the City of New York, February, 
17, 1880. 

September 20, 1880, Solomon H. Peck, Ithaca; born in Suhivan county, N. Y. ; 
The Medical Department of the University of the City of New York, March 9, 1862. 

September 21, 1880, Almon Robinson, McLean; born in Exeter, Otsego county, 
N. Y. ; The Central New York Eclectic Medical Society, July 10, 1874. . 

September 22, 1880, Newel K. Foster, Varna; born in Canterbury, Merrimack 
county, N. H. ; Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, June 27, 1878. 

September 23, 1880, W. J. Gulick, North Lansing; born in Peoria county. 111.; 
University of Pennsylvania, March 11, 1865. 

September 23, 1880, John I. Montgomery, Dryden ; born in Dryden ; Bellevue Hos- 
pital Medical College, March 1, 1867. 

September 25, 1880, George F. Dudley, Newfield; born in Newfield; Bellevue 
Hospital Medical College, February 26, 1875. 

September 25, 1880, Charles T. Kelsey, Enfield; born in Enfield; Jefferson Med- 
ical College, Philadelphia, March 6, 1852. 

September 27, 1880, Lucy W. Harrison, Jacksonville ; born in Jacksonville ; Eclec- 
tic Medical College of the State of New York, February 3, 1874. 

September 28, 1880, Wm. C. Gallagher, Slaterville; born in Cortland, Cortland 
county, N. Y. ; Geneva Medical College, January 25, 1863. 

September 28, 1880, John Flickinger, Trumansburg; born in Fayette, Seneca coun- 
ty; The Albany Medical College, June 10, 1856. 

September 28, 1880, John W. Farrington, Trumansburg; born in Fishkill, Dutch- 
ess county, N. Y. ; New York Medical College, March 5, 1857. 

September 29, 1880, Stephen U. Jones, Groton ; born in Springfield, Kings county. 
New Brunswick ; Cleveland Homeopathic College, February 14, 1872. 

September 29, 1880, Darius Hall, Lansingville ; born in Sempronius, Cayuga coun- 
ty, N. Y. ; The College of Medicine and Surgery, Fairfield, February 9, 1833. 

September 29, 1880, Judson S. Gibbs, Groton ; born in Montezuma, N. Y. ; The 
Medical College of the Syracuse University, June 22, 1876. 

September 29, 1880, Wesley Newcomb, Ithaca ; born in Rensselaer county ; The 
Academy of Medicine at Castleton, Vermont, November 4, 1833. 

September 29, 1880, M. D. Goodyear, Groton; born in Groton; Michigan Univer- 
sity at Ann Arbor, Mich., March 25, 1868. 

September 30, 1880, Christopher C. Cook, Newfield; born in Gorham, Ontario 
county, N. Y. ; Niagara County Medical Society, March 7, 1845. 

September 30, 1880, W. H. Barr, Ludlowville ; born in Auburn ; Cleveland Homeo- 
pathic Hospital College, February, 1876. 

September 30, 1880, Benjamin Dunning, Trumansburg; born in Goshen, Orange 
county; Medical Department of Columbia College, March 6, 1841. 

September 30, 1880, Samuel J. Parker, Ithaca; born in Danby; New York Medical 
College, March, 1860. 

September 30, 1880, Mary A. Sanf ord, Ithaca ; born in Urbana, Steuben county ; 
University of Michigan, Medical Department, June 26, 1879. 



REGISTERED PHYSICIANS. 89 

September 30, 1880, John R. Gregory, Covert, Seneca count}', N. Y. ; born in West 
Tro}% Alban)^ county, N. Y. ; Albany Medical College, December 28, 1858. 

September 30, 1880, Adeline E. Prentiss, Ithaca; born in Ithaca; Homeopathic 
Hospital College at Cleveland, Ohio, February 16, 1876. 

September 30, 1880, John Winslow, Ithaca; born in Lynn, Mass; Bellevue Hospi- 
tal Medical College, March 1, 1866. 

September 30, 1880, S. Augustus Seabring, Newfield; born in Newfield; Long Isl- 
and College Hospital, June 22, 1872. 

October 1, 1880, Benjamin F. Cornell, Ithaca; born in Ithaca; New York Univer- 
sity, February 20, 1877. 

October 1, 1880, Alfred H. Haven, Ithaca; born in Portsmouth, N. H. ; Harvard 
University Medical College, July 17, 1861. 

October 2, 1880, Charles A. Boyce, McLean; born in Franklin, Delaware county, 
N. Y. ; Medical Department of Syracuse University, June 15, 1879. 

October 4, 1880, Ransom Johnson, Speedsville ; born in Virgil, Cortland countv, 
N. Y. ; Eclectic Medical College of Pennsjdvania, March 17, 1875. 

October 7, 1880, Isaac E. Hill, Trumansburg ; born in Tompkins, Delaware county. 
Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, January 27, 1858. 

Octobers, 1880, Martin Besemer, Mott's Corners; born in town of Dryden ; The 
Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital College, February 17, 1875. 

October 11, 1880, Emmet C. Strader, Mecklenburg; born in Lowville, Lewis coun- 
ty, N. Y. ; New York Homeopathic Medical College, February 28, 1878. 

October 18, 1880, John F. Burdick, Lansing; born in Halifax, Vt. ; Medical College 
of Castleton, Vermont, October, 1827. 

December 1, 1880, Frank A. Kerst, Jacksonville; born in Jacksonville; The Uni- 
versity of Buffalo, February 25, 1880. 

Januarys, 1881, Burt Green Wilder, Ithaca; born in Boston, Mass. ; Medical School 
of Harvard University, March, 1866. 

January 12, 1881, Henr}^ W. Bull, Slaterville; born in Dryden; College of Physi. 
cians and Surgeons, March 26, 1839. 

January 20, 1881, E. F. Butterfield, Rochester; born in Pompej^ Onondaga coun- 
ty ; Metropolitan Medical College, 69 East Broadway, and Eclectic Medical College, 
19 East 22d Street, NewYork, February 1863-73. 

February 15, 1881, E. A. Everitt, Ithaca; born in Amenia, Dutchess county; Al- 
bany Medical College, June 10, 1856. 

June 25, 1881, Walter H. Lockerby, Ludlowville; born in Braceville, 111. ; Faculty 
of the University of Buffalo, February 21, 1881. 

September 13, 1881, A. E. Magoris, Binghamton; born in New York Citjr; Long 
Island Medical College, June 23, 1880. 

February 16, 1811, William D. Hoffman, Ithaca: born in Huntington, Pa. ; Iowa 
Medical College, Keokuk, la., February 20, 1860. 

March 2, 1882, William Alfred McCorn, Newfield; born in Newfield; Buffalo Med- 
ical College, February 21, 1882. 

March 4, 1882, Abram Chase, Jacksonville ; born in Jacksonville ; Faculty of the 
LTniversity of Buffalo, February 25, 1882. 

March 27, 1882, Charles R. Barber, Etna ; born in Wyoming ; Buffalo Medical Col- 
lege, February 21, 1882. 
12 



90 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Aprils, 1882, Richard W. Ellis, Trumansburg; born in Farmer Village; Univer- 
sity of Michigan, June 25, 1872. 

May 5, 1882, J. A. Lewis, Ithaca; born in Susquehanna county, Pa. ; University of 
the City of New York, March 7, 1869. 

May 11, 1882, James Lewis Beers, Freeville; born in Danby; University Medical 
College, New York city, February 26, 1882. 

July 3, 1882, Jacob Cristman, Freeville; born in Herkimer county, N. Y, ; Eclectic 
Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., January 26, 1857. 

July 13, 1883, Eugene Baker, Dryden ; born in Fulton county, N. Y. ; University 
of Michigan, June 29, 1882. 

August 28, 1882, George W. Davis, West Danby; born in Trenton, Wis.; The 
University of Buffalo, February 21, 1882. 

August 28, 1882, Edward B. Wiley, Varna; born in Mifflin, Juniata county. Pa, 
Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, March 14, 1882. 

September 20, 1882, M. H. Smith, Danby; born in Trumansburgh ; the United 
States Medical College at New York city, March 4, 1880. 

April 7, 1883, Lysander T. White, Enfield Centre ; born in Cayutaville, Schuyler 
county, N. Y. ; University of Buffalo, February, 1869. 

April 11, 1883, Bina A. Potter, Ithaca; born in Danby; Medical Department of 
the University of Buffalo, February 27, 1883. 

April 24, 1883, Michael P. Conway, Ithaca: born in Ithaca; Cohege of Physicians 
and Surgeons, Baltimore, March 1, 1883. 

July 9, 1883, Chester L. Skinner, Freeville; born in Auburn; College of Homeop_ 
athy, March 15, 1883. 

September 20, 1883, Mary A. Allen, Slaterville; born in Delta, O., University of 
Michigan, March 24, 1875. 

September 10, 1883, Chilton B. Allen, Slaterville; born in New Foundland; The 
University of the City of New York, March, 1881. 

September 20, 1883, George L. Rood, Etna ; born in Centre Lisle, Broome countjr ; 
Eclectic Institute, Cincinnati, O., June 5, 1883. 

January 24, 1884, Emory A. Eakin, Buffalo; born in Galhpolis, O. ; Miami Medi- 
cal College, Cincinnati, O. Endorsed by Medical Faculty of Niagara University of 
Buffalo, March 2, 1869. 

April 11, 1884. Homer Genung, Brookton; born in Brookton; Homeopathic Hospi- 
ial College of Cleveland, O., March 15, 1884. 

June 2, 1884, M. J. Jackson, New York city ; born in Prussia ; Eclectic Medical 
College of New York, March 1, 1884. 

November 14, 1884, Edgar Randolph Osterhout, Trumbull's Corners; born at Jack- 
son Corners, Monroe county, Pa. ; Bellevue Hospital Medical College of the City of 
New York, March 13, 1884. 

November 24, 1884, Edward Hitchcock, jr. , Ithaca; born at Stratford, Connecticut; 
Dartmouth Medical College, June 30, 1881. 

December 8, 1884, Franklin B. Smith, Buffalo; born in Hillsdale, Mich. ; Hahne- 
mann Medical College, Chicago, 111. , February 26, 1879. 

March 27, 1885, James S. Carman, Jacksonville; born in Jacksonville; Medical 
Department of Howard University, Washington, D. C, March 9, 1885. 



REGISTERED PHYSICIANS. 91 

June 6, 1885, Will De Lano, Ithaca; born at Groton ; Eclectic Medical Institute, 
Cincinnati, O., June 2, 1885. 

June 20, 1885, Charles Lewis Tisdale, Brookton ; born in Auburn; Hahnemann 
Medical College, Chicago, 111., March 22, 1878. 

August 31, 1885, Edward B. Lighthill, Syracuse; born in Germany; Eclectic Med- 
ical College of the City of New York, March 1, 1882. 

November 18, 1885, Richard E. Cross, Utica; born at Lancaster, N. H., Faculty 
of Norwich University, Vermont, September 29, 1852. 

November 15, 1885, Addison L. Low, Watertown, Jefferson county; born in Will- 
iamston, Oswego county; New York University Medical College, February 18, 1874. 

May 13, 1886, George Fiske, Chicago, 111. ; born in Madison county; Yale Medical 
School, June, 1883. 

July 14, 1886, Horace W. Nash, Ithaca; born in Trumansburgh ; New York Home- 
opathic Medical College, March 13, 1884. 

July 21, 1886, David P. Terry, Trumansburgh; born in town of Ulysses; Homeo- 
pathic Hospital College, Cleveland, O., March 19, 1884. 

January 10, 1887, Loretta Abel, Ulysses; born in Ulysses; Homeopathic College 
for Women of the City of New York, April 1, 1885. 

March 29, 1887, Albma Hunter, Ithaca; born at Cato, Cayuga countv ; Michigan 
University, June 24, 1883. 

April 9, 1887, B. L. Robinson, McLean ; born at South Cortland, N. Y. ; Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, April 5, 1887. 

April 9, 1887, William F. Seaman, Newfield; born at Almond, Allegany county, 
N. Y. ; Eclectic Medical College, New York City, March 6, 1882. 

April 26, 1887, R. F. Gates, North Lansing; born at Maine, Broome county, N. Y; 
Geneva Medical College, Januarj^ 27, 1867. 

June 24, 1887, Thomas Turnbull, jr., Ithaca; born at Brooklyn; University of 
Pennsylvania, May 2, 1887. 

September 19, 1887, Andrew S. Blair, Ithaca; born at ConesviUe, N. Y. ; Univer- 
sity Medical College of the City of New York, March 2, 1882. 

July 2, 1888, Joseph. R. Broome, Trumansburgh; born at Utica, N. Y. ; Eclectic 
Medical College of Cincinnati, June 5, 1888. 

August 7, 1888, William C. Freeman, Elmira; born at Branford, Ontario, Can.; 
Trinity College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 24, 1853, and endorsed by Medical 
Department of Niagara University, Buffalo, N. Y., June 14, 1888. 

January 14, 1889, S. Fayette Stagg, Elmira; born at Panton, Vt. ; Howard Medi- 
cal College of Washington, D. C, and endorsed by the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of the City of New York, March 8, 1878. 

April 2, 1889, Julia S. Baright, Ithaca ; born at Bedford, Calhoun county, Mich. ; 
the Faculty of the Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital of Chicago, 111. , Feb- 
ruary 21, 1889. 

April 6, 1889, Emmett D. Page, Brooklyn; born at Triangle, Broome county; 
Long Island College Hospital, June 17, 1882. 

April 17, 1889, Marian A. Townley, Lansing; born at Lansing; Medical University 
of Buffalo, March 26, 1889. 

June 29, 1889, John L. Babcock, Ithaca; born at Oswego; University of the City 
of New York, March 6, 1886. 



92 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

August 14, 1889, F. Dela Claire Balcolm, vSyracuse; born at Ransomville ; The 
Physio-Medical Institute, Marion, Ind., March 14, 1889. 

August 14, 1889, William Ryder, Syracuse ; born at Little Falls, N. Y. ; The Curtis 
Physio-Medical In.stitute, Marion, Ind., March 14, 1889, 

November 6, 1889, Elma Griggs, Ithaca: born at Limestone, N. Y. ; the Hahne- 
mann Medical College, Chicago, 111., February 14, 1887. 

November 13, 1889, Charles F. Griswold, Groton ; born at Owego ; University of 
Vermont, July 15, 1889. 

November 32, 1889, Franklin D. Pierce, Union Springs ; born at Venango county. 
Pa. ; University of the City of New York, March 19, 1878. 

May 22, 1890, De Forest A. Reid, Brookton; born at Caroline, Tompkins county, 
N. Y. ; Homeopathic Hospital College of Cleveland, O., March 26, 1890. 

June 10, 1890, Edward Meany, Ithaca; born at Enfield; the Medical Department 
of the University of Buffalo, March 1, 1887. 

June 16, 1890, Matthew Joseph O'Connell, Covert, Seneca county' ; born at Tru- 
mansburgh ; the Niagara University of the State of New York, April 15, 1890. 

July 30, 1890, I. N. Willard, Ithaca; born at Fairfield, N. Y. ;,Bellevue Medical 
College, February 26, 1875. 

November 13, 1890, John C. Beebe, Buffalo; born at Oyster Bay, Long Island; 
Toledo Medical College of Toledo, O., March 7, 1888. 

March 27, 1891, William T. Jones, Enfield; born at Ulysses; Buffalo Medical Uni- 
versity, at Buffalo, N. Y., March 24, 1891. 

April 1, 1891, Jeanette M. Potter, Ithaca; born at Ithaca; the Buffalo Medical 
University, March 25, 1890. 

April 3, 1891, John E. McTaggart, Auburn; born at Ontario, Canada; the Buffalo 
Medical University, February 20, 1871. 

April 7, 1891, James P. Fahy, Ithaca; born at Ithaca; the Medical LTniversity of 
Buffalo, March 24, 1891. 

May 6, 1891, Channing A. Holt, Albany; born at Hartford, Conn. ; University of 
the City of New York, February 17, 1877. 

Augusts, 1891, Howard B. Besemer, Ithaca; born at Dryden ; Medical Department 
of the LTniversity of the City of New York, March 24, 1891. 

August 17, 1891, William H. Longhead, jr., Elmira; born at Elmira; Medical De- 
partment of the University of Buffalo, March 24, 1891. 

August 31, 1891, William B. Christopher, Speedsville; born at Galena, 111.; Syra- 
cuse Medical College, June 11, 1891. 

April 11, 1892, Ben W. Genung, West Danby; born at Caroline; Cleveland Med- 
ical College, Cleveland, O. , March 23, 1892. ' 

Julyl, 1892, George B. Lewis, Ithaca; born at Owego; Medical Department of 
the University of the City of New York, March 6, 1886. 

July 25, 1892, Charles D. Vernooy, Enfield ; born at Accord, Ulster county ; Syr- 
racuse University College of Medicine, June 9, 1892. 

November 21, 1892, Newton D. Chapman, Ludlowville; born at Groton; Medical 
Department of the University of New York, April 4, 1892. 

December 28, 1892, Robertune L. Smith, Richford, Tioga county; born at Rich- 
ford; Medical Department Universit}'- of New York City, April 4, 1892. 



TOWN OF ITHACA. 93 

May 8, 1893, Wilbur G. Fish, Ithaca; born at Lansing; Cleveland Medical College 
of Cleveland, O., and endorsed by the University of the State of New York, March,. 
32, 1893. 

March 80, 1882, Charles P. Beaman, Stamford, Conn. ; born at Philadelphia, Pa. ; 
The New York Homeopathic College of the City of New York, March 16, 1882. 

June 14, 1893, Arthur D. White, Ithaca; born at Ithaca; University of the State of 
New York, May 27, 1893. 

July 15, 1893, James Allen Blair, Trumbull's Corners; born in Scotland; The Uni- 
versity of the State of New York, July 15, 1893, 

Septeinber 22, 1893, Frank L. Washburn, Ludlowville ; born at Dryden ; Long Isl- 
and College Hospital, March 22, 1893. 

September 22, 1893, Charles P. Beaman, Ithaca; born at Philadelphia ; University 
of the State of New York, March 16, 1882. 

October 19, 1893, Joe Van Vranken Lewis, Ludlowville; born at Prattsburg, Steu- 
ben countv; Universitv of the State of New York, July 17, 1893. 



CHAPTER XII. 
HISTORY OF THE TOWN AND VILLAGE OF ITHACA.^ 

While it is true that the town of Ithaca is of comparatively recent 
formation, settlements within its present limits began vef}^ early — 
about a quarter of a century before Tompkins county was formed — - 
and when all other sections of the present county were a wilderness, 
untrodden except by the Indians and the few white men who had been 
sent out to drive them from their ancestral homes. 

The town of Ithaca as a separate organization has come down from 
the original town of Ulysses, through the following changes : Ithaca 
was formed from Ulysses, which was erected as one of the original 
towns of Onondaga county, March 5, 1794. Its histor}'' is traced as 
Ulysses, Onondaga county, from March 5, 1794; as Ulysses, Cayuga 
county, from March 8, 1799; as Ulysses, Seneca county, from March 
29, 1804; as Ulysses, Tompkins county, from April 17, 1817; and as 
Ithaca, Tompkins county, from March 16, 1821. 

It is the central town of the county and contains thirty-six square 
miles of territory, of which nearly eight-tenths is under cultivation, 

i On account of the verj' early settlement of the site of Ithaca and its present im- 
portance in the county, it is thought best to depart from the chronological order of 
town formation and place it first. 



94 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the remainder being woodland. The population, according to the 
census of 1890, is 12,34:3. Ca3aiga Lake reaches southward into the 
town about two miles, and its deep vallej^ continues on two miles 
further, with a width of about one and one-half miles. Towards the 
great trough there is a general rolling and undulating descent from 
the outer borders of the town, until within about a mile of the lower 
plane, where the descent becomes very steep and continues to the bot- 
tom of the valley. In Chapter II the reader will find detailed de- 
scription of the picturesque scenery produced by the peculiar land and 
water formations in this town, especially in the near vicinity of Ithaca 
city. No other locality in the State of New York, and few in the 
country, are more worthy of admiration frorri the lovers of nature in 
her most attractive moods, or of visits from the gifted artist. Nestled 
in the deep vale near the head of the lake, at the foot of the majestic 
eastern and western hills, the village gracefully lay through its many 
years of early growth, while in the last quarter century it has reached 
out upon the hillsides, where hundreds of beautiful residences adorn 
spacious and well kept grounds. 

The soil of the town is chiefly a gravelly or sandy loam upon the 
high lands, excepting in the southern part, where it is in many places 
shallow and constituted of disintegrated shale or slate. The soil on the 
flats is a rich alluvium. Grain and stock growing has been the princi- 
pal occupation in the agricultural districts, while on the slopes of the 
hills near Ithaca, peaches, grapes and other fruits are raised success- 
fully. 

The first settlers in this town found several clearings in the valley 
which had been made by the Indians, who had cut away the low hazel 
and thorn bushes and planted corn. 

In another and earlier chapter of this work mention has been made 
of the eleven men who came on here from Kingston in April, 1788, 
with two Delaware Indians for guides ; also the return in April of the 
following year of three of their number, Jacob Yaple, Isaac Dumond, 
and Peter Hinepaw, who made the first settlement in the town, on a 
four hundred acre lot, of which the west line of the present Tioga street 
in Ithaca formed the western limit. These pioneers planted corn on 
the Indian clearings, ^ left their crops with John Yaple, a younger 

1 It is reported that these Indian clearings served the settlers in common for sev- 
eral years for corn grounds, while they stored their gathered crops in cribs on the 
hillside. The first settler, it is said, did not thinli they could raise corn on the hills. 



TOWN OF ITHACA. 95 

brother of Jacob, and returned to Kingston for their families. They 
came back to their new homes in September, bringing- a few farming- 
tools, a little household furniture, and a number of horses, cattle, sheep 
and hogs. 

The three families numbered twenty persons: Jacob Yaple, his wife 
and three children (Philip, Mary and Peter, and John Yaple, the 
brother, who was then twenty-four years of age) ; Isaac Dumond, his 
wife and three children (Peter, Abrami and Jenny), and John Dumond 
and his wife, then lately married; Peter Hinepaw, his wife and five 
children (whose names we cannot give, the eldest of whom was about 
twelve years of age). 

The three families soon had built log cabins for each, situated as 
described in Chapter III, and began their toil in the wilderness. 
They encountered the usual hardships, as well as some that were not 
so common. Rattlesnakes abounded, for one thing, and the tale has 
come down that about thirty were killed in a day where Hinepaw's 
cabin stood, near the site of the Cascadilla Mills, and that a populous 
den of the dangerous reptiles was discovered and cleared out. The 
few Indians remaining here were friendly and aided the pioneers to 
some extent. In the summer they occupied the hillsides, but when 
cold weather approached they pitched their wigwams in the gorge of 
Six Mile Creek. But the larger portion left this section the second 
year after the coming of the settlers. The preparation of the food 
supply, too, was accomplished with great difficulty. The first crop of 
corn, with twenty-four bushels of wheat brought by one of the pioneers 
froin a settlement on the Upper Nanticoke, had to be carried toWilkes- 
barre to be ground. That was the nearest mill tmtil the second year, 
when Jacob Yaple built a small mill near Hinepaw's cabin on the Cas- 
cadilla, capable of grinding perhaps twenty-five bushels in a day. i 

It is, perhaps, more probable that they did not at first use the hillsides, because they 
were not cleared. 

1 To obtain potatoes to plant, John Yaple traveled on foot one hundred and sixty 
miles to a point on the Delaware River, where he obtained three pecks of the 
precious seed and carried them in a sack all the way bade to the settlement. 

Mr. King says that it had been claimed that the Indians had raised potatoes at 
Taughanic a few years previous to the coming of the white settlers ; but this seems 
quite doubtful, for there is not the slightest reason for believing that the Indians 
would not have shared with their neighbors in anything so desirable and so diihcult 
to obtain. Moreover, the Indians, as far as known, cared little for the potato. 



96 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Until the building of Yaple's little mill much of the corn was ponnded 
in the top of a fire-hollowed stump. The mill was called " the little 
pepper mill," and served the needs of many settlers for a number of 
years. Mr. King states that when a man took a grist of two or three 
bushels from a considerable distance to be ground he often had to stay 
all night to get it. The mill stones, as well as the rest of the structure, 
were made by Mr. Yaple himself, the stones being roughly formed 
from granite boulders. There was no bolting cloth and the bran was 
partially separated from the wheat flour with a sieve. As the settlers 
increased in numbers, considerable grain was taken to other towns, 
even long distances, to Owego and elsewhere, to be ground. 

That other family necessity, salt, was easil}^ obtained from the In- 
dians, and it was universally believed in early times that there was a 
source of surface supply near at hand. But, if so, it has never been 
discovered by white persons. There are legends and stories innumer- 
able of Indians going northward at various times and soon returning 
with a supply of salt; and one member of the Sager famil}^ has stated 
that brine itself was brought by Indians near to his home and there 
boiled. As far as the writer is personally concerned, there is one great 
weakness in these tales, i. e., Why did not the whites learn the where- 
abouts of the source of supply from the last of the Indians just before 
they left the locality for good ? A few trifling gifts at such a time 
would surely have caused the valuable secret (valuable no longer to the 
Indians) to be divulged. And there is another element of improb- 
ability in the matter scarcely less noteworthy ; that is the fact that no 
white man watched the Indian or squaw when going for salt. Certainly 
no scruple of conscience could have prevented, and it would seem to 
have been a comparatively easy task, if, as represented, .the salt spring 
was near at hand. And moreover, if there ever was a salt spring here, 
where was it ? Is it not more probable that the salt came from the 
Onondaga Springs, either brought from there by the Indians who left 
the head of the lake for it, or obtained it between here and there from 
other Indians?! xhe recent discovery of salt in the town of Lansing 
may possibly have some bearing upon this question. 

' Between 1817 and 1820, Mr. Torr}^ father of Elijah B. Torr3^ having faith in the 
traditions concerning salt in this vallejr, sunk two shafts to a considerable dejDth, at 
a spot just south of the present corporation, near the Spencer road; but instead of 
salt water, he tapped perennial veins of fresh. Portions of the old curbing were still 
to be seen but a few years since. Again, in 1864 an attempt to obtain salt by boring 



TOWN OF ITHACA. 97 

The families of Yaples, Dumond and Hinepaw lost the land they had 
located here, throug-h nonpayment of taxes at Albany by their agent, 
and the first two removed in 1795 to the northern part of Danby, while 
Hinepaw located near the site of Aurora. They were men of solid and 
respectable character and reared families of children. (Further allusion 
is made to them in the history of Danby. ) 

In the month of September, 1786, Robert McDowell, Ira Stevens and 
Jonathan Woodworth moved with their families from Kingston, near 
Wilkesbarre, Pa., to Tioga Point and Chemung. The next summer 
Robert McDowell, Nehemiah and Charles Woodworth (sons of Jona- 
than), Abram Smith, Joseph Smith and Richard Loomis came from 
Chemung, by way of Catharine, to the head of Cayuga Lake, and there 
cut and put up a quantity of marsh hay, and then returned to Chemung. 
The ensuing fall Abram Smith and the two Woodworths again visited 
the lake flats, this time bringing cattle to winter them on the hay al- 
ready prepared. In the spring of 1788 they went back to Chemung, 
when Mr. McDowell, accompanied by Jane, his eldest daughter, then 
about seven years, and two boys — one a negro — returned to the rude 
farm at the head of the lake, where Ithaca now stands, and planted a 
quantit}^ of corn and sowed some spring wheat, and followed up this 
enterprise in the fall of the same year by bringing in his entire family, 
composed of himself, wife, and five children — Jane, Hannah, Euphius, 
John and Daniel. 

Mr. McDowell was the first settler on the Abraham Bloodgood tract 
of 1,400 acres; since known as all that part of the corporation of Ithaca 
lying west of Tioga street. He put up his cabin somewhere near what 
is now the junction of Seneca and Cayuga streets, about where stands 
the fine residence of Samuel H. Winton. Upon this spot, until 1874, 
stood a wooden building erected by Mr. Henry Ackley (father of Mrs. 
Winton) in the year 1812 or 1813. 

very deep was made ; but the company, formed for the purpose, died of too much 
management. 

As a matter of historic interest in this connection, we cannot withhold this further 
quotation from the Journal of De Witt Clinton, dated Ithaca, August 11, 1810: 
" It is said that there are salt lakes [licks?] in this country, and 07ie near this place, 
formerly much frequented by deer, which were in great plenty when the country 
was first settled, and on being pursued by dogs immediately took to the lakes, in 
which they were easily shot. . . . This is probably a link in the chain of fossil 
salt, extending from Salina to Louisiana, like the main range of the Alleghany 
Mountains." — Campbeir s Life of De Witt Clinton, p. 163. 
13 



98 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The descendants and near relatives of McDowell have been prom- 
inent in many ways in Tompkins county. He was a son of John Mc- 
Dowell, a Scotch immigrant. One daug-hter of Robert married Nicoll 
Halsey and became the mother of ten children, several of whom were 
leading- citizens. 

Nehemiah Woodworth related that in June, 1788, Captain Jonathan 
Woodworth and his two sons, with five others, followed Sullivan's trail 
to Peach Orchard, then passed down Halsey's Creek to the Cayuga 
Lake, and encamped on the north side of Goodwin's Point, and on the 
following day went up to the head of the lake. In July the same party 
of six named in Mr. Halsey's account (except that David Smith is sub- 
stituted for Abram) made hay on the lake flats, where they were 
joined by Peter Hinepaw and Isaac Dumond. The Woodworth party 
brought provisions and two cows ; and that fall drove in all their stock, 
about seventy head of cattle and horses. During the winter, Abram 
Smith and a man named Stevens (Ira?) had trouble with wolves, one 
of which they killed. They killed also a large bear on the lake, near 
Salmon Creek. The account further says that the Woodworth family 
" moved in, in the spring of 1789, and remained until 1793;" that they 
had a mortar made from a large stump standing ''near the present 
court-house," and that Nehemiah assisted in bringing in the mill-stones 
on an ox sled. On the farm of the late Dr. J. F. Burdick, in Lansing, 
within the memory of many residents of that town, one of these tree 
mills for grinding corn was still to be seen. 

This is the only record we have concerning the settlement of the 
Woodworth family at Ithaca. The mill-stones alluded to were prob- 
ably the first that were brongJit in — not the first used. 

In 1791 John Dumond, the pioneer, who had been inarried just be- 
fore leaving his former home, became the father of the first white child 
born within the limits of what is now Tompkins county. The child 
was a daughter, was named Sally, and became the wife of Benjamin 
Skeels, of Danby, who removed to Indiana in 1846. 

William Van Orman came in about the time under consideration, the 
precise date being unknown. He first settled on two hundred acres, a 
part of military lot number eight3^-two, where he lived about twelve 
years, but was one of the many unfortunate ones who lost his property 
through defective title. Walter Wood succeeded him on the farm. 
Mr. Van Orman then took a farm on lot eight3^-three, then owned by 
George Sager, who had purchased from a Mr. Pangborn, who received 



TOWN OF ITHACA. . 99 

it for militaiy service. In 1824 Mr. Van Or man built his substantial 
brick house near Buttermilk Falls. He was of considerable prom- 
inence and was assessor of Ulysses town in 1795. 

George Sager settled about 1793 on the tract he bought of Pangborn 
(above noticed). He brought with him his mother and younger brother, 
Simon. George was unmarried and about thirty years old. He after- 
wards married Charity, daughter of Bezal Halle)^ and later settled in 
that vicinity and built a double log cabin and a frame barn, one of the 
first. This barn was afterwards used for Methodist meetings under 
Rev. Dr. Baker. 

In 1823 Mr. Sager built a stone house, where he passed the remain- 
der of his life. 

Of course, there was a woeful scarcity of "store goods" in those 
early days, and it was several years before a merchant was established ; 
but a very enterprising man named Lightfoot brought a load of goods 
up the lake in the year 1791, and began trade in a shanty which he 
built near the site of the steamboat landing. He had tea, coffee, a 
little crocker}^, small stock of dry goods, a little hardware, and gun- 
powder and lead, a barrel or two of whisky. 

Horace King, in naming the early settlers who succeeded the Mc- 
Dowells, uses the following language : 

I cannot tell the order after this in which the early inhabitants came in, and can 
only mention, as being among the first, the Davenports, who came in the second or 
third year, and settled on the hill west ; the Blooms, who came in the third year and 
settled where their descendants still remain (in Lansing, near the Ithaca line); 
Francis King, who came in the fifth year and located two miles south upon the 
hill ; Moses De Witt, who came here as agent of Mr. Simeon De Witt ; Patchin, who 
built his cabin about half way between the Cascadilla and Fall Creeks; Abram and 
Henry Markle, the Sagers, the Brinks, who settled a short distance south of Eben- 
ezer Mack's late residence; Mr. William R. Collins, who built just across the inlet, 
west; Van Orman, Van Etten, Banfield, Shoemaker, Miller, Greene and Smith. 

Mrs. Philes came to the "Flats" to reside in 1813, Mr. Dumond 
then having a house on the southeast corner of Mill and Tioga streets. 
The first school she attended was kept by Mrs. Buel (wife of Judge 
Buel, and whose maiden name was Enos), in a small house standing, 
until a very few years since, on the southeast corner of Mill and Aurora 
streets. 

Governor Clinton mentions Abram Johnson, whom he saw at Ithaca, 
as formerly a sergeant in Clinton's brigade, and the author of a song 
on the storming of Fort Montgomery, which was afterwards printed. 
L.ofC. 



100 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Of the foregoing, Nathaniel Davenport, from New Jersey, settled 
with his wife and four children on lot eighty-seven, just north of the 
Bloodgood tract, and built his cabin on the site of the stone house re- 
cently occupied by Mrs. Walter P. Williams. Their, youngest child, 
Abram, married in 1798 Mary Johnson, daughter of Abram Johnson, a 
pioneer of 1791 ; this was the first marriage in what is now the city and 
town of Ithaca. Abram Johnson was a native of Staten Island, but 
came to Ithaca from the Mohawk Valley, and after a short stay in the 
village here settled on a farm a few miles south. He was the father 
of eight children, five of whom were sons. One of them, John, became 
an Ithaca merchant and was the second clerk of tliis county. Arthur 
vS., another son, lived in Ithaca, where he was prominent as a lawyer 
and held a number of official positions. 

Benjamin Pelton settled on lot ninety-nine, the Fall Creek property, 
about 1797, his dwelling standing in the middle of what is now Aurora 
street, at the top of a high spur of gravel since leveled down. He ad- 
vertised in the Journal, March 4, 1819, that he had "opened a Scriv- 
iner's office at the Yellow House near Peter Demund's." Mr. Pelton's 
son, Richard W. , became owner of a large farm on South Hill, now 
largely covered with residences. He was the first posttnaster of Ithaca 
in 1804. Another son, Edmund G. , was a prominent early attorney, 
and held the office of surrogate in 1821. Abram Markle came here 
before 1798, and in that year performed the first marriage ceremony, 
before noticed ; he was then a justice of the peace. 

David Quigg was a settler at Ithaca as early as the first year of the 
century and was the first regular merchant. An old account book of 
Lansing & Quigg shows that he was conducting a store in 1801. He 
probably came here from Spencer, where he had first settled. His first 
business was in a log building on the north side of the Cascadilla, near 
the intersection of the present Linn and University avenue. He soon 
afterwards removed his stock to a frame building on the corner of 
Seneca and Aurora streets. His first goods came by way of the Mo- 
hawk Valley from Albany, and by Wood Creek, Oneida Lake, up the 
Seneca River and Cayuga Lake. He received little cash in his early 
operations, but his profits were large. The late H. C. Goodwin^ wrote 
in 1853: 

1 H. C. Goodwin, son of Goodwin, of Lansing (from whom Goodwin's Point 

was named), published a little pamphlet in 1853 entitled ' ' Ithaca as it was and Ithaca 
as it is." It is now very rare, the copy in hand being owned by Horace M. Hibbard. 



TOWN OF ITHACA. 101 

York rum cost twenty-six cents a gallon and sold for 11.25. Muscovado sugar cost 
nine cents a pound and commanded eighteen and three-fourths cents. At this time 
(1801-5) large quantities of maple sugar were made by the back settlers, so that one 
hogshead of muscovado supplied the retail trade for one j^ear. At the same time 
loaf sugar was worth thirty-one cents. Salt commanded four dollars a barrel. Nails 
found a ready market at twenty-five cents a pound, and leather was not dull at 
thirty-eight cents. His wheat he forwarded by land carriage to Owego, then down 
the Susquehanna on arks to Baltimore, realizing fifty-six cents on the bushel. In 
1807 he shipped some 21,000 bushels, and in 1808, '09 and '10 an average of 4,000 
bushels. His cattle were driven to Philadelphia, where he received a profit of five 
dollars a head. Good cows were then worth $16 a head, oxen $50, and three year 
old steers about $18. Horses were worth from $75 to $80. There were no oats, 
buckwheat or corn grown for sale, and butter had not at this time been introduced 
into the market. The expense of conveying goods through this devious and singu- 
larly winding course (just described) was two dollars a hundred; or, if conveyed 
hither from New York with teams by way Catskill, the charges were four dollars per 
hundred pounds. 

The late Josiah B. Williams, who came to this count}^ in 1825, was 
early engaged in the transportation business over the route first alluded 
to. He often narrated to the writer his experiences on his trips, and 
vividly portrayed the arduous toil and extreme discomforts accompany- 
ing that occupation, which he followed for several 3^ears. 

The first death in town occurred in either 1790 or 1791, the precise 
date being unknown. It was that of Rachel Allen, who was either 
seventeen or eighteen years old, the daughter of a nran who was then 
passing through Ithaca. She was buried on the hillside, where the 
cemetery was afterwards located. 

Abram Markle came to Ithaca soon after the settlement, and in 1800 
built the first frame house in the place. There was then a carpenter 
here named Delano, who had for an apprentice Luther Gere (who 
afterwards rose to influence and wealth), and they built the house. It 
was situated, and stood until recent years, just north of the Cascadilla, 
on the west side of the street, the second building from the mill. Mr. 
King says that probably Mr. Markle brought up a small store of goods, 
but could scarcely be considered a regular merchant. 
■ Archer Green was in Ithaca before 1800, and it was probabl}^ in his 
log house, on the north side of the Cascadilla, that the first marriage 
was consummated, as before noted. Mr. Green was the first clerk of 
the county, and otherwise prominent in the community. 

Mr. Goodwin became a historical writer of some note, and died recently in Homer, 
N. Y. 



102 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

According to Mr. Goodwin there were in Ithaca in 1806 about twelve 
houses, six being framed; and from that time onward the place grew 
and prospered, as further detailed in subsequent pages. 

By the following personal notes it will be seen that those pioneers 
who have thus far been mentioned were called to fill town offices at an 
early day for the old town of Ulysses : 

John Yaple, fence viewer, 1796-97. 

Peter Dumond, overseer of highways, 1795 and 1798. 

Robert McDowell, overseer of the poor, 179.5 ; assessor, overseer of 
highways, and school commissioner, 1796, holding the last named office 
several years; commissioner of highways and of "public lots" in 
1798; and justice of the peace in 1800. 

William Van Orman, assessor and fence viewer, 1795 ; commissioner- 
of highways, fence viewer, and school trustee, 1796 ; and overseer of 
■the poor, 1799. 

Nathaniel Davenport, overseer of the poor, 1795; commissioner of 
highways, 1796. He subsequently held many other positions of re- 
sponsibility, as did also his son, Henry Davenport, who, in the 3^ear 
1800, was recorded in a list of jurors as a " miller. " 

Abram Markle, town clerk, 1795, and both supervisor and town clerk 
for several years thereafter. He was justice of the peace in 1800. 

Henry Markle (farmer and innkeeper) was overseer of highways in 
1800. 

Isaac Patchen, assessor, 1795; and overseer of the poor, 1797 and 
1798. 

Abram Davenport, constable, 1797-98. 

Benjamin Pelton, school commissioner, 1796; assessor, commissioner 
and overseer of highways, and commissioner of public lots, 1798. 

Richard W. Pelton, constable and town clerk, 1798. 

Richard Pangborn, constable, 1796. 

Abram Johnson, assessor and commissioner of highways and public 
lots, 1798; overseer of highways, 1799; and inspector for senatorial 
election in Cayuga county in 1799, with Abram Markle, Jeremiah Jef- 
frey, and Joseph S. Sidney. 

Joseph S. Sidney (miller), assessor, 1799, and school commissioner, 
1801. 

Jonas Whiting (farmer), commissioner of highways, 1799; super- 
visor, 1800. 



TOWN OF ITHACA. 103 

John Smith (distiller), pound-master, 1799, and town clerk, 1800. 
He was probably the "John Smith" named as "surveyor," in No- 
vember, 1800, to run out the public lots into parcels of 100 acres each. 

Archer Green, in 1801, was delegate to the convention called to con- 
sider the question of the division of Cayuga county. 

The town meetings of the town of Ulysses from 1795 to 1817 were 
held within the limits of fhe present town of Ithaca, viz. : In 1795, at 
the house of Peter Hinepaw; in 179P», at the house of Nathaniel 
Davenport; in 1797, at the house of Jabez Hanmer; in 1798, at the 

house of ; in 1799, at the house of Abram Markle; from 1800 

to 1803 inclusive, at the house of Nathaniel Davenport; from 1801 to 
1817, when Ithaca was set off, at the house of Moses Davenport, son of 
Nathaniel. 

The important features of history, as related wholly to the town of 
Ithaca, have been given in earlier chapters of general matter, or will be 
given a little further on in the continued history of Ithaca as village 
and city. It is sufficient here to say that the agricultural districts in 
this town were rapidly taken up after the beginning of the present 
century by a class of men and women who were possessed of the requi- 
site energy and perseverance to establish comfortable homes amid new 
scenes, and the requisite morality and intelligence to gladly aid in 
founding early schools and churches, and to so rear their sons and 
daughters that they would continue, as they have done, the good work 
begun by their fathers and mothers. 

The following lists of town officials include the names of many of 
the early settlers and the later dwellers in the town, who were riiore or 
less conspicuous as private and as public citizens. The town of Ithaca 
was formed March 15, 1821, at the court house in Ithaca, and the fol- 
lowing officers elected: Supervisor, Nathan Herrick; town clerk, Isaac 
Beers ; assessors, Caleb Davis, William P. Burdick, Richard Pew ; col- 
lector, Ebenezer Vickery; overseers of poor, Jesse Merritt, Eliakim 
Dean; commissioners of highways, Moses Davenport, Joseph Pew, 
David Coddington ; constables (appointed), Ebenezer Vickery, Amasa 
Woodruff; commissioners of schools, John Whiton, John Johnson, An- 
drew D. W. Bruyn; inspectors of schools, Benjamin Pelton, Reuben 
Judd, Isaac Beers; trustees of gospel and school lot, Luther Gere, 
Charles Humphrey, William T. Southworth; pound-master, David 
Curtis. 



104 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



The town was divided into thirty-seven road districts. The first ses- 
sion of the town board, at which bills were presented, was held March 
2(), 1822, and the amount audited was $70.95. 

Following is a list of the supervisors from 1821 to the present time: 



1821-24. Nathan Herrick. 

1825. Andrew D, W. Bruyn. 

1826. Ben Johnson. 
1827^34. Ira Tillotson. 

1835. JuUusAckley. 

1836. Ira Tillotson, until September 

(resigned). 
Joseph Esty, appointed Septem- 
ber. 

1837. Amos Hixson. 

1838. John James Speed, jr. 

1839. Jacob M. McCormick. 

1840. Jeremiah S. Beebe. 

1841. Horace Mack. 

1842. Amasa Dana. 
1843-44. Joseph S. Hixson. 
1845. Samuel Giles. 
1846-48. William Andrus. 

1849. Frederick Deming. 

1850. Nathan T. Williams. 

1851. Frederick Deming. 

1852. Jonathan B. Gosman. 
1853-54. Stephen B. Gushing. 



1855. Benjamin G. Ferris. 
1856-58. William S. Hoyt. 

1859. John Gauntlett. 

1860. Henry F. Hibbard, 

1861. John Gauntlett. 

1862. John L. Whiton. 

1863. Philip J. Partenheimer. 
1864-65. Alonzo B. Cornell. 

1866. Joseph M. Lyon. 

1867. William L. Bostwick. 

1868. David L. Burt. 
1869-71. Howard C. WilHams. 
1872-73. Charles W. Bates. 

1873-77. David L. Burt, elected Novem- 
ber. 
1878-79. Pierce Pearson. 
1880-81. Alexander Frear. 
1882-86. Richard A. Crozier. 
1887-88. George W. Frost. 
1889-90. Nicholas Pearson. 
1891-92. Charles M. Titus. 

1893. Nicholas Pearson. 

1894. A. O. Hart. 



CITY. 



1889. R. A. Crozier. 

1889. Horace M. Hibbard. 

1890. A. G. Genung. 

1890. R. Wolf. 

1891. R. A. Crozier. 

1891. R. Wolf. 

1892, A. G. Genung. 
1892. George W. Frost. 



1893. E. S. Carpenter. 
1893. L. G. Todd. 
1893. T. S. Thompson. 

1893. J. E. Van Natta. 

1894. C. F. Hottes. 
1894. L. G. Todd. 
1894. T. S. Thompson. 
1894. W. P. Harrington. 



Following are the principal town officers for the years 1894: Amos 
O. Hart, supervisor. Forest Home; Hugh T. Burtt, town clerk, Ithaca; 
Lyle Nelson,, collector, Ithaca; Lockwood F. Colegrove, justice of the 
peace, Ithaca; Alfred Hasbrouck, justice of the peace, Ithaca; Edgar 
Masters, constable, Ithaca; Mathew Sharp, constable, Ithaca; Charles 
Brown, constable, Ithaca; William Van Order, constable, Ithaca; 
Charles Boyer, constable, Ithaca. 



TOWN OF ITHACA. 



105 



Statistical. — The bills for county expenses audited by the Board of 
Supervisors of 1893, and allowed, including the supervisors' service 
bill, amounted to $12,145.61. The gross amount of the town audits as 
allowed was $25,897.91. The whole amount expended for the care of 
the poor of the county for the year was $4,008.67. The total disburse- 
ments by the county treasurer were $107,355.34. Other statistical mat- 
ters are noticed in the succeeding town histories. 



CORPORATIONS. 



Ithaca, town — Elmira, Cortland and Northern R. R. Co 

Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Co. 

Lehigh Valley R. R. Co 

Lehigh Valley R. R. Co. , Auburn Branch 

Western LTnion Telegraph Company . _ . 

American Telegraph and Telephone Company 

Ithaca Water Works Company 

The Brush-Swan Electric Light Company 

Ithaca, crrv — Alpha Psi Society 

Alpha Delta Phi Society 

Cornell Athletic Association 

Delta Upsilon Society 

Delaware, Lackawanna and Western R. R. Co. 

Elmira, Cortland and Northern R. R. Co 

Geneva, Ithaca and Sayre R. R. Co 

Geneva, Ithaca and Sayre R. R. Co., Cayuga Division 

Cayuga Lake Transportation Co 

Ithaca Calendar Clock Company 

Ithaca Gas Light Company 

Ithaca Gun Company 

Ithaca Opera Company 

Ithaca Water Works Company 

Ithaca Street Railway Company. . 

Ithaca Savings Bank -.. 

Ithaca Board of Trade 

Kappa Alpha Association 

New York and Pennsylvania Telegraph and Telephone Co 

Psi Upsilon Association 

Phi Kappa Psi Society 

The Brush-Swan Electric Light Co i 

Theta Delta Chi Society 

The Autophone Company 

The American Telephone and Telegraph Co 

Tompkin s County National Bank 

Town and Gown Society 

United Glass Works Company 

Western L'nion Telegraph Company 

Zeta Psi Society ■ 



14 



ASSESSED 

VALUE OF 

REAL ESTATE. 



118,100 

24,000 

30,000 

11,280 

2,000 

1,000 

1,500 

300 

5,000 
5,000 
1,000 
2,700 

12,923 
3,000 

23,173 
8,725 
4,000 
5,000 

10,000 
3,000 
1,000 
9,500 
7,500 

20,000 

700 

2,700 

1,000 

2,500 

500 

2,800 

2,500 

3,500 

400 

7,400 

3.000 

5,000 

400 

7,000 



AMOUNT 
OF TAX. 



$271.50 

360.00 

450.00 

169.20 

30.00 

15.00 

22.50 

4.50 

91.00 

91.00 

18.20 

49.14 

235.20 

54.60 

421.75 

158.80 

72.80 

91.00 

182.00 

54.60 

18.20 

172.90 

136.50 

364.00 

12.74 

49.14 

18.20 

45.50 

9.20 

50.96 

45.50 

63.70 

7.28 

134.68 

54.60 

91.00 

7.28 

127.40 



106 LAND.MARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Ithaca Village, 

We left our account of early Ithaca when, in 1800, it had about a 
dozen houses; but it had enjoyed a post-office then for two years and 
doubtless felt itself considerable of a settlement. One of the half dozen 
frame structures stood, according to Mr. King, on the site of the vil- 
lage hall, and another where the old Tompkins House stood, and there 
a Mr. Vrooman kept a public house which he called the Ithaca Hotel. 
Another was on the southeast corner of Aurora and Seneca streets, 
and in it Luther Gere afterwards kept a tavern. It was in the year 
just mentioned that the little village received its name, from Simeon 
De Witt, after the ancient city of Ithaca in the Ionian Sea. 

There were elements of growth apparent in and around Ithaca even 
at that early day, its location at the head of Cayuga Lake being one of 
them. In 1808 the turnpike to Owego was laid out and its improve- 
ment begun, and three years later the road to Geneva was constructed. 
These and the other early highways contributed to the prosperity of 
the place. The first religious society, the Presbyterian, had existed 
since 1805, and it is pleasant to record the fact that in 180G the first 
library was established by the purchase of about $300 in books, which 
subsequently became the property of the "Ithaca Lyceum," and still 
later of the " Minerva Society," which was connected with the acad- 
emy. 

By the close of the first decade of the century, Ithaca was looked 
upon as one of the most thriving and promising villages in the State. 

This little village was the hope and pride of Simeon De Witt, who 
intended it for his future home, and who may appropriately be consid- 
ered its founder. Before he gave it its name it had been variously 
called "The Flats," or "The City," or "Sodom," according to the 
choice of different commentators. Mr. De Witt, as is well known, was 
a conspicuous figure in the early annals of the State. ^ 

1 To his memory Mr. King has paid the following tribute: 

" In 1778 he was appointed assistant geographer in the aimy of the Revolution ; 
and in 1780, on the death of Robert Erskine, was appointed chief geographer. In 
1796 General Washington proffered to him the office of surveyor-general to the 
United States, which, 'from the force of circumstances,' he declined. In 1784 he 
was appointed surveyor-general of this State, succeeding therein Gen. Philip Schuy- 
ler ; and in 1798 became Regent of the Universit}-. Both of these offices he held to 
the time of his death, in December, 1834, through all the political revolutions and 
changes that occurred. In 1829 he was chosen Chancellor of the University, and 



.1 M.U'y 

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11. 



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108 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

He held among other high positions the office of surveyor-general of 
the State from the year 1794 to the date of his death, December 3, 1834. 
He became early possessed of a large tract of land covering a part of 
the village site, which he improved and sold off at various times. 

Lot No. 92 of Ulysses, which became the site of a part of Ithaca vil- 
lage and Cornell University, was drawn by Benjamin Gilbert, a lieu- 
tenant. Lot 88, locally called " Renwick," was drawn by Andrew 
Moody, a captain of cavalry ; and lot 81 by Major-General Alexander 
McDougall. Derrick Schuyler, an ensign in the Second Regiment, 
drew lots 57 and 78, upon the latter of which his brother, John H. 
Schuyler, settled in 1811 ; it is on the Hector road on West Hill. John 
H. Schuyler was the father of George W. and Philip C. Schuyler. 

The following is from vSackett's Minutes of the Military Townships, 
in relation to lot 94, which formed that part of Ithaca bounded by Tioga 
street on the west, Eddy street on the east, and north and south by the 
north and south city lines : 

Ulysses 94. 

Drawn by Hendrick Loux, private in the 1st N. Y. Regiment. 
Claimed by Jeremiah Van Rensselaer. 

(1) Patent to Hendrick Loux dated July 6, 1790, for 600 acres. 

(2) Deed from Hendrick Loux, the patentee, to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer dated 
January 26, 1793. Deposited, acknowledged, entered and recorded in the secretary's 
office. 

Hendrick Loux, on oath, says that he was a private soldier in the army and be- 
longed to the First Regiment, commanded by Col. Goose Van Schaick till the war 
was over, and that he sold his land to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer and never sold it 
to John De Witt or any other person, and never gave John De Witt any deed. 

Awarded 600 acres to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer. 

was also for several years canal commissioner. The duties 'of every office that he 
held were discharged faithfully and ably. These facts have made him known to the 
country, and have given celebrity to his name. 

" In private intercourse he was affable and amiable, just in all his dealings, and 
beloved in all his associations. One who knew him well has said that he was ' a 
scholar, a patriot and a Christian.' His relations to this village [Ithaca] give us 
right to claim more than a general distinction through him. He was founder, 
sponser and friend of Ithaca. He died here, and the place where his body reposes is 
known to all of us. . . . He has monument and memorial in the flourishing and 
beautiful village that his grave overlooks, and it will testify of him when you and I 
and generations yet unborn shall have passed away." 

The remains of Mr. De Witt were removed some forty years ago to Alban)^ and 
reinterred. 




MAP OF THE BLODGOOD TRACT. 



\ 






VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 109 

This tract, as well as others of the early subdivisions, is clearly shown 
on the accompanying maps. 

The plot of the village was formed almost wholly by streets follow- 
ing nearly the cardinal points, and intersecting very nearly at right 
angles. This plot contained certain portions designated then, or sub- 
sequently, as parks, of which De Witt Park is most central. Mr. De 
Witt encouraged settlement by the liberal terms offered in the sale of 
his lands. It was his long cherished desire to build a residence on the 
east hill overlooking the village; but he died before this was accom- 
plished, and was buried near the spot, on the south bank of the Cas- 
cadilla, where a few pines still stand, through whose heavy fronds the 
wind makes ceaseless requiem. His grave was on the rear of the lot 
the front of which on Buffalo street is now occupied by residences of 
C. H. White and Henry Stewart. 

It is said that beneath these pines he made his first encampment 
while prosecuting the survey (about the year 1796-97) for his map of 
the State. His remains lay long unhonored by a distinctive monument, 
and were finally removed from Ithaca to Albany. 

The present corporation of Ithaca is composed of Lot 94, of the mil- 
itary tract, and the Abraham Bloodgood location. 

Lot 94 of the military tract was allotted to a soldier of the Revolu- 
tion, by name Hendrick Loux, by whom it was conveyed to a Mr. 
Van Rensselaer, who conveyed to "Robert McDowell of Mohawk." 
McDowell conveyed the north part, 170 acres, to Benjamin Pelton in 
1797, or thereabouts. Mr. Pelton sold his portion to Phineas Bennett. 
The southern portion, lying chiefly on the South Hill and south of the 
Six Mile Creek, became the property of the Peltons. The middle por- 
tion, except about fourteen acres, was purchased by Simeon De. Witt. 

Of the fourteen acres, ten were purchased by Gen. John Smith, and 
embraced nearly all the lands on the flats lying east of the old Owego 
Turnpike (Aurora street) and south of the Jericho Turnpike, as first laid 
out; and four acres became the property of John McDowell, a son, and 
Richard W. Pelton, and Nicoll Halsey, son-in-law of Robert McDowell. 
The four acres embraced the block on which now stands the Ithaca 
Hotel, and the small piece which has since become South Tioga street. 
The portion of State street on the north of the four acres was then vil- 
lage lot 32, the street not then existing, April 6, 1808, this four acres 
was conveyed by the three owners to Luther Gere and John M. Pear- 
son for $100; and July 31, 1810, Luther Gere conveyed to Aurelia, 



110 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

widow of John M. Pearson, one and one-half acres from the west side 
thereof. vSubsequently said Aureha (then the wife of Caleb B. Drake, 
esq.) conveyed what is now vSouth Tioga street, to vSimeon De Witt, 
who opened it to the public, and conveyed to Aurelia, in payment 
thereof, village lot 62 next west. Lot 92 is bounded on the west by the 
west line of Tioga street in the village of Ithaca. 

The Abraham Bloodgood tract lies west of the west line of Tioga 
street, and contains 1,400 acres, for which a certificate of location was 
issued to him November 1, 1789. The title passed to Gen. Simeon De 
Witt, who afterwards conveyed to Francis A. Bloodgood the 400 acres 
which lies south of the central line of Clinton street, and of that line 
continued. A small portion of this was sold to actual settlers by Mr. 
Bloodgood ; the remainder was divided into lots, some of which passed 
to non-resident capitalists. The title was finall}^ concentrated in 
Messrs. John McGraw and Charles M. Titus, who purchased the prop- 
erty in 18(38. 

In a letter dated at Albany, February 18, 1810, Mr. De Witt wrote 

as follows : 

The place to which I purpose to go, when I have no business here, is a village of 
at least thirty houses ; and fronts a plain of the richest lowlands. If I should live 
twenty years longer, I am confident I should see Ithaca as important a place as Utica 
is now. Its advantages and situation cannot fail of giving it a rapid growth and 
making it one of the first inland places of trade. There is now no place of its size in 
the country where there is such a stir of business. The principal inn — a considerable 
two-story house — besides another respectable tavern, was found quite insufficient for 
the business. When Colonel Varick and I arrived there, breakfast had been served 
for thirty people before we got ours. The landlord (Vrooman) — a very respectable 
man — has last season built a large three-stor}^ house for a tavern. ^ I mention these 
things to show that what I have contemplated for my future residence is not a dreary, 
solitary country situation. 

A few months later, May 10, 1810, and after another visit to Ithaca, 
Mr. De W^itt wrote as follows of the place: 

I find this village considerably increased since I was here before. I have counted 
thirty-eight dwelling-houses, among which are one very large, elegant, three-story 
house for a hotel, and five of two stories; the rest of one story — all generally neat 
frame buildings. Besi>les these there is a school house and buildings for merchants' 
stores, and shops for carpenters, cabinet-makers, blacksmiths, coopers, tanners; and 
we have besides shoemakers, tailors, two lawyers, one doctor, watch-cleaner, turner, 
miller, hatters, etc., etc. 

1 This became the Ithaca Hotel, and stood on the site of the present house of that 
name. 



Couiiga /.aAe ) 

ftcnuncks 



89 




S 115 

C So 

J3 "5X3, 






113 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Governor De Witt Clinton also evinced an intelligent interest in the 
village and believed that it was to become an important municipality. 
In his personal journal of 1810 he wrote as follows: 

The price of a barrel of salt at Ithaca is twenty shillings; conveyance to Owego^ 
by land, six shillings ; from Owego to Baltimore, by water, eight shillings. Allow- 
ing a profit of six shillings on a barrel, salt can be sent from here to Baltimore for 
one dollar per bushel. Packing-salt sold there last spring for six shillings. . . . 

Salt is taken down the country from this place by water as far as Northumberland, 
Pennsylvania, loO miles from Owego. It is 120 miles from here to the head-waters 
of the Alleghany. There is no road but a sleigh-road, in winter, by which salt is 
conveyed in small quantities; 3,500 barrels will be distributed from Ithaca this sea- 
son. 

Flour will be sent from this place to Montreal, via Oswego, or to Baltimore, via 
Owego. There is no great difference in the expense of transportation. It will prob- 
ably seek Montreal as the most certain market. 

A boat carrying from 100 to 140 barrels will go to and return from Schenectady in 
six weeks. An ark carrying 250 barrels costs $75 at Owego. It can go down the 
river to Baltimore in eight, ten or twelve days, and when there it will sell for half 
the original price. The owner, after vending his produce, returns home by land 
with his money, or goes to New York by water, where, as at Albany, he laj^s out his 
money in goods. The rapids of the Susquehanna are fatal to ascending navigation. 

Cattle are sent in droves to Philadelphia. Upwards of 200 barrels of beef and pork 
were sent from this place last spring, by arks, to Baltimore, from Owego, by Buel 
and Gere, and sold to advantage. ... 

The situation of this place, at the head of Cayuga Lake, and a short distance from 
the descending waters to the Atlantic, and about 120 miles to the descending waters 
to the Mississippi, must render it a place of great importance. 

And again he wrote as follows of the operations here of Luther Gere: 

Mr. Gere has finished for $2,300 in stock of the Ithaca and Owego Turnpike Com- 
pany, three miles of that turnpike, from the 10th of April to the 10th of July, with 
eight men, four yoke of oxen and two teams of horses. Scrapers are a powerful 
engine in making roads. 

He is also building an elegant frame hotel, three stories high, and 50 by 40 feet, 
with suitable outbuildings and garden. The carpenter's work was contracted for 
at $1,500; the whole will not cost more than §6,000. Gere is a very enterprising 
man. i 

These extracts from the notes of men of good judgment, made from 
personal observation and knowledge, arid at the period now under con- 

1 Mr. Gere was for many years one of the leading and enterprising men of this county. 
He owned over 1,400 acres of farm lands on West and South Hills, his tract on West 
Hill extending from the west line of Ithaca cit}' to the Enfield town line. At one 
time he had 1,200 sheep on his land. He was president of the old Ithaca Bank, and 
dealt largely in lumber, the latter business finally causing his failure. 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 118 

sideration, slied the clearest possible light upon the conditions and 
prospects of Ithaca village during its earh^ 5^ears ; but it must be ad- 
mitted that midwa}- in its existence it passed through a period of 
considerable length during which it scarcely seemed to justify the pre- 
dictions of the prophets from whom we have quoted, and when, more- 
over, its slow rate of progress and development did not presage the 
rapid growth of the past ten years. In the early years the merchants, 
as we have seen, made liberal profits and were perforce given a large 
patronage ; the exports from the immediate locality were comparativel)' 
large, consisting of stock, grain, potash, lumber, tar, i etc., and the 
centering here of two important turnpikes caused transportation 
through the place of large quantities of the products of other localities, 
as well as cheapened the carriage on goods brought hither. The valu- 
able plaster of Cayuga county was in great demand early in the war 
period of 1812-15, on account of the decline of foreign commerce and 
stoppage of the former Nova Scotia supply, and immense quantities 
were brought to Ithaca and sent on southward. It is recorded that 
800 teams passed on the turnpike in a day on some occasions, and of 
course they all left their tribute in Ithaca. Coal, iron and merchandise 
were brought back by these teams on their return trips. The magni- 
tude of this business was the moving cause of the later construction of 
the Ithaca and Owego Railroad. Travel was also large in the old stage 
coaches which have been described in Chapter VII, and many old citi- 
zens can remember with what eagerness the far-off sound of the stage 
horn was daily awaited by the loungers at " Grant's Coffee-House, " the 
"Hotel," or the "Columbian Inn," or, earlier still, at "Gere's." At 
these famous inns did the weary travelers alight from the old-fashioned 
thorough-brace coach for a thorough bracing of the "inner man," at 
bar and board, — two da^^s, only, from Newburg or Catskill! 

We quote the following from the American Journal of December 15, 
1819: 

Through the politeness of a gentleman by the Newburgh Line from New York, we 
received on Saturday inortimg, a copy of the President's message, delivered on 
Tuesday, at 13 o'clock. It was received hi New York in eighteen hours and a half 
from Washington — a distance of 240 miles ; was there republished ; and (allowing for 
the time of reprinting and delay in New York) was about three days from Washing- 
ton City to this place — a distance oifour hundred and eighty miles, — a rapidity of 
communication seldom surpassed in any country. 

1 It is a fact that may be a surprise to later generations, that several hundred bar- 
rels of tar were made here from the pine forests that covered much of the land. 
15 



VILLAGE OF ITMACA. 115 

But what contributed more, perhaps, than anything else to the pros- 
perity and prospective importance of Ithaca was the construction of the 
Erie Canal (beg'un in 1817 and finished in 1825). This great waterway 
gave direct and easy communication with the seaboard and limitless 
inarkets. Previous to that event the boats navigating the waterway 
between Ithaca and Schenectady were small, and propelled much of 
the distance with poles in the face of numerous obstacles. With the 
building of the large canal boats (though not at first nearly so large as 
now) were introduced new and more gratifying conditions and led to 
the remarkable development of the lake traffic, which became a source 
of large business interests and incoming wealth before the opening of 
railroads. 

The enthusiasm that prevailed over the completion of the canal is 
indicated by the following letter written from Ithaca to the Columbian, 
a newspaper of New York city, in September, 1820: 

LrHACA, September 6. 
READ! REFLECT! 

TRANSPORTATION FROM UTICA ! 

The great advantage to this part of the country from the Grand Canal in the 
transportation of goods and produce is forcibly illustrated by the following fact: 

Capt. W. R. ColUns, of this village performed the passage from Utica to Monte- 
zuma (96 miles) with his boat drawn all the way by one horse, in three days, with a 
freight of 15 tons. From Montezuma to this place is a passage of one day or more 
according to the wind up the lake. Before the construction ot the canal, six tons 
were a load for a boat at this season ; and to. transport that burden from Utica to 
this village would require from eight to twelve days and the labor of five hands at 
least. 

Considerable has been written and more said about the condition of 
society in early years. A so-called "Moral Society" (the name of 
which would apparently indicate an exceptional degree of morality in 
its members) was organized at an early day and appears to have car- 
ried its ideas of punishing delinquents and hunting them down with a 
rather high hand. It is doubtful if any other locality ever produced a 
counterpart of this alleged organization. It was composed of leading 
business men, and its ranks were recruited from all classes of society. 
Uncle Ben Drake was the head, and he was designated " Old Tecum- 
seh. " From time to time, as occasion moved him, he issued his 
"proclamations," had them printed in " Captain Cudgel's " (James M. 
Miller's) Castigator, a ten by eighteen-inch folio, and every member of 



116 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 




the society responded; for no excuse was ever countenanced, or if 
evasion was attempted, a heavy fine was levied upon the offender and 
its collection enforced. Tecumseh's proclamations were promulgated 
whenever a show of any kind struck the town. If the proprietor of 

the exhibition was wise he per- 
fected an arrangement with the 
society and paid five dollars into 
the treasury of the organization. 
Then Tecumseh recommended his 
fellow members to attend, and they 
came in such numbers that at times 
"standing room" only was ob- 
tainable. Entrance fees were paid 
by all at the door and no disorder 
was allowed, the society for the 
time being acting as a most efficient 
police ; but woe to the exhibitor 
who did not recognize the society's 
claims and scouted its authority. 
One audacious fellow bid defiance " 
to Tecumseh and proceeded with 
his show of wax figures, a per- 
forming monkey and other attrac- 
tions. The ball room of the old 
Ithaca Hotel, corner of Aurora 
and vState streets, was secured b}' 
this showman, who during the day 
unpacked and set up Napoleon 
Bonaparte, Benedict Arnold, John 
Hancock, Daniel Lambert, Gibbs, the pirate, and other notables. The 
proprietor acted as ticket taker at the door, foot of the stairs, receiving 
for admission some few genuine coins, but an unusually large am_ount 
of broken bank and counterfeit paper currency. When he mounted to 
the ball room he found an audience of hundreds, who had saved him 
the trouble of opening the door,^ by placing a ladder at a window and 
entering without the formality of expending a farthing. Soon a fight 
broke out, the wax figures were stripped and crushed, the proprietor 
hustled down stairs, and the terrified monkey escaped over the roof of 
an adjoining building. In the morning Tecumseh started on a hunting 




"TECUMSEH." 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. lit 

tour with gun on shoulder and returned in an hour dragging- the mon- 
key he had found in a tree in Hill's garden, on the corner of Green and 
Cayuga streets. He averred it was a dangerous wild beast of a new 
species, and he had shot it for his own safety and the safety of the 
people. The showinan was furnished with means to pack up his shat- 
tered figures, and mourning the loss of his monkey, he left town never 
to return. When Drake died the society dissolved. 

The proclamation of Tecumseh relative to this event is worth preservation and 
ran as follows: " His illustrious Eminence, the Grand President of the Moral Society 
of the profound city of Ithaca and the surrounding territory; to all subordinate in- 
stitutions, and to all worthy associates, greeting: Whereas, a couple of Itinerants 
have presumed to wander up and down within our peaceful dominions, exhibiting a 
miserable congregation of Wax Figures, and making an abominable attempt at 
musical performances, on what we have by due inspection ascertained to be a leather 
Organ, which latter is particularly obnoxious to our refined nervous sensibility; and, 
Whereas, they have affected to hold our authority in contempt ; these are, therefore, 
to command you, wherever you may be, either in Auburn, Owego, or elsewhere, to 
see that the laws and ordinances of our sublime institution are in due style enforced 
with respect to this vagrant establishment, and especially toward the aforesaid in- 
contestibly vituperable engine. All marshals, sheriffs, constables, coroners, and all 
other executive officers are categorically ordered to be aiding and assisting in enforc- 
ing this salutary regulation ; and all judges, justices of the peace, and other judicial 
officers of any name, denomination or description whatever, or by whatever term 
they may be ycleped, are commanded, under the strictest penalties and pains, to 
refrain from licensing or permitting the aforesaid performance, or in any way coun- 
tenancing the same. You are at all times to regard our homologous instructions in 
the light of express commands ; and for so doing these presents shall be your suf- 
ficient warrant and authority. 

' ' In witness whereof, we have caused our great seal to be hereunto appended on 
this 10th day of the first month of the twentieth 3^ear of our illustrious institution. 

"Tecumseh." 

This somewhat remarkable document was adorned with a ghastly 
human profile. 

The following proclamation succeeded the above, and clearly relates 
to the same showman, as well as to others: 

PROCLAMATION. 

His illustrious eminence, the grand president of the Moral Societ}", of the profound 
city of Ithaca and the surrounding territories; to all subordinate institutions, and all 
worthy associates. Greeting : Whereas, by our proclamation under our great seal, 
bearing date the 10th day of the present month, we have commanded you, wherever 
you might be, to see that our laws and ordinances were duly enforced, with respect 
to certain itinerant exhibitions of wax figicres, and a vituperable engine, alias a 



118 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

leather organ, and have commanded all persons in authority, whether judicial or 
executive, to refrain from licensing, permitting or countenancing the said itinerants, 
under the severest pains and penalties; and. Whereas, it hath been satisfactorily 
shewn to us, that the said itinerants were induced to treat • our authority with dis- 
regard, partly through ignorance of our laws and ordinances, but more especially by 
the wicked insinuations and abominably false and malicious representations of a cer- 
tain loquacious and limping inspector of beef and pork, and other disaffected per- 
sons; and that they have upon just and proper representations, promptly and cheer- 
fully conformed to the requirements of our ancient and honorable institution ; and. 
Whereas, it appears also, upon more scrutinizing inspection, that the said engine is 
not made of leather, but composed of the proper materials ; now, therefore, these are 
to signify that it is our sovereign and incontestable will and pleasure, that the 
restraints imposed by our said proclamation be, and the same are hereby removed; 
and all subordinate institutions and worthy members, all judicial and executive 
officers, are enjoined and commanded to license and permit, countenance and pro- 
tect the said itinerants in their lawful and necessary functions. , . . and we do 
also order and decree, that the aforesaid audacious, mendacious and mutilated in- 
spector, be put and placed without the protection of our laws, and that all distillers, 
grocers and publicans be forbidden, under any pretext whatever, to harbor or enter- 
tain him ; and that all decent persons of any age, color or size, be strictly and abso- 
lutely enjoined not to have any commerce, dealing, acquaintance, discoin-se, 
communication or intercourse, or in 2ca.y wise to cohabit with him. 
In testimony, whereof, etc. 

Trcumseh. 

The doings of Drake and his society were not confined to traveling" 
showmen ; for they assumed the right, and they certainl}'- had the 
power, to duck an offending citizen in the Inlet ; to conduct a trial on 
a chronic loafer and punish him by some peculiar method ; to capture 
an intoxicated wayfarer from an adjoining town and shut him in some 
citizen's hog or cattle pen, there to pass the night. It has been as- 
sumed that the condition of society in early Ithaca was a degree less 
civilized than in other similar communities; but it is scarcely probable 
that such was the case. The fact is, the pioneers in such settlements 
as Ithaca always numbered among them many rough characters, among 
whom the license for acts that would hardly be tolerated in refined 
communities of to-da}^ was quite free. 

In the language of Mr. King, 

The first settlers of a new country are more or less rude and unrefined in their 
habits and manners, and manj- acts are excusable among them which could not be 
tolerated in larger communities. A frequent reason is the absence of female society, 
and a universal'one is the want of those sources and means of enjoyment which a 
more dense population and more extended association affords. Then, too, new- 
society is composed of a large proportion of young men, whom an enterprising spirit 
and buoyant hope have led to adventure for the smiles of fortune. Not impelled by 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 119 

family cares and duties, nor attracted by the charms of domestic happiness, they 
seek relaxation and pleasure in pastimes which the more staid and sober perhaps too 
severely condemn. I have been told that in 1800 there were but two or three mar- 
riageable young ladies in Ithaca; while there were forty young men. Then again, 
although they had their ministerial and peace officers, yet there were many pecca- 
dillos and annoyances which legal process could not reach, and which were not re- 
strained and suppressed by the mere force of public sentiment. These circumstances 
and considerations operating and moving thereto, there was formed at a very early 
period what was called ' The Moral Society.' This society continued in existence for 
fifteen or twenty years. But the population increased steadily and rapidly, and new 
and better influences being introduced, tastes becoming more elevated and refined, 
and the sense of justice more rational and proper, it gradually became less and less 
popular until it finallj^ dissolved. 

And now let ns note the arrival of others who came to Ithaca in the 
first quarter of this centitry. It is manifestly impossible to speak of 
all, but it is hoped that those who left their mark in the community 
and became in any way conspicuous in public life or through their 
business relations will find somewhere in these pages the recognition 
they deserve. 

David Woodcock came to Ithaca before 1810 and became eminent in 
political life and at the bar. His career is further noticed in Chapter 
X. He purchased lots on Owego (now State) street just west of 
Tioga and running through to Seneca street. One of his daughters 
married Benjamin G. Ferris, and another Stephen B. Gushing, both of 
whom were early lawyers of note. Mr. Woodcock died in 1835. 

Caleb B. Drake became a resident of Ithaca about 1805, coming" from 
vSpencer. He bought of Luther Gere sixty-six feet on Owego street 
(now the southeast corner of Tioga and vState streets), where he lived. 
He was justice of the peace for the town of Ulysses as early as 1819, 
and often held that office in later years. He was also an efficient 
police justice of the village. He reared a large famil}^, and died about 
1857. 

Joseph Burritt came to Ithaca in 1810, from Connecticut, bringing 
his wife and his jeweler's tools. The partnership of Burdick & Burritt 
was formed not long afterwards, and they opened a shop on the north 
side of State street. For more than fifty years Mr. Burritt was identi- 
fied with the business interests of the place, and died in the enjoyment 
of the respect of the communit3^ 

Isaac Beers, coming to Ithaca in 1809, became one of the leading 
business men of the place, and erected a handsome block on State 
street. 



120 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Jesse Grant came here in 1811, bringing with him his son, Chaunce)^ 
L., who was destined to enjoy a long life of honorable business activity 
and to become thoroughly identified with public affairs, as will be noted 
further on. 

Jeremiah vS. Beebe settled in Ithaca in 1817, as agent for Stephen B. 
Munn, of New York city, a large land owner on the Watkins & Flint 
purchase, including thousands of acres in what is now Newfield. Mr. 
Beebe purchased the store of goods of David Quigg and for years car- 
ried on a vigorous and successful trade at what was termed " the west 
end," his most active opponent at the " east end " being William Les- 
ley, also long a successful merchant. Mr. Beebe Avas later connected 
with the milling and manufacturing industries, as will be described in 
later pages, 

David Booth Beers located in the village in 1817, and lived for a time 
at the old Tompkins House while erecting his dwelling. November 4, 
1817, he purchased from John A. Collier the ground on the northwest 
corner of Aurora and State streets, and there with Nathan Herrick as 
partner conducted a successful mercantile business. Mr. Beers died 
an untimely death December 22, 1819. 

Stephen Mack was the pioneer printer of Tioga county, and died 
there in 1814. Very soon afterwards his three sons, Stephen, Ebenezer 
and Horace came to Ithaca. Stephen was a lawyer of good ability and 
honorable methods. He died January 7, 1857. Ebenezer learned the 
printer's art, was for a short time a partner in the publication of the 
Owego Gazette, but reached Ithaca in 1816, where he soon became 
conspicuous in the press of Tompkins county. He united the business 
of bookselling and publishing with printing, and later also that of 
paper making. He held various political offices, and died in August, 
1849. One of his daughters became the wife of Lafa)^ette L. Treman. 
Horace Mack came to Ithaca in 1817, and was for many years a suc- 
cessful merchant, bank director, office holder, and identified with 
various enterprises tending to the development of the place. He died 
in 1855. 

Charles Humphrey settled in Ithaca prior to 1820. He was a man 
of exceptional ability and became conspicuous in public life ; was twice 
president of the village, member of assembly and of congress, and was 
otherwise honored by his fellow citizens. William R. Humphrey is a 
son of his. 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 131 

Wait T. Huntington, whose name will be often found in connection 
with early local public affairs, settled in the village in 1818, and 
became partner in mercantile business with William R. Collins (an- 
other thorough-going business man of the place), carried on brewing 
and other business interests, and was in every way a valuable citizen. 

Joshua S. Lee was an early druggist and a public spirited citizen ; 
and George McCormick, Vincent Conrad, Charles E. Hardy and others 
were conspicuous in business and public life, in the first quarter of the 
century and later. These and many other well known names will be 
found in connection with accounts of the various industries of that period. 

Let us now review the business situation in Ithaca at about the 
year 1820-21, for by that means we shall be able to arrive at an in- 
telligent estimate of the importance of the place in an industrial sense. 

The lawyers who were then looking for business here were L. 
Tooker, Johnson & Humphrey, Wm. Linn, Stephen Mack and A. 
Varick. In the columns of the American Journal Amos Lay proposed 
to publish a map of New York and the greater part of Pennsylvania, 
New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Upper Canada; 
scale, seven miles to the inch; price $10. Mack & Searing were to 
receive subscriptions for it. 

David Ayres advertised for sale 340 acres of land, four miles north- 
west of "the famed village of Ithaca." 

Dr. C. P. Hearmans announced that he was to stay here ; and George 
P. Frost wanted those having deeds left with Archer Green, clerk, to 
get them. 

Mack & Searing announced a dissolution of their partnership, Mr. 
Mack continuing the business ; and John Dumond (the original John) 
was a bankrupt, as stated in the paper. 

Ed. Preswick was dressing cloth at the Phenix Mills, Forest Home. 

Lyman Cobb, author of one of the first spelling books, advertised 
that he had a horse stolen; and Hiram Smith the same; while A. J. 
Miller had lost a cow. 

Mrs. Ayres was carrying on millinery, and Lawrence & Humphrey 
built carriages just east of the Ithaca Hotel. 

J. F. Thompson was in the hardware trade, and David Fields was 
tailoring next to the county clerk's office. 

Jesse Merritt informed the public that he would pay the highest 
price for butter and cheese, and Simeon De Witt offered for sale farms, 
village lots, and his distillery and mill. 

16 



122 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Miles Seymour was a blacksmith, located east of the hotel, and How- 
ard & Lyons were bookbinders. 

David Ayres announced that he was anxious for his debtors to "pay 
up," and he would take produce ; and E. Thayer also wanted his pay for 
shoes or groceries. "If debtors pay in lumber, it must be within 
twenty days." 

William Dummer advertised the removal of his barber shop to a 
room under Ackley & Hibbard's store ; he had for sale the nSwly in- 
vented oil for blacking. 

Julius Ackley was ready to buy sheared and pulled wool and sold 
hats. A month earlier Ackley & Hibbard were together in the hat 
trade. David Ayres advertised a general store in the Ithaca Chronicle 
in September, and Joseph Burritt a jewelry store. (As is well known, the 
latter continued in business here until recent times). 

George Henning had a hat store, and Peleg Cheesebrough a tailor 
shop on North Aurora street. 

Benjamin Drake was a merchant, and Sam J. Blythe announced his 
wool carding business on North Aurora street. 

Other advertisers in the Chronicle of the date under consideration 
were Mrs. Torrey, milliner. James Curry had a horse stolen. Rev. 
Lawrence Kean was to open a school. Spencer & Stockton sold tickets 
in the New York Literature Lottery. Lyman Cobb, before mentioned, 
published the copyright of " a just standard for pronouncing the Eng- 
lish Language." Luther Gere had 500 acres of land on lot 26, Dry- 
den, with mill sites on Fall Creek tract for sale; also 110 acres on lot 
98, Ulysses. He also sold groceries, dry goods, crockery, etc. Abner 
W. Howland had a chair factory at Fall Creek. 

In the Chronicle was printed a bank note table in which New York 
bank notes were at par ; Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Lansingburg and 
Newburg, "if last signed in red, " one-half per cent, discount. Jacob 
Barker's bank, 85 to 87 per cent, discount. Bank of Niagara, the same, 
etc. 

We will close this review by quoting the substance of a call for a 
meeting which appeared in the Chronicle of September 8, 1821. The 
meeting was for the purpose of consulting on the subject of roads and 
bridges. J. F. Thompson announced that John Smith (aided by a 
7nonkey-faced^Qt\iio%gQX of this village), having circulated a report 
seriously affecting his (Thompson's) reputation, and wilfully and 
maliciously false, must permit me to honor him with the appellation of 
a liar! Thompson was ready to meet Smith before a court of justice. 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 123 

From a letter written by W. T. Eddy, in 1876, we quote the follow- 
ing- note, which is worthy of preservation : 

Suppose we stop and count the aged persons that were in Ithaca and old enough to 
have families when the village was incorporated in 1821. Joseph Burritt is the only 
male living ; as for the then mothers we have Mrs. Eddy, the relict of Otis Eddy ; 
Mrs. Bruyn, relict of A. D. W. Bruyn; Mrs. Ackley, relict of Julius Ackley; Mrs. 
Allen, relict of Moses Monell ; Mrs. Drake, relict of Caleb B. Drake ; Mrs. Hillick, 
relict of Humphrey Hillick; Mrs. Hill, relict of Samuel Hill; Mrs. Coon, relict of 
Levi Coon ; Mrs. Johnson, relict of Ben Johnson. 

These are nearly or quite all passed awa}^ since the date under con- 
sideration (1876). 

Some interesting reminiscences of this locality in 1820-21 have been 
preserved in writings by Anson Spencer, who came to Ithaca at that 
time to learn the printing business with his brother, D. D. Spencer. 
In the first year or two of his apprenticeship Anson acted as newsboy, 
or post rider, as they were called then. His route was through Enfield 
to Burdette in Hector; thence down the lake to "Peach Orchard" 
(North Hector); thence across "Hector's Back Bone" to Reynolds- 
ville; thence by way of " Slab Harbor " (Waterburgh) to " Shin Hol- 
low (Trumansburgh) ; thence home on the turnpike, through "Har- 
low's Corners " (Jacksonville). Other similar routes were established 
for the delivery of papers and mail. He traveled in a one-horse 
wagon and usually carried a small mail. If the roads were bad he went 
on horseback. At that time there were four public houses; the Hotel 
was kept by Timothy Edwards, and a Mr. Dwight kept a public house 
in an old white building which was removed to make the site of the 
Wilgus Block ; the other public houses were Grant's Coffee House and 
the Coltimbian Inn. A store was kept on Aurora street by Benjamin 
& Drake ; on State street by Augustus Perkins, Luther Gere, Nichols 
& Luce, and by David Quigg. Joseph Burritt had a jewelry store on 
Aurora street ; William Lesley a grocery on State street. There were 
no stores below Tioga street. David Woodcock occupied a story and 
a half house on the corner of State and Tioga streets, and just below 
was his office (Woodcock & Bruyn). Next below that was the resi- 
dence of Dr. Ingersoll, and next below a small building occupied by 
Timothy Titus as a residence and a wagon shop. Next below Titus 
had a residence and a millinery shop, and then came the residence of 
Mrs. Crane, and then Grant's Coffee House. On the opposite side of 
the street, commencing with the hotel, the first building west was an 
old red storehouse, afterwards used by Mr. Esty as a tannery ; Peleg 



134 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Chesbrougli had a tailor shop next, and then came Linn's office; then 
the old Chronicle office. Below this was the hat store of Ackley & 
Hibbard, with a large sign of a painted military hat and lettered : 
"Under this we prosper." In the same building was the printing 
office of Ebenezer Mack, with a barber shop in the basement by Will- 
iam Dummer. Next was the office of C. B. Drake, and on the corner 
below was his residence. On the opposite corner was the public house 
of Dwight, with a low building, in which was the post-office. Below 
this was the dwelling of Dr. Miller, and next the house of Isaac Beers. 
Next below were the stables of the Coffee-House. This comprised 
about all there was of State street in 1821. 

Among the noted men of that time were Nicholas Townley, sheriff; 
Col. John Johnson, county clerk; Miles Finch, his deputy; Arthur S. 
Johnson, justice of the peace. Major Comfort Butler had charge of 
the De Witt farm, as it was called, occupying all the territory north of 
Mill street to Fall Creek. Major Renwick was postmaster, with Sam- 
uel Gardner as deputy. Deacon Henry Leonard operated the old 
Yellow Mill, with a distillery in connection. Phineas Bennett was run- 
ning the mill on the site of the Halsey Mill, and Archer Green owned 
a mill below the bridge, on the site of the later hotel barns. Miles 
Seymour and John HoUister were blacksmiths, the latter on the site of 
the Treman, King & Co. 's stores. Dr. Miller had a drug store in con- 
nection with his practice. 

In writing of this same period W, T. Eddy states that the first 
menagerie he ever saw in Ithaca was a lone lion in a cage, exhibited 
in the stable yard of the Ithaca Hotel ; and the second was a solitary 
elephant and a monkey in 1823. George Henning started a hat factory 
in 1825; hats were then made of wool and real beaver. In 1826 John 
Hawkins and J. S. Tichenor were apprentices in this business with Mr. 
Ackley, and afterwards began in partnership on their own account. 
In 1818 Mr. Eddy and Thomas Matthewson built the first paper mill 
in Tompkins county ; they were partners. The mill was on Fall Creek, 
and in 1820 Mr. Eddy sold his interest to Chester Walbridge, who 
sold in 1822 to James Trench. The property soon passed to Mack & 
Andrus. 

In 1820 a severe hail storm passed over the village, which broke be- 
tween four and five thousand panes of glass ; the Presbyterian church 
had 245 panes broken, and the Methodist chapel on Aurora street 240. 
Crops and vegetation were destroyed, and there was a panic among the 
children in the school. Abner W. Howland had the first chair factory 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 125 

in the place, and Howard & Lyons were the first bookbinders. Mr. 
Eddy built a brick building in 1820 for Joseph Benjamin, on the corner 
of State and Aurora streets, which was the first of the kind in Ithaca, 
excepting one immediately east of it which had a brick front and stone 
walls in rear. In writing of the " Flats, " as they were termed, and 
their improvement, Mr. Eddy said : 

At first these flats were difficult to improve. As the improvements have been 
going on the center of business has changed several times. The corners made by 
Aurora and Seneca streets were once headquarters. Luther Gere built a tavern on 
the southeast corner of these streets before he built the Ithaca Hotel. At that time 
State street did not go east of Aurora street, and some of the old inhabitants have 
told me of catching suckers in the Six Mile Creek at the east end of the building on 
the corner opposite and east of the first named hotel. The first settlers avoided the 
streams and swamp holes, so when they came from the east into the valley they 
made the road to turn north as soon as it came on the flats, close to the hill, and 
came into the east end of Seneca street, and for a time that was the principal place 
of businesss. There was also a tavern on the corner where the Tompkins House 
now stands, and the old "Bee Hive," which was on the corner of Buffalo and Aurora 
streets, remembered by many, was once a ntore. After the hotel was built. State 
street was finished east up to the foot of the hill. Then, and for a long time, the 
corners made by State and Aurora streets were the center of business. There was a 
store on each corner, except that where the hotel stood. In 1820 J. S. Beebe moved 
his store from opposite the hotel down to the corner of Cayuga and State streets. 
P'or a long time there was opposition and competition between what might be called 
the two centers of business in Ithaca. 

After Ithaca became the county seat there was put up on each of the 
roads going out of the village a post about six feet high with a white 
board nailed across it and on it was painted in black letters, "Gaol 
Limits." These denoted the limits outside of which debtors who had 
been confined in jail could not pass. After having been vouched for 
by a responsible friend, these prisoners could have the privilege of 
working in the village for their daily bread, and the posts stood until 
the law of imprisonment for debt was abolished. 

The reader of the foregoing personal notes regarding many of the 
representative men of Ithaca in past years will find many more men- 
tioned in another department of this volume who have in various ways 
contributed to the growth and well being of the place. Of the former 
merchants of Ithaca, Lewis H. Culver long occupied a conspicuous 
position. He was born in what is now Covert, Seneca county, August 
15, 1808; learned the tanner's trade at Halseyville, in Ulysses, but 
abandoned it after four years on account of his health. With $100 
capital he began the grocery business in Ithaca, and from that time on 
to 1842 his business increased rapidly. Previous to 1842 Mr. Culver 



126 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

admitted William Halsey and Charles V. Stuart as partners, the firm 
being Culver, Halsey & Co. On the 28th of July, 1842, the store and 
all buildings west to Tioga street were burned. The firm was after- 
wards dissolved, the brick building now occupied by the Bool Company 
being erected meanwhile. Mr. Culver afterwards formed a partner- 
ship with Charles W. Bates. Bates died and Mr. Culver associated 
himself with his sons, Lewis and Thomas. This firm afterwards dis- 
solved, and at the time of Mr. Culver's death he was sole proprietor. 
Mr. Culver died July IS, 1876. 

Josiah B. Williams, whose name has already been mentioned, was 
for many years one of the prominent business men of Ithaca. He was 
born in Middletown, Conn., in December, 1810. In 1825, when the 
Erie Canal was about to open Western New York to the advantages of 
eastern commerce, he left his eastern home with two brothers to take 
up his residence in this county. Upon the opening of canal navigation 
he took an active interest in devising plans and constructing boats suit- 
able for lake and canal navigation, as well as to other internal improve- 
ments — the enlargement of the canal, the construction of roads, bridges, 
mill, manufactories, churches and schools ; in the construction of rail- 
roads and establishing of telegraph lines. In these varied interests 
the brothers worked together until the death of the two elder brothers, 
one of which occurred in 1840 and the other in 1849, after which Mr. 
Williams continued alone. He early gave attention to the principles 
of banking, and in 1838 organized a bank in Ithaca. He was one of 
the incorporators and a trustee of Cornell University; was a member 
of the State Senate in 1851-56. He was also very efficient in the pro- 
inotion of the cause of the Union during the War of the Rebellion. 
His death took place on September 26, 1883. 

John Rumsey, son of James, was a prominent business man of Ithaca 
many years. His father's family were earl 5^ settlers in Enfield. In 
1844 John Rumsey came to Ithaca and entered the hardware store of 
L. & L. L. Treman as clerk ; there and with E. G. Pelton he passed 
about ten years. In 1858 he purchased the store and interest of E. G. 
Pelton and continued the hardware trade with gratifying success until 
his death on March 22, 1882. The business has since been carried 
on by his son, Charles J. Rumsey. John Rumsey occupied several 
positions which showed that he possessed the confidence of his fellow 
citizens. 

This list might be continued indefinitely with notes of deceased and 
living men who have been in active and successful business in Ithaca, 





L^ 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 137 

but want of space renders such a course impossible, and the reader is. 
therefore referred to Part II for further personal records. 

Village Incorporation. — On the 29th of November, 1820, a notice 
appeared in the American Journal under date of November 22, that an 
application would be made to the Legislature at the ensuing session, 
for an act to incorporate the village of Ithaca. The notice was signed 
by Joseph Benjamin. David Woodcock, Edward Edwards, Benjamin 
Drake, Isaac Beers, Henry Ackley, Ben Johnson, Jesse Merrill, Charles 
Humphrey, Daniel Bates, Ebenezer Mack, Ira Tillotson, Benjamin 
Pelton, Luther Gere, and Jeremiah S. Beebe. 

The incorporating act passed April 2, 1821 (seventeen days after the 
formation of the town from L^lysses), and the territory of the corpora- 
tion was bounded as follows : Beginning at a point sixty rods east of 
the intersection of the south side of Owego street with the west side of 
Aurora street; thence south fifty rods; thence west one mile; thence 
north two hundred rods ; thence east one mile ; thence one hundred 
and fift}'' rods to the place of beginning. 

The survey was made by Wait T. Huntington, who found almost 
imsuperable difficulty in getting through the miry jungle in the vicin- 
ity of the present fair ground, i The accompanying maps of the village 
show the boundaries of the first corporation. The act provided for the 
election of "five discreet freeholders," resident in the village, to be 
trustees ; empowered them to erect public buildings ; to raise not more 
than $500 the first year, nor more than $400 for any one year there- 
after for erecting public buildings (engine houses, markets, etc.), 
procuring fire engine and other utensils, repairs or improvements, and 
for making reasonable compensation to the officers of the corporation, 
etc. The act also made Cayuga Inlet a public highway ; provided for 

1 It is true that all the territory in that vicinity was formerly almost an impenetra- 
ble jungle of bushes and logs, with here and there a few large trees — a tract which 
has since been reclaimed by the enterprise of public spirited citizens. Two j^oung 
men, one of whom is now a gray haired citizen of the city, planned a raid into that 
jungle along in the fifties to shoot a great family of crows that had long flown in there 
" at nightfall to roost. Armed with two heavily loaded shot guns, their trousers in 
their boots, they started a little before dusk and waded, and crawled and floundered 
through the jungle to the crow roost, and there patiently awaited the coming of 
darkness and the family. And the crows came. When the tree was black with them 
and the darkness combined the two hunters blazed away. They heard more or less 
rustling through the trees and bushes, but it was then too dark to hunt for game 
among the bushes, and they toiled homeward. Visiting the spot next morning they 
earned the laurel for the greatest shots ever made, probably, at crows. They picked 
up twenty-three of the dead birds. 



128 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the appointment by the village president of a company of firemen not 
exceeding thirty in number, and the usual other provisions for village 
government, collection of taxes, etc. (vSee session laws, ]821). 

The first Board of Trustees under the charter were as follows: Daniel 
Bates, president; WiUiam R. Collins, Andrew D. W. Bruyn, Julius 
Ackley, George Blythe. The other officers were Nathan Herrick, 
Henry Ackley, Isaac Beers, assessors ; Charles W. Connor, Miles wSey- 
mour, Jesse Grant, fire wardens; Charles W. Connor, treasurer; 
Augustus P. Searing, clerk. The officers appointed were Thomas 
Downing, collector; Phineas Bennett, pathmaster; David Curtis, 
poundmaster. 

Some of the early ordinances of the trustees are worthy of notice, 
and are often amusing to the younger generation. On the 31st day of 
May, 1821, it was enacted that after the loth of June "no hog, shoat 
or pig, or ot/ier sivine " (italics our own), should run at large in the 
streets, nor " on the open space of ground south of the court house 
and meeting house, commonly called the public square." The penalty 
for violation of this ordinance was fifty cents. To this penalty was 
added a fee to the poundmaster, and if an animal taken up was sold, 
"any surplus unclaimed by the owner" should be paid to the over- 
seers " of the town of Ithaca. " 

A penalty of one dollar was attached to the encumbrance of a street 
"with any carriage, plaister, salt, stone, brick, casks, barrels, mill- 
stones, grindstones, sand, lime, firewood, timber, boards, planks, 
staves, shingles, or any other thing." A comprehensive list, surely, 
and apparently wholly covered by the final word "any other thing. " 
Our' early law makers were prodigal of words. 

The discharge within the village limits of " any fire arm, or setting 
off of any rocket, cracker, squib, or fireworks " cost the offender three 
dollars, and to fly a kite or play ball ' ' in either of the two main streets 
commonly called Owego avenue and Aurora street, " involved a penalty 
of one dollar. But perhaps the most astonishing provision was that 
prohibiting driving " faster than a trot, or to run horses in the streets or 
roads, or on the public square, under a penalty of three dollars." It 
might be interesting to learn w^hat were the receipts for penalties under 
such regulations. 

An ordinance of June, 1822, was adopted requiring the owner or 
occupant of a lot " to sweep, collect and remove all filth and rubbish 
as far as the center of the street opposite said lot, on the second and 
fourth Saturdays of each month of the year, except December, January, 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 129 

February and March." A wise regulation and one that is to this day 
in operation with good results in some villages of this State with popu- 
lations among the thousands, one of them being, we believe, Johns- 
town, Fulton county. 

In September, 1821, two hundred dollars were voted, a part of it to 
be paid for ringing the bell, and the remainder for " bringing water 
into the village to extinguish fires." A public well was dug in that 
autumn, but it was not sufficient, and in September, 1822, a contract 
was made with Messrs. .Bennett to construct an aqueduct from Six 
Mile Creek, " near their mills," to the corners of Owego, Aurora and 
Tioga streets. In the same month a further sum of one hundred and 
fifty dollars was voted to extend the aqueduct to Cayuga street. It 
was a wooden tube about a foot square, laid under ground, with pen- 
stocks and tubs at street corners. This was the inception- of public 
water supply in Ithaca. The fire ordinances then required each build- 
ing to be supplied with leather buckets and a ladder. 

A public meeting was held in the court house Jul}^ 24, 1824, at which 
the trustees were given authorit}'' to build and control a public market. 
In pursuance of this action a building 20 by 40 feet in size was erected 
at the junction of Tioga with Green street, under supervision of Lucius 
Wells and Nathan Herrick. It was finished on the 25th of August and 
the stalls were sold for the first year as follows: No. 1, Jacob Wood, 
$16.75; No. 2, Job Beckwith, $19.00; No. 3, Eutychus Champlin, 
$13.81; No. 4, Jack Lewis, $14.25; No. 6, David Curtis, $14.25; No. 
7, Eutychus Champlin, 13.75; No. 8, Samuel Hill, $12.25; total, 
$104.06. Every day excepting Sunday was "appointed a public 
market day," and after 10 a. m. any stalls not let were used by others 
with provisions, etc., to sell. A little later a market was erected on 
what is now the northeast corner of Mill and Tioga streets. 

On the 6th day of April, 1824, a record appears of the first action of 
the village trustees relative to a burial ground, when $100 was voted 
"for clearing and fencing " the lot. This cemetery was used by the 
first settlers, probably b)^ consent of Mr. De Witt. On the 26th of 
April, 1826, a law was passed b}^ the Legislature amending the village 
charter and changing the boundaries of the village as follows : Begin- 
ning at the northeast corner of lot No. 94 (LTlysses, now in the town of 
Ithaca), and thence west to the northwest corner of said lot; thence 
south to the northeast corner of De Witt's Location ; thence west to 
the west line of said Location ; thence south along the west line of said 
17 



130 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Location to the southwest corner <jf the same ; thence due east to the 
east line of lot No. 94; thence north along the east line of said lot to 
the place of beginning. Two additional pieces of land have been 
made, and these additions with the original make the present ceme- 
ter3^ 

On the (1th day of June, 1823, the trustees resolved to purchase a fire 
engine, the first in the village. It was obtained in New York at a cost 
of $300. The following persons were then appointed firemen : 

Otis Eddy, Charles Humphrey, JoJin Jo/uisoii, Julius Ackley, Henry 
Hibbard, Sauniel L. Sheldon, Robert J. Renwick, Joshua S. Lee, 
Nathan Cook, Henry K. Stockton, John Tillotson, Ebenezer Thayer, 
vSamuel Reynolds, Ira Patterson, Lucius Wells, Horace Mack, Newton 
Gunn, Jonas Hohnan, Edward L. Porter, Edzvard Davidsoji, Amasa 
Woodruff, Sanincl Bncliannan, Ephraim Porter, James Chapman. 

On the 1st of July of the same 3'ear the following fourteen persons 
were added to the company, the eight whose names are m italic in the 
above paragraph being at the same time relieved from duty : 

Joseph Esty, AVillard W. Taber, George P. Frost, Frederick Doming, 
Charles Hinckley, Henry S. Walbridge, Henr}' H. Moore, Daniel 
Pratt, Joseph Burritt, Stephen B. Munn, jr., Henry W. Hincklc}", 
Gifford Tracy, Jacob Wood and Andrew J. Miller. Not one of this 
entire company is now living. 

May 12, 1828, a fire company was formed b}^ the appointment of the 
following persons to be firemen attached thereto : vS3-lvester Munger, 
J. Newton Perkins, Sylvester Hunt, George Hollister, Adolphus Col- 
burn, John R. Kelly, John M. Cantine, Benjamin G. Ferris, Hunt 
Pomeroy, William D. Kelly, Elias Colburn, Uri Y. Hazard, Ithiel Pot- 
ter, Elbert Cane, Daniel Young, Ira Bower, Isaiah Hunt, R. A. Clark, 
Anson Spencer, Urban Dunning, James W3mans, Elisha H. Thomas, 
Charles Coole3^, David Elliott, George McCormick, David A3^res, Jacob 
Yaples, John Colston, wStephen Tourtellot, James W. Sowles. This 
company took the old engine, and was thenceforward known as " Red 
Rover Company, No. 1." The original companv took the new engine 
purchased at that time, and became " Rescue, ' No. 2. 

At a meeting of the trustees, held January 31, 1831, it was resolved 
that Benjamin Drake be authorized to raise a fire compan3^ of sixteen 
men to take charge of fire-hooks, ladders, axes, etc., to be known as 
" Fire Company, No. 3." 



133 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The following persons were reported February 4, 1831, and consti- 
tuted the company : Benjamin Drake, Erasmus Ballard, David Wood- 
cock, Hart Lee, George P. Frost, Peter De Riemer, Oristes S. Hunt- 
ington, William Hoyt, John Chatterton, Jonathan Shepard, Ira 
Tillotson, Daniel T. Tillotson, John Hollister, William Cooper, Asaph 
Colburn, Isaac B. Gere. 

On the IGth of April, 1834, the village charter was again amended 
relative to the prompt and proper filing of assessment rolls; prohibiting 
the erection of wooden structures within 100 feet of Owego street, 
between Aurora and Cayuga streets, with some other minor changes. 
This was the first step towards establishing fire limits. 

Again in May, 1837, further charter amendments gave the trustees 
power to raise $1,000 for building and repairing bridges in the village; 
$800 for contingent expenses, and $G00 for lighting the streets. Pro- 
vision was also made for more thorough assessment of taxes on prop- 
erty. 

In the years 1834-5 Ithaca was visited by an intelligent man who was 
apparently a devoted apostle of the pen, with a desire to give to new 
scenes visited by him names to suit his own fancy. This was Solomon 
vSouthwick, and he wrote a series of sketches of Ithaca and its surround- 
ings, which were gathered into a small pamphlet and thus preserved. 
The pamphlet is now very rare, and we quote from its pages to show 
the conditions at the time under consideration. After paying a high 
tribute to Simeon De Witt, and giving an elaborate description of the 
natural scenery in the vicinity, Mr. South wick briefly noticed the ex- 
isting five churches in the village, the academy, then under direction 
of William A. Irving, and the three newspapers, proceeds to describe 
the business interests of the place as follows: 

Mechanical Establishments. — There are at least thirty-six of these, and from a 
statement published, under sanction of the meeting of the mechanics of Ithaca, in 
July last, of which Ira Tillotson was chairman, it appears that the number of me- 
chanics was then as follows : 

Tanners, 12 ; boot and shoemakers, 31 ; tailors, 13 ; carpenters and joiners, 46 ; 
blacksmiths, 26; harness makers, 12; coach and wagon makers, 17; silversmiths, 11; 
gunsmiths, 5; copper and tin smiths, 12; machinists, 10; furnace men, 9; hatters, 
14; millers, 7; cabinetmakers, 14; turners, 3; coopers, 10; chairmakers, 6; printers, 
12; painters, 14; bakers, 7; bookbinders, 4; papermakers, 7 ; manufacturers, 30; 
brewers, 4 ; plowmakers, 4 ; stone-cutters, 6 ; buhr stonemakers, 3 ; weavers, 5 ; rope- 
makers, 1; millwrights, 2; patternmakers, 2; boatbuilders, 6; lastmakers, 3; soap 
and candle makers, 2 ; masons, 20 ; milliners, 5. 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 133 

It will be noted that many of these trades have since been crowded 
out of the place and several of them out of existence by the great 
industrial changes caused by the introduction of machinery. 

Continuing', Mr. Southwick notes the following details of various 
industries : 

Trading Establishjmekts. — Bookstores, 2; dry goods merchants, 28; hardware, 2; 
jewelers, B; druggists, 3; grocers, 16; total, 49, all now doing business successfully; 
and there is a prospect of an addition to the above number this fall (1834). 

Millinery Estahlishments. — There are five of these, two of which do business to 
the amount of about $4,000 each. 

Paper Mill. — The one wuthin the village is that of Mack, Andrus & Woodruff; it 
is situated at the foot of the tunnel stream on Fall Creek. The amount of paper 
manufactured annually is $20,000. The same gentlemen employ in their printing 
ofifice, bookbindery and bookstore, twenty-three hands. 

Olympic 1 Falls Flourimg Mill. — J. S. Beebe, proprietor. This mill has two run 
of stone ; employs from two to five hands, and can turn out from eighty to ninety 
barrels of flours daily. . . It is conducted by Ezra Cornell, and ground last year 
40,000 bushels of wheat. 

Plaister Mill. — Situated the same place. J. S. Beebe, proprietor. Turned out 
800 tons of plaister last year. 

Machine Shop. — Situated at the same place. Building owned by J. S. Beebe. 
Proprietor of the business, Lucas Levensworth. The principal articles manufac- 
tured here are pails, tubs, keelers, measures, etc., of which, in the aggregate, from 
20,000 to 30,000 articles are turned out yearly. This establishment employs twelve 
hands. 

Chair Factory. — At the machine shop, at the foot of the Olympic Falls, 2,000 
chairs are manufactured yearly by Barnaby & Hedges. 

Ithaca Furnace. — Dennis & Vail, proprietors, situated at the foot of the tunnel 
stream, at the Olympic Falls. This is an extensive establishment where all kinds of 
castings but hollow ware are turned out ; especially all kinds of mill gearing, rail- 
road castings and finished ware. About 175 tons of iron fused in a year, and a large 
quantity of wrought iron used up in finishing. It has been m operation six years. 
[This last statement would give the year of the founding of the furnace as 1828.] 

There is another furnace near this which melts about seventy-five tons yearly. 

Plow Manufactory. — Silas Mead, at the same location, manufactures yearly about 
200 plows. 

Woolen Factory. — S. J. Blythe, proprietor. This factor}^ dresses from 500 to 700 
pieces of cloth annually, from eight to fourteen yards per piece; and cards from 12,- 
000 to 14,000 pounds of wool yearly. 

The woolen factory of James Raymond is of the same description as that of Mr. 
Blythe, and does business in its various branches to a large amount. 

1 The name- " Olympic " applied to the falls was one of Mi". Southwick's inven- 
tions, and does not seem to have been adhered to. 



134 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Ithaca Iron Foundry and Steam Engine Manukactorv. — Proprietors, Cook & 
Conrad. Does pretty much the same kind of business as the Ithaca Furnace of 
Dennis & Vail, and turns out in the aggregate a large amount of work annually. 

Saw Mill Dog Factouy.— Hardy & Rich, proprietors. This dog is a patented 
article; sell's at $150 a set. Total business, ST.oOU annually. Lumber sawed ^vith 
this dog brought fifty cents e.xtra per 1,000 feet. 

Mr. vSoLithwick then o-ive.s a lengthy deseription of Bennett's patent 
steam engine, of which sufficient is said, perhaps, in a description of 
the "smoke boat" of Mr. Bennett in Chapter VII. Mr. Southwick, 
like many others, appears to have been most enthusiastic over the 
eng-ine, for he says, " that it will save nine-tenths of the fuel now em- 
ployed, we are well convinced." It was also to " immortalize its in- 
genious and persevering inventor," and "redound to the honor of 
Ithaca as the seat of the invention." It of course did neither. 

Of the hotels Mr. Southwick wrote as follows : 

HoTKLs, OK Pi'iiLic HousEs. — Of thcse there are a number in Ithaca, such as the 
Clinton House, the Ithaca Hotel, and the Tompkins House, etc., and without intend- 
ing to disparage any of the others, there is a sufficient reason for taking a particular 
notice of the Clinton House. . . . The proprietors of this house are Jeremiah S. 
Beebe, Henry Ackley and Henry Hibbard. It is a noble structure and cost from 
$25,000 to $80,000. 

The Clinton House is kept at present by Mr. Thaddeus Spencer, a very obliging- 
landlord, and is well furnished and well provided with the best of furniture and the 
choicest viands. 

Concerning the exports and imports of the place, Mr. Southwick 
says : 

In 1828 the exports and imports were 18,748 tons. On this basis a prospective cal- 
culation was made that in 1887 the tonnage of exports and imports would amount to 
56,047. The amount of tolls in 1828 were $37,625.76; and the calculation for 1837, 
$118,810.64. From this estimate coal was entirely omitted. 

He says further: 

On the 1st of Januarj-, 1834, it appears from the report of the Committee on the 
Commerce of Tompkms Count}-, the exports, as estimated b}- the market value, 
amounted to $1,216,872.75; the imports to $981,200, exclusive of staves, heading, 
white wood, cherry and oak lumber, and man)- other articles not there stated ; total, 
$2,197,872, of which at least $1,648,404 is claimed as belonging to the trade of Ithaca. 
This report is signed by seven of the most respectable merchants and traders, and is 
no doubt strictl}^ true. 

Lumber and Shingles. — We have been furnished by a respectable Lumber Mer- 
chant with a statement of the lumber and shingles exported from Ithaca during the 
present year (1835), from which it appears that the quantity of lumber shipped by 
thirteen dealers, exclusive of a few small shipments, was 15,040,000 feet, worth in 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 135 

market $270,000. The shipment of shingles by the same dealers was 38,000 bunches,. 
worth in market $61,750. 

Who shall say that it was not a promising period for Ithaca? The 
whole number of families in the town was then 925, and the number of 
inhabitants 6,101: males, 3,079; females, 3,022. Number of voters, 
1,084. Grist mills in the town, 6; valuation of raw material used and 
manufactured therein, |127,200; valuation after manufacture, $152,- 
350.00. Number of saw mills, 13; valuation of raw material, $6,905.- 




EAST VIEW OF ITHACA IN 1836. 

00; after manufacture, $13,810.00. Number of fulling- mills, 4; valu- 
ation of raw material, $8,000.00; after manufacture, $1-1,700.00. 
Number of carding mills, 4; valuation of raw material, $3,700.00; 
after manufacture, $4,200.00. Number of cotton factories, 1; valua- 
tion of raw material, $15,293.00; after manufacture, $22,000.00. 
Number of woolen factories, 1; valuation of raw material, $1,000.00; 
after manufacture, $3,000.00. Number of ironworks, 3; valuation of 
raw material, $12,500.00; after manufacture, $25, 000.. 00. Number of 
asheries, 1 ; raw material, $500 ; after manufacture, $700. Number of 
rope factories, 2; material, $550; after manufacture, $1,050. One 
paper mill; raw material, $13,000; after manufacture, $25,000. Four 
tanneries; valuation of raw material, $21,600; after manufacture, $30,- 
700. 



136 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The village corporation then contained 3,923 inhabitants, an increase 
of 831 in the preceding- five years. In summing up the future prospects 
of the village, Mr. Southwick quotes from the language used by Charles 
Humphrey before the vState Legislature in 1834, as follows: 

The village of Ithaca is comiDactly built, mostly inhabited by respectable and thriv- 
ing mechanics, and almost all the various a- tides required by the surrounding 
country are here manufactured. It has several handsome public buildings. As an 
evidence of its comparative importance I can state that on some days of each week 
fifteen mails are opened and closed, five daily stages arrive and depart, besides 
several three times, twice, and once a week ; a steamboat also traverses the lake 
daily. 

The prosperit}'- which seems to have been enjoyed in Ithaca from 
1830 to 1835, as partly indicated by the foregoing few pages, was des- 
tined to meet with a severe check. Something has already been writ- 
ten of the disastrous panic of 1837, the effects of which were especially 
severe in Ithaca. The death of Gen. Simeon De Witt in 1834, the 
division of his property by Commissioners Ancel St. John, Richard 
Varick De Witt, and William A. Woodward, who mapped and put on 
the market the entire estate, fostered the spirit of speculation before 
unknown and never since experienced. The marsh, from the steam- 
boat landing to the head of the lake on both sides of the Inlet, was 
platted, and the 400 acres of the Bloodgood tract south of Clinton street 
was laid out in 50 by 100 feet lots. This last 400 acres had been pur- 
chased by ten persons, some of whom resided here and some in New 
York city, who paid $10,000 per share. The De Witt estate was di- 
vided into two equal parts. A syndicate of ten purchased one of these 
parts for $100,000. The other half was sold by Richard Varick De 
Witt, as executor, to Levi Hubbell, for $100,000, taking in pa3^ment a 
mortgage for the full amount. This mortgage was sold to the Bal- 
timore Life and Trust Company for $80,000. The compan}^ failed and 
under orders of the court, George F. Tallman became owner, and his 
deeds are now held by hundreds of citizens of Ithaca. 

Not only were house lots marked off all over the corporation limits, 
but farms outside were thus utilized. The Jacob M. McCormick farm, 
now owned by Solomon Bryant, on the Mitchell road, was mapped and 
sold off in lots: the Jacob Bates farm, one and one-half miles on the 
Danby road, was on the market in the same shape; the Nathaniel 
Davenport farm, one and one-half miles from the village on the Tru- 
mansburgh road, the same, and many other large estates around the 



A^ILLAGE OF ITHACA. 



137 



village were mapped and platted, in the confident belief that the lots 
would soon be sold for large price ; and it must be acknowledged that 
there was, during the height of the fever, ground for the largest of ex- 
pectations, if the receipt of enormous sums for land could be accepted 
as a safe guide. The prices asked were often startling. A half block 
near the Inlet, between vSeneca and State streets, now occupied partiall}' 
by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Station, and 
partly by Fulton street, was owned by Henry Ackley, who refused 
$•20,000 for his interest; and there were numerous similar cases. 




VIEW OF ITH.^CA TAKEN FROM WEST HILL, 1839. 



The moving cause of this fever of real estate speculation, outside of 
the general operation of like causes elsewhere, was the supposed cer- 
tain construction of the Sodus Bay Canal between Cayuga Lake and 
Lake Ontario, which was to constitute a waterwa}' of ship-carrying 
capacit}' which, with the Ithaca and Owego Railroad, reaching to the 
Susquehanna River at the latter place, were to make Ithaca the great 
central city of the State. Real estate purchased one da}" was resold 
on the next often at double the former price, and then retransferred the 
succeeding da}^ at an equally increased valuation. Some well known 
wealthy and conservative citizens insisted all through the earlier stages 
of this speculative era, that there was no basis for such a condition of 
the market ; but the}^ finally became imbued with the enthusiasm of 
the hour, went in on the crest of the last wave and were left b}' its 

18 



138 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

subsidence stripped of property and financially ruined, i Under execu- 
tion against some of the owners, the Bloodgood tract, before men- 
tioned, finally fell under the auctioneer's haminer.' 

It was only natural that this great speculative movement in Ithaca 
should find sympathy in and extend to the outer towns bordering upon 
it; not to the extent prevalent in the village, but, nevertheless, in a 
marked degree. These outer towns suffered, but as the wave was less 
in height, so the end was less disastrous, although its effects remained 
for years. 

The years following 1837 were characterized by unusual business 
depression, which was supplemented and intensified by the disastrous 
failure of the Ithaca Woolen Mills at Fall Creek, stock in which had 
been pressed upon and was held by residents of nearl}'' all, if not all, 
the towns of the county, and which proved utterly valueless. 

In 1842 the general bankruptcy law was taken advantage of by many 
debtors, who, under its provisions, relieved themselves of immense 
liabilities. In years following very low prices for labor and real estate 
prevailed. In regard to labor, as an example, the Board of Trustees 
of the village of Ithaca, by resolution, fixed the pay of laborers for the 
corporation, in 1847, at 62% cents per day. 

Nothing interrupted the progress of Ithaca for many years after the 
period which we have just had under consideration, with the exception 
of the great flood of 1867, and the place seemed surely destined to ful- 
fill the most sanguine of the early prophecies. It was a stirring, active 
community, with few idle and unproductive inhabitants. Writing in 
1847, Mr. King said: "Situated in a fertile section of countr}^, and 
possessing natural advantages for communication with the eastern 
markets, at an early day it promised the realization and results which 
we now behold." But from about 1847 to 1855 the growth of the place 
was slow, the cause for which probably existed in the influence of vari- 
ous railroad lines which gave advantages, even though but little 

1 One of the cities that suffered most severely from the effects of this class of land 
speculation in 1837-8 was Buffalo. There everybody caught the fever, and to such 
an extent was the business carried on that it often became tragic in its results and 
sometimes decidedly humorous. It is related on excellent authority that one prom- 
inent physician was drawn into the whirpool and became so distracted with his pros, 
pective gains, that on one occasion, when asked by a very sick patient how a certain 
remedy was to be taken, replied: "One half down, and balance in two monthly 
installments." 



VILLAGE OP ITHACA. 139 

superior, to other points. This influence, which is one of the most 
potent in deciding the destinies of particular localities, could not be 
estimated by the early inhabitants, nor very closely even by those of 
the later years. But during the six or eight years iust preceding the 
last war another period of more rapid growth and greater prosperity 
seems to have begun. The population rose from 6,843 in 1860, to 
10, 107 in 1870, and the increase in business and permanent improve- 
ments far exceeded those of the previous twelve or fourteen years. 

The great flood of 1857 passed into history as a remarkable one, both 
in destruction of property and loss of life, and is worth}^ of notice as 
the most disastrous of the several siinilar events that have visited 
Ithaca. Previous to the 17th of June of that year there had been con- 
stant yet moderate rains, which filled the streams to a somewhat un- 
usual degree. About 12 o'clock, noon, of the da}^ last named a fearful 
thunder storm arose, an immense bank of low-lying clouds passed over 
the village and settled in the Six Mile Creek valley, where it remained 
for four hours, discharging terrible sheets of water. The stream in 
the valley in the town of Caroline swept away dams, the accumulating 
waters reaching Ithaca about seven o'clock in the evening. Halsey's 
mill dam, just east of the present electric car power house, succumbed 
to the pressure, and the timbers composing it crushed the plaster mill, 
swept out the foundations of the g-rist mill and carried two barns on 
the flood down against the stone arch bridge on Aurora street, where 
they were crushed like egg shells. This bridge had a height of about 
twenty-two feet and a span of nearly thirty feet, with a race waterway 
on the north side of the main structure. Stoddard's tannery, above the 
bridge, on the north side of the stream, was swept away, as was also 
the creek banks on South Tioga street near to the line of Green street. 
Before the stone bridge gave way, about eight o'clock, water flowed 
down State street, then planked before it was paved, floated off the 
planking, filled all the cellars in the main part of the village, swept 
down Aurora street, reaching the top of a picket fence corner of 
Buffalo and Aurora streets, and, spreading out, finally reached the 
lake. 

In the barns above mentioned, Matthew Carpenter and Daniel 
Reeves were engaged in attempting to save some horses. Reeves 
jumped to the bank when the building struck the bridge and thus es- 
caped; Carpenter was drowned. When the arch of the bridge col- 
lapsed, David Coon and Moses Reeves went down with the wreck. 



140 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Coon was drowned, Reeves escaping by being swept into the swamps 
just east of the present fair ground. Putnam, the owner of the brew- 
ery, attempted to cross the Clinton street bridge, was caught by the 
flood, climbed a huge poplar tree which was washed out, and was 
drowned. The bodies of Carpenter and Putnam were recovered the 
next day and Coon's three days later. Ever}^ bridge on the stream was 
swept away, and no communication was established across until the 
succeeding afternoon, when a rope and a small boat were utilized for 
the purpose. The volume of water was so great that all the north and 
west parts of the village were submerged until the succeeding Novem- 
ber. Stoddard's steam boiler was carried nearly a quarter of a mile 
down stream. A large stove used for dr3dng wool floated about half a 
mile, and the 8-horse engine was dug out of the gravel forty rods below 
the old tannery. But the balance wheel, weighing 600 pounds, was 
never discovered. A stake standing in the bed of the creek was found 
to be a wagon tongue, the body and wheels of which were entirel}^ 
submerged; the wagon was recovered by being dug out. The money 
loss reached nearly $100,000. 

In March, 1865, the melting of an immense body of snow swept out 
all the railroad bridges between Ithaca and Owego, and suspended 
operations on the road for six weeks. 

Finally came the flrst gun of the great rebellion, and the nation was 
precipitated into a bloody war, which for five years was to command 
the eiiergies and means of the whole country. Its immediate effects 
in Tompkins county have been described in Chapter IV, and all that 
remains to be said here concerning it is, that from the beginning to the 
close of the struggle Ithaca, as the headquarters for the county, was a 
center of military enthusiasm and activity. Public meetings followed 
each other rapidly, at which the most generous and patriotic action was 
taken for the good of the great cause, while the ranks of the several 
regiments raised in this vicinity were swelled by volunteers who were 
rewarded with liberal bounties. The inflation of the currency and the 
material demands of the war gave a powerful impetus to the business 
of the whole north. Every community felt it. Money was plenty, 
and while public improvements in the village stagnated during that 
period, private enterprise was active, particularly towards the close of 
the contest, as will be noticed in the succeeding pages ; and when peace 
finally settled upon the country, the returning soldiers, with a facility 
of adaptation to circumstances that was marvelous, fell mto the ranks 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 141 

of workers, and for several years the whole country rose upon a wave ■ 
of prosperity. 

It will be interesting and valuable for comparison with the foregoing 
lists of business establishments, to note those that were in existence at 
the close of the war. The location of the various merchants and me- 
chanics is made quite clear to the reader of to-day, by giving the names 
of present occupants. It is believed the following list is complete with 
the exception of some very small concerns; as far as possible the then 
existing establishments are located, with reference to the present oc- 
cupants of the various stores and shops, for the benefit of those who 
cannot remember as far back as 1865: 

Andrus, McChain & Co., books, etc. (now Andrus & Church). 
Seymour & Johnson, general store (Morrison corner). 
Schuyler & Curtis, drugs (now Schuyler Grant). 
John Kendall, dry goods (now store of T. Kenney). 
F. Brooks, hats and caps (now H. H. Angell). 
John Van Orman, boots and shoes (now Bernstein, clothing). 
F. A. Partenheimer, boots and shoes (hotel next to Wolf's cigar store). 
J. C. Gauntlett, drugs (now West Bros., shoes). 
George E. Halsey, drugs (now White & Burdick). 
Burritt, Brooks & Co. jewelry (now A. B. Kennedy). 
L. Millspaugh, harness (now Kearney Brothers, clothing). 
Teeter & Hern, groceries (now F. W. Phillips). 
Miss Stillwell, millinery (now Phillip Harris). 
F. Deming, furniture (now E. W. Wolcott). 
O. B. Curran, drugs (now Piatt & Colt). 
Jesse Baker, boots and shoes (now B. Mintz, clothing). 
Sawyer & Glenzer, at Inlet, same as now. 
Kenney, Byington & Co. (now L. Kenney). 
Sedgwick & Lewis, photographs (now McGillivray). 
Morrison, Hawkins & Co., dry go'bds (now Hawkins, Todd & Co.). 
H. J. Grant, tobacco (now A. H. Platts). 
Treman, King & Co., hardware (same as now). 
John Rumsey, hardware, etc. (now C. J. Rumsey & Co.). 
Stowell & Hazen, dry goods, etc. (now Rothschild Brothers). 
W. M. Culver, hats and caps (now Rappuzzi). 
John L. Whiton, bakery (now M. W. Quick). 
L. J. & A. C. Sanford (now Ithaca Hotel billiard room). 
A. F. Baldwin (now C. B. Brown). 

W. H. Kellogg & Co., tobacco, factory on north side of Seneca street, where the 
brick Wick house stands. 

H. F. Mowry, provisions, three doors west of the Tompkins County Bank. 

James M. Heggie, harness (now John Northrup). 

Ed. Stoddard, leather store (now George Simpson block north of- Hotel). 



142 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

A. H. Fowler, dentist (over present jJost-omce). 
Bartlett & Hoysradt, dentists (in Clinton Hall Block). 
George W. Apgar, books (now National Express Office). 
Northrop & Ingersoll, spring beds (now C. L. Stephens). 
Philip Stevens, market, same as now. 
Tolles & Seeley, photographs (now E. D, Evans), 




STATE STREET ABOUT 1866. 

S. L. Vosburg, jeweler (now Ed. Jackson). 

Miss Ackley had a newsroom (now George Griffin) on Tioga street. 

J. S. Granger & Co. , west store in Wilgus Block. 

Rowe & Gillett, carriages, where the Titus Block now is. 

E. M. Marshall, clothing (now E. J. Burritt's). 

L. H. Culver, general store (now Bool's). 

Taylor & Heath, gi'oceries (now Finch's bookstore). 

Greenly, Burritt & Co., general store (now Slocum & Taber and J. S. Sturtevant). 

Democrat Office (now P. Wall). 

Albert Phillips, tailor (now Osburn, confectioner). 

Wilgus Brothers, dry goods (now Seaman Bros. , clothing). 

George Covert, groceries (now G. W. Frost). 

William J. Egbert, shoes (now D. H. Wanzer). 

J. W. Mosher then kept the Tompkins House. 

Miss McRoy,. millinery (now A. B. Brooks). 

Barnard & McWhorter (now Blackman Brothers). 

Titus & Bostwick (now Williams Brothers Iron Works). 

M. Wick, cigars (now B. Rich). 



VILLAGE OF ITHACA. 143 

H. F. Randolph, shoes (now T. Dobrin). 

Spence Spencer, news office (east part of present Treman, King & Co.'s store). 
Henry Hoffman, cigars (now Wolf, in same line). 
Uri Clark, jeweler (in part of Ha'^kin drug store). 
Hymes Brothers, clothing (now Collins & Johnson). 

George Gottheimer, clothing (now A. J. Calkins, harness). L. Sugarman had this 
store after Calkins, and also the next one east, m clothing trade. 
Dennis Mooney, groceries (now J. B. Todd), Aurora street. 
Miss Farnham, millinery (now shoe store). 

W. & D. Kittrick, shoe shop, first south of Hotel (now saloon). 
Brown & Roat, saloon (now Union Tea Co.). 
William Glenny, 84 Owego street (now T. Kenney). 
Baker, Bradley & Co. (now G. W. Slocum & Co.). 
Joseph Esty, leather (now E. S. Sisson). 
Henry Moores, barber (now R. A. Heggie). 
Charles Graham, clothing (now MoUer Brothers). 
George Franks, clothing (West Brothers). 
Edwin Sidney, shoes (now Stanley's). 
D. T. Tillotson, grocer (now Crozier 8z Feele}^). 
C. F. Blood, clothing (now N. E. Drake). 

On the 30th of March, 1861, an act was passed by the Legislature 
consolidating the village laws. The principal provisions that need to 
be noticed were those in relation to the raising, grading and leveling 
of sidewalks, the cost of which was to be paid by the owners of abut- 
ting land ; the improvement of streets, and the construction of aque- 
ducts, reservoirs, etc., and what part, if any, of the cost should be paid 
from the highway fund ; providing for the collection of assessments for 
local improvements; giving fire wardens admittance to premises for 
inspection and to enforce their orders relative to making such premises 
safe from fire. On the 22d of April, 1862, an act gave the trustees 
power to act as commissioners in the draining, diking and reclaiming 
swamp and marsh lands in the village, as their judgment might deem 
advisable, with power to appoint a surveyor ; to assess damages to land 
and expenses incurred on citizens according to benefits received. Two 
years later Josiah B. Williams, T. P. vSt. John and Edward S. Esty 
were empowered to act as superintendents of such improvements of 
marsh lands as are noted above. In the appropriation bill of 1863 
$1,800 were devoted to the improvement of the Inlet, to be expended 
by the canal commissioners; and $1,600 in repayment for the building 
of two bridges over the Inlet. 

On the 21st of April, 1864, the boundaries of the village were ex- 
tended by act of Legislature, and the village divided into three wards. 



144 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The boundaries of the wards were as follows : First Ward — All west 
of the middle of Albany and Second streets. 

Second Ward — All south of the middle of Seneca street, and east and 
south of the middle of Albany street. 

Third Ward — All north of the middle of vSeneca street and east and 
north of the middle of Albany street and Second street. 

Changes were made in the village officers, two trustees to be elected 
for each ward; one assessor; one or more police constables; a col- 
lector; a chief engineer and two assistants; treasurer, clerk, street 
commissioners, pound master, cemetery keeper, and one fire warden in 
each ward. (See session laws, 1804.) 

On the 27th of March, 1871, the charter was again amended, relative 
to the eligibility of citizens to office ; meetings of trustees ; abatement 
of nuisances, health officials, parks, safety of buildings, actions for for- 
feiture under the street and sidewalk regulations before referred to; 
powers of police constables ; authorizing the board to raise not to ex- 
ceed $30,000 to pay all the annual expenses of the corporation. On 
the 1st of April of that year the fire department was incorporated, as 
hereafter described. In 184-7 the system of graded schools was estab- 
lished, as will be described a little further on. 

The past twenty years of the history of Ithaca have developed the 
most encouraging prospects. This is especially true of the past dec- 
ade. Very much of this gratifying condition must undoubtedly be 
credited to the influence of the great institution of learning which the 
munificent liberality of citizens of the place and of other localities 
established here in 1868, a full history of which is given in this work. 
Cornell University has made the name of Ithaca familiar throughout 
the world, and now brings annually to its doors nearly two thousand 
students, and pours into its lap a steady stream of wealth. Under this 
influence and the enterprise of her citizens the village and city have in 
recent years made rapid advancement. Public improvements of a 
metropolitan character have been introduced in the form of electric 
lights, electric railways, paving, etc., and there is ever}^ indication of 
continued prosperity. 

With these various advantages came the desire for a city government, 
which assumed tangible shape as early as 1882, when a new charter 
was drawn b)y Messrs. Almy and Bouton, by request of the Board of 
Trustees. The charter was a carefully prepared document and vastly 
better than the one that had been in existence ; but much opposition to 



CITY OF ITHACA. 145 

it developed in various quarters. Soon afterward an attempt was 
made to merge the diifering ideas into a new charter, but that attempt 
also proved futile. In the third effort the representative men of the 
place, acting in harmony and above all personal feelings, and in pur- 
suance of an appointment by the Board of Trustees, prepared the docu- 
ment which, with some change, became the city charter. The com- 
mittee into whose hands this important duty was placed was appointed 
March 16, 1887, and constituted as follows: E. S. Esty, D. B, Stewart, 
Elias Treman, H. A. St. John, H. B. Lord, F. C. Cornell, A. H. 
Platts, E. K. Johnson, R. B. Williams, C. M. Titus, C. B. Brown, 
H. M. Hibbard, C. L. Crandall, D. H. AVanzer, J. D. Bennett, Isaiah 
Robinson. 

This committee was composed of an equal number of Republicans 
and Democrats. They met and organized and divided the work among 
sub-committees from their number, and began work. It was a labor 
involving considerable time, and the community became very im- 
patient; but the committee determined to do their work thoroughly, 
and left nothing undone to bring about the best possible results. After 
the substantial completion of the task it was discovered that there was 
no person on the committee who was a inember of the bar. The com- 
mittee therefore called in the aid of Judge Boardman, Samuel D. 
Hallida}^ and Perry G. Ellsworth, who revised the document and made 
various valuable suggestions. After this the committee passed the 
charter through the hands of Prof. C. A. Collin, of the law department 
of the university for his revision. He. gave it ample consideration and 
made numerous suggestions for changes, which were adopted and in- 
corporated. The charter was then submitted to the Board of Trustees, 
and it was unanimously adopted.. 

The charter was then placed in the hands Hon. F. J. Enz, repre- 
sentative in the Legislature, who promptly secured its passage, without 
a dissenting voice, through the Lower House, and the Hon, W. L. vSweet 
was equall)^ efficient in the Senate. 

When it reached the executive department it was found that there 
was a conflict with a general law relative to excise. The suggestion of 
the governor in that respect was cheerfully approved ; but his objection 
to the election of aldermen on a general ticket caused some disappoint- 
ment and regret. Still the governor insisted that the rights of the 
minority and democratic usage required the amendment of that pro- 
vision ; and in order to secure his approval of the charter the aldermen 

19 



146 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

are to be elected from the wards as has been the custom heretofore in 
electing trustees. The charter became a law on the 2d of May, 1887. 

The charter is a remarkable one from the fact that it places in the 
hands of the mayor the appointing power, in which he is superior to 
the council. In this respect it is believed that the Ithaca charter stands 
alone in this State, and the results have shown the wisdom of those 
who drew it. 

The new charter divided the city into four wards with the following 
boundaries : First Ward, all west of the center of Corn street ; Second 
Ward, all east of the center of Corn street, and south of the center of 
State street ; Third Ward, all east of the center of Corn and Varick 
streets, and west of Tioga and north of State streets ; Fourth Ward, all 
east of the Center of Tioga street, and north of the center of State 
street. 

With the inauguration of the city government, there met at the trus- 
tees' room. Village Hall, at noon of June 1, 1888, the following, who 
were then occupying the offices designated: President, David B. 
Stewart; clerk, Charles A. Ives; trustees, George W. Babcock, Clay- 
ton Crandall, J. W. Tibbetts, James A. McKinney, J. A. Lewis, Jesse 
W. Stephens, A. B. Wood, J. E. Van Natta; police justice, Myron N. 
Tompkins ; treasurer, Edgar O. Godfrey ; collector, Frank Dans ; cor- 
poration counsel, James L. Baker; assessors, John E. Brown, J. W. 
Brown, Comfort Hanshaw, Samuel Beers; chief engineer fire depart- 
ment, Edmund E. Robinson ; first assistant, Frank Cole ; second 
assistant, A. B. Oltz; policemen, A. Neideck, John Donovan, John 
Campbell, jr., P. D. Robertson, Richard Eminons; street commissioner, 
John Terwilliger; cemetery keeper, George W. Evarts; pound master, 
Robert Walker; health commissioner, William Mack; health officer, 
Edward Meany; Board of Education, E. S. Esty, J. J. Glenzer, F. C. 
Cornell, A. B. Brooks, C. M. WilHams, E. K. Johnson, Elias Treman, 
Cornelius Leary, A. M. Hull, H. A. St. John, B. F. Taber, R. B. 
Williams. 

There were also present the officers of the village to be superseded 
b}'' the city officers, the charter committee (elsewhere named), and 
others. 

The ceremonies of inaugurating the new management were opened. 
by President D. B. Stewart calling the meeting to order. The mayor 
then delivered an address reviewing the action that had led up to the 
change and congratulating the people upon the happy consummation 



CITY OP ITHACA. 147 

of the undertaking. This was followed by prayer by Rev. Charles M. 
Tyler. The various officials then took the oath of the office, and Judge 
Lyon announced the mayor and aldermen as duly installed. The fol- 
lowing resolution was then offered by Alderman Wood: 

Resolved, That the maximum salaries of the officers to be appointed by the mayor 
be as follows : City clerk, |300 per annum ; collector, the legal fees to be collected as 
per statute ; treasurer, |200 per annum ; city attorney, $100 per annum for counsel 
fee, and taxable costs and reasonable fees for conducting actions or proceedings in 
behalf of thecit)^; city superintendent, $200 per annum ; assessor, $240 per annum; 
five policemen, $14 per week each; poundmaster, the fees provided by the city 
charter. 

This resolution was adopted. 

The mayor then announced the following appointments : City clerk, 
C. A. Ives; police constables, Albert Neideck, John Campbell, jr., 
Harry D. Robertson, John Donovan, and Richard Emmons; assessor, 
John E. Brown; treasurer, Edward O. Godfrey; collector, Frank Dans; 
city superintendent, F. C. Cornell; city attorney, James L. Baker; 
poundmaster, Robert Walker. Jason P. Merrill was appointed re- 
corder, the office then being vacant. 

The oath of office was then administered to the several appointees, 
and by resolution the bond of the recorder was fixed at $2,000. After 
this the mayor concluded his address, and Mr. Halliday made the fol- 
lowing suggestion, which was adopted b}- resolution : 

Mr. Mayor: — In common with every citizen of the new city I experience a sincere 
and warranted pride in our new position and relationship. But it seems to me that 
you gentlemen will not have done your full duty until provision is made for placing 
the exercises of this interesting occasion in the hands of our fellow citizens unable to 
be here present to-day, and in some enduring form, that those who come after us 
may be acquainted with the impressive character of the ceremonies which we have 
this day heard and witnessed. I offer this as a suggestion to the Board of Aldermen, 
and I trust it may meet their approval, and that such action will be taken by them 
as will accomplish a permanent record of these proceedings. 

Following is a list of the presidents and trustees of the village, and 
the mayors and aldermen of the city from the year 1821 to the present 
time: 

1821, president, Daniel Bates; trustees, William R. Collins, George Blythe, Julius 
Ackley, A. D. W. Bruyn. 

1822, president, A. D. W. Bruyn; trustees, A. D. AV. Bruyn, Nathan Herrick, 
Julius Ackle}^ John Tillotson, William R. Collins. 

1823, president, David Woodcock; trustees, David Woodcock, Ebenezer Mack, 
Benjamin Drake, Andrew J. Miller, Lucius Wells. 



148 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

1824, president, David Woodcock; trustees, David Woodcock, Nathan Herrick, 
Otis Eddy, Edward L. Porter, Lucius Wells. 

1825, president, Ben Johnson ; trustees, Ben Johnson, John Tillotson, William R. 
Collins, James Nichols, Joseph Burritt. 

1826, president, David Woodcock ; trustees, David Woodcock, Arthur S. Johnson, 
Henry Hibbard, Origen Atwood, Lucius Wells. 

1827, president, Chas. Humphrey; trustees, Charles Humphrey, Stephen B. Munn, 
jr., Thomas Sinclair, William Lesley, Lucius Wells. 

1838, president, Charles Humphrey; trustees, Ira Tillotson, William Hance, Will- 
iam R. Collins, Chauncey G. Heath, Lucius Wells. 

From 1828 to 1853, inclusive, seven trustees were elected annually, who elected 
their president. 

1829, president, Henry S. Walbridge ; trustees, William Hance, Sylvester Hunger, 
Joseph Esty, Julius Ackley, George Henning, Thomas Sinclair. 

1830, president, John Holman; trustees, William Hance, Levi Leonard, James 
Mulks, Resolve L. Cowdry, Joseph Burritt, Derrick B. Stockholm. 

1831, president, Levi Leonard; trustees. Derrick B, Stockholm, Wait T. Hunting- 
ton, Charles E. Hardy, Resolve L. Cowdry, Edward L. Porter, Jacob Terry. 

1832, president, Levi Leonard; trustees. Derrick B. Stockholm, Wait T. Hunting- 
ton, Charles E. Hardy, Arthur S. Johnson, Edward L. Porter, Heman Powers. 

1833, president, Ira Tillotson ; trustees. Derrick B. Stockholm, Jacob M. McCor- 
mick, William Andrus, Joseph Burritt, William S. Hoyt, Jacob Terry. 

1834, president, Wait T. Huntington ; trustees, William Hance, Ira Bower, Ben- 
jamin C. Vail, Henry H. Moore, David Hanmer, Samuel Crittenden, jr. 

1835, president, Amasa Dana; trustees, George W. Phillips, Samuel Giles, Thomas 
Trench, Isaac Randolph, William Andrus, George P. Frost. 

1836, president, Amasa Dana; trustees, Jacob M. McCormick, Robert Halsej', 
Thomas Trench, Chauncey L. Grant, Daniel A. Towner, George P. Frost. 

1837, president, George P. Frost; trustees, Jacob M. McCormick, Levi Hubbell, 
William A. Woodward, George McCormick, Ithiel Potter, Zalmon Seely. 

1838, president, Caleb B. Drake; trustees, John J. Speed, jr., George W, Howe, 
Lewis Gregory, George McCormick, Henry H. Moore, Chauncey G. Heath. 

1839, president, Amasa Dana; trustees, Jacob M. McCormick, William Andrus, 
Enos Buckbee, Horace Mack, Lewis H. Culver, Nathan Phillips. 

1840, president, Jacob M. McCormick; trustees, Chauncey G. Heath, William 
Andrus, Benjamin C. Vail, Horace Mack, Lewis H. Culver, Nathan Phillips. 

1841, president, Benjamin G. Ferris; trustees, Henry H. Moore, Harley Lord, 
Benjamin C. Vail, Charles Robinson, Ira Bower, Frederick Deming. 

1842, president, Henry S. Walbridge ; trustees, John E. Williams, Chauncey Cow- 
dry, Isaac M. Beei-s, Frederick Barnard, William S. Hoyt, Silas Hutchinson. 

1843, president, John J. Speed: trustees, Anson Spencer, Daniel F. Hugg, Stephen 
B. Cushing, Frederick Barnard, Robert Halsey, Isaac Randolph. 

1844, president, Timothy S. Williams ; trustees, Anson Spencer, William S. Hoyt, 
Frederick Deming, Edwin Mix, Samuel Halliday, Nathan T. Williams. 

1845, president, Timothy S. Williams; trustees, Anson Spencer, Nelson Palmer, 
Frederick Deming, Horace Mack, AVilliam R. Humphre)^ Nathan T. Williams. 



CITY OF ITHACA. 149 

1846, president, Timothy S. Williams; trustees, Anson Spencer, P. J. Parten-- 
heimer, Frederick Deming, Peter Apgar, William R. Humphrey, Nathan T. Will- 
iams. 

1847, president, Nathan T. Williams; trustees, Levi Newman, Joseph E. Shaw, 
Theophilus Drake, Peter Apgar, William R. Humphrey, Charles A^. Stuart. 

1848, president, Nathan T. Williams; trustees, Samuel Stoddard, Joseph E. Shaw, 
Theophilus Drake, John L. Whiton, William R. Humphre5^ Hervey Platts. 

1849, president, Frederick Deming; trustees, Samuel Stoddard, Josiah B. Williams, 
P. J. Partenheimer, John L. Whiton, Anson Spencer, Nathan T. Williams. 

1850, president, Nathan T. Williams; trustees, Joseph E. Shaw, Leander Mills- 
paugh, Leonard Treman, Peter Apgar, George W. Schuyler, Harvey A. Dowe. 

1851, president, Horace Mack; trustees, Isaac Earl, Josiah B. Williams, Samuel 
Stoddard, Peter Apgar, George W. Schuyler, P. J. Partenheimer. 

1852, president, Benjamin G. Ferris; trustees, Anson Spencer, Frederick Barnard, 
Anson Braman, George Whiton, Justus Deming, John Gauntlett. 

1853, president, Anson Spencer; trustees, Hervey Platts, Frederick Barnard, Noel 
Kettell, George Whiton, Justus Deming, P. J. Partenheimer. 

In the winter of 1853-54: the village charter was amended, dividing- 
the village into three wards, electing the president by the people and 
electing the trustees for two years each. 

1854, president, P. J. Partenheimer; trustees, First Ward, R. Willard King, Ben- 
jamin F. Taber ; Second Ward, Samuel Stoddard, Wait T. Huntington ; Third Ward, 
Isaac Randolph, Isaac M. Beers. 

[In the remainder of this list only the names of the three trustees elected annually 
will be given, the other three, of course, holding over from the previous year.] 

1855, president. Wait T. Huntington ; trustees (given in each of the following years 
in the order of the numbers of the wards), Joseph C. King, Oliver E. Allen, Jacob 
Terry. 

1856, president, Lewis H. Culver; trustees, Newell Hungerford, Justus Deming, 
Thomas P. St. John. 

1857, president, P. J. Partenheimer; trustees, Joseph C. King, Adam S. Cowdry, 
George Covert. 

1858, president, Charles Coryell; trustees, Albert Phillips, Justus Deming, James 
Ridgeway. 

1859, president, Thomas P. St. John ; trustees, Curtis Taber, Adam S. Cowdry, 
Griswold Apley. 

1860, president, George McChain ; trustees, Thaddeus W. Seely, Edward Stoddard, 
K. S. Van Vorhees. 

1861, president, Elias Treman ; trustees, Joseph C. King, Adam S. Cowdry, Gris- 
wold Apley. 

1862, president, Frederick T. Greenly; trustees, Thaddeus W. Seely, Horace Mack, 
Anson Spencer. 

1863, president, Frederick T. Greenly ; trustees, Joseph C. King, Adam S. Cowdry, 
James B. Taylor. 



150 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

1864, president, George McChain ; trustees, Joseph N. Ives, Horace Mack, Thomas 
P. St. John. . 

1865, president, George McChain; trustees, James B. Bennett, Adam S. Cowdry, 
Horace C. Williams. 

1866, president, P. J. Partenheimer ; trustees, Joseph C. King, Philip Case, James 
B. Taylor. 

1867, president, Samuel Stoddard ; trustees, Thaddeus W. Seely, Adam S. Cowdry, 
Michael Wick. 

1868, president, John Gauntlett; trustees, James Popplewell, Leonard Treman, 
William Nixon. 

1869, president, John C. Gauntlett ; trustees, Thaddeus W. Seely, Adam S. Cowdry, 
Michael Wick. 

1870, president, Rufus Bates; trustees, Joseph C. King, Ebenezer Purdy, George 
Fowler. 

1871, president, John Gauntlett; trustees, Thaddeus W. Seely, Edward I. Moore, 
Albert M. Hull. 

1872, president, John H. Selkreg; trustees, J. B. Sprague, E. M. Latta, George 
W. Fowles. 

1873, president, A. vS. Cowdry; trustees, James D. Bennett, Herman D. Green, L. 
V. B. Maurice. 

In 1874 four wards were made, and thereafter four trustees elected each year. 

1874, president, A. S. Cowdry; trustees, Francis O'Connor, F. K. Andrus, Isaiah 
Robinson, George F. Hyatt. 

1875, president, John Rumsey; trustees, H. L. Kenyon, A. C. Sanford, R. A. 
Crozier, B. G. Jayne. 

1876, president, E. S. Esty; trustees, J. J. Glenzer, William Andrus, W. Jerome 
Brown, J. E. Van Natta. 

1877, president, J, B. Sprague ; trustees, James Robinson, Ira Rockwell, Comfort 
Hanshaw, Peter Apgar. 

1878, president, H. M. Durphy; trustees, Thaddeus W. Seely, James Robinson, 
Harmon Hill, Ed. Tree, jr. 

1879, president, Albert H. Platts; trustees, Lyman E. Warren, C. B. Brown, Har- 
mon Hill. 

1880, president, Albert H. Platts; trustees, Thomas McCarty, William Frear, Alex- 
ander Smith, John B. Lang. 

1881, president, P. Frank Sisson; trustees, Daniel Fowler, John E. Goewey, Chas. 
W. Manchester, E. M. Latta. 

1882, president, Henry H. Howe ; trustees, A. W. Goldsmid, F. E. lUston, Charles 
Ingersoll, John B. Lang. 

1883, president, Charles J. Rumsey; trustees. First Ward, Patrick Shannon; Sec- 
ond Ward, J. R. Wortman; Third Ward, Seth Wilcox; Fourth Ward E. M. Latta. 

1884, president, Charles J. Rumsey; trustees. First Ward, Jacob M. Stewart; Sec- 
ond Ward, Fred. E. Aldrich; Third Ward, William L. Carey; Fourth Ward, William 
H. Perry. 

1885, president, Charles J. Rumsey; trustees. First Ward, James D. Bennett; 
Second Ward, James A. McKinney; Third Ward, William F. Major; Fourth Ward, 
John E. Van Natta. 



CITY OF ITHACA. 151 

1886, president, C. B. Brown; trustees, First Ward, Patrick Shannon; Second 
Ward, L. G. Todd ; Third Ward, A. L. Niver ; Fourth Ward, J. S. Kirkendall. 

1887, president, D. W. Burdick ; aldermen, First Ward, George W. Babcock; 
Second Ward, James A. McKinney; Third Ward, James A. Lewis; Fourth Ward, 
John E. Van Natta. These ofificials, and those who held over from the previous 
year, were in office at the time of the adoption of the city charter, as before described. 

The following- are the principal officers under the cit}^ g-overnment: 

1889, mayor, John Barden ; aldermen, First Ward, J. C. AVarren ; Second Ward, 
Schuyler Grant; Third Ward, Amasa G. Genung; Fourth Ward, Edward Tree. 

1890, mayor, John Barden; aldermen. First Ward, Jacob Peters; Second Ward, 
Charles W. Gay ; Third Ward, E. J. Burritt ; Fourth Ward, Edward Tree. 

1891, mayor, H. A. St. John; aldermen, P'irst AVard, Patrick Shannon; Second 
AA'ard, S. G. Williams; Third AA'ard, W. M. Eaton; Fourth Ward, D. Mclntire. 

1892, mayor, H. A. St. John ; aldermen. First Ward, Walter McCormick ; Second 
AVard, Olin L. Stewart; Third AA^ard, Charles Green; Fourth Ward, Fred. D. John- 
son. 

1898, mayor, Clinton De Witt Bouton ; aldermen. First AVard, Patrick Crowley; 
Second AVard, Adam Emig ; Third Ward, William F. George ; Fourth Ward, John 
E. Van Natta. 

The following officers were elected in Ithaca at the March election 
of 1894: 

Mayor (held over), C. D. Bouton; recorder, Eron C. Van Kirk; justice of the 
peace, Fred. L. Clock ; commissioners of education, Arthur B. Bi-ooks, F. C. Cornell, 
Albert H. Esty, John J.Glenzer; supervisors. First Ward, Charles F. Hottes; Second. 
Ward, Leroy G. Todd ; Third Ward, Thaddeus S. Thompson ; Fourth Ward, Will- 
iam P. Harrington; aldermen. First AA^ard, Clinton Ayres; Second Ward, Samuel 
G. Williams; Third AA^'ard, Charles Green; Fourth AVard, Robert H. Thurston. 

Fire Department. — The fire department of Ithaca has always been 
an efficient one, and it cannot be said that the place has suffered to an 
unusual degree from fires. We have before noticed the purchase of 
the first engine in 1823, and the appointment of the company to take it 
in charge. That company and the others which were appointed later, 
as well as the fire wardens and department officers, have included many 
of the leading men of Ithaca — a fact which may clearl}^ account for the 
general efficiency of the body as a whole. 

As the population of the village increased, and the number of fire 
companies in proportion, the question of water supply became of para- 
mount importance and led to ordinances and legislation for provision 
of reservoirs and their supply. The " fire laws, " as they have been 
termed, were passed June 25, 1860, and gave the village authorities 
broader powers and more extensive resources for coping with the 



152 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

destructive element. In the report of Chief Engineer Barnum R. 
Williams, in 1808, he said: 

The matter of a supply of water in case of fire in some parts of the village has been 
to me a source of great anxiety. I give below a list of reservoirs as classified by 
Hon. E. S. Esty, during his term of office as chief engineer, to show more clearly 
my idea: A, Pleasant street, east of Aurora. B, State street, corner of Aurora. 
C, State street, corner of Tioga. D, State street, corner of Cayuga. E, State street, 
corner of Plain. F, Fayette street, south of Geneva. G, Albany street, corner of 
Seneca. H, Geneva street, south of Mill. I, Cayuga street, corner of Mill. J, Farm 
street, west of Aurora. K, Buffalo street, corner of Spring. L, Village Hall. M, 
Seneca street, east of Spring. 

Of this list Mr. Williams considered none of them reliable in case of 
a protracted fire, excepting B, C and D, most of them being- filled b}^ 
water from roofs, or from drains and small springs. For many years 
prior to the date under consideration, various plans and propositions 
had been made for providing- an adequate water supply by different 
companies, and the final introduction of mains in the streets, with a 
large flow and strong pressure, soon relieved all anxiet}'' on this score. 

In this connection it is interesting to note that the expense of the 
department for the year preceding- Mr. Williams's report was $2,427.84. 
Of this sum $800 is credited to the "annual donation." There were 
then in the department five engine companies, one hook and ladder 
company, one bucket compan}^, and a company of Protective Police, 
the membership numbering in the aggregate 450 men. There were 
eleven fire alarms in the year 1868. 

The Ithaca Fire Department was incorporated by act of the Legisla- 
ture April 1, 1871, and includes all of the fire companies formed and to 
be formed, whose enrolled members number thirty each and are so 
maintained. The act was amended April 14, 1884. The governing 
board was made to consist of two trustees from each company, tog^ether 
with the chief engineer and assistants, who were ex-officio members. 
A president, vice-president, and secretary of the board were to be 
chosen annually from their body by the trustees. The body thus formed 
constitutes the "Firemen's Board." 

With the incoming of the city government in 1887, the powers and 
duties conferred on the village trustees by the act of 1860 were con- 
tinued to the Common Council of the city. 

The body known as the " Protective Police " was formed with thirty 
members January 23, 1868. This body of men have all the privileges 
and exemptions of firemen and are invested with police powers in time 



CITY OF ITHACA. 153 

of fire. They are commanded b}^ a captain, a lieutenant and a serg-eant, 
the other officers being a treasurer, secretary and two trustees. 

Upon the organization of the Protective Police the following' were 
chosen the first officers: P. J. Partenheimer, captain; Elias Treman, 
lieutenant; H. A. St. John, sergeant; L. Kenney, secretary; F. W. Brooks, 
treasurer; and the following members: F. A. Brown, C. F. Blood, 
Walter Burling, Rufus Bates, Uri Clark, C. Cowdry, Joseph Esty, jr. 
H. F. Hibbard, W. H. Hammond, J. F. Hawkins, C. D. Johnson, 
Freeman Kelly, J. C. King, E. M. Latta, E. M. Marshall, E. I. 
Moore, H. D. Partenheimer, James Quigg, J. H. Tichenor, J. B. Tay- 
lor, S. D. Thompson, jr., Samuel vStoddard, J. R. Wortman, H. J. 
Wilson, H. W. Wilgus. 

The following named companies have been organized at the dates 
given, with the officers of 1868 designated: 

Cayuga Engine Company, No. 1, organized May 12, 1828. Foreman, 
John Diltz ; first assistant, H. Mastin ; second assistant, R. Latourette. 
Besides a large membership, this company published in 1868 a list of 
seventeen honorar)'- members. 

Rescue Engine Company, No. 2, organized June 6, 1823. Foreman, 
John Spence ; first assistant, Edward Landon ; second assistant, A. B. 
Gardiner. 

Tornado Hook and Ladder Company, No. 3, organized February 4, 
1831. Foreman, J. M. Lyons; first assistant, M. L. Granger; second 
assistant, O. B. Welch. 

Eureka Engine Company, No. 4, organized April 29, 1842. Fore- 
man, William S. Berry; first assistant, C. vSloughter; second assistant, 
George True. 

Tornado Bucket Company, No, 5, organized July 1, 1846. Foreman, 
George Pickering; first assistant, Amasa I. Drake; second assistant, 
Sam Goddard. 

Hercules Engine Company, No. 6, organized March 23, 1853. Fore- 
man, George J. Kenyon; first assistant, C. Popplewell; second assist- 
ant, E. Jar vis. 

Cataract Engine Company, No. 7, organized December 31, 1863. 
Foreman, Sylvester Norton ; first assistant, Ed. Tree, jr. ; second as- 
sistant, George Norton. 

Eureka Company, above named, was placed in charge of the old 
engine (No. 1), but this machine had seen its best days, and was ex- 

20 



154 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

changed in June, 1842, for a new one. This company finally became 
Eureka Hose Companj^ No. 4, now in existence. 

Hercules Company, above mentioned, was one of the most efficient 
early organizations, and was especially for the protection of propert}- 
in the western part of the village, where the tower at the Inlet was 
erected for their use. After nearly twenty years of service the com- 
pany was dissolved, and in its place was organized vSprague Steamer 
Company, No. 6, October, 31, 1872. 

Cataract Company, above mentioned, took charge of the engine pur- 
chased for No. 4 in 1842. The tower at Fall Creek was built for this 
organization. 

In addition to the above are the following organizations, all of which 

are now in existence : 

Cayuga Hose Company, No. 1, organized May 12, 1828; now located 
in Cit}^ Hall. Has a two-wheeled 'cart and 500 feet of hose, with 
other appurtenances. Foreman, B. F. McCormick; first assistant, 
William McGraine; second assistant, Joseph Myres; secretary, L. F. 
Maloney; treasurer, Michael Herson. 

Rescue Steamer Company, No. 2, organized July 1, 1823; incorpo- 
rated November 28, 1883. Located in a two-story brick bnilding ad- 
joining the City Hall ; have in charge a third class Silsby steamer, and 
a four-wheeled hose carriage with 500 feet of hose. Foreman, John A. 
Fisher; first assistant. Perry Robertson; second assistant, Horace 
Miller; secretary, W. A. Woodruff; treasurer, Charles Clapp. 

Tornado Hook and Ladder Company, No. 3, organized February 4, 
1831; incorporated March 6, 1886. Located in City Hall, and have in 
charge a hook and ladder truck, with extension and other ladders, etc. 
Foreman, F. H. Romer; first assistant, C. S. Seaman; second assist- 
ant, C. E. Treman; secretary, A. G. Stone; treasurer, O. L. Dean. 

Eureka Hose Company, No. 4, organized in 1842. Located in City 
Hall, and has in charge a four-wheeled hose carriage with 450 feet of 
hose. Foreman, J. E. DriscoU; first assistant, George J. Dixon; sec- 
ond assistant, W. J. Pringle; secretary, F. D. Gray; treasurer, George 
Stephens. 

Torrent Hose Company, No. 5, organized March 2, 1843. Located 
in the two-story brick building on State street near Geneva; has in 
charge a four-wheeled carriage and 500 feet of hose. Foreman, W. 
C. Taber; first assistant, E. G. Hance; second assistant, Henry Brost; 
secretary, W. W. Phillips; treasurer, E. McGillivra}^ 



CITY OF ITHACA. 



155 



Spragne Steamer Company, No. G, org-anized October 1, 1872. Lo- 
cated in a two-story brick building on West State street near Fulton ; 
has in charge a Clapp S: Jones piston steamer, a two-wheeled hose -cart 
and 600 feet of hose. Foreman, A. R. Van Zoil; first assistant, Milo 
Walley; second assistant, Bert vShaw; secretary, W. J. Lambert; 
treasurer, William Moore. 

Cataract Hose Company, No. 7, organized December 31, 1863. Lo- 
cated in a two-story brick and frame building on North Tioga street, 
and has in charge one two-wheeled racing cart, one four-wheeled hose 
cart and 500 feet of hose. Foreman, Charles Terwilliger ; first assist- 
ant, William Benson ; second assistant, George Edsall ; secretary, F. 
A. Van Vradenburg; treasurer, M. H. Norton. 

The gross membership of the department on the 31st of December, 
1893, was 447. 

Following is a list of chief engineers from 1840 to the present time: 

Jacob M. McCormick, December 19, 1838, to June 23, 1843; Robert Halse3^ June 
23, 1842, to January 17, 1850; P. J. Partenheimer, January 17, 1850, to December 81, 
1857; Merritt L. Wood, December 31, 1857, to December 30, 1858; Justus Darning, 
December 30, 1858, to December 31, 1859. 

LIST OF CHIEF AND ASSISTANT ENGINEERS. 



Under the Fire Laws adopted June 25, 1860, and Act of Incorpora- 
tion, passed April 1, 1871, and amended April 14, 1884: 



YEAR. 


CHIEF ENGINEER. 


FIRST ASSISTANT. 


SECOND ASSISTANT 


1860, 


Edward S. Esty. 


Jesse Johnson. 


J. Beardsley. 


1861, 


" 


" 


L. V. B. Maurice. 


1862, 


" 


" 


Joseph N. Ives. 


1863, 


William W. Esty. 


Joseph N. Ives. 


W. G. Davenport. 


1864, 


"' 


W. G. Davenport. 


Levi A. Berry. 


1865, 


George E. Terry. 


Joseph N. Ives. 


J. R. Wortman. 


1866, 


Elias Treman. 


Joseph C. King. 


James Latta. 


1867, 


William W. Esty. 


R. WiUard Boys. 


James Ashdown. 


1868, 


B. R. Williams. 


J. M. Haggle, jr. 


George Sincepaugh. 


1869, 


" 


T. S. Thompson. 


George J. Kenyon. 


1870, 


T. S. Thompson. 


George J. Kenyon. 


Amasa I. Drake. 


1871, 
1872, 
1873, 


B. R. AVilliams. 


John H. Prager. 


James Latta. 


H. M. Durphy. 


Almon Boys. 


O. D. Terry. 


1874, 


" 


" 


E. H. Mowry. 


1875, 


Almon Boys. 


E. H. Mowry. 


Charles A. Ives. 


1876, 


" 


" 


" 


1877, 


.. 


Charles A. Ives. 


S. S. Gress. 



156 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



YEAR. 


CHIEF ENGINEER. 


FIRST ASSISTANT. 


SECOND ASSISTANT 


1878, 


Almon Boys. 


S. S. Gress. 


Will F. Major. 


1879, 


" 


AA^ill F. Major. 


Frank D. Tree. 


1880, 


Samuel S. Gress. 


Louis S. Neill. 


William J. Ireland. 


1881, 


" 


Charles S. Seaman. 


E. W. Prager. 


1883, 


" 


E. W. Prager. 


A. Schriver. 


1883, 


" 


A. Schriver. 


E. E. Robinson. 


1884, 


E. H. Mowry. 


E. E. Robinson. 


H. L. Haskin. 


1885, 


" 


" 


" 


1886, 


E. E. Robinson. 


H. L. Haskin. 


Frank Cole. 


1887, 


" 


" 


" 


1888, 


" 


Frank Cole. 


A. B. Oltz. 


1889, 


" 


" 


" 


1890, 


Frank Cole. 


A. B. Oltz. 


W. H. Herrington. 


1891, 


" 


" 


" 


1892, 


" 


A. W. Randolph. 


Charles C. Garrett. 


1893, 


" 


" 


S. Fred Smith. 



Following is a list of the officers of the department for 1894: 

Chief engineer, Frank Cole ; first assistant engineer, A. W. Randolph ; second 
assistant engineer, S. Fred Smith ; president, J. M. Welsh ; vice-president, William 
Egan ; secretary John M. Wilgus ; treasurer, Edwin M. Hall. 

Trustees of Department: Cayuga Hose Company, No. 1, J. M. Welsh, C. M. Kelly; 
Rescue Steamer Company, No. 2, A. S. Cole, William Egan ; Tornado Hook and 
Ladder Company, No. 3, Chas. W. Major, C. L, Smith ; Eureka Hose Company, No. 
4, S. S. Gress, C. G. Selover; Torrent Hose Company, No. 5, J. M. Wilgus, J. F. 
Tetley ; Sprague Steamer Company, No. 6, Isaac Brokaw, Lester Rundle ; Cataract 
Hose Company, No. 7, Thomas Tree, Arthur Tourgee ; Protective Police, H. M. 
Hibbard, Franklin C. Cornell. 

In the year 1891 the Game well Fire Alarm system was introduced, 
which now has sixteen boxes, and is a valuable auxiliary to the depart- 
ment. The expenses of the department for 1893 were $3,637.85. 
There are now fourteen cisterns in the city at the most available points, 
with 101 hydrants connected with the water supply system. There 
were nineteen fire alarms in 1893, and the total loss was $17,511.23. 
The following table shows the number of alarms and losses since 1860: 



CITY OF ITHACA. 



157 



YEAR. 


FIRES 

AND 
ALARMS. 


LOSSES. 


INSURANCE 
PAID. 


LOSS OVER 
INSURANCE. 


I860 


5 

15 

3 
10 

8 

6 

6 
12 
11 

8 

9 
11 

8 
20 

9 
28 
22 
15 
30 
23 
30 
13 
15 
13 
22 
20. 
14 
12 

8 
11 
18 
15 

9 
19 


^ 2,001.00 


S 1.051.00 


$ 951.00 


1861 - 


23,038.00 ; 17;338.00 
4,600.00 2,400.00 
4,420.00 1 3.410.00 


5,700.00 


1862 


2,200.00 


1863 ---- 


1,110.00 


1864 

1865 


1,214.00 
17,600.00 

1,800.00 

17,600.00 

31,708.00 

730.00 

499.00 

247,138.00 

18,395.00 

28,98 .00 

25,332.00 

14,375.00 

70,938.00 

2,170.00 
19,480.00 
23,675.00 
15,588.00 

1,611.00 
39,495.72 
15,565.48 

8.112.45 
10,896.00 
11,157.35 

2,052.00 
10,960.00 
18,925.00 

5,784.90 

11,361.19 

693.00 

17,511.23 


460.00 

8,850.00 

1,300.00 

4,822.00 

20,504.00 

225.00 

449.88 

100,520.00 

■ 12,245.00 

24,032.00 

11,875,00 

47,888.00 

1,695.00 

18,980.00 

16,700.00 

10,808.00 

1,136.00 

29,965.72 

10,045.48 

4,689.45 

5,918.00 

9,982.35 

977.50 

10,410.00 

15,985.00 

5,407.90 

9,941.19 

443.00 

8,211.23 


754.00 
8,750.00 


1866 


500.00 


1867 ... 


12,778.00 


1868 

1869 - 


11,204.00 
505.00 


1870 


49.12 


1871 -. 


146,618.00 


1872 


6,150.00 


1873 

1874 - 


1,300.00 


1875 


2,500.00 


1876 

1877 

1878 - 


23,050.00 
475.00 
500.00 


1879 '- 

1880 

1881 

1882 

1883 

1884 

1885 -. - -- 


6,975.00 
4,780.00 
475.00 
9,539.00 
5,520.00 
3,423.00 
4,978.00 


1886 

1887 

1888 ..- 


1,175.00 

1,074.50 

550.00 


1889 -. -. 


2,940.00 


1890 - . -- 


377.00 


1891 


1,320.00 


1892 

1893 


250.00 
9,300.00 



Following is a list of 

Blood, Charles F. , captain. 
Williams, R. B. , lieutenant. 
Hinckley, H. L. , sergeant. 
Quigg, James, treasurer. 
Tichenor, James H., secre- 
tary. 
Esty, A. H., trustee. 
Enz, Frank J., trustee. 
Almy, Bradford. 
Bostwick, H. Y. 
Brown, C. B. 
Burdick, D-. W. 
Cornell, Frank C. 
Crozier, R. A. 



the Protective Police as constituted in 1893 



Clark, Uri. 
Frear, Wm. 
Gauntlett, J. C. 
Hall, E. M. 
Halliday, S. D. 
Hibbard, H. M. 
Johnson, E. K. 
Johnson, C. D. 
Kenney, Levi. 
Lyon, Marcus. 
Latta, E. M. 
Marshall, E. M. 
McElheny, T. J. 
Randolph, F. P. 



Stewart, D. B. 
Sanford, L. J. 
Sage, Wm. H. 
St. John, H. A. 
Treman, Elias. 
Taylor, J. B. 
Van Kirk, E. C. 
"Van Order, Linn. 
Van Vleet, D. F. 
Van Cleef, Mynderse. 
Wilson, H. J. 
Williams, E. L. 
Williams, Chas. M. 



158 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The most disastrous fires from which Ithaca has suiTered were those 
of July 14, 1833, which destroyed nearly all of the buildings on the 
square bounded by Owego (now vState), Tioga, wSeneca and Aurora 
streets. Several of these were brick. On the 28th of May, 1840, when 
everything on the north side of vState street from the store of John 
Rumsey to the corner of Aurora and vSeneca streets, ten three-story 
brick buildings were burned, causing a loss of about $65,000. ^Sunday 
night, July 24, 1842, on the south side of State street, the Chronicle 
office and buildings to the corner of Tioga street, and three small 
buildings on the latter street, were burned. On July 10, 1845, an in- 
cendiary fire was started in the stables of the Columbian Inn (then 
called the Franklin House), and swept nearly the entire block bounded 
by State, Cayuga, Green and Seneca streets, sparing only the three 
brick stores on the northeast corner of the block, and the residences 
John L. Whiton and Dr. J. E. Hawley on the west. Six horses were 
burned in the stables. On August 22, 1871, occurred the most destructive 
fire in the history of the place. The Ithaca Hotel and the entire block 
on which it stood was swept clean, excepting a few stores on State 
street. The flames also crossed Tioga street westward and burned the 
tannery of Edward S. Esty and many houses on the north side of 
Green street, and on Tioga several more belonging to Henry L. Wil- 
gus. 

Ithaca Water Works Company. — A brief reference has already 
been made to the first attempts to supply the village of Ithaca with 
water. It is sufficient to state that those attempts were largely abor- 
tive, and not until 1853 was a systematic effort made towards accom- 
plishing the object. An act passed the Legislature June 25, 1853, 
tmder which Henry W. Sage, Alfred Wells, Charles E. Hardy, Anson 
Spencer and Joseph E. Shaw were named as incorporators, and they 
and their associates constituted the Ithaca Water Works Company. 
The capital was $40,000. This com.pany furnished an inadequate sup- 
ply of water from springs on East Hill, north of Buffalo street, and 
laid iron pipes in some of the streets. The supply proved insufficient 
and the works were subsequently sold to a new company, which con- 
tinued operations under the old charter amended to meet new require- 
ments. In 1875 the compan)^ acquired rights on Buttermilk Creek and 
erected a crib dam in the ravine, from which water is supplied to the 
city and to a reservoir on South Hill of 1,250,000 gallons capacity. 
The head from the dam is 215 feet, and from the reservoir 146 feet. 



CITY OF ITHACA. 159 

The officers of the company are L. L. Treman, president; E. M. Tre- 
nian, secretary; and these, with Elias Treman, R. R. Treman, and 
Leander R. King, are the directors. Under the present administration 
liberal extensions have been made of pipes in all the principal streets 
of the cit}^, and the public supply is furnished through 101 hydrants. 
(There are also fourteen cisterns in use in the city). 

Other attempts have been made to furnish a water suppl}", but they 
were not successful. An act was passed May 23, 1868, in which Alonzo 
B. Cornell, Charles M. Titus, George W. Schuyler, John L.- Whiton, 
George McChain, Elias Treman, vSewell D. Thompson, Edward vS. 
Esty, Abel Burritt, Henry J. Grant, Edwin J. Morgan, Henr}' L. Wil- 
gus, John Rumsey, John H. Selkreg, Henry R. Wells, and their as- 
sociates, were named as a body corporate b}'' the title " Ithaca Water 
Works Company." Capital, $75,000, with power to increase to $150,- 
000. No organization took place under this act. 

In 1870 an act was passed by which Henr}^ B. Lord, Rufus Bates, 
and Charles M. Titus were constituted commissioners for the construc- 
tion of water works to be owned by the village, and providing for a 
tax, not exceeding $100,000, to pay the cost thereof; subject first, how- 
ever, to a vote of the tax-payers. When put to a vote the project was 
defeated . 

Ithaca Gas Light Company. — The supply of gas to the village of 
Ithaca dates back to 1853. The present control of the business is 
vested in a company under the same title, and is substantially in the 
hands of the same officers that are at the head of the water company. 

Street Railways. — It is within only a comparatively brief period 
that Ithaca has been favored with street railways. The first steps 
taken in this matter were in the year 1884, when, on the 29th of No- 
vember, the Ithaca Street Railway Company was organized with a 
capital of $25,000. During the various changes that have since taken 
place, this capital was first increased, on the 5th of July, 1892, to 
$175,000, and on the 11th of December, 1893, to $250,000. For about 
two years after the first charter was obtained the undertaking lay dor- 
mant. This is scarcely to be wondered at, for the peculiar conditions 
existing in the place in a topographical sense were not encouraging to 
the projectors of the street railway. While the village was growing 
rapidly, and its prospects were excellent for future growth, the exten- 
sion was largely towards the east and the university, and up a steep 
hill presenting a grade of something like 400 feet to the mile. In the 



160 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

year l(S87-88 the first track was laid, extending from the Ithaca Hotel 
to the railroad stations at the foot of State street. On the 1st of May, 
1891, the franchises and property of the old company were transferred 
to the present organization, and on the 1st of June, 1892, the company 
purchased the franchise and property of the Brush-Swan Electric Light 
Company, which it still owns. That company had used electricity on 
the street cars under the imsatisfactor}'- Daft system since January 4, 
1888. The Brush-Swan system was adopted in 1891. Upon the reor- 
ganization of the company in 1891, as above noted, Charles H. White 
was made president; D. W. Burdick vice-president; D. F. Van Vleet 
treasurer. Extensive improvements were inaugurated, the track ex- 
tended up the hill to the Elmira, Cortland and Northern Railroad 
station, and new and improved cars began running to that point in 
February, 1893. The franchise for the Tioga street branch was ob- 
tained in May, 1891, and the first cars ran thereon in July of the same 
year. At the present time a branch crosses the Cascadilla Creek on 
the university grounds and extends northward for the accommodation 
of the extensive travel to the institution. The Cayuga Lake Electric 
Railwa}'' Company, organized in 1894, is constructing a line passing- 
Percy Field and reaching the lake at the southeast corner, formerly 
known as Renwick, where a steamboat dock is to be built. Its capital 
is $25,000. The present officers of the company are as follows: presi- 
dent, Horace E. Hand, of vScranton, Pa. ; vice-president, Hon. Alfred 
Hand; secretary, treasurer and general manager, H. Bergholtz; attor- 
ney, D. F. Van Vleet. 

The lighting of the streets of Ithaca by electricity by the Brush- 
Swan Company, above mentioned, was begun in 1883-84, it being one 
of the first plants for this purpose in the interior of the State. With 
the transfer of the franchise to the present company, many improve- 
ments and enlarged facilities have been introduced, and a contract has 
just been concluded (December, 1893) under which the company is to 
supply the city with ninet}^ arc lights for ten years. 

Banks. — Financial affairs in Ithaca, as well as in the other towns in 
this county, have in past years experienced at least average prosperity 
in comparison with other localities. Their administration has been, as 
a rule, conservative and prudent. Aside from the brief periods of ex- 
aggerated anticipation, speculation, and culminating stringency and 
panic, described in the preceding pages of general history, in which 
almost the entire country shared, progress in the increase of wealth 



CITY OF ITHACA. Ifil 

and its . safe investment has been generally steady and satisfactory 
throughout the county. It is probably true that few villages or cities 
in the State of New York have reached the size of Ithaca without ex- 
periencing more business failures. While the growth of Ithaca has 
been, until quite recently, somewhat slow, possibl)^ for that reason its 
business men have been conservative and prudent in a marked degree. 
This may have been to a certain extent a weakness, as indicating a 
lack of progressive public spirit and enterprise ; but it has certainly 
been more conducive to the ultimate benefit of the community than 
would the unbridled speculation and so called booms that have charac- 
terized many other localities. 

The needs of banking facilities were felt in Ithaca before the forma- 
tion of Tompkins county, and resulted in the incorporation of a branch 
of the Bank of Newburg under an act of the Legislature passed April 
18, 1815. The act authorized the officers of that bank to establish an 
office of discount and deposit in the village of Ithaca, Seneca county. 
A lot was purchased on Owego (now State) street, west of Cayuga and 
running through to Green street, and a banking house erected there. 
That building afterwards became the residence of John L. Whiton. 
Among the first directors of the institution were William R, Collins, 
Luther Gere, Benjamin Drake and Andrew D. W. Bruyn. In 1821 
Daniel Bates and Jeremiah S. Beebe were placed in the directorate; 
they were all good citizens of Ithaca. Charles W. Connor was the first 
cashier and Abel Corwin the second. George W. Kerr, afterwards 
president of the Bank of Newburg, was an earl}^ clerk in the bank. 

On the 22d of April, 1829, the Bank of Ithaca was incorporated, with 
authorized capital of $200,000 in 10,000 shares. Andrew D. W. Bruyn, 
Henr}^ Ackley, Francis A. Bloodgood, Hermon Camp, Horace Mack, 
Jeremiah S. Beebe, David Hanmer, Ebenezer Mack, Ira Tillotson and 
Nicoll Halsey were made commissioners with the usual powers to re- 
ceive subscriptions. The entire amount of stock was taken in three 
days. In April, 1830, the real estate owned by the older institution 
was sold to the Bank of Ithaca. Following are the names of the first 
board of directors: Luther Gere, president; A. D.'W. Bruyn, Daniel 
Bates, James Nichols, Benjamin Drake, Jeremiah S. Beebe, Henry 
Ackley, Calvin Burr, William Randall, vStephen Tuttle, Jonathan Piatt, 
David Hanmer and Ebenezer Mack. The first cashier was Ancel St. 
John, who was succeeded by Thomas P. St. John and William B. 
Douglass. Subsequently this bank erected the brick building on the 

21 



162 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

south side of vState street, which passed to possession of Treman 
Brothers, who made extensive alterations in its front. This building 
is now the Ithaca post-office. The charter of the bank expired in ISoO. 

Tompkins County Bank. — This financial institution was chartered 
in 1836, with authorized capital of $250,000. The following composed 
the first board of directors: Hermon Camp, president; Timothy vS. 
Williams, Jeremiah S. Beebe, Horace Mack, William R. Collins, 
Robert Halsey, Edmund G. Pelton, Julius Ackley, Chauncey L. Grant, 
Moses Stevens, Edward C. Reed, Charles Davis, and Augustus C. 
Marsh. The first cashier was Seth H. Mann, who was succeeded b}^ 
Nathan T. Williams. Upon his death he was succeeded by Philip J. 
Partenheimer, who had been the first book-keeper in lSo9, and was 
promoted to teller upon the death of William Henr}^ Hall. Mr. Par- 
tenheimer was succeeded by Henry L. Hinckley in January, 1881, who 
still holds the position. Succeeding Mr. Camp as president were 
Amasa Dana, and next, Chauncey L. Grant. The present capable 
official and astute financier, Lafayette L. Treman, assumed the office 
in 1873, and has therefore filled it for over twenty years. The present 
Board of Directors is composed as follows: Besides the officers above 
named, John C. Gauntlett, vice-president; Roswell Beardsley, John 
Barden, L. R. King, Elias Treman, and Robert H. Treman. The 
bank has surplus and profits of about $78,000, and its average deposits 
are $300,000. The capital has recently been reduced to $150,000. 

Under the National Bank Act this institution was reorganized in 
1866, becoming the Tompkins County National Bank. The commodi- 
ous building now occupied by the institution was erected by it in the 
year 1838. In 1892 a Safe Deposit Department was added, in an exten- 
sion made to the original building. 

Merchants' and Farmers' Bank. — This financial institution was 
organized under the law on the 18th of April, 1838, with a capital of 
$150,000, which was equally divided between the three brothers, 
Timothy S. Williams, Manuel R. Williams, and Josiah B. Williams. 
After the death of the first two named, the bank continued with Josiah 
B. Williams as president, and was absorbed by the First National Bank 
in 1873. Charles E. Hardy was cashier during most of the life of the 
bank, and until his death. 

The First National Bank. — This bank was organized in 1864, with 
a capital of $150,000, by the following named persons: John McGraw, 
John Southworth, Ebenezer T. Turner, Ezra Cornell, Douglass Board- 



CITY OF ITHACA. 163 

man, John C. Stowell, Joseph Esty, E. S. Esty, Alonzo B. Cornell, and 
George R. Williams. The capital remained as at first until 1873, when 
the Merchants' and Farmers' Bank was absorbed and the capital raised 
to $250,000, and so remains. The first president was Ebenezer T. 
Turner, and the first cashier, Alonzo B. Cornell. John McGraw suc- 
ceeded Mr. Turner as president: J. B. Williams next occupied the 
position, and he by Douglass Boardman, who filled the position until 
his death in August, 1890, when George R. Williams assumed the 
office. Henry B. Lord became cashier of the bank in 1866, and has 
faithfully and efficiently served in that capacity ever since. The direc- 
tors of this bank, besides the officers named, are as follows: John C. 
Stowell, vice-president; Calvin D. Stowell, F. M; Finch, Albert H. 
Esty, Samuel B. Turner, Truman Boardman, S. D. Halliday, R. B. 
Williams, Clarence H. Esty. The bank statement of October, 1893, 
show^s a surplus of $50,000; undivided profits of $33,770.50; and loans 
and discounts of $330,140.89. Deposits, $375,000. 

Savings Bank. — The first act incorporating the Ithaca Savings 
Bank was passed April 17, 1863. No action was taken under that act 
and the charter was revived by an Act of April 3, 1868, which named 
the following directors: Ezra Cornell, Douglass Boardman, John H. 
Selkreg, William Andrus, Joseph Esty, John Rumsey, John L. Whiton, 
Leonard Treman, Obadiah B. Curran, George W. Schuyler, Wesley 
Hooker, and their successors. Ezra Cornell was made the first presi- 
dent of the institution, and was succeeded at his death, in 1874, by 
John Rumsey, who had been vice-president from the first. He held 
the position until his death in April, 1882. John L. Whiton succeeded 
him on the 22d of January, 1883, and on his death Leonard Treman 
was elected, January 24, 1887. He died on the 26th of May, 1888, and 
on June 6 succeeding, Roger B. Williams, the present president, was 
elected. The other officers at the date of organization were William 
Andrus and George W. Schuyler, vice-presidents; Obadiah B. Curran, 
treasurer and secretary; F. M. Finch, attorney. The office of vice- 
president is now filled by John H. Selkreg, first vice-president ; John 
C. Gauntlett, second vice-president ; W. J. Storms, secretary and treas- 
urer; Mynderse Van Cleef, attorney. In 1890 the bank erected the 
handsome and substantial building, a part of which it now occupies, at 
a cost of about $60,000, besides the site. 

The Ithaca Trust Company began business on the 7th of December, 
1891, transacting a regular banking and trust deposit business. Its 



164 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

capital is $100,000. Following are the first and present officers and 
directors of the company : President, Franklin C. Cornell ; vice-presi- 
dent, Francis M. Finch; secretary and treasurer, Frederic J. Whiton; 
cashier, William H. Storms; attorney, Mynderse Van Cleef ; directors, 
Charles F. Blood, Franklin C. Cornell, Albert H. Esty, Francis M. 
Finch, Elias Treman, Lafayette L. Treman, Samuel B. Turner, Charles 
E. Van Cleef, John C. Gauntlett, Levi Kenney, William H. Sage, 
David B. vStewart, Mynderse Van Cleef, Frederic J. Whiton, Charles 
M. Williams, Emmons L. Williams. 

Recorder's Court. — This court was established in the city by the 
law which founded the city government. May 2, 1887. Previous to 
that time the justices of the peace, constables and police had been relied 
upon to protect the property and persons of citizens of the place. The 
new charter provided that the then acting police justice should fill the 
office of recorder for the remainder of the period for which the justice 
was elected; but it so happened that the office of justice was vacant on 
the incoming of the new government, and the mayor appointed D. F. ' 
VsLii Vleet as the first regular incumbent of the position. He held the 
office until March 1, 1888, and was succeeded by M3^ron N. Tompkins, 
who was elected for a term of three years. Clarence L, Smith suc- 
ceeded him and served until March, 1894. He was succeeded by Eron 
C. Van Kirk, who was elected recorder for a full term. 

The recorder has jurisdiction over all criminal business in the city, 
without a jury, and is empowered to hold courts of special sessions, 
and to admit to bail all persons charged with crime before him in cases 
of felony when imprisonment in the State prison on conviction cannot 
exceed five years ; with other various powers usually attaching to that 
office. The salary is $1,000 and use of an office. 

Court House, Jail and Clerk's Office. — The present court house, 
built in 1854, occupies the original site selected at the formation of the 
count}^ in 1817. The structure at the time it was removed had some- 
what changed during the thirty-seven years it existed, but still had a 
most venerable appearance. It was of wood, two stories high, and 
with a tower or steeple the architectural beauty of which was at the 
best unimpressive. The basement and a single room in the rear on 
the west side were the jailer's quarters for himself and his family; the 
front room was for jurors. A wide hall ran north and south through 
the building, with doors on either side," and on the east side were six 
cells for the safe keeping of prisoners, unless those who were detained 




(&-^ m^A;;Oc 



CZl 



l?'\ 



CITY OF ITHACA. 165 

chose to saw through the wooden sides or doors or manipulate the very 
simple locks, which lacked nothing in size but were sadly deficient in 
security. It was a very patient prisoner who would long remain there 
in confinement. The locks at one time caused the jailer to become 
suspicious and he called in a locksmith to examine them. Going into 
his own rooms for keys, he found on his return that the expert had 
opened the doors by the aid of a crooked nail. 

The second story of the building was the court room, heated by 
stoves and lighted in the most primitive manner. John Graham, the 
murderer, was allowed by the sheriff to stand in the front window of 
the court room and attempt to address the crowd below, just before his 
execution on the 5th of May, 1842. 

The steeple of this court house was partially burned at the time of 
the destruction of the Baptist church by fire. 

Under the law of 1817, which organized Tompkins county, the free- 
holders of the new county were required to give bonds in $7,000 to be 
expended as the Board of Supervisors should direct, and Luther Gere, 
William R. Collins and Daniel Bates were the commissioners designated 
to superintend the erection of the building. On the 13th of April, 
1819, an enabling act was passed by the Legislature empowering the 
supervisors to raise $3,000 with which to finish the court house and 
jail. 

The commissioners who constructed the present court house seem 
to have been impressed with the idea that a vaulted room was the 
proper thing, and sacrificed acoustic and heating properties to please 
the eye. Thus judges, attorneys and litigants have lost volumes of 
eloquence which floated away into the peak where the mercury marked 
blood heat while the crowd shivered below. Under orders of the court 
the supervisors roofed over the room, and it is now possible to hear 
what is said therein and avoid the danger of freezing in zero weather. 
Money has also been appropriated to replace the old style furnaces and 
ventilate the structure. 

A law was passed on the 31st of March, 1831, providing for the erec- 
tion of a county clerk's office, the supervisors being authorized to raise 
$1,000 for the purpose. Luther Gere, Nathan Herrick and John John- 
son were the commissioners appointed by the act. 

This old clerk's office eventually became unsafe and inadequate for 
its purpose, and measures were adopted for building a new one. The 
old building was demolished and work was begun on the present clerk's 
office on the 3d of April, 1863. 



im LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

A new stone jail was erected on the east side of the court house lot 
in 1854. At that time the cells therein were deemed more than ample 
to contain all who might be confined there at any one time, but on 
many occasions their capacity has been fully tested. The jail cost be- 
tween $15,000 and $16,000. 

Streets. — The streets of Ithaca in years past were not such as to 
reflect the utmost credit upon the city, or to give the greatest pleasure 
to those who were compelled to use them most. But in quite recent 
years a sentiment has come into existence which will soon work a great 
change, the influence of which is already manifest. Under the act of 
1882 the Ithaca Paving Commission was created in 1892, consisting of 
O. H. Gregory (deceased December 27, 1893), Holmes Hollister, Charles 
F. Blood, and ex-Mayor Henry A. St. John became a member by virtue 
of his office. This commission has taken an advanced view of the 
needs of the city as to its streets, and already most gratifying progress 
has been made in paving several of the principal streets in the most 
substantial manner. 

Theater. — The village and city were long in need of better accom- 
modations for public entertainments before measures were adopted to 
secure them. Finally in 1893 the Lyceum Company was incorporated, 
with a capital of $31,500, for the purpose of erecting a modern opera 
house that would be worthy of the city. The following are the officers 
of the company: E. M. Treman, president; C. H. White, vice-presi- 
dent; B.-F. Jervis, secretary; Fred. J. Whiton, treasurer. Directors: 
E. M. Treman, C. H. White, B. F. Jervis, F. J. Whiton, M. Van Cleef, 
R. A. Crozier, Charles M. Williams, L. L. Treman, wS. B. Turner. 
Stockholders: Elias Treman, R. H. Treman, Robt. Reed, John Fur}^ 
Geo. H. Baker, R. B. Williams, Geo. R. Williams, Wm. B. Esterbrook, 
De F. Williams, N. S. Hawkins, R. Wolf, F. W. Phillips, F. W. Brooks, 
S. H. Winton, J. M. Jamieson, L. R. King, Levi Kenne}^, H. E. Dann, 
J. M. McKinney, C. E. Treman. 

The site selected is a central and convenient one, the main entrance 
on Cayuga street, and the services of the well known theatrical archi- 
tects, Leon Lempert & Son, of Rochester, secured. Plans were drawn 
and the work of construction was vigorously pushed during 1892-93. 
M. M. Gutstadt was given the management, and on the 27th October, 
1893, the house was opened. 

This theater is one of the finest in the State in all respects. It is on 
the ground floor, with balcony and gallery; is steam heated; has a 



CITY OF ITHACA. 1«7 

seating' capacity of 1,200, and four private boxes, and nineteen loges; 
sixteen exits from the auditorium on State, Cayuga and Green streets. 
There are fourteen commodious dressing rooms, and the stage is forty 
b}^ sixt}^ feet, with a height of twenty-six and one-half feet in the 
proscenium arch. The cost of the theater and its furnishings was 
about $65,000. Since its opening, the Lyceum, as it has been appro- 
priately named, has had upon its stage many of the first class traveling 
companies, who have received a liberal patronage. The members of 
the Lyceum Company have conferred a permanent and worthy institu- 
tion upon the city. 

Public Houses. — The first public house in Ithaca that is entitled to 
the name was probably the one built by Luther Gere on the southeast 
corner of Aurora and vSeneca streets in 1805, of which he was the owner 
and landlord. According to Mr. King, in 180G a Mr. Hartshorn kept 
a tavern " just across the street south of the village hall," and another 
stood on the site of the Tompkins House, which was kept by Jacob S. 
Vrooman. The tavern above referred to as kept by Hartshorn was 
built by David Quigg, and was. with a brick office built by Alfred 
Wells, removed in 1865, to clear the site for the Cornell Library. 
Vrooman called his house the Ithaca Hotel. In 1809 Luther Gere 
built the then grand edifice, mentioned by Mr. Clinton in his journal, 
which became widely known as the Ithaca Hotel, Mr. Vrooman having 
meanwhile changed the name of his house to "Tompkins," in honor 
of the then new governor, Daniel D. Tompkins. On the 27th of July, 
1813, Mr. Gere sold his house to Elnathan Andrus, having occupied it 
only two years ; he soon afterward removed to Cincinnati. Returning 
in 1816, he again took the hotel, but for only a short period; and in 
that or the following year he began erecting the "Columbian Inn," 
on the northwest corner of Owego (State) and Cayuga streets, previously 
the site of a little red house occupied by Higb}^ Burrell. Gere's new 
house became a popular resort. It was afterwards kept b)^ Joseph 
Kellogg, Jacob Kerr (from New Jersey), and Moses Davenport be- 
tween 1822 and 1825. Among them Abram Byington and Michael 
Blue kept the ho.use, the latter in 1836 ; still later a Mr. Houpt was the 
landlord, and William H. Brundage kept the house for a time. Sewell 
D. Thompson, who kept the Clinton House in 1862, was the proprietor 
of the Ithaca Hotel in 1842-3. In 1831 the Columbian Inn was the 
scene of the murder of Mrs. Guy Clark by her husband (previously 
described), and naturally suffered from the unwelcome notoriety, and 



1G8 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

soon after Mr. Brundage's proprietor.ship the building- was dismem- 
bered, the larger part becoming the "Carson Tavern," on the west 
side of Cayuga street, between vState and Green streets. By a some- 
what strange coincidence that part of the building was the scene of 
another murderous plot, the result of which was the killing of a shoe- 
maker, John Jones, in 1841. This part of the old hotel was burned June 
10, 1845. Two other parts of it afterwards became dwellings. 

The popular "Grant's Coffee House" was built b}^ a Mr. Teeter 
before the year 1811, for his own use; but he was soon succeeded by 
Jesse Grant, an enterprising business man, who gave the house its 
well known name and its great popularit}^ Mr. Grant had for a time 
after his arrival in Ithaca kept the hotel built by a Mr. Gere, corner of 
vSeneca and Aurora streets. The Coffee House was burned in 1833 or 
1835, and the Grant block erected on its site, after its occupancy by 
wooden buildings for a period. It was again burned in the forties and 
the present structure then erected. In comparatively recent years 
Chaunce}^ L. Grant, son of Jesse, kept a coffee house on the same site. 

The Clinton House was begun in 1828 and finished in 1831, in sub- 
stantially its present form. It was for many years the most imposing- 
structure in the village, and even now has not lost its dignified appear- 
ance, with its 120 feet of front and loft}'" pillars. The barns of the 
former Columbian Inn occupied a part of this site and became a stable 
for the Clinton House. The house was greatly improved in 1862, and 
has on several occasions been altered internally. Its registers have 
borne the names of many of the most eminent men in the State. The 
house was kept for many years by Sewell D. Thompson, leasing it in 
1850 for fifteen years; but before the end of the term he purchased 
a one-third interest in the property, and Ezra Cornell bought the other 
two-thirds. Mr. Thompson subsequently became sole owner and was 
a popular landlord for more than thirt}^ years. The house in now 
owned by John M. Smith and kept by Charles Bush. 

The old Ithaca Hotel, built by Mr. Gere in 1809, was used as a hotel 
for more than half a century, but fell in flames in the great fire of Au- 
gust, 1871. The old house had been popularly managed after 1866 by 
Col. W. H. Welch, and for a few years before it was destroyed, by his 
son, O. B. Welch. The new hotel (the present one) was finished in 
1872 at a cost of $64,000. It was opened by Colonel Welch and his 
son, and successfully conducted by them, until the death of Colonel 
Welch in 1873, when a stock company bought the property, and the 



CITY OF ITHACA. 169 

manag-ement was placed in the hands of A. Sherman & vSon, formerly 
of Syracuse. In 1880 Frederick Sherman withdrew from the business. 
In 1885 the manag"ement of the house passed to its present proprietor, 
Henry D. Freer, who has successfully conducted it since. Mr. Freer 
is also proprietor of the Taughannock House, a very popular resort at 
the celebrated falls of that name in the town of Ulysses. At this house 
he has made great improvements recently, and it is kept in first-class 
style. 

The Tompkins House, corner of Seneca and Aurora streets, is one of 
the historic hotels of Ithaca and dates back to 1832. It was originally 
a story and a half structure, but in ISGo it passed into possession of 
Samuel A. Holmes and A. B. Stamp, who rebuilt it and made it sub- 
stantially a new structure. Mr. Holmes withdrew from the manage- 
ment of the house in 1877, and Mr. Stamp conducted the house until 
E. B. Hoagland took it. The firm is now Hoagland & I^acej. Besides 
these three old and well known public houses, there are, perhaps, a 
a dozen others of various kinds in different parts of the city, most of 
them established in recent years and not calling' for especial mention in 
these pages. 

Manufactures. — In the course of the preceding pages many of the 
early manufactures of Ithaca have been necessarily alluded to, but a 
brief review of the various industries, past and present, is desirable. 
It has been stated that several of the very earl}^ as well as later, man- 
ufactories were situated on Fall Creek. This property was owned in 
early times b}^ Benjamin Pelton,i the conspicuous pioneer, who bought 
nearly 200 acres on lot 94. On the 26th of May, 1813, Mr. Pelton sold 
to Phineas Bennett 170 acres from the north end of lot 04, and in 1814 
the latter built a grist mill a little east and south of the site of A. M. 
Hull's present mill. The water was carried to the wheel in a wooden 
flume framed into the rock along the south side of the stream, from a 
point above the main fall down a considerable distance, when it was 
taken in a channel in the rock. Bennett gave Pelton a mortgage for 

1 Mr. Pelton was in the Revolutionary armv as a lieutenant and a captain ; was 
present at the attack on Quebec, and stood near General Montgomery when lie fell. 
After the war he drew three bounty lots of 600 acres each, but not in the town of 
Ulysses. He may have exchanged a part of that land with Van Rensselaer for his 
Ithaca possessions. He was father of Richard W. and E. G. Pelton, and brother of 
Dr. William Pelton. He died in Ithaca at his residence on vSeneca street about the 
year 1830. 



no LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

^4,000 on the property, which was assigned to George Wells; he fore- 
closed it, and the property was bid off by David Woodcock for $3,200, 
on the 11th of January, 1817. In some manner Mr. Bennett and his 
son seem to have again acquired or to have retained an interest, as in- 
dicated by the fact that December 14-, 1816, they conveyed to Abner 
Howlancl the land on which stood the chair factory of the latter, to- 
gether with " water from the falls " sufficient to run the factory. On 
July, 14, 1819, the Bennetts conveyed to Barney McGoffin and Ansel 
Bennett for $1,600 " all the plaster mill and carding room in same, for 
and during the time the same shall stand." This plaster mill and 
carding machine had, of course, been established in the mean time. 

On the 22d of April, 1817, David Woodcock and others conveyed to 
Frederick Deming and Jonathan F. Thompson, for $600, a piece of 
land fifty feet square immediatel}^ east of the bridge over Fall Creek. 
Those two men built an oil mill on the land, and were soon (1820-21) 
succeeded by Thompson & Porter, who added a distillery. Thompson 
& Porter were already leading merchants in the village. In June, 
1822, Mr. Thompson sold his mercantile interest to his partner, Sol- 
omon Porter, and greatly increased his distilling business ; he adver- 
tised at one time for 100 head of cattle for stall feeding. Above the 
oil mill stood a saw mill which Bennett had rebuilt about 181,6-17; it 
was probably first built before Bennett's purchase of 1813. Just above 
this saw mill a dam was erected across the creek into which the water 
from Bennett's plaster and grist mills discharged through a flume in 
the rock. In 1822 a small foundry stood near the saw mill and was 
owned by Origen Atwood and Sylvester Roper; it is said that the 
smelting furnace was made of a potash kettle. 

On the 9th of November, 1827, Jeremiah S. Beebe bought of David 
Woodcock 125 acres of land, including the grist mill before referred to. 
The mill then had two run of stones and was carried by an overshot 
wheel. At that date the plaster mill was under lease to Gere, Gunn & 
Nichols, and the distillery was leased to Gere & Gunn for ten years. 
Mr. Beebe continued to operate the grist mill without much alteration 
imtil 1830, when he entirely rebuilt it, and engaged Ezra Cornell to 
run it. In the following year he began the construction of the histor- 
ical tunnel. This then remarkable engineering project was carried 
forward under Mr. Cornell's direction and finished in the summer of 
1832. It was cut from the rock, about two hundred feet in length, 
twelve feet wide and thirteen feet high, and was completed at the small 



CITY OF ITHACA. 171 

cost of $2,000.1 A dam was built above this tunnel from which the 
water flowed through the tunnel and then through an open raceway to 
the mills. The old flume was abandoned. 

On December 1, 1838, Horace Mack, of the flrm of Mack & Ferris, 
and John James Speed (see history of the town of Caroline), of the firm 
of Speed & Tourtellot, purchased the Beebe grist mill and power for 
$26,000. They carried it on only one year. They built the old store- 
house at the steamboat landing to facilitate their grain handling. 
April 1, 1840, Mr. Mack conveyed his interest in the mill to Chauncey 
Pratt and Chauncey L. Grant. In 1810 the Ithaca Falls Woolen Man- 
ufacturing Company purchased the property and enlarged the mill and 
put in woolen manufacturing machinery, making the building five 
stories in height. This organization seems to have been badly man- 
aged ; stock was taken by farmers and other citizens to a large amount. 
In the latter years of its existence it was conducted at a loss, the de- 
ficiency being made up by assessments, until in 1851 the entire build- 
ing and its contents were destroyed by fire. It had, however, been 
disused some time previous to the fire. In 1854 Henry S. Walbridge 
became owner of the property and built a new grist mill on the old 
foundation. He failed in business and the property passed to posses- 
sion of A. M. Hull, who has conducted the mill ever since. A stock 
company has just been formed called the Fall Creek Milling Company, 
of which A. M. Hull is president. 

On the 16th of July, 1819, Otis Eddy and Thomas S. Matthewson 
purchased of Phineas Bennett (before mentioned), and others, a small 

1 " I have this day paid a third visit to Fall Creek for the sole purpose of viewing 
that stupendous work of art called the Tunnel, which conducts part of the waters of 
the creek from a point a few rods above the first fall, and within sight of the second, 
to the mill site at the bridge. . . . The entrance for about twenty feet is from 16 
to 20 feet in width, top square, allowing for the ruggedness occasioned by the blast- 
ing, The remaining 180 feet is pretty much in the shape of an arch way, making 
the same allowance for the effect of blasting. Along this subterranean passage, to 
accommodate those 'who wish to pass through it, Mr. Beebe has had pieces of scant- 
ling placed transversely abotit four feet above the base at proper distances through- 
out the whole length, over which are laid strong oak plank; on these we walked 
safely through, the water rolling on below us, and over our heads a solid roof of rock 
from twenty to forty feet thick, till it reaches the soil above. . . . This magnifi- 
cent work of art — the Tunnel — of which perhaps there is nothing in this country in 
the annals of individual enterprise to exceed it, was commenced as above mentioned 
in 1831." Mr. Southwick, from whom we have before quoted in these pages, and 
who wrote the foregoing, was nothing if not enthusiastic when writing of Ithaca. 



172 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

piece of land, four rods by fivej on which they built the first paper mill 
in Tompkins county. Chester Walbridge soon afterward obtained an 
interest in the business, and continued until April 1, 1822, with Mr. 
Matthewson, Mr. Eddy having retired in August, 1820. In October, 
1828, Mack & Morgan purchased an interest in this mill, then publish- 
ers of the American Journal and proprietors of the bookstore on vState 
street. The mill for years afterwards did a large business in making 
printing and writing papers, one part of it being devoted to the manu- 
facture of wrapping paper exclusively, under the management and 
partial ownership of James Trench. Both mills finally passed to Mack 
& Andrus, by whom they were improved from time to time. The white 
paper mill was nearly destroyed by fire in 1846. The proprietors im- 
mediately built a white paper mill at Forest Home, then known as Free 
Hollow. In 1851 they rebuilt the brick mill at Fall Creek and removed 
the manufacture there, abandoning the Forest Home property. Mack 
& Andrus were succeeded by Mack, Andrus & Woodruff; Andrus, 
WoodrufE & Gauntlett; Andrus, Gauntlett & Co. ; Andrus, MoChain & 
Co., and finally from Mrs. Mary L. McChain, the wrapping mill 
passed to its present owners, Enz & Miller, in 1887. Wrapping paper 
is principally made, about twenty-five tons a week being turned out. 

The other mill making book and newspaper papers at Fall Creek 
passed through various hands to S. H. Laney, of Elmira, and from him 
to M. H. Arnot. In February, 1892, the Elmira Stamping and Paper 
Company was incorporated, with A. A. Watters, president ; T. H. Far- 
ley, vice-president; P. B. Smith, secretary. C. A. Brown is superin- 
tendent. White paper only is made. 

The business of tanning leather is almost always a pioneer industr}^ 
in all new settlements in this country, the cause of which is obvious in 
the ready supply of bark. Captain Comfort Butler, who came to 
Ithaca before 1808, built a tannery on the southeast corner of Aurora 
and Buffalo streets, the latter street not being then open. In later 
years the building became a residence. 

This tannery was conducted prior to 1821 for some time by William 
Butler and George Carpenter, who dissolved partnership in August of 
that 3^ear, and Captain Butler commanded a boat running between 
Ithaca and Syracuse. He was drowned in Cayuga Lake, November 
21, 1821. One of his daughters was the wife of A. P. Searing. In 
April, 1822, Rev. William Brown leased the tannery. One of his ad- 
vertisements reads: " If there should beany gentlemen who wish to 



CITY OF ITHACA. 173 

have their hides or skins tanned on shares, they may rel}^ the}^ shall have 
justice done them." The italics are his. 

Daniel Bates settled in Ithaca about 1812, and purchased of Mr. 
Gardner a tannery which stood on the east side of Aurora street, nearly 
opposite where William W. Esty recently lived, on the (then) north 
branch of the Six Mile Creek. To obtain additional water Mr. Bates 
built a dam in Cascadilla Creek, directly south of the Cascadilla Mill, 
diverting the water into a raceway. Cooper, Pelton & Co. succeeded 
Mr. Bates in the tannery, and it afterwards passed, with other property, 
to John Tichenor. It long ago disappeared. 

In 181(3 George Blythe built a wool carding and cloth dressing fac- 
tory on Aurora street, north of the tannery of Mr. Bates and directly 
over the creek. In May, 1820, it was removed by its builder to Ben- 
nett's plaster mill at Fall Creek, and in 1825 he transferred the machin- 
ery to the mill then owned by A. D. W. Bruyn on Six Mile Creek. It 
must have been brought back to its original site, for Samuel J, Blythe 
was operating it there in 1841, and afterwards George J. Blythe carried 
on the business. 

Virgil D. and Ben Morse had an oil inill which they operated man}' 
years on the lowest water power from the Willow Pond. The business 
was finally abandoned. 

A Mr. Robinson built a grist mill prior to 1818 on Six Mile Creek, 
which in the year named passed to Archer Green, and David Booth 
Beers put a carding machine in the building. A. D. W. Bruyn next 
owned the property about 1825, and Otis Eddy carried on a small cot- 
ton factor}^ there. It was to this building that Mr. Blythe transferred 
his wool carding business in 1826, as above stated. The structure was 
changed in 1838, under the ownership of Jacob M. McCormick, into an 
oil mill. About the year 1851 it was superseded by him with a flouring 
mill, which was burned in 1853. 

General John Smith ^ purchased the Solomon Bryant farm on East Hill 
some time between 1795 and 1801, and soon afterwards became inter- 
ested in real estate on the flat, which included the site of the historical 

■■ John Smith and R. W. Pelton laid out in lots that part of Aurora street from the 
bridge to Seneca street. This was before 1814. Smith's plat of Ithaca village is 
mentioned many times in the old records of real estate in the section alluded to. 
Lot No. 1 of Smith's plat was the southeast corner of Seneca and Aurora streets, 
which is mentioned in old records as "the same premises formerl)^ occupied by- 
Luther Gere." 



174 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Halsey's mill, which stood nearly on the site of the abandoned electric 
light and power station, which is now used only as a storehouse 
for idle cars. Smith probably built a grist mill, and perhaps a dis- 
tillery, and the grist mill he sold to Judge Salmon Buell before 
1811. About 1814 Judge Buell conveyed the mill property to David 
Woodcock and Daniel Shepard, and they, in vSeptember, 1818, to 
Phineas Bennett and Phineas Bennett, jr. The Bennetts purchased 
also land west of the mill site on the turnpike (now State street). In 
December, 1820, the Bennetts sold a quarter interest to Edward 
Davidson, and a little prior to this the three partners (Bennetts and 
Davidson) joined in an agreement with Daniel Bates to permit on their 
part the waters of Six Mile Creek to be conveyed by the channel already 
formed to Mr. Bates's tannery ; Mr. Bates agreeing on his part to de- 
fend any suits for damage that might be brought by reason of such 
diversion. This agreement caused much subsequent litigation. Mr. 
Bates and Archer Green were contemporaries in the use of the water, 
which did not always supply both the mill and the tannery ; hence, in 
the summer of 1822, Green built a dam which kept the water from the 
north branch. Bates removed the dam, which was replaced by Green. 
Finally the two met one day and Bates threw Green into the creek. 
Mr. Bates then sought his supply of water from the Cascadilla, as be- 
fore stated. 

In the year 1820 C. W. E. Prescott opened a store on the west side of 
Aurora street, near State. In 1821 he removed to his new store, then 
lately built on the corner of Tioga and State streets, now owned by 
James T. Morrison. In 1823 he built the "Ithaca Brewery," on the 
east side of Six Mile Creek, below Clinton street. The brewery in 
1826 passed to O. H. Gregory and Wait T. Huntington, who were then 
in mercantile business in what became a part of the Treman, King & 
Company's store. The brewery became the property of Mr. Hunting- 
ton, and the business was superintended for years by Mr. Gregor3^ 
After passing through various ownerships, and continuing in operation 
to about the time of the breaking out of the war, the building was 
burned in 1878. 

In 1821 Jonathan Bridges built what was called the " Eagle Factory," 
on the northeast corner of Cayuga and Clinton streets, water power 
being taken from Six Mile Creek with a dam a little north of Clinton 
street. Mr. Bridges manufactured woolen goods here for many years. 
The property passed into the hands of James Raymond, but the 



CITY OF ITHACA. 175 

business was finally abandoned and the building- was vacant for many 
years, except as it was the headquarters of the Millerites during- the 
excitement preceding the date when they believed they were to be 
transferred to another and a better sphere. The sect was quite numer- 
ous and very enthusiastic, and there are probably persons living in 
Ithaca to-day who threw aw^ay money publicly, upon the expectation 
that they would never have an opportunity of spending it. The night 
of the expected end of all things earthly some rogues set fire to the 
building and it was burned down. 

In the 3^ear 1832 Alvah Beebe built a stone grist mill on the Spencer 
road, a short distance from its intersection with Cayuga street ; the 
power was from Six Mile Creek, by a dam a few rods below the site of 
the brewery, the water running in a race cut in the shale rock on the 
southerly bank of the creek. The mill was burned in 1840. 

In 1826 a cotton factory was started on the East Hill by Otis Eddy, 
who had already begun the business in a small way, as before stated. 
On the 4th of July of that year the foundation of the dam, which still 
exists, was laid by Mr. Eddy, assisted by Joseph Esty, Joel Palmer, 
Isaac Kennedy, and the usual contingent of boys. This dam and the 
Willow Pond at Cascadilla Place were finished and the mill started 
about the beginning of 1827. The building was of stone quarried near 
by. It will be remembered that Solomon Southwick described the 
property in 1834 as " a cotton factory, store, and about twenty dwell- 
ings." The factor)^ contained 1,600 spindles and turned out 1,000 yards 
of cotton cloth daily. The mill property was bounded on the west by 
Eddy street, as now opened, and extended east along the Cascadilla. 
The manufacture of cotton goods was abandoned after twelve years as 
tmremunerative, and the old factories, which had long been unoccupied, 
were removed in 1866 to make room for the large stone structure called 
Cascadilla Place, now owned by the university. 

A machine' shop was also established on the East Hill by Otis Eddy, 
and there Ezra Cornell began work in 1829, under a 5^ear's engage- 
ment. This was removed and Cascadilla Place erected on its site. 

The manufacture of hats was carried on in Ithaca at an early day 
somewhat extensively, as it was then in many small places. Henry 
and Julius Ackley came from New London, Conn., to Ithaca in 1809, 
and were long residents of the place. Both built dwellings for them- 
selves. Henry Hibbard came soon after the Ackleys and joined with 
them, under the firm name of Ackleys & Hibbard, in the manufacture 



17(3 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKIN.S COUNTY. 

and trade in hats. They were in business on the corner of Buffalo and 
Aurora streets, and about 1815 removed to a brick structure, the first 
one built in the place, erected by William Lesley, on the north side of 
Owego (now State) street, east of Aurora street. Julius Ackley retired 
from the firm in 1830, and the other partners, under the style of Ackley 
& Hibbard, removed to another store " a few rods west of the hotel " 
on Oweg-o street. Julius Ackley then began business again in the 
former location, and soon after took another brother. Gibbons J. Ack- 
ley, as partner. A few j^ears later he joined with Ebenezer Jenkins 
in a general store on the southeast corner of State and Cayuga streets, 
where he had erected a brick building (now occupied by Treman, King 
& Co.). 

John Whiton had a cabinet shop in 1816-17 on the west side of Au- 
rora street just south of Seneca. He removed to another location and 
was succeeded by his son Luther. John Whiton died March 24, 1827. 
His son who bore his name was long a prominent business man, and 
sons Luther and George also carried on a cabinet and furniture estab- 
lishment on Aurora street. 

The present Cascadilla gristmill was built in 1846 by T. S. Williams, 
who died in 1848 and the property passed to Sage & Shaw. The firm 
afterwards changed to J. E. Shaw & Co., and in 1858 it was purchased 
by H. C. Williams. It is now owned by the Williams estate, and is 
under lease to John E. Van Natta. 

The account of these old industries may be closed with a little more 
of Mr. Southwick's writing concerning them. He says: 

• I descended the creek again, and determined to take a walk along the northern 
verge. The first object that presents itself here is General Simeon De Witt's grist 
mill,i erected twenty years since. It has two runs of stone, is farmed out to Mr. 
John Brown, and grinds on an average 25 bushels per day; can grind 100. 

Next comes William P. Stone's window-sash, picket and lath factory; here about 
50,000 lights are turned out annually. A looking-glass factory is the next establish- 
ment, not, however, in a flourishing condition at present. 

Next to this is John J. Hutchings's chair and turning factory. Only from three to 
four hands, are employed steadily in this factory, which turns out about 1,600 Wind- 
sor chairs annually. Present price from $10 to §12 per dozen. 

The grist mill, the sash and the chair factories are carried on bv water power. 
Immediately above the chair factory is a large building erected for an oil mill, and 
used as such for some time, but is now at a stand. 

1 Near the mill was also a distillery, owned by Mr. De Witt. The structure used 
as a grist mill is now the plaster mill of Mr. H. C. Williams's estate, but the distillery 
has not survived the " tidal wave " of time. 



CITY OF ITHACA. I';? 

The Ithaca Calendar Clock Company. — This has long- been one of 
the leading industries of Ithaca, and the village has the honor of being 
the place of residence of the inventor of the first calendar to be moved 
.by machinery. The inventor was J. H. Hawes, who took out his 
patent in 1853. It did not register the extra day in February in leap 
year, and was otherwise imperfect. In 1854 W. H. Akins, ^ of Caro- 
line, invented an improvement on this calendar, removing most of its 
defects, and he sold his rights to Huntington & Platts, who brought it 
to Ithaca to the Mix Brothers to manufacture. These brothers made 
further improvements for which patents were granted in 18G0 and 
1862, and after a few 3^ears of manufacture of large bank clocks, Hunt- 
ington & Platts sold out their rights to the Seth Thomas Clock Com- 
pany. In the years 18G4-5 Henr}'' B. Horton, of Ithaca, a very ingen- 
ious inventol", perfected a new perpetual calendar, the best one yet 
made, and in 1805 took out his patent. This patent, with subsequent 
minor improvements, passed to the Ithaca Calendar Clock Company, 
which'was formed in 18G8, with John H. Selkreg president; Samuel P. 
Sherwood vice-president; Wm. J. Storms secretary and treasurer. The 
capital was only $8,000, and the manufacture began on a very liinited 
scale ; but the clock was a success and found a ready market, and the 
business developed rapidly. About 1869 the works were removed to a 
large building on State street, and the business continued to increase 
until 1874 when Messrs. vSelkreg and Sherwood were succeeded as 
president and vice-president by B. G. Jayne and Hervey Platts, and 
the capital was increased to $150,000, while a large three story brick 
building- was erected on the old fair g^rounds. On February 12, 1876, 
the entire works were burned, and were immediately rebuilt. In the 
fall of 1877 Charles H. White succeeded Mr. Storms as secretary and 
treasurer, and H. M. Durphy was given the general superintendence. 
At the election of officers in 1894 Charles H. Blair, Otis E. Wood and 
Charles H. White were chosen to respectively fill the offices of presi- 
dent, vice-president and secretary and treasurer. The clocks produced 
b}^ this company have a world wide reputation for excellence. 

1 Mr. C. F. Mulks, of Caroline, is authority for the statement that Mr. Akins in- 
vented the first successful sewing machine feed, the news of which reached some one 
of the manufacturers of the early machines, who came on and offered Mr. Akins 
1500 for his invention and would give him but an hour to decide. Akins was a poor 
man and accepted the pittance for what was worth a fortune. 
23 



178 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The AuTOi'HONE Company. — This company was formed to manufac- 
ture a musical instrument which is largely automatic, and is the result 
of inventions of Mr. Henr}^ B. Horton, the inventor of the calendar 
clock. Many attempts were made to produce a musical instrument 
which could be played by the uninitiated, and still rise above the toy in 
character. This desired result is produced by the autophone and its 
much more valuable successor, the roller organ, which the Autophone 
Company now manufactures almost wholly. The first patents were 
granted to Mr. Horton in 1877 and 1878, and were followed by his 
device for cutting the paper music used in the instruments. A com- 
pany was thereupon incorporated in 1879 by Francis M. Finch, H. F. 
Hibbard, and H. B. Horton. Accommodations for manufacturing the 
autophone were sectu'ed in the Clock Company's building, and the 
popularity .of the new instrument was such that the capacity of the 
works had to be increased several times within the first few j^ears of 
the business. The manufacture of the original instrument has been 
now almost wholly superseded by the roller organ, which has been de- 
vised by the company, an instrument that is far superior to its prede- 
cessor. Several styles, varying in price, are made, and an almost 
unlimited collection of music, from which selections may be made, is 
kept on hand. The officers of the company are H. A. vSt. John, presi- 
dent; H. M. Hibbard, treasurer; W. F. Finch, secretary. 

The tannery of Comfort Butler has been mentioned. In the year 
1822 Joseph Esty came to Ithaca to become one of its leading citizens. 
He borrowed $1,000 and at first leased the small tannery, and by indus- 
try and economy he was able in 1823 to purchase of Simeon De Witt 
the lot at the corner of Tioga and Green streets, where he erected a 
large tannery, sinking forty pits in the ground. From 1840 to 1845 
Alexander Hart was partner in the business, and from that date to 1852 
the firm was Joseph Esty & Son. This was succeeded b}^ his son, Ed- 
ward S. Esty; the latter was for many years prominent in the various 
affairs of Ithaca. (See biography). 

The tannery was burned in 1871, but was rebuilt on a much larger 
scale in the western part of the village, and the firm was long in the 
front rank of the business men of the place. The capacity of the 
tannery was 50,000 sides of sole leather annually. The firm also 
operated two other tanneries, one at Candor and one at Cattatonk, in 
Tioga county. The whole tanning interest was sold out to the United 
States Leather Company of New York, and Clarence H. and Albert H. 
Esty are managers of the industry for that company. 



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CITY OP ITHACA. 179 

On the site of the Phoenix Iron Works was in early years the foundry 
of Vincent Conrad, which had been operated still earlier by others. It 
passed to proprietorship of Moore, Hackett & Company, and later to 
Titus & Bostwick, who established and largely developed the manufac- 
ture of the Ithaca wheel horse rake. (See biography of Charles M. 
Titus). In 1870 the business passed to Bostwick & Williams, who were 
succeeded in 1872 by Williams Brothers (George R., Henry S. and 
Roger B. Williams). Since 1883 it has been conducted b}^ Roger B. 
Williams. The works comprise one of the largest and most successful 
industries in the city, and manufacture rakes, steam engines, grain 
sowers, straw and feed cutters, and do a general machine business. 

As far back as 1830 a foundry and machine business was' in operation 
on the site of the Masonic Temple on Tioga street, by McCormick & 
Coy. This concern changed hands frequently, and in 1841 J. S. 
Reynolds began learning his trade there as a moulder. In 1861 Mr. 
Reynolds leased the property. In 1865 he took as a partner John B. 
Lang, a skillful machinist, and the business has continued successfully. 
The works were established on Green street in August, 1870, where 
they now are. Steam engines, portable saw mills, land rollers, plows, 
horse hoes and cultivators, etc. , constitute the leading articles made by 
the firm. Mr. Reynolds died on October 31, 1891. 

The Hague Horseshoe Company was incorporated in 1889, with a 
capital of $50,000, by B. F. Slocum, C. H. Wilcox, William Wilcox and 
Japhet George, and the works occupy a part of the old Ithaca Organ 
Company's building in the western part of the village. In 1893 it was 
changed to the Ithaca Drop Forge Company; capital, $25,000; with C. 
H. Wilcox, president; William Wilcox, secretary, and B. F. Slocum, 
manager. A general drop forging business is carried on and special- 
ties made of the champion chain pipe wrench and the Hague expansion 
horse shoe. 

The fame of the late W^. H. Baker as an inventor of guns and their 
fixtures is well known, and fortunes have been made from them. His 
latest gun was devised to suppl}^ the great demand for a iirearm of 
moderate price and which should at the same time combine all the best 
qualities of the higher priced arms. When the new invention was 
about perfected Mr. D. Mclntyre and J. E. Van Natta became inter- 
ested in it, and in February, 1883, a partnership was formed by the three 
men named under the title of the Ithaca Gun Works to manufacture 
the new gun. In the same 3^ear the brick building formerly occupied 



180 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

by the bending works at Fall Creek was purchased and the manufacture 
begun. The gun found a ready market and the sales rapidly increased, 
rising from a very small number daily to about twenty per day. The 
gun was greatly improved and special tools manufactured for its various 
parts. The demand was so great for the new arm that in 1S89 the 
company built anew two-story and basement brick structure, 30 by 165 
feet, in which is now located a large part of the gunmaking machinery, 
as well as the company offices. A new hammerless gun has recently 
been put on the market by the company which excels in many respects. 
The company now bears the name of the Ithaca Gun Company and is 
composed of D. Mclntyre estate, L. H. Smith and George Livermore. 

In another part of this work is given a sketch of another prominent 
Ithaca inventor, Charles M. Clinton. A few j^ears ago Mr. Clinton 
became associated with James McNamara in perfecting a new and im- 
proved tj^pewriter, on which they have both worked ever since. 
Patents have been secured on several most valuable improvements, and 
these and the entire control of the machine have passed to the Ithaca 
Gun Company, who have put in a plant especially for its manufacture. 
As this work is going through the press, the new typewriter is about to 
be placed on the market, with every prospect of its taking rank with 
the best in the country. , • • 

The glass industry has long been a prominent one in Ithaca. The 
Ithaca Glass Works were established in 1874, changed owners in 1876, 
and were successfully conducted until 1882, when they were destroyed 
by fire. The establishment was rebuilt in 1883 under direction of 
Richard Heageny, the superintendent, who had been with the company 
since 1876. At the time of the rebuilding the officers of the company 
were C. F. Blood, president; D. F. Williams, vice-president; William 
N. Noble, treasurer; Bradford Almy, secretary. In 1889 the works 
passed U-uder control of the United Glass Company, and are now 
closed. 

In 1882 B. F. Slocum, who had recently come to Ithaca, organized 
the Washington Glass Company, and was made president and manager 
of the company. A ten-pot factory was erected and the manufacture 
of window glass begun. The factory was burned and rebuilt under 
Mr. Slocum's management in the same 3^ear. The business was fol- 
lowed with success until 1889, when it was also merged in the United 
Glass Company. 



CITY OF ITHACA. 181 

The Empire Glass Company was permanently organized in 1893 
with J. George, president; E. S. Slack, vice-president; Stephen Hutch- 
inson, treasurer; W. F. George, secretary. Besides these there were 
in the Board of Directors, C. H. White, E. Gillette, W. Carman, James 
Hutchinson. The capital was $12,000. The company occupied the 
factory formerly used by the A¥ashington Glass Company, and have 
since then carried on a prosperous business. The directors of the 
compan}" are iVdam Frederick, AVilliam Carman, Stephen Hutchinson, 
Edward Slack, W. F. George, Charles H. White, Edward Gillette; J. 
George, president; W. F. George, secretar}'-; Stephen Hutchinson 
treasurer. 

Hermon V. Bostwick has carried on an extensive cooperage business 
since 18G7. In 1873 his factory was destroyed by fire, but he rebuilt 
on a larger scale, and has since turned out annuall}^ a large quantity of 
barrels, firkins and other cooper's products. The factor}^ is equipped 
with all modern machinery for the business. 

The lumber manufacturing industry has not been large for many 
years, the business now being mostly of a local character. Howell & 
Van Houter established a lumber business on the corner of Tioga and 
Green streets in 1871, which was purchased by George vSmall in 1876. 
In 1881 he built a three-story brick structure and put in modern ma- 
chinery for working lumber in the various forms required by builders 
and others. He has two large yards and handles a large quantity of 
rough and finished lumber annuall5^ 

W. H. Perry established a planing mill, lumber business, etc., sev- 
eral years ago and is still conducting a large and successful business. 

Dixon & Robinson have a planing mill, lumber and coal yards, and 
manufacture doors, sash, etc., near the Inlet. They began the business 
in 1888. The firm is composed of George J. Dixon and Rodney G. 
Robinson, both natives of Ithaca, and they are doing a successful busi- 
ness. 

It will be inferred that the boat building business has been large in 
Ithaca, and it is still carried, on extensively by the veteran William 
Jarvis and by B. F. Taber, both of whom have turned out many beauti- 
ful examples of the boat-builder's art. Mr. Jarvis came to America 
from England in 1869, and soon afterward to Ithaca. He has a boat 
yard, a boat livery and a summer hotel at the steamboat landing'. 

There are many other small industries varied in kind and magnitude, 
detail of AA^hich would be out of place in this Avork; and AA'hen the sub- 



182 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ject is exhausted it can hardly be said that Ithaca is noted as a manu- 
facturing center. Whether it will ever be depends of course upon its 
citizens; but the natural tendency would seem to be towards develop- 
ment of its mercantile interests as against manufacturing. The uni- 
versity brings to the place a vast amount of mercantile trade and the 
local merchants show enterprise and activity in seeking it, to the neglect 
of manufactures. Moreover, Ithaca in the past has been the theater of 
several large industries which, for one reason or another, were doomed 
to early and disastrous failure ; a fact which may serve to deter others 
from entering the field. Among these was the Ithaca Organ Com- 
pany, the Ithaca Manufacturing Works, and some others, the his- 
tory of which is well known. The place now enjoys excellent shipping 
facilities, is centrally located, possesses unbounded water power, and 
there would seem to be no good reason why it should not become a 
center of extensive manufacturing operations, such as Mr. Southwick 
saw in his mind's eye sixty years ago. 

Salt Discovery. — In the year 1890 a company was incorporated in 
Ithaca for the purpose of boring a well in the hope of striking gas. 
The work was begun and completed to the depth of more than 3,000 
feet in December of the year named. At a depth of 700 feet a vein of 
mineral water was struck; and at about 1,800 feet a vein of rock salt 
was encountered which proved to be about 300 feet thick. The boring 
was continued but without reaching the hoped for gas. About $5,000 
were expended in the attempt. 

Another well was finished a little south of the city in 1892, under 
direction of Jesse Johnson, from which is taken now^ an excellent min- 
eral water, the health giving qualities of which have been quite 
thoroughly tested and with good results. The depth reached is about 
600 feet, and veins of the water were struck at 360, 420, 480, and 555 
feet. The combined qualities of the water are said to closely resemble 
those of the Hathorn spring at Saratoga. The water is on sale at drug 
stores. The cost of the experiment was about $1,500. 

The De Witt Guard. — The De Witt Guard, also known as Company 
A, Fiftieth Regiment of the National Guard of the State of New York, 
was organized in 1851 and the first regular meeting held December 31 
of that year. Philip J. Partenheimer was chosen captain and held that 
position ten years. On the 2d of June, 1861, the company tendered its 
services to the general government. This offer was repeated June 17, 
1863 On the 25th of April, 1864, the third offer was made, and on the 




'^^^^^^^.^^^^.lJ^ 



CITY OF ITHACA. 183 

28th of August the offer was accepted and the compan}^ detailed for one 
hundred days' service at Elmira. On the 2d of September the company 
left for Elmira and the same afternoon was mustered into the service 
of the United States, with the following officers in command : Charles 
F. Blood, captain; Levi Kenney, first lieutenant; Joseph Esty, jr., 
second lieutenant; John C. Hazen, orderly; Calvin C. Greenly, second 
sergeant; Edwin M. Finch, third sergeant; Henry A. St. John, fourth 
sergeant; Barnum R. Williams, first corporal; Uri Clark, second corp- 
oral; John C. Gauntlett, third corporal; Alfred Brooks, fourth corporal. 
The coiTLpany was mustered out of service on the 2d of December, 1864. 
The roll of the compan}^ shows that 202 persons joined the organization. 
Of these eighty-two served either in the army or the navy during the 
war; eighty-eight did not, and twenty-nine names appear of whom no 
knowledge can be obtained. The company was always a self-support- 
ing organization, receiving nothing beyond arms from the State, and 
had raised and expended for company purposes from members up to 
1866, $2,720.56. The company is not now in existence. 

Public Schools. — As an introduction to a description of the schools 
of Ithaca, it will prove interesting to make some extracts from the 
writings of W. T. Eddy on the subject. After mentioning the building 
of the academy in 1818, he says: 

The School District No. 16 hired the lower part of the building for its school. The 
building was of wood and stood afterwards at the back and east of the later academy. 
I had previously been to school in rooms on Aurora street, kept by Hannah Edd}^ ; 
but our first teachers were Mr. Heacock and Miss Lydia Hibbard, afterwards Mrs. 
Smith, in the academ}?- building. Miss Lydia Hibbard was a person of such amiable 
disposition that of all of the children she taught (and they were many) there is not 
one but looks back to her with love and affection. 

After describing some of the pranks of the scholars and the early 
methods of punishment, Mr. Eddy continues: 

Wait T. Huntington was our next teacher ; then A. H. Shaw, who was afterwards a 
member of the Legislature. After Mr. Shaw came Mr. Griswold, but I never went 
to him, having been promoted to the upper part of the building under Mr. Phinney, 
who was principal of the academy. 

The schools of Ithaca were for a long period conducted on the Lan- 
casterian system, as they were in most localities. This system de- 
veloped from the old common schools. Early in the period during 
which the Lancaster ian system was in vogue here and between 1827 
and 1832, a Mr. Hulin was the principal teacher, and was succeeded by 



184 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Isaac Day. In 1838 he was followed by William P. Pew, who raised 
the Ithaca school from a very ordinary standard to a high degree of 
efficiency and attendance. During his period of teaching (about fifteen 
}^ears) he raised the attendance (the population increasing large!}", of 
course, in that time) from only 125 to over 1,100. Graded schools 
were established in place of the former system in 1853-4. Mr. Pew 
was succeeded by M. R. Barnard, who was long principal of the graded 
school here. 

In the year 1854 W. R. Humphrey read in the central school build- 
ing in Ithaca a trustees' report which embodied a good deal of valuable 
historical material relative to the early schools of the village. From 
that paper we draw liberally. The first meeting in the old school dis- 
trict was held at the first school house in 181G, and Luther Gere was 
chosen chairman and George W. Phillips secretary. The school house 
stood on the acadeiny grounds and was an old red building. When 
this school house was erected or who was prominently connected with 
its erection, is not prominently known. It was destroyed by a mob or 
a mass meeting which probably gathered for that purpose. At the 
meeting above alluded to, David Woodcock, John C. HaA^t and William 
R. Collins were appointed trustees for the year 1810, and Arthur John- 
son, clerk. The meeting resolved to raise $30 by tax, "for the purpose 
of furnishing wood and other necessary repairs to the school house." 

At a subsequent meeting held that year at the house of E. Andrews, 
' ' for the purpose of taking into consideration measures to build a school 
house," Luther Gere was chosen chairman. It was there resolved to 
rescind the resolution of the first meeting, audit was resolved "That 
we build a school house this fall;" also, "Resolved that there be a 
committee appointed of those that belong to the lodge [Fidelity Lodge] 
for the purpose of assisting in building said school house." 

In pursuance of this resolution Luther Gere, C. B. Drake and Ira 
Tillotson were appointed the committee in reference to the lodge, and 
Luther Gere, Ira Tillotson and D. Bates a committee to secure a site. 
The meeting then adjourned two weeks. On the 21st of September 
they again met, and the committee on site reported that they had 
agreed to build the school house on the southeast end of the public 
square (the present High vSchool Square), "joining the southwest 
Corner of W. Mandeville's lot." Mr. Tillotson's proposed plan was 
adopted, and the committee authorized to build accordmgly, provided 
the lodge would pay the committee $250 that year and $250 whenever 



CITY OF ITHACA. 185 

the lodge saw proper, to finish the upper part of the building. Al- 
though the adjournment of that meeting was for three months, there 
is no record of another until November 17, 1817, when one was held at 
the Columbian Inn, " for the purpose of taking into consideration the 
propriety of building a school house." Archer Green was chairman of 
this meeting, and Ira Beers secretary. It was then resolved to raise 
$75 towards a new building, but this amount was raised at the same 
meeting to $300. Adjournment was taken for three months, but again 
it was September 28, 1818, before the next meeting was held. With 
Luther Gere in the chair it was resolved to provide a room immediately 
in which to continue the school, and the meeting was adjourned to re- 
convene on the 2d of October following. On that day it was " Resolved, 
that this district unite with the inhabitants in building a school house 
with an acacleiTi}^" This was the first feeble germ of the old and his- 
toric academy. It was moved and seconded that G. Benjamin, J. 
Johnson, and David Ayres be a committee to circulate subscription 
papers for the object in view, and that David Woodcock and J. Collier 
be a committee to draft the subscription. It does not appear that the 
soliciting committee met with the most abundant success; money was 
very scarce in those days, even with men who were in successful busi- 
ness or perhaps owned much property. 

Another meeting was held at the Columbian Inn on the 12th of Oc- 
tober, at which James Nichols, Otis Eddy and Ebenezer Mack were 
elected trustees, and Benjamin Drake, collector; David Ayres, clerk; 
and Luther Gere, David Woodcock and William Linn were appointed 
a committee to correspond with General Simeon De Witt respecting a 
a site for a school house. 

At a meeting on the 23d of October it was resolved to lay a tax of 
$400 for building a school house, and ' ' Archer Green, David Wood- 
cock and Luther Gere were made a building committee for the 
academy." 

On the 8th January, 1819, a special meeting was held in the district 
school room of the academy building (which was then so far progressed 
as to make it possible to use that room), and Mr. Eddy made a report 
of the cost of building the academy, which was accepted ; Mr. Drake 
reported on the condition of collections on the $300 tax of 1817, which 
was not so satisfactory, a large part of it remaining uncollected. 

At a meeting held Februarys, 1819, it ''was moved and seconded 
and carried that the trustees be authorized to negotiate with the lodge 

24 



186 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

respecting certain lumber and make such arrangement as they think 
proper." 

At a meeting held Februar}^ 21, 1820, Mr. Lyons, the teacher, at his 
own rec[iiest and on motion of Mr. Woodcock, was given leave to give 
up the school. It was also unanimously resolved "That the present 
trustees of this district be and are hereby authorized to exonerate from 
the payment of the wages of the teachers of the district school, for the 
present and the last quarter, all such poor persons within the district 
as they shall think proper, and to collect the whole of such wages from 
all srich other persons as shall not so be exonerated." 

At a meeting on January 19, 1821, Charles Humphrey in the chair, 
Charles W. Conner, David Woodcock and Nathan Herrick were chosen 
trustees. A. D. W. Bruyn acted as clerk, and David Ayres was chosen 
collector. On the 30th of May, 1821, it was resolved to raise |167 to 
pay Otis Eddy arrearages in building the school house. February 7, 
1822, it was voted " That the members of the district now present pro- 
ceed to nominate some person as an instructor for the ensuing season ; 
whereupon W. T. Huntington was nominated by a large majority." 

In October, 1822, the vSt. John's Episcopal Society was given the 
privilege of occupying the west room of the lower floor of the academy 
" for the space of four years." Previous to this time the Methodists 
and the Presbyterians had been given privileges to hold services in the 
school building. 

On the loth of May, 1825, David Woodcock, Luther Gere and Stephen 
Mack were appointed a committee on the part of the district to confer 
with the trustees of the academy in reference to the title to the build- 
ing used by the academ}' and the coinmon school; and also to negotiate 
with the academy in reference to a sale of the building. The commit- 
tee reported that they considered two schools in the same building as 
incompatible with each other; that the district had paid $632.63 towards 
the academy; that Mr. Eddy had a claim for building of $886.57, half 
of which he was willing to relinquish, provided he could get the other 
half, which, in the opinion of the committee, was a fair and liberal 
proposition. The committee finally recommended that the district sell 
their interest in the academy building, provided the acadeni}^ paid the 
district the amount the district had expended on the building, which 
was agreed to. On the 11th of October, 1825, the trustees were ordered 
to build a new school building as soon as practicable. In September 
following, at a meeting held at Jesse Grant's coffee house, $600 were 



CITY OF ITHACA. 187 

voted to be appropriated towards the payment for the lot on the corner • 
of Mill and Geneva streets, and also for the new school house. The 
building was finally finished, and the first annual meeting held therein 
on the 9th of October, 1827. This was the site of the later Lancasterian 
school, taught long by Wm. P. Pew, as before stated. 

The school prospered in that building until 1840, when the increased 
number of pupils made it necessary to provide greater accommodations ; 
the building was accordingly enlarged to double its first capacity. The 
enlarged structure was used until 1853, when steps were taken to build 
the structure which was in use until 1874, as noted further on. 

In Mr. Humphrey's paper he pays tribute to the high character and 
unselfish labors of the men whose names have been given here in the 
cause of education at a period when it was most difficult to carry out 
their plans. He sa3'-s that in 1852-3 there were in the district about 
2,000 children entitled to a seat in that school; the building contained 
seats for 1,000 scholars, and the school was divided into three depart- 
ments — primary, intermediate and higher. The trustees in 1853 were 
W. R. Humphrey, Douglass Boardman and A. Spencer. The dedica- 
tion of the new school house took place in January, 1854. 

Returning now to our account of the old academy, we find that Rev. 
Samuel Phinney was the first principal after the separation of the acad- 
emy from the district school; he began in January, 1826, and continued 
until 1829. Since that time the principals were John P. Hendrick, 
began in May, 1829; William A. Irving, May, 1831; James F. Cogswell, 
September, 1838; William S. Burt, September, 1839; James Thomp- 
son, April, 1843; Samuel D. Carr, July, 1846; Samuel G.Williams, 
July, 1859 ; Wesley C. Ginn, August, 1869. 

The presidents of the Board of Trustees were as follows : Rev. Will- 
iam Wisner, elected April, 1825; Daniel L. Bishop, December, 1827; 
Henry Ackley, 1848; Augustus Sherrill, 1850; Nathan T. Williams, 
May, 1854; Henry S. Walbridge, May, 1858; Douglass Boardman, 
October, 1868. 

The academy was generally prosperous, and acquired an extended 
and honorable reputation, but it was considerably crippled for financial 
aid. This was rendered more onerous through a large number of per- 
petual scholarships which had been sold to tide over periods of special 
embarrassment. These were extinguished in 1839, by purchase, 
under the management of William Andrus, who was long its faithful 
treasurer. 



188 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

In 1840 the brick extension of some fifty or sixty feet long, was erected. 
Under the financial direction of Mr. Andrus for about thirty-five years 
the institution accumulated a fund of about $10,000, the interest of 
which, since the establishment of the new school system in 1874, has 
been appropriated to the Cornell Library, for the purchase of books. 

The annual catalogue of the academy for 1840 gives the following as 
the teachers: William vS. Burt, principal; William G. Mitchell, Alfred 
vStebbins, Miss Aurelia Matson, Miss Amanda Stebbins. In the class- 
ical and higher English department there were in that year sixty-five 
male students and one hundred females; primary department, thirty- 
nine males and fifty-nine females. Among the male names are many 
who have since become prominent in business and official life ; among 
these are the late Edward S. Esty, Francis, Joseph, Rufus, Wm. E. and 
Warren L. King, Ferdinand and Henry Partenheimer, Francis M. Finch, 
and many others. The catalogue states that board can be obtained at the 
"Academy Boarding House " at $1.50 per week. A perusal of the 
various catalogues since that time to 1874 will reveal the fact that man}- 
of the leading men of Ithaca have been educated, or partially educated, 
in or connected with the old academy. 

Under the act of April 4, 1874, the schools of Ithaca were incorpo- 
rated by the following persons: Douglass Boardman, Benjamin F. 
Taber, John L. Whiton, William L. Bostwick, Rufus Bates, John 
Gauntlett, Francis M. Finch, Peter B. Crandall, Joseph C. King, H. D. 
Donnelly, Marcus Lyon and E. S. Esty. 

On the date just mentioned the schools consisted of the academy, the 
central school, and a school at Fall Creek in an old building of little 
value. 

Under the new union free school system the old academy became the 
property of the village and all the schools passed under the control of 
a board of commissioners and a superintendent. The first board of 
1875 were: E. S. Esty, F'rancis M. Finch, Marcus Lyon, Joseph C. 
King, Frederick K. Andrus, Francis O'Connor, Peter B. Crandall, John 
L. Whiton, William L. Bostwick, Benjamin F. Taber, John Gauntlett, 
Henry D. Donnelly. The first officers were E. S. Esty, president; 
John Strowbridge, secretary; Charles A. Hart, treasurer; H.H. Moore, 
collector. The first principal of the High School was Fox. Holden, who 
continued to 1880. He was succeeded by D. O. Barto, who continued 
until 1893, with the exception of two years, during which he was absent 
by resignation on account of the illness of his wife. He was succeeded 
by F. D. Boynton, the present principal. 



CITY OF ITHACA. 189 

In August, 1875, L. C. Foster was chosen superintendent of schools 
and has held the office without interruption since. In this most respon- 
sible station Mr. Foster has succeeded in placing- the schools of Ithaca 
upon a high level, while his entire devotion to the duties of his office, 
his constant study to keep abreast or ahead of the time in educational 
affairs, give him the entire confidence of the community. 

With the incoming of the new system, the commissioners at once 
began improvements in the school buildings. The first of these im- 
provements was the erection of the West Hill School at a cost of about 
$1G,000, with the lot; this building was commenced in 1874. In 1879 
the Fall. Creek Building was erected at a cost of about $10,000. Then 
followed an expenditure of about $4,000 on the Central Building. In 
1881-82 the East Hill Building was erected at a cost of about $12,000, 
with the lot; but the greatest improvement in educational facilities, and 
one that reflects honor upon the city, is the present beautiful and com- 
modious High School Building, which was erected on the site of the old 
academy in 1884, at a cost of over $55,000. In 1898 an annex was built 
containing accommodations for about 200 scholars, at a cost of $15,000. 
This building is admirably adapted to its purposes, and embodies all 
the latest improvements for the successful teaching of students, their 
healthfulness and convenience. 

The Board of Education for 1893-94 is as follows: Albert H. Esty, 
John J. Glenzer, Franklin C. Cornell, Arthur B. Brooks, Roger B. Will- 
iams, Henry A. St. John, Benjamin F. Taber, Albert M. Hull, Charles 
M. Williams, E. Kirk Johnson, Elias Treinan, Cornelius Leary. 

Officers: Roger B. Williams, president; Luther C. Foster, superin- 
tendent and secretary; Isaac C. Andrews, treasurer. 

Faculty: Frank D. Boynton, A.B., principal, mathematics; Harriet 
W. Thompson, preceptress, German, French, literature; Belle Sher- 
man, A.B., natural and physical sciences, history of England, Greece 
and Rome; Myra L. Spaulding, English; Nettie Baucus, American 
history, civil government, and instructor of Teachers' Training Class; 
Lottie A. Foster, Ph. B., Latin; Bertha P. Reed, Greek and mathe- 
matics; Hollis E. Dann, principal of the commercial department and 
instructor of vocal music. 

The annual report of the superintendent of schools made in October, 
1893, shows some interesting facts and statistics. The school population 
in 1891 was 2,763, against 3,000 in 1893. The number registered in all 



190 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the schools in 1891 was 1,947; in 1893 it was 2,010. The number of 
days' attendance in 1891, 280,531; in 1893, 292,323. The average daily 
absence fell from 90 in 1891, to 88 in 1893. The total cost per pupil 
for all ordinary expenses in 1891 was $17.99; in 1893 it was $17.71. In 
1891 there were 170 non-resident pupils; in 1893 there were 191. The 
receipts for tuition in 1891 were $2,723.20; in 1893 they were $3,493.88. 
The gross sum for teachers' salaries in 1893 was $21,110. The total 
receipts for the year were $38,272.20; the disbursements were within 
about $000 of this sum, over $10,000 of which was for buildings and 
sites. The schools of Ithaca are now conducted upon a high plane and 
with the best results. The High School is fast becoming a very impor- 
tant factor in the preparation of scholars for Cornell Universit3^ 
President R. B. Williams says in his report: 

The schools of Ithaca hold a proud position in the State and are looked upon as 
models by many of our neighbors. Our duty is to so support and conduct them that 
they may never recede from this position, but continually advance, to the growing 
honor of our city and to the advantage of our children. The high position that they 
novv^ occupy is largely due to the ability of our superintendent and his superb corps 
of instructors. Our policy should ever be to obtain and retain such talent, and while 
expecting the highest grade of ability and service, we should not overlook the fact 
that it is worthy of liberal compensation. 

Cornell Library. — Various efforts of little importance in their re- 
sults were made to establish libraries in Ithaca long before the benefi- 
cent act of Mr. Cornell. There was a " Methodist Theological and 
Historical Library Association " in 1821, and " The Ithaca Methodist 
Literary Society " in 1820, and the " New Jerusalem Church Library " 
in 1831 ; but, as would be inferred, the collections of books made by 
these organizations were small and soon dispersed. 

By an act of the Legislature passed April 5, 1804, the Cornell Library 
Association was incorporated. Under this act Ezra Cornell caused to 
be erected the commodious and handsome brick structure on the corner 
of Seneca and Tioga streets, costing with Mr. Cornell's donation of 
books, at the date of dedication, over $05,000. 

This building, denominated the Cornell Library, besides the librar}" 
and reading rooms, contains a fine hall for public exercises and other 
excellent rooms for business purposes, whose rental was designed to 
sustain the library free of cost to patrons. It has more than accoiu- 
plished this purpose, the receipts proving sufficient to pay expenses 
and add yearly many volumes to the library. 



CITY OF ITHACA. 191 

Under the will of the late John Rumsey the library received a legacy 
of about $11,400. 

The use of the academy fund of $10,000 has for several years past 
enabled the trustees to increase the yearly acquisitions to a total of 
about GOO volumes. There are now upon the shelves over 11,000 vol- 
umes, many of them very rare and valuable. 

With few necessary exceptions the books of this library circulate free 
within the limits of Tompkins county to all the inhabitants thereof who 
comply with the few conditions imposed to secure their proper use and 
prompt return. 

The library w^as appropriately dedicated on the evening of December 
20, 1866. 

Officers of Library for 1894: A. B. Cornell, president; Wm. R. 
Humphrey, vice-president; R. B. Williams, secretary; D. F. Finch, 
treasurer; S. H. Synnott, librarian. 

Trustees: F. C. Cornell, Albert H. Esty, D. F. Finch, C. J. Rumsey, 
R. B. A¥illiams, Wra. R. Humphrey. Ex-officio Trustees: Mayor of 
the citv, superintendent of schools, chief engineer of fire department, 
chairman of the Board of Tompkins County Supervisors, and pastors 
of the established churches of Ithaca. 

CHURCHES. 

The first regular religious organization in Ithaca was the Presbyterian 
society, organized January 24, 1804, by Rev. Jedediah Chapman, a 
missionary from the General Assembly. The society then numbered 
thirteen members, and was named ' ' The South Presbyterian Church 
in Ulysses." On the minutes of the Presbytery it was called " Ulysses 
Second Church," and was so called until the name of Ithaca was applied 
to it. The young church went under charge of the Oneida Presbytery, 
and on the organization of the Presbytery of Geneva in 1805 was 
assigned to that body. In August, 1816, it was transferred to the Pres 
bytery of Cayuga, and on the formation of the Presbytery of Ithaca was 
assigned to that. From 1805 to 1816 Rev. Gerritt Mandeville served' 
the church, and was succeeded by Rev. William Wisner. The services 
were then held in the old school house near the academy ; m the fol- 
lowing summer a barn was used that stood on the pastor's lot, and soon 
afterward a loft in a building owned by Levi Leonard. After preach- 
ing one year as stated supply Mr. Wisner was installed pastor in Feb- 



192 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ruary, 1817, and the following year the services were transferred to the 
new church in the park. In 1825 the congregation had become suf- 
ficiently large to need more room and the church' was accordingly 
enlarged; the number of members was then 203. In the fall and winter 
of 182(;), 220 persons were added to the church, and in January, 1831, 
224 others were enrolled. In April of that year Dr. Wisner was, at his 
own request, dismissed from the charge. At that time the church had 
nearly 800 members. Succeeding pastors of the church have been Rev. 
William Page, one year; Alfred E. Campbell, 1832-34; John W. Mc- 
Cullough, 1834-38; Dr. Wisner, who had returned to Ithaca, 1838-48, 
when his health failed; Se den T. Haynes, 1840-50; Wm. N. McHarg, 
1850-57; T. Dwight Hunt, to 1860; David Torrey, D.D., March, 1860; 
Theodore F. White, November 1, 1865, to 1877; M. W. Stryker, and 
the present incumbent, Rev. A. S. Fiske. 

The present church officers are: Elders, Chas. F. Blood, John C. 
Stowell, George R. Williams, J. T. Newman, Arthur B. Brooks, Ed- 
ward P. Gilbert, Uri Clark; deacons, Wm. J. Storms, Oliver L. Dean, 
Geo. S. Rankin, Francis M. Bush; trustees, Elias Treman, Geo. R. 
Williams, C. D. Stowell, Thos. G. Miller, C. F. Blood, A. H. Esty. 
Jared T. Newman is vSunday school superintendent. 

The old church building was torn down in 1853 and the present 
building erected, and preparations are now in progress for the biiilding 
of a modern and beautiful church edifice. 

It is said that Methodist preaching was heard in the house of one of 
the pioneers, John McDowell, in June, 1793, the minister being William 
Colbert, who was on his way from Niagara to Ithaca and Wilkesbarre. 
His report to the Conference led Bishop Asbury to form that immense 
region into a circuit and appoint James Smith preacher; this was called 
Seneca Circuit, and Valentine Cook was presiding elder. Others who 
were connected with the early ministrations here were Alward White, 
John Brodhead, Cornelius Mars and Thornton Fleming. A revival 
occurred in 1794, under Mr. Brodhead, and a class of eighteen persons 
was formed. After several changes in the boundaries of the circuits in 
this section, and a period from about 1800 to near 1817 in which the 
class was disbanded, a Methodist society w^as founded largely through 
the efforts of David Ayres, who began business as a merchant in the 
year last named ; he was from New York city. Meetings were beg-un 
in the fall in the loft where the Presbyterians had previously met, with 
Rev. James Kelsey, grandfather of Geo. W. Apgar, the present post- 



CITY OF ITHACA. 193 

master of Ithaca, as preacher, and at a meeting held in the school 
house a society was organized composed of the following persons: 
David Ayres and his wife, William Dummer, Anson Titus and his wife, 
Elizabeth Sydne}'-, Maria Wright and Mary Barber. In 1818 Rev. 
George Harman took the charge, and was succeeded in the following 
year by Rev. George Densmore, under whose pastorate a church build- 
ing was begun and finished in 1820, at a cost of $5,000. The lot was 
donated by Mr. De Witt for the purpose at the northwest corner of 
Aurora and Mill streets. The building had a modest tower in which 
was placed the first church bell in Ithaca. The building was completed 
only by the most persistent work on the part of Mr. Ayres and others. 
William R. Collins, Archer Green and Jesse Merritt were the building 
committee, and Ira Tillotson did the work. Rev. Elias Bowen suc- 
ceeded Mr. Densmore, and then .came Revs. Fitch Reed and Dana Fox 
on the circuit. In 1823 the preachers on the Ithaca and Caroline cir- 
cuit were Loring Grant and Wm. W. Rundell. Benjamin Sabin took 
the church in 1826 and brought it out of some internal troubles that 
had afflicted it, and increased the membership from ninety-six to three 
hundred and forty-nine in one year. A separate society was organized 
in 1851 which drew many from the older church, but it continued to 
prosper and in 18(5G was forced to build larger for accominodation of 
the congregations. In that year they built on the same site the present 
brick edifice, which has cost, with the parsonage, more than $25,000. 
In 1891-2 the Gee Memorial Chapel has been added to the church in 
memory of Mrs. Gee, at a cost of $3,000, and in the latter year a new 
system of ventilation was put in and the church was renovated, fres- 
coed, and the interior made substantially new, at a cost of about $2,000. 
The present pastor of the church is Rev. C. E. Mogg, who came in 
October, 1890, succeeding Rev. G. W. Chandler; both of these pastor- 
ates have been remarkably successful, and the society is now one of the 
most prosperous in the interior of the State and numbers 677 members, 
with a Sunday school having an average attendance of about 365. 
Officers of the church are as follows: Presiding elder, E. J. Hermans, 
Elmira; member of Annual Conference, Hiram Gee; local preachers, 
W. N. Tobie, Prof. H. S. Jacoby, C. G. Shaw, S. E. Hunt; superin- 
tendent of Sunday school, Ellsworth D. Wright; stewards. Prof. G. S. 
Moler, W. B. Georgia, Prof. F. D. Bojmton, H. N. Hodson, F. W. 
Treman, M. M. Dayton, Prof. H. S. Jacoby, . R. C. Osborn, I. J. Ma- 
comber, D. N. Van Hoesen, H. J. Jones; trustees, T. J. McElheny, 
25 



194 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

George Livermore, F. J. Enz, B. F. Taber, H. B. Wright, A. C. White, 
George W. Frost. 

State Street Methodist Church. — What was then known as the 
Seneca Street Methodist church was organized February 3, 1851, with 
the following trustees: Henry H. Moore, Benjamin Taber, Daniel F. 
Hugg, Charles S. Miles, and Joseph C. Burritt. The corner stone of a 
wood church was laid July 30, 1851, the site being on the corner of 
Seneca and Plain streets, and the dedication occurred November 26 
following, when only the basement of the building was furnished. The 
structure was completed in the following summer. This building suf- 
ficed for the congregation for about twenty-five years, when the corner 
stone of the handsome brick edifice on State street was laid August 29, 
1878. Rev. W. H. Giles is the present pastor, beginning in October, 
1893. The trustees are Alexander Minturn, Henry S. White, George 
E. Buck, James Osburn, John S. T. Beardsley, Abram Van Order, R. 
E. Gager. The superintendent of the Sunday school is Prof. H. S. 
Goodsell. 

Free Methodist Church. — This society was organized in 1871, the 
first pastor being Rev. Benjamin Winget. The church edifice was 
erected in 1872 at an expense of $3,000. The church has been prosper- 
ous and now has a membership of thirty. The present pastor is Rev. 
Charles Balch. 

• The Zion Methodist Episcopal church was organized about 1825 and 
has continued in prosperity since. In 1834-35 their meetings were 
held at the house of Rev. Mr. Johnson, their pastor. The}^ afterwards 
built their church on Wheat street, which was used until they built 
their present meeting house. The present pastor is Rev. H. J. 
Callis. 

The Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Society (colored) is an oifshoot 
from the society just mentioned and was organized in 1857. The}" built 
a church on North Albany street, and the present pastor is Rev. Mr. 
Irwin. 

St. John's Episcopal Church. — This church was organized in 1822 
at a meeting held in the Methodist Chapel on the 8th of April. Mis- 
sionary work had been done in Ithaca prior to that time by Rev. Dr. 
Babcock and "Father Nash." In the latter part of 1822 and in 1823 
the society used the west room of the academy, where Rev. Samuel 
Phinney preached as the first regular rector. He was succeeded after 
one year by Rev. Ezekiel Geer, who served until 1828, the society 



CITY OF ITHACA. 195 

growing encouragingly. Meanwhile, in 1824 a lot on the corner of 
Buffalo and Cayuga streets was purchased and there the first house of 
worship was erected, and opened for worship on Christmas eve of that 
year. The structure was of brick, but very plain. During the ministry 
of Rev. Ralph Williston, who succeeded Mr. Geer, the church was en- 
larged. In 1831 Rev. Dr. Carder came to the church and remained 
three years. Mr. Geer then returned for two years and was succeeded 
by Rev. F. T. Todrig, who remained only a short time. After an 
interval of two years, during which services were irregular. Rev. Dr. 
Judd in 1838 assumed the pastorate, and remained until 1842. Rev. 
Dr. Walker was then called and faithfully served the church for 
twenty- three years. In 1844 the church was enlarged and changed, 
and in the following year the ladies of the congregation purchased a 
parsonage. In 1860 the old church was demolished and the present 
edifice erected on the site. Dr. Walker resigned in 1865, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. W. A. Hitchcock, as acting rector. He was succeeded 
in 1866 by Rev. J. W. Payne, and the pastors since then have been 
Revs. Jarvis Spaulding, Pliny B. Morgan, George P. Hibbard, Amos 
Beach, S. H. Synnott. The principal officers of the church are: 
Wardens, L. L. Treman, H. V. Bostwick; vestrymen, S. G. Williams, 
Dr. George W. Melotte, D. W. Burdick, F. J. Whiton, S. B. Turner, 
C. B. Brown, George W. Apgar. Within the past two years the church 
edifice has been enlarged by adding about sixteen feet in length and 
practically rebuilding the interior. A new brick Parish House was 
built on a lot purchased next south of the church, at a cost of $9,000, 
in 1891. A parsonage with a very large lot attached, situated on East 
Buffalo street, was purchased, and is now occupied. 

The First Unitarian Society of Ithaca. — This society was orig- 
inated in the autumn of 1865 by Rev. William H. Fish, then of Cort- 
land, in concurrence with Rev. Charles Lowe, secretary of the Ameri- 
can Unitarian Association, and Rev. Samuel J. May, of Syracuse. 
Judge Alfred Wells was one of its first officers and took, perhaps, the 
most active interest in its inauguration. The first services were held in the 
village hall on the 15th of October of that year. Rev. Samuel J. May 
officiating, and regularly continued services by different ministers were 
held there, until the first Sunday in February, 1866, when they moved 
into the Cornell Library Hall, then newly finished, which they occupied 
most of the time until May, 1873. Rev. E. C. Guild was installed its 
first pastor, October 16,. 1866, remaining two years. Rev. J. C. Zachos 



196 • LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

was pastor for one year. Rev. Dr. R. P. vStebbins preached November 
7, 1869, was called to the pastorate, and remained until September 30, 
1877. His administration was remarkably successful. In 1871 a lot 
was piirchased on the north side of Buffalo street, a little east from 
Aurora street, and a building erected, which was first occupied May 7, 
1873. The first cost of this building including lot was $13,500. Revs. 
Henry C. Badger, Alfred E. Goodnough, John W. Day, and J. F. Dut- 
ton were pastors until 1891. In the fall of that year Rev. John M. 
Scott became its pastor; under him the society gathered new life. In 
February, 1893, its building was destroyed by fire; efforts were im- 
mediately begun to raise funds for a new building, when, to their sur- 
prise and delight, so many expressions of sympathy and good- will, and 
so many and substantial offers to help in the rebuilding were freely 
given, that the trustees decided to select a more desirable site and build 
a handsome stone church that would be suited to their wants for many 
years to come. They secured what seemed the best possible location, 
the corner of Aurora and Buffalo streets, have their building nearly 
finished, and hope to dedicate it in April free from debt. This beauti- 
ful structure is an ornament to our city, and in every way worthy of 
its architect, W. H. Miller, and its builder, W. H. Perry, and of the 
small society that undertook the large expense. The present officers 
are Prof. George C. Caldwell, Prof. J. E. Oliver, Prof. C. L. Crandall, 
William H. Perry, William M. Smith, Charles H. White, trustees; C. 
C. Piatt, treasurer; George Small, secretary. 

The First Baptist Church. — This church had its origin in the 
Spencer church, now of West Danby, when twenty-five members joined 
on the 25th of September, 1821, in forming a "Conference by the 
name of the Baptist Conference of Danby." This conference was 
recognized as an independent church on the 13th of November, 1821^ 
by a council composed of the Second Ulysses, the Dryden, the Spencer 
and the Third Ulysses churches. Meetings were held at first in school 
houses and private houses. Elder Chester Coburn served as pastor 
until July, 1825, and was succeeded by Elder Caleb Nelson, who con- 
tinued to October, 182G. The organization was then transferred to 
Ithaca and became " The First Baptist Church of Christ of Ithaca." 
The first meeting here was held in the court house on Wednesday, Oc- 
tober 18, 1826. O. C. Comstock was the pastor for about a year. 
Elder John Sears became pastor May 10, 1827, and on the 28th of that 
month a meeting was held and the church organization perfected under 



CITY OF ITHACA. 197 

the statute by the name of ' ' The Trustees of the Fh'st Baptist Church 
in Ithaca;" nine trustees were elected. The first church building was 
erected of brick at a cost of about $7,000 on the site of the present 
church, and was first occupied in March, 1831. The following pastors 
have served this church: Elder Sears retired in 1831; N. N. Whiting, 
James R. Burdick, Calvin Philleo, C. G. Carpenter, S. S. Parr, David 
Bellamy, Jirah D. Cole, H. L. Grose, Aaron Jackson, F. Glenville, 
William Cormack, J. M. Harris, J. N. Folwell, C. J. Shrimpton, C. A. 
Harris, Hermon F. Titus. 

On the 11th of January, 1854, the church was destroyed by fire, and 
on the site was erected an edifice costing about ^10,000, which was 
demolished to make room for the present stone edifice, costing about 
$35,000, finished in 1892. 

The present church officers are as follows: Rev. R. T. Jones, pastor; 
deacons: Theophilus Drake, M. P. Ellison, John Northrop, Charles F. 
Rappleye, E. M. Latta; church clerk, Miss Helen M. Elliott; trustees: 
Prof. James Law, J. J. Trench, E. M. Latta, J. B. Lang, John North- 
rop, O. R. Stanford. 

The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. — This society was or- 
ganized April 2, 1830, by Rev. John H. Schermerhorn, and was com- 
posed chiefly of persons who had been dismissed at their own request 
from the Presbyterian vSociety, of whom there were thirty-one. Daniel 
Bishop, Isaac Carpenter, Augustus Sherrill, were chosen elders, and 
Levi Kirkham and Daniel Pratt, deacons. Rev. Alexander M. Mann, 
D.D., was appointed missionary by the Board of Missions, and began 
his services in June, 1830; he was made regular pastor December 11, 
1830, and resigned in 1837. The first meetings were held in the acad- 
emy, but the church building was erected in 1830-31 on the corner of 
Seneca and Geneva streets. Various changes have been made since in 
the interior of the building. On the 30th of April, 1873, the organiza 
tion was changed after some legal controversy to " The First Congre- 
gational Church of Ithaca." Rev. Dr. Strong, and, after, Rev. C. M. 
Tyler, were called to the pastorate. 

The articles of faith were adopted October 1, 1874. The pastor, 
Rev. C. M. Tyler, was installed by a council of Congregational churches 
November 18, 1874. On October 22, 1878, the number of active mem- 
bers was 144, and of families 95. The present constitution was adopted 
March, 1880, and the new church edifice, which cost thirty thousand 
dollars, was built in 1883 and 1884. A notable event was on April 4, 



198 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

1885, when forty persons were admitted to membership at one com- 
munion. In 1890 Rev. C. M. Tyler, D.D., was called to the professor- 
ship of the History of Religions in Cornell University, his chair being 
founded by the munificence of Mr. Henry W. Sage, who is a regular 
worshiper in the Congregational church, and who has already given to 
the university over $1,300,000. After nineteen years of pastor service 
in Ithaca, Dr. Tyler sent in his letter of resignation September 2, 1891. 
In the mean time the church had called the Rev. W. F. Blackman from 
the Congregational churchof Naugatuck, Conn. Mr. Blackman's letter of 
acceptance is dated August 28, 1891. He began his labors by preach- 
ing, vSeptember 20, and was installed by council December 1, 1891. 

One of his former parishioners at Naugatuck having founded a pro- 
fessorship of Christian Sociology in Yale Divinity School, and having 
nominated his former pastor as occupant of the chair, Mr. Blackman 
resigned his pastorate in Ithaca and ceased his labors in June, 1893, re- 
pairing to Europe for a year's study, preparatory to entering upon his 
new duties. 

The present pastor of the church is the Rev. William Elliot Griffis, 
D.D., well known as the author of several works upon Japan, in which 
country he was in the educational service of the Japanese government, 
introducing the American public school system. Graduated from Rut- 
ger's College, New Brunswick, N.J., in the class of 1869. Mr. Griffis, 
after traveling in Europe and completing one year's theological study 
at New Brunswick, spent four years in the Mikado's Empire ; returning 
he was graduated from Union Theological Seminary in the class of 
1877, and was settled as pastor of the First Reformed church at Sche- 
nectady from 1877 to 1886, and in Boston as pastor of the Shawmut Con- 
gregational church from 1886 to 1893. He was called to the Congre- 
gational church of Ithaca May 22, 1893, and began his labors July 1. 
The church is at the present time in a high state of prosperity. 

In 1884 the old church became insufficient for the needs of the society 
and the present edifice was erected. Elders: Pliny Hall, Samuel D. 
Sawyer, George F. Beardsley, Marcus Lyon. Deacons: John J. 
Glenzer, John L. Morris, Orange P. Hyde, Henry A. St. John; church 
clerk, George F. Beardsley; church treasurer, Samuel D. Sawyer. 

Trustees of the Corporation: Samuel H. Winton, John L. Morris, 
William N. Noble, Henry B. Lord, George H. Northrup, Charles W. 
Gay, John J. Glenzer, William A. Church, Henry A. St. John; secre- 
tary of corporation, George H. Northrup; treasurer of corporation, 
William A. Church. 



CITY OF ITHACA. 199 

Catholic Church. — The first Roman Catholics came to Ithaca about 
1830, and soon afterward they began having rehgious services in a 
priA^ate dwelHng. Their first church organization was effected under 
the pastoral charge of Rev. Mr. Gilbride, and a small church building 
was erected on Geneva street. During the incumbency of Rev. Ber- 
nard McCool the present church was erected. In 1884 a parsonage was 
built at a cost of $5,000. The society is now under charge of Rev. 
Father Alfred J. Evans. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Fidelity Lodge F. & A. M. No. 51 was first organized in Trumans- 
burgh, Tompkins county, N. Y., June 24, 1818, as Fidelity 309, charter 
dated June 8, 1818. Henry Taylor, Master, and Edward B. Ely, Zach- 
ariah P. Smeed, Horace Osborne, Elijah H. Goodwin, Almon Wake- 
man, Luther Foote, Daniel Starkweather and Peter Hager constituted 
the charter members. Henry Taylor was the first Master. 

The lodge prospered until 1827, to the time of the anti-Masonic 
trouble, when it was dangerous to meet, and gradually dwindled to 
twelve members. 

In July, 1828, the lodge room was broken into and the jewels stolen, 
and have never been recovered. During this trouble the change of 
number was made from 309 to 51. 

In 1846 the lodge was removed to Ithaca and meetings were held on 
the third floor of the building first west of the Culver Block. They 
afterwards moved to the old Coffee House Block, and from there to Odd 
Fellows Hall, and in 1871 moved to the Masonic Block, and January 1, 
1893, removed to their present quarters in the Savings Bank Building. 
The present membership is 217, and officers are: Frank H. Romer, M. ; 
Henry L. Peters, S. W. ; C. C. Garrett, J. W.; A. L. Niver, C. A. Hart, 
C. J. Rumsey, trustees; W. B. Georgia, sec; H. L. Estabrook, treas. ; 
John Rife, S. D. ; George S. Tarbell, J. D. ; Geo. Lattemore, S. M. C. ; 
Clarence W. Peirce, J. M. C. ; Lucius Mastin, Tiler. 

Eagle Chapter R. A. M., No. 58, was organized February 6, 1817; 
charter granted to Lewis Beers, Archer Green and E. Champlin, and 
prospered until 1829. From 1830 to 1850 no records are found. The 
chapter was reorganized May 29, 1850, with Wait T. Huntington, High 
Priest; Jacob McCormick, King, and Caleb B. Drake, Scribe. The 
membership now is 204. Present officers: H. L. Peters, High Priest; 



200 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

John Barnard, King; John Rife, Scribe; A. W. Force, vSec. ; L. G. 
Todd, Treas. 

St. Augustine Commandery No. 38, dispensation granted December 
6, 1866, was organized October 2, 1867. The charter members were 
J. B. Chaffee, Samuel L. Vosburg, Wm. Andrus, James Quigg, Geo. 
E. Terry, J. M. Kimball, Miner Culver, Frank J. Enz, Philip J. Part- 
enheimer. First Commander, J. B. Chaffee; first Generalissimo, S. L. 
Vosburg; first Captain General, P.J. Partenheimer ; no Prelate; S. W., 
Alfred Broolcs ; J.W., Dewitt J. Apgar; Treas., James M. Heggie; Re- 
corder, Marcus Lyon; Standard Bearer, Wallace W. Barden; Sword 
Bearer, Joseph M. Lyon; Warder, J. M. Kimball; Captain Guard, J. R. 
Wortman. 

Officers for 1893: Charles C. Garrett, Commander; Henry L. Peters, 
Generalissimo; James A. McKinney, Captain General; George W. 
Melotte, Prelate; Frank E. Howe, Senior Warden; John Barnard, 
Junior Warden; Charles G. Hoyt, Treasurer; Albert W. Force, Re- 
corder; Jacob Peters, Standard Bearer; Jesse W. Stephens, Sword 
Bearer; Gary B. Fish, Warder; John H. Henry, Thad. S. Thompson, 
George S. Tarbell, Guards; Charles E. Whitlock, Organist; Lucius 
Mastin, Sentinel. Trustees: Leroy G. Todd, Collingwood B. Brown, 
Oliver L. Dean. Past Commanders: Marcus Lyon, Jerome B. Teed, 
George H. Northrup, Frank J. Enz, Ralph C. Christiance, Charles M. 
Benjamin, Albert W. Force, George W. Melotte, Charles F. Blood. 

The present membership of the commandery is 214. 

"Hobasco, " a Hebrew word, meaning when translated "a hiding 
place in the rocks, " or " a secret place in the mountains." Hobasco 
Lodge, No. 716, F. & A. M., was organized under a dispensation from 
the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and its first meeting was 
held in Odd Fellows Hall (the Hibbard Block) on the corner of State 
and Cayuga streets in Ithaca, N. Y., on the 19th day of October, 1871. 
The officers present at its opening were as follows: Hon. Mills Van 
Valkenburg, W. M.; William Andrus, S. W. ; D. P. Sharp, J. W. ; 
James Quigg, J. D. ; N. J. Roe, Secy., A.. O. Shaw, of Fidelity Lodge 
No.. 51, Tiler; Bro. S. L. Vosburg. 

A charter was granted to the lodge, dated June 8, 1872, with the 
following named officers: Hon. Mills Van Valkenburg, W. M. ; William 
Andrus, S. W. ; Alfred Brooks, J. W. ; who with the following named 
Masons constituted the charter members, Philip J. Partenheimer, Den- 




cy^"c7 , </^.^>-/.<^<^C->-^-/<_ 



CITY OF ITHACA. 201 

nis P. Sharp, vSamucl L. Vosburg, James Quigg, N. J. Roe and A. M. 
Baker. 

The first meeting held tinder and by virtue of the charter was on 
June 27, 1872, in Masonic Hall, Masonic Block, N. Tioga street, the 
following named officers and brethren being present: Hon. Mills Van 
Valkenburg, W. M.; William Andrus, S. W. ; Dennis P. Sharp, acting 
J. W. ; Albert W. Force, S. U. ; James Quigg, J. D. ; N. J. Roe, S. M. 
of C. ; A. D. Luce, J. M. of C. ; Geo. C. Mowry, Secy. ; A. O. Shaw, 
Tiler; W. W. Barden, Treas. ; Bro. S. L. Vosburg. 

The Hon. Mills Van Valkenburg continued as W. M. of the lodge 
until the date of his death, which occurred September 21, 1873. His 
memor}^ is ever green in the hearts of all his brethren for his genial, 
kind disposition, his masterly ability as a presiding officer, his great 
love and fidelity to the craft, his noble, pure and virtuous character as 
a man and citizen, and his uprightness and high executive ability as a 
public officer. 

Bro. Perry G. Ellsworth filled the vacancy caused by the untimely 
death of the beloved and much lamented brother officer, and in Decem- 
ber, 1873, he was elected master of the lodge, filling the position with 
great credit to himself and the brethren until December, 1874, when he 
was succeeded by the election of Bro. Merritt King, who continued in 
office until December, 1877. He was succeeded by Bro. Wm. A. 
Church, who in December, 1879, was succeeded by the election of Bro. 
A. W. Force, who continued .n office until December, 1882, when he 
was succeeded by the election of Bro. Geo. B. Davis. Bro. Davis held 
the office until he was succeeded by the election of Bro. Horace M. 
Hibbard in December, 1881, who, in December, 1888, was succeeded 
by the election Bro. J. A. Mortimbre. In December, 1889, Bro. E. M. 
Ellis was elected master, and continued in office until December, 1893, 
a term of four years, and was succeeded by the election of Bro. Frank 
E. Howe the present incumbent. 

Bro. O. P. Hyde, the present secretary of the lodge, joined in Sep- 
tember, 1872, by affiliation from Groton Lodge No. 492, and was acting 
secre>;ary until the following December, when he was duly elected to 
the office, continuing as such for eight successive years. In December, 
1880, he was succeeded by the election of Bro. A. R. Ward, who con- 
tinued until December, 1881, when Bro. Wm. F. Major was elected, 
serving until December, 1883, and was succeeded by Bro. George J. 
Dixon, who continued until December, 1887, at which time Bro. O. P. 

26 



202 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Hyde was again elected and has served ever since up to the present 
time, making his term of service more than fourteen years as secretary 
of the lodge. 

The names of the present oflEicers of the lodge are as follows : Frank 
E. Howe, W. M.; P. M. Elias M. Ellis, vS. W. ; Walter O. Kerr, J. W.; 
O. H. Fernback, vS. D. ; C. E. Moore, J. D.; Otis O. Clark, S. M. of 

C. ; J. M. of C. ; James A. McKinney, Treas. ; O. P. 

Hyde, Secy.; E. C. Tichenor, Organist; L. Mastin, of Fidelity Lodge 
No. 51, Tiler. 

The present membership of the lodge numbers 138, and its meetings 
are now held in the Masonic Rooms on the third floor of the new Sav- 
ings Bank building, corner of Tioga and Seneca streets, to which new 
quarters it, with the other Masonic bodies, removed in January, 1893. 

Ithaca Council R. & S. M., No. 68, was first organized under dispen- 
sation granted October 1, 1874. Charter granted to Jacob M. Kimball,* 
Ralph C. Christiance, John C. Van Kirk, Eron C. Van Kirk, Sidney vS. 
Smith, C. B. Brown, C. Fred McWhorter, Samuel A. Holmes, Lute 
Welch.* The order has flourished ever since its first organization and 
has gradually increased its membership until now it has a membership 
of 120. Present officers: T. 111. M., C. C. Garrett; Dep. M., F. H. 
Romer; P. C. of W., G. W. Melotte; Treas., C. A. Hart; Recorder, 

A. W. Force; C. of G., Henry L. Peters; Cond. of Council, ; 

Steward, ; Organist, C. E. Whitlock; Sentinel, L. Mastin. 

Ithaca Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F. Early in 1840 five of Ithaca's 
foremost men went to Rochester, N.Y., were initiated into and received 
the degrees of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On the after- 
noon of July 23, 1842, D. D. G. M., W. H. Perkins, of Rochester, in a 
room in the Clinton House, instituted Ithaca Lodge, No. 71, I. O. O. F., 
with William R. Humphrey, Charles V. Stuart, Moses R. Wright, W. 
H. Hall and Robert Gosman as charter members. Its first officers 
were Charles V. Stuart, N.G. ; Moses R. Wright, V.G. ; William R. 
Humphrey, Secy.; W. H. Hall, Treas. On the evening of institution 
Messrs. S. B. Gushing, W. P. Pew, Henry Sayles, William U. Gregory, 
R. H. Hall and P. J. Partenheimer were initiated and received the de- 
grees. The lodge held its meetings for some time in the Exchange 
Hotel, now occupied by Joseph La Point on West State street; then 
moved into rooms fitted up for the lodge over the Culver store, now 

■" Deceased. 



CITY OF ITHACA. 208 

occupied b}^ The Bool Company; in 1847, while Mr. Hibbard was erect- 
ing the building on the northwest corner of State and Cayuga streets, 
the lodge leased the third floor and one room on the second floor for a 
term of ten years, and moved into them in the spring of 1848, where 
they remained until November 1, 1893, when they moved into the 
elegant West Brothers' block and rooms Nos. 36 and 38 East State 
street. Since the ' institution there have been over 700 lueinbers 
initiated, and has paid for relief about ^24,000. Of the charter mem- 
bers there is but one living, P. G. William R. Humphrey, who is in 
good standing and occasionally visits the lodge. The present officers 
are E. N. Corbin, N. G. ; T. L. Kittle, V. G. ; P. A. Campbell, Rec. 
Sec}^ ; L. A. Barnard, Per. Secy. ; R. Wolf, Treas. ; H. L. Haskin, J. 
E. Vaughn, J. F. Hawkins, Trust Com. The funds of the lodge 
amount to about $5,000. 

Cascadilla Lodge, No. 89, Knights of Pythias, was organized Janu- 
ary 23, 1873, with the following charter members: Thomas P. vSt. 
John, Philip J. Partenheimer, Dr. M. M. Brown, E. O. Godfrey, E. P. 
Davenport, John Stoddard, Ai G. Seaman, Charles vS. Seaman, Thad. 
S. Thompson, O. D. Terry. Instituted by W. W. Ware, D. D. G. C, 
of Elmira, No. 81. This has been a flourishing and successful order 
ever since its organization. It now has 160 members. It has cash on 
hand, invested at interest, $1,364.75, and has $500 of paraphernalia, 
making a total value of personal property of $1,864.75. The lodge re- 
ceived since its organization $8,924.26, and paid for relief $1,149.95, and 
general purposes $6,409.56. The lodge boasts of having one' Past 
Grand Chancellor and Past Supreme Representative, both embodied in 
the person of James L. Baker. The lodge has always met in Odd 
Fellows' Hall, now with them in their new rooms in West Brothers' 
block, second and fourth Wednesdays in the month. 

Forest City Council No. 47, Royal Arcanum. This council was or- 
ganized August 14, 1878, with the following charter members: James 
L. Baker, Dr. David W^hite, Milo C. Jones, John S. Gay, Wilfred M. 
Jones, Thos. Culver, Thos. N. Drake, Arthur R. Hill, Chas. H. Bun- 
stead. The first three of these were the original founders, and the 
only ones of the charter members now in the council. Dr. White was 
the first Regent, and James L. Baker Vice-Regent. 

It has been a very prosperous organization and has grown from that 
number to a strong council of ninety-one members. It is a beneficiary 
institution, and on the death of seven members $3,000 have been paid to 



Y 



204 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the widows and children of these members. This council alone has 
paid out about $21,000. 

The present Regent is Charles F. Rappleye, and the Vice-Regent, 
Charles Taber; Orator, R. E. Gager; Chaplain, Geo. Small; Rec. Sec, 
Edward Saxton; Treasurer, Thomas J. vStephens; Collector, Fred. 
Harding; Guide, Charles Scott; Past Regent, John B. Lang. 

The meetings are held in the G. A. R. rooms, on E. Seneca street, 
the first and third Thursdays of each month. 

G. A. R. — In 1806 or '67, early after the war, a G. A. R. post was 

established called the Barton Post No. , which flourished for about 

three or four years, and one of its early commanders was D. W. Bur- 
dick, a major of artillery. 

Sidney Post G. A. R. No. -tl ; charter granted December 22, 1876; 
named after Lieut. Joseph Sidney, of the U. S. Marines, who died in 
line of duty on board the U. S. gunboat Brooklyn. First commander, 
Col. K. vS. Van Voorhees, of the De Witt Guard. Charter members 
were John Barnard, John E. Mcintosh, Barnum R. Williams, Dr. 
Ziba H. Potter, Major W. P. Van Ness, L. S. Mackey, James H. Tich- 
enor, Geo. W. Gray, Henry Stoughton, James Gardner, Moses vSneed, 
P. C. Gilbert, F. E. Tibbetts. 

Following Van Voorhees the commanders have been: John E. Mc- 
intosh, C. S. Norton, A. A. Hungerford, J. A. Northrup, N. G. White, 
Doctor Tarbell, F. E. Tibbetts, Reuben Gee, John B. French. 

The present officers of the post are: John Barnard, Com.; W. H. 
Herrington, Sr. V. Com. ; John Johnson, Jr. V. Com. ; Charles Smith, 
Quartermaster; Thos. J. vStephens, Adjt. ; Theo. J. Harrington, Chap- 
lain; R. F. Lobdell, Surgeon; J. W. Skinner, Off. of Day; E. R. 
Hurlburt, Off. of Guard; John A. Freer, Sergeant-major; Hermon 
Cummings, Quar. Ser. ; G. W. L. Gardner, Sentinel. Present mem- 
bership, 150. The post occupies rooms in the Bates Block, on E. Sen- 
eca street, and meets every Tuesday evening. It has been supported 
by the citizens in general and the civic authorities. H. W. Sage 
presented a record book in 1892, which has been a very valuable ac- 
quisition. 

Forest Home. — This is the euphonious name of a little settlement 
on P'^all Creek, about two miles east of Ithaca, which was known for 
many years as "Free Hollow." A small manufacturing interest was 
started there about the year 1812, by a Mr. Phenix, who built a grist 
mill, and one has been maintained there ever since. In 1819 Jacob G. 



TOWN OF ULYSSES. 205 

Dyckman & Company established a fulling mill there, which soon 
passed to the sole ownership of Mr. Dyckhian, and was sold by him in 
lc«21 to Edmond Preswick. In 1823 Samuel Seaman owned the mills 
and leased them to Job Gaskill. Another sale was made of the prop- 
erty in 1827 and then included the Phenix grist mill, a fulling mill, dye 
house and a new saw mill ; also four dwellings, two barns, a cooper shop, 
a school house and 250 acres of land. In 182G the woolen factory was 
conducted by Stewart & Allen and turned out fine cloths. Subse- 
quently the mills were sold to Jacob Starbird, and by him to Mack, 
Andrus & Woodruff. The present grist mill there was built by Arnold 
Mclntyre, father of Dwight Mclntyre, about 1855-5(3. It is now 
owned by Martin V". Campbell, who purchased it in May, 1893, of F. 
C. Cornell. The woolen factory closed up in 1892. A saw mill is run- 
ning there by Richard Brown. Isaac Cradit manufactured furniture 
there for many years. David McKinney had a tannery for many years. 
A large factory of woolen goods was conducted by D. Edwards & Son, 
but the property has been sold and is not now operated. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

TOWN OF ULYSSES. 

The town of Ulysses is situated on the west bank of Cayuga Lake 
and is the northwestern town in Tompkins county. Its shore line on 
the lake is precipitous in many places, and the land rises gradually 
from the bluffs until it reaches a height of 600 feet above the lake, and 
then spreads into an undulating upland, constituting a beautiful and 
fertile farming section. The soil is a gravelly loam, admirably adapted 
for growing grains and grasses. The town contains 19,400 acres, by 
far the larger part (about 16,000) being improved. The only stream of 
importance is the Taghanic Creek, which flows across the town from 
west to east. In the northern part is Trumansburgh Creek, and there 
are several smaller streams, on all of which are cascades. The cele- 
brated Taghanic Falls, which are on the creek of that name and about 
a mile from the lake, is the highest perpendicular fall in this State. 



206 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The stream flows through a gorge worn in the shale rock 380 feet deep, 
and the water drops over a harder limestone ledge 215 feet. ^ 

The town of Ulysses embraces the site of one or two Indian villages 
which existed before the foot of the white man had impressed its soil. 
In Greenhalgh's account of a journey westward from Albany, made in 
the summer of 1 077, he says, "that Indian villages were sixty miles 
soLitheast of ye Onondagas on Lake Tiohero (now Cayuga)." Another 
early writer says that "where Taghanic Creek empties into the Tio- 
hero Lake the Indians had built a small town and were growing corn, 
beans and potatoes, and they had also apple trees on the rich flats of 
two and a half centuries' growth. " While we may not readily agree 
with some of this statement, the site of the Indian village is well known, 
and was called by the name of the creek. Its inhabitants escaped at- 
tention by Lieutenant-colonel Dearborn in his raid from Sullivan's 
main ariny, on his return from the Genesee. There was also another 
Indian village near the site of Waterburg village. 

^Traditions Concerning the Name Taughannock, or Taghanic. — D. H. Hamilton, 
D.D., gives a tradition concerning the name of the Taghanic Creek, which is from 
the Delaware dialect. From this tradition it would seem that the name was 
derived from a battle on its banks, between a band of Delawares from their homes 
in Pennsylvania on a raid to avenge the insult put upon that conquered nation by an 
Onondaga chief, Canassetego, in a conference with the governor of Pennsylvania 
and the Delawares at Philadelphia. The Delawares had sold land to the Pennsyl- 
vania people, and the Iroquois called the governor to account for his dealings with a 
tributary people who had no right to alienate the soil of the conquered territory. In 
his speech the Onondaga chief stigmatized the Delawares as dishonest and cowards, 
unworthy the name of warriors, and therefore to be only known as women, and 
ordered them to leave the lands they had sold and remove into the Wyoming Valley, 
where they went. ^ The tradition says that a young chief of the ancient line of 
Taughannock, being present at the council, was stung by the sarcastic speech of the 
Onondaga, and vowed revenge. He gathered together a band of 200 young braves 
and marched northward to wreak vengeance for the insulting demeanor of the Iro- 
quois in their own land, and, meeting with superior forces, was hemmed in on the 
banks of this stream, where the. entire band perished except two, who were adopted 
into the Cayugas in place of relatives slain. 

On their route to this region " they passed Wyoming and Owego and took the trail 
for Cayuga Lake, plotting to fall upon the Indian towns lying aroimd, especially 
Neodakheat (Ithaca), Deowendote (Aurora), and Genogeh (Canoga). Fearing, how- 
ever, to attack Neodakheat, they turned to the left, and pursuing their way north- 
wards entered the Cayuga country, lying between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, mean- 
ing to make an attack on Genogeh and then rush back and fall upon Neodakheat. 

1 Doc. Hist. 



TOWN OF ULYSSES. 207 

The first white settlement in what is now the town of Ulysses was 
made by Samuel Weybiirn, who came with his wife and four children 
from " Tiog-a Point " and built his log cabin at what has been known 
as " Goodwin's Point," on the lake shore. His son, of the same name, 
was town clerk in 1812, but the elder Weyburn removed away in a few 
years. 

In the fall of 1702 Abner Treman and his brother-in-law, John Mc- 
Lallen, came to Ulysses. Mr. Treman had served in the Revolution- 
ary war, and drew for his services lot No. 2 (G40 acres), which tract 
embraced the site of Trumansburgh. He arranged with his brother 
Philip to come into the wilderness and clear a part of his land. Philip 
and his son Benjamin walked here from thirty miles north of Albany, 
carrying their axes, provisions, etc. They built a little hut, cleared off 
about eight acres, and then returned to their eastern home. In the 
fall of the same year Abner came on, as before stated, burned the 

They encountered, however, an unexpected resistance from some smaller settlements 
of Indians situated in the region where Trumansburgh, Perrjr, Mecklenburgh, Tan- 
nerville and Lodi have since been located. These Indians were both Cayugas and 
Senecas, the chief settlement of the former being between Perry and Mecklenburgh, 
while that of the Senecas was between Pratt's and Tannerville. The two tribes 
were, however, much intermingled, and assumed a name indicative of their origin, 
calling themselves Ganungueuguch, that is Senecayugas. This union was brought 
about, for the most part, by an aspiring and talented young chief whose father was 
a Seneca and whose mother was a Cajmga. The name of the chief of the com- 
munity—for they never rose to the full dignity of a tribe — was derived from Ganun- 
desaga (Seneca Lake), and Guenguch (Cayuga Lake). Ganungueuguch was the 
Indian name of the chief, the settlements, the people, the stream, and of tb*^ falls." 
William H. Bogart, esq., of Aurora, says, "In the Algonquin, the word tahnun 
means wood; olamehuknum, high; patihaakun, thunder. In the Miami tongue, 
forest is tawwonawkewe ; in Delaware it is taikunah. Tahxxan, in Delaware, means 
wood. In the Dacotah dialect, tehanwauken means very high. Schoolcraft states 
that the tribes generally dwelt on the banks of the rivers, which were denoted by an 
inflection to the root form of its name, as annah-annock-any, as heard in Susqueh- 
annah, Rappah-annock, and Allegh-any. The termination of -atun or -atan or -ton 
denotes a rapid stream or channel. In Iroquois, the particle on denotes a hill ; ock 
denotes a forest. I find in a dictionary of the Onondaga language, prepared by Jean 
Mtirinchau, a French Jesuit, the word dehennah. or dehennach, meaning, I believe, 
a fall. In the Algonquin is the word taakhan, which is interpreted as woods, and in 
the Mohawk, tungkah, the explanation of which is great. All these, brought to- 
gether, are easily, in the changes of language and varieties of pronunciation, ren- 
dered as Taghannic, or The Great Fall in the Woods ! which is the easy, and natural, 
and probable appellation given to it by the quiet, simple, unimaginative men who 
once ruled and possessed all this land." 



208 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

brush, piled the logs, sowed the land to wheat, and returned home. 
Originally from Columbia county, Mr. Treman had lived about a year 
in Chenango county, and in February, 1793, started from there with 
his wife and three children, and John McLallen, his wife's brother, and 
reached his settlement in March. They built their first log house near 
the creek. In the winter of 171)3—4 he drove his oxen to the flats where 
Ithaca is situated to feed them on the marsh grass. Returning he 
stopped over night at Nathaniel Davenport's tavern on the West Hill. 
A heavy fall of snow came on with intense cold, and he started on foot 
about nine o'clock the next morning. The journey was a terrible one, 
and he reached Weyburn's, at Goodwin's Point, about midnight, but 
too near dead to enter the house. His cries were heard, however, and 
he was carried in. His feet were so badly frozen that one of them had 
to be amputated. In 1794 he built a small grist inill on the creek, and 
soon afterward erected a larger log house. In 1806 he built a frame 
house. Mr. Treman was a man of great force of character and left his 
mark upon the community which he founded. He died August 13, 
1823, and his descendants are still living and occupying important 
places in the county, as elsewhere stated. 

John McLallen's settlement is described in the later history of Tru- 
mansburgh village. 

Jesse Harriman settled at Trumansburgh in 1793, where he con- 
tracted with Mr. Treman for 100 acres of land in the west part of the 
village site for a year's labor in clearing land. He came from Barton, 
whither he returned, and his father gave him a yoke of oxen. With 
these and his brother Moses he returned to Trumansburgh, and on the 
way traded the oxen for 040 acres of land, where Northville now is. 
His father heard of the trade, came on here, and, as Jesse was not of 
age, broke up the deal. Jesse Harriman built a frame house and reared 
a family of children. About 1816 he moved to Enfield and later to 
Newfield, where he lived with his son Lyman until his death March 16, 
1866. 

About the year 1794 Richard and Benjamin Goodwin settled what 
has since been known as Goodwin's Point. Benjamin built an early 
grist mill on the north side of the Taghanic, where Daniel Norton was 
miller. He had a son Richard who was father of Rev. William H. Good- 
win. The first Richard Goodwin had a son George who was a resident 
of Jacksonville. 




^ j3^^^^ 



TOWN OF ULYSSES. 209 

James F. Curry came in 1708 and settled a mile south of Jacksonville. 
In the same year David Atwater built a saw mill on Taghanic Creek, 
near the Goodwin Mill. Thomas Cooper came in 17iJi) and brought his 
grandson Jeremiah with him; the latter was then eight years of age. 
Their journey from Connecticut with an old ox team consumed four 
weeks. They made a small clearing, and in the next year Jeremiah's 
father came on with the family. 

Jared Treman, brother of Abner, became a settler in, 1790, and in 
that 5^ear or the year before, Henry and Robert McLallen settled on 
farms west of Trumansburgh. Elisha Trowbridge came into the town 
in 1798 from Cooperstown, and settled about a mile west of Waterburg. 
He died January 9, 1860. Captain Jonathan Owen moved in about 
1800. He had a military lot of a square mile on which he located, and 
he built the saw mill and grist mill in Waterburg, and gave his son 
Jonathan a farm near Waterburg, where he lived to near his death. 

Other settlers on the site of Trumansburgh or in its immediate vicin- 
ity prior to 1800 were Jacob Chambers, Job Rogers, Dr. Peter Rose, 
and perhaps a few others. Benjamin Lanning came in 1801 and located 
near Jacksonville; his son Gideon became somewhat noted as an early 
Methodist preacher. 

Robert Henshaw was one of the pioneers and the first merchant 
in Trumansburgh. He had a few goods for sale in 1802-3, but discon- 
tinued in 1805, to be succeeded by the Camps, as explained further on. 

Jonathan Owen, from Orange county, settled in 1804 west of Water- 
burg, where the widow of John Vanderbilt now lives. He was the 
father of L. H. Owen. 

Albert Crandall was an early landlord and kept a tavern for many 
years after 1806, where the Barto Bank stands, and was succeeded by 
his son, Minor Crandall. 

Jeptha Lee, a Revolutionary soldier who drew lot No. 14, but se 
cured onl)^ 150 acres of it, came here in 1802 and settled on the home- 
stead now occupied by Sarah Johnson. Wilson Stout also came in that 
year and has descendants living in the town. Nathaniel and John Mack 
were the pioneers not much after 1800 in what has been known as 
"Mack Settlement." 

Alexander Bower, a Scotch iminigrant, came to this town in 1804 
and spent most of his life near Waterburg. Several of his sons are 
resident in the town. 

27 



210 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Richard Ayres, from New Jersey, came in 1805 with his wife and 
seven children; the family and its descendants became prominent in 
the town. 

The "Updike vSettlement," a little south of Trumansburgh, took its 
name from Jacob Updike, who came from New Jersey in 1800. He 
was the father of Abram G. Updike, who reared a large family. 

Nicoll Halsey, whose name is familiar throughout the county, settled 
in Ulysses in 1808, coming from Ovid, where he had located in 1793. 
He reared a large family, several of whom became conspicuous in the 
county. He held the offices of supervisor, sheriff, member of assem- 
bly, county judge, and member of congress, and was a leading man in 
the community. (See history of Ithaca village). 

Allen Boardman settled in Covert in 1799, and was a man of much 
prominence. He was father of Hon. Douglass Boardman, Henry 
Boardman and Truman Boardman. (See biography of Douglass Board- 
man in later pages). 

Azariah Letts, from New Jersey, settled in the town in 1801 and left 
a record of mighty deeds as a hunter. Henry Taylor, a tanner, who 
carried on his business many years, came in from Connecticut in 1809. 

Mathias De Mund, from New Jersey, settled here in 1803. He was 
father of Deacon Edward De Mund. Frederick Burluew settled south 
of Waterburg in 1807, and his descendants were long residents. John 
Creque came in 1811 and became a leading man in business and public 
affairs, as further explained in the later history of Trumansburgh. 

Dr. O. C. Comstock was in town before 1810, was a prominent early 
physician, the first postmaster of the village of Trumansburgh, member 
of congress, etc. His son, O. C. Comstock, jr., married a daughter of 
Nicoll Halsey. 

Albert G. Stone came to Trumansburgh in 1824 as clerk for his uncle, 
Hermon Camp. When he was twenty-one he was taken as partner by 
his uncle and continued in mercantile business until 1870. For more 
than fifty years he was a conspicuous figure in the community. He 
was postmaster of the village ten years; a member of the Presbyterian 
church, and a leader in public affairs. He died in 18.77. His sons 
were James L., Richard H., Hermon C, and George F. 

William Jarvis Stone came here in 1839, first as a clerk and afterward 
as a store keeper. Died here in 1874. 

Samuel Vann came to Ulysses in 1812 and settled where his de- 
scendants long lived. He was father of Thomas and Samuel Vann 
and was one of the early masons of the town. 



TOWN OF ULYSSES. 211 

Lyman Strobridge, a more extended account of whom is given in the 
history of Trumansburgh, was a soldier of the War of 1813, and settled 
in the town in 1818. He was for many years a leading man in the com- 
munity. 

Henry Barto came to Ulysses from Virgil in 1814, and opened a law 
office, one of the first in this vicinity. He accumulated a large for- 
tune. 

We quote the following from a historical sketch written by Dr. J. 
M. Farrington in 1876, the memoranda for which he gathered largely 
from Hermon Camp during his life, and is a description of Trumans- 
burgh in 1805-6. As far as possible we have brought its statements down 
to the present time: 

The snow was about six inches in depth, and night overtook him before he reached 
the " Pine Woods," which at that time extended to the Halseyville Creek. There 
was no real road, the smaller trees only were cut, and the road was very crooked or 
zigzag to avoid the larger trees. He was very weary and cold by the time he reached 
McLallen's tavern. As you come from Jacksonville on the hill east of Halseyville 
Creek, where the barns of Frank Pearsall now stand, was a small frame house, occu- 
pied by Michael Snell, who afterwards became justice of the peace. A log bridge 
crossed the Halseyville Creek, above where the dam now is. The road there wound 
through what at that time were extensive pine woods, towards Trumansburgh — next 
house on the road being a log one, near where A. J. Howland now resides, and was 
occupied by a Mr. Havens. Another log house was located where J. D. Gould's barn 
now stands, and was owned by Robert McLallen. There was about an acre of clear- 
ing surrounding each of these dwellings. The next house was the one built by the 
first settler, Abner Treman. 

Going westward, the grist mill of Mr. Treman was the first structure, which stood 
on the site of the present stone mill of Clock & Smith. Both the mill and dam were 
built of logs. The hill-side slope leading to the mill was covered with large hemlock 
trees, girdled and dead. In the mill pond black ash trees were standing, but dead. 
A small frame house stood near where the book store now is [now a grocery]. Beth- 
niel Bond had once kept a few goods there. A log potashery was standing where 
Samuel Williams's shop is, bordering on the mill pond. A Mr. Cheesman owned the 
establishment, and got water from the mill pond for its use. Cheesman was there, 
and made a little potash after Mr. Camp came ; but Esquire Bond was at that time 
living in Covert with his family on the place now owned by Stephen Horton [now 

occupied by Curtis]. Bond still owned the little building before alluded to, but 

kept no goods after Mr. Camp came. Bond was accustomed to take two or three 
barrels of potash to Utica with a horse and wagon to buy goods. Mr. Treman had 
then cleared on our present South street as far as where Linas Waring now lives, and 
John Trembly, a tailor, grandfather of the landlord of the " Trembly House," lived 
there. The south road was opened as far as Deacon Hand's place, and there David 
Atwater lived. Mr. Atwater first settled where W. B. Dumont now lives, near the 
Taghanic depot. The Updyke Settlement had occurred previously, and probably 



212 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the road was opened from Glen Mills as far as the log meeting house, which stood 
near the burying-ground, on the farm now owned by Peter Van Liew. There was a 
road leading from this place to Goodwin's Point, passing somewhere near the hill of 
the present road. There was no clearing — the trees adjacent to the house were 
felled. Treman had cleared both sides of Main street to the creek, which was spanned 
by a bridge about where it now is. An old orchard on Mr. Corey's land, near the 
briclv-yard, marks the site of a house where Joshua Hinckley then lived. The only 
other building in that direction, which Mr. Camp recollects, was near where Seymom- 
Bates now lives. The timber growing was mostly beech, maple and basswood, while 
pine and hemlock covered the banks of the creeks and the land adjoining. On the 
west side of Trumansburgh Creek, near where Goodyear' s store now stands, John 
McLallen had just built a new tavern. It was a frame building, two stories high, 
the lower story dug back into the bank or hillside, and having a cellar at the rear 
part of it. The land was cleared upon the hill where the Phoenix Hotel now stands, 
and also for a considerable distance beyond, so as to afford quite an extensive 
meadow, which was used also as a parade ground. Here Colonel Camp trained his 
company of cavalry, sometimes three days in succession, with drills every day. 
Moses Harriman had a little distillery below James L. Stone's present residence, 
where an old barn of James McLellen's has recently been taken away to make room 
for a new house. Dr. Peter Rose lived near where Gregg's Furnace now is. He was 
an excellent physician ; but probably from his unfortunate proximity to said distillery, 
he, too, obtained supplies from there in too large quantities. 

There was a small building standing on the site of the present dwelling recently 
occupied by John Van Duyn, occupied by Merritt King, and another where Albert 
Stone formerly lived. There was a road leading northward to where Deacon King 
lived, and from there to the lake, as at present. Cayuga street vicinity was covered 
with trees ; there was no road there. 

A small frame house was standing on the hill where what has been known as the 
Esquire Glazier place is situated. . . One-half of that building was Colonel 
Camp's first store. Henshaw's family lived in the other half. There were some 
little clearings in the vicinity, but none of large extent. 

Benjamin Hinckley lived where "Blue's Corners" now are, and Mr. Easling, 
grandfather to James and Henry Easling, lived where the grandsons now do. There 
were no buildings from Hinckley's to Bond's, which latter was the place that has 
been known as the Noble Farm. 

A valuable historical pamphlet was published in the office of the P'ree 
Press, written by A. P. Osborn, from which we must draw liberally for 
these pages. Concerning other pioneers of the town, it says : 

Gamaliel Dickenson and family came here from Long Island in 1812 ; many of his 
descendants still reside here. Daniel Atwater came into the country in 1799 ; he lo- 
cated near what is now known as Podunk, where some of his descendants still reside. 
Ephraim Osborn emigrated from Fairfield, Conn., in 1814, and settled near the pres- 
ent residence of A. L. Snyder ; one daughter, Mrs. S. B. Wakeman, still lives near 
this village ; several grandchildren, however, live in this village or vicinity; Peter 
Jones, J. S. Hunter, Urial Turner, Noah and Amos Robinson, Sears, Odlong, David 




i2f. ^.^^^^^/ 



TOWN OF ULYSSES. 213 

and S. G. Williams, Savage, Hiram and Samuel Clock, Godard, Howell, Dnmont, 
Pelton, Jager, Post, N. B. Smith, Elleck, Tichenor, Pratt, Burr, Lewis, Valentine, 
King, a large famil}^ of whom there are many representatives still living in the im- 
mediate vicinity of the village. Campbell and Bardwell were also familiar names 
seventy-iive years ago. Loyd Dorsey was the first colored man to vote in this town ; 
he is still hale and hearty. Barto, Daniel and Judge Henry D. , were prominent in 
the affairs of the town and county in an early day, and descendants of both still live 
here. Judge Barto lived for many years in the house now owned and occupied by 
Mrs. Mary Quigley. His son, Henry D., succeeded to his legal business, and with 
J. D. Smith, as Barto & Smith, continued to practice law until Mr. Barto retired to 
found the H. D. Barto & Companj^'s Bank. 

Turning- now to the civil history of this old to^vn, we find that when 
Onondaga county was set off from Herkimer, March 5, 1794, the same 
act created the towns of Marcellus and Ulysses. The latter at that 
time contained what are now the towns of Dryden, Ithaca, Enfield and 
Ulysses, and embraced the military townships of Dryden and Ulysses. 
On the 8th of March, 1799, Cayuga county was erected, and the town 
of Ulysses was included in its limits. 

At a town meeting held April 4, 1800, it was agreed upon that the 
town of Dryden should be set off from Ulysses; but the vote on the 
measure was not taken until the first Tuesday in March, 1802, and 
the act of Leg'islature erecting Dryden was not passed until February 
22, 1803. 

At a special town meeting held May 11, 1804, it was voted that " that 
part of the town of Ulysses east of the inlet be set off and annexed to 
the town of Milton, Cayuga county." 

On the 29th of March, 1804, Seneca county was erected from 
Cayuga, Ulysses constituting a part of the new county, and it so re- 
mained until April 17, 1817, when Tompkins county was organized 
from Cayuga and Seneca counties. On the 16th of March, 1821, Ithaca 
and Enfield were taken from Ulj^sses, reducing the town to its present 
limits. 

In the act of 1794 which erected this town, it was ordered that the 
first town meeting should be held at the "house of Peter Hymnpough, " 
in said town. The first record of a town meeting, taken from the town 
book is as follows: 

At the annual town meeting held on Tuesday the 7th day of April, 1795, at the 
house of Peter Hymnpough, in Ulysses, agreeable to publick notice given for that 
purpose, the appointment of town officers are as follows : Andrew English, super- 
visor; Abram Markle, town clerk; Andrew English, Isaac Patchin, Wm. Vannor- 
man, assessors; Joseph Weston, constable and collector; Peter Hymnpough, Philip 



S14 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



Treman and Jas. Smith, commissioners of highways; Nathaniel Davenport and 
Rob't McDowel, overseers of the poor; Peter Demond, Rieh'd Goodwin, Henry 
Davenport, overseers of highways; John Yaple and Wm. Vannorman, fence-viewers; 
Richard McDowel, poundmaster. 

The meeting took into consideration the recommendation from the last board of 
supervisors, respecting the assessment of taxable property and other matters, which 
the meeting voted to receive, except the article concerning the destruction of wolves. 
It was voted by said meeting that hogs should run free commoners as long as the}' 
behave well; but when they do damage, where is good fence, they must be yoked 
and the damage prized by the fence-viewers, and paid by the owners. 

Recorded this 9th day of April, 1795. 

Abram Markle, Town Clerk. 

The following jury list is worthy of preservation, as indicating many 
of the prominent dwellers in the town at an early date. It is known 
that ten or more of those named lived within the limits of the present 
town: 

A return of persons residing and in the town of Ulysses, and county of Onondaga, 
qualified to serve as jurors, agreeable to the statute passed April 3, 1798: Cornelius 
Davenport, farmer; Richard Goodwin and Richard Goodwin 2d, farmers; Jesse 
Harriman, farmer; Jabez Hanmer, farmer; Abram Johnson, shoemaker; Francis 
King, farmer ; Abram Markle, esq. ; Henry Markle, farmer ; Robert McDowel, 
farmer; Henry McLallen, farmer; John McLallen, farmer; Benjamin Pelton, farmer; 
David Smith, farmer ; Joseph S. Sydney, yeoman; Abner Treman, farmer; Jonas 
Whiting, farmer; Geo. Brush; Wm. .S. Burch, farmer; Jacob Koykendall, black- 
smith; Jas. Curry, wheelmaker; Eliakim Dean, carpenter; Nathaniel Davenport, 
farmer. 

Recorded this first day of September, 1798. 

Abram Markle, Town Clerk. 

Following is a list of the supervisors of this town from its organiza- 
tion to the present time : 



1795. Andrew English. 
1796-99. Abram Markle. 
1800-4. Jonas Whitmg. 

1805. Cornelius Humphrey. 

1806. Jonas Whiting. 
1807-13, Archer Green. 
1813. Robert Ruhey. 
1814-15. NicoU Halsey. 

1816. Archer Green. 

1817. John Sutton. 

1818. Nicoll Halsey. 

1819. William R. Collins. 

1820. John Sutton. 
1821-26. Nicoll Halsey. 



1827-29. John Thompson. 
1830-38. Daniel Bower. 
1839-41. John M. Miller. 
1842-44. Alex. Bower. 
1845. William J. Stone. 
1846-48. Alex. Bower. 

1849. Lewis W. Owen. 

1850. W. C. Woodworth. 

1851. Thomas Bower. 

1852. Aaron B. Dickerman. 

1853. William C. Woodworth. 

1854. Aaron B. Dickerman. 
1855-56. Henry B. Chase. 
1857-60. Levi H. Owen. 



TOWN OF ULYSSES. 



215 



1875-77. J. Parker King. 
1878. Horace G. Cooper. 

1880. J. Parker King. 

1881. Horace G. Cooper. 

1882. Horace A. Bower. 
1883-4. Levi J. Wheeler. 
1885-91. Albert H. Pierson. 
1892-3. Edward Camp. 



1861. A. M. Holman. 
1862-65. Ljmian Congdon. 

1866. William Pierson. 

1867. Alex. Bower. 

1868. Levi H. Owen. 

1869. Henry B. Chase. 

1870. L. H. Owen. 
1871-73. Thomas Bower. 
1874. Alfred B. Woodworth. 

Following is a list of the principal town officers for 1894: Jarvis 
Ganoung, supervisor, Ithaca; Francis M. Austin, town clerk, Trunians- 
burgh; Frank Terry, collector, Waterburg; Henry Hutchings, justice 
of the peace, Waterburg; Seneca Spicer, constable, Truniansburgh ; 
Samuel Frazier, constable, Tramansburgh; Adelbert J. Krum, con- 
stable, Jacksonville; Stephen Baker, constable, Ithaca. 

The pioneers of Ulysses, like those of most other localities in the 
county, made early arrangements for the education of their children. 
The first action in reference to public schools was taken on the 21st of 
June, 179G. A meeting was held for the purpose of choosing a com- 
mittee and trustees, resulting as follows: Robert McDowell, Jeremiah 
Jeffrey, Daniel Turrell, commissioners of schools; Robert McLallen, 
William Van Orman, trustees. 

The first record found relating to the erection of a school house 
speaks of it as having been built of logs at Trumansburgh, and Stephen 
Woodworth was the teacher. 

Previous to 1803 there was a block school house at Jacksonville, and 
Elisha Nye, of Aurora, was teacher. 

The following is of interest in this connection: 

This is to certify that there is due to the town of Ulysses the sum of five pounds 
eight shillings and fourpence three farthings out of the mone}^ granted to the county 
of Onondaga by the Supervisors of the State of New York, for the use of schools for 
the year 1795, as witness our hands and seals this 31st of May, 1796. 

Silas Halsey, Comfort Tyler, Ebenezer Butler, Benijah Boardman, Elijah 
Price, Samuel Tyler, John Stoyel, and John Tillotson, Supe^'visors of the County 
of Onondaga. 

Recorded this 10th of June, 1796. 

Ab'm Markle, Town Clerk. 

The town was redistricted in 1813, in consonance with an act of the 
Legislature of the previous year. There have been various changes in " 
the districts since that time. 



216 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The piosperity and peace of this town were undisturbed for many 
years prior to the breaking- out of the bloody conflict for the preserva- 
tion of the Union. In that historical struggle the people of Ulysses as 
a whole evinced the most enthusiastic patriotism and were among the 
foremost in providing men and means in aid of the threatened govern- 
ment. A general account of the measures adopted in the county at 
large during the war has already been given, and it only needs to be 
added here that Ulysses sent one hundred and seventy-nine men to the 
front, besides thirty-two who were enlisted and mustered into the ser- 
vice in January, 1865. These heroes many of them rest in honored 
graves ; many still live with the scars of battle upon them, and many 
won distinction on the field and gained deserved promotion. 

Statistics. — The number of acres of land in Ulysses, as shown by 
the report of the Board of Supervisors for 1803, is 19,818. The assessed 
value of real estate, including village property and real estate of cor- 
porations, was $1,061,000. Total assessed value of personal property, 
$212,310. Amount of town taxes, $6,517.33. Amount of county taxes^ 
$3,408.47. Aggregate taxation, $13,341.33. Rate of tax on $1 valua- 
tion, $0,011. Corporations: N. Y. & P. Telegraph and Telephone 
Company, assessed value of real estate, $750; amount of tax, $8.25. 
G., I. & S. Railroad Company, $49,000, and P. & R. Railroad Company 
Telegraph, $1,000; amount of tax, $550. 

Within the past ten years the fanners of Ulysses have engaged exten- 
sively in cutting and marketing hay, paying less attention than formerly 
to grain growing. There is still a large quantity of fruit produced, and 
within a few years past the raising of grapes has been engaged in c^uite 
extensively. 

The Union Agricultural and Horticultural Society of Ulysses and 
Covert was organized August 1, 1858; Hon. Truman Boardman, presi- 
dent; Lewis Porter, vice-president; Joseph H. Biggs, secretary; Fred- 
erick S. Dumont, treasurer; J. De Mott Smith, clerk. This society has 
continued since with average prosperity and has been of great benefit 
to the agricultural interests of this region. The principal officers at 
the present time are Dixon H. McNetten, president; Caleb Wixom, 
vice-president; R. J. Hunt, secretary; Horace A. Mosher, treasurer. 

TRUMANSBURGH VILLAGE. 

This pretty and progressive village is situated in the northwestern 
part of the town, on both sides of the Trumansburgh Creek. The first 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 217 

settler here was Abner Treman, ^ who came from Cokuiibia county in 
1792. He was a Revokitionary soldier and drew for his services lot 
No. 2, 640 acres, comprising a strip of land about three-quarters of a 
mile wide and about two miles long, on which the present village is 
located. With Mr. Treman came his brother-in-law, John McLallen, 
and in the next year Jesse Harriman purchased of Mr. Treman 100 
acres on the western part of the village site. McLallen purchased a 
piece of land of Mr. Treman and built a log structure, in which he 
opened a public house, and the place for some years was known as 
"McLallen's Tavern;" it was also called "Treman's Village," and 
finally took its present name of Trumansburgh from the Treman fam- 
ily, members of which had formerly adopted the name of " Truman." 

There was excellent water power in the creek and Mr. Treman began 
operations for building a mill very soon after his arrival, as previously 
related. His mill was constructed of logs with a stone foundation on 
three sides, the fourth being formed by the native rock. It contained 
onl}^ one run of stones and no elevators or conveyors. This old log mill 
was replaced by the present structure. Mr. Treman died in Mecklen- 
burg, August 23, 1828, and the reader will find an extended account of 
him and his descendants in the later pages of this work. 

When John McLallen came to Trumansburgh he was only nineteen 
years old and acted as teamster for Mr. Treman. His first tavern was 
on or adjoining the lot occupied by the Bennett livery stable. He mar- 
ried Mary King, probably the first marriage in the village, and reared 
a large family of children. His son James became a merchant; David, 
another son, was a physician, and Edward was a civil engineer and 
prominent in the militia. Descendants of John McLallen (some of 
whom spell the name ''McClellan ") have been numerous and conspicu- 
ous in the history of this town, as will further appear, and some of them 
are still resident in the town. 

John McLallen's log Cabin stood near the present residence of E. H. 
Hart, and in that locality he was engaged in clearing land. His 
brother Henry was associated with him in the work and lived in Jessie 
Harriman's cabin. Wild animals were numerous and a few of the 
remaining Indians came to the settlement, sometimes frightening the 

1 Sackett's Minutes of township of Ulysses, which covered the history of every lot, 
states that No. 2 was drawn by Abner Trimming, but all authorities show that Abner 
Treman was the person indicated. 
28 



218 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

more timid by their demands for a sleeping place ; but they were harm- 
less. Henry McLallen remained on the farm, having bought out the 
interest of his brother, and he afterward purchased the Waterburg 
Mills. 

The little settlement around Treman's Mills increased in numbers, 
and in 1801, or 1802, the first store was opened by Robert Henshaw; 
it stood about where the Travis Hopkins house is located, and a large 
business for the time and place was soon transacted there. Although 
the little place was about two miles from the lake, most of the merchan- 
dise and products came and went by water, until the comparatively 
recent building of the railroad ; and the commercial importance of the 
location soon attracted attention. 

In 1810 seven commissioners were appointed to explore the region 
between the lakes and the navigable waters of the Hudson River, and 
report upon the most eligible route for a water communication. De 
Witt Clinton, being one of the commission, kept a private journal, 
which has since been published. He visited this place, and says: "We 
dined at Treman's village, so called from the soldier who owns the lot 
for military services. He resides here, and is proprietor of the mills, 
and in good circumstances. The village has several houses, three 
taverns, and two or three stores and mills in a ravine or hollow formed 
by a creek which runs through it. It is in the town of Ulysses, and 
was formerly called Shin Hollow by some drunken fellows, who on the 
first settlement frequented a log cabin here, and on their way home 
broke their shins on the bad roads. Dr. Comstock and another phy- 
sician reside here. 

" The contemplated turnpike from Ithaca to Geneva will pass through 
this place. We dined here at Crandall's tavern. P'rom here to Ithaca 
it is eleven miles, and the road is extremely bad, except four miles 
from the former village. We passed through an uncommonly fine wood 
of pine trees." 

It may be presumed that the pioneers of Trumansburgh were men 
and women of considerable culture and certainly were possessed of a 
desire to improve their intellectual opportunities, for in 1811. the 
"Ulysses Philomathic Library " was incorporated. The members of 
this association met on the second Tuesday in June, 1811, at the inn of 
Michael Snell and elected the following trustees: Abner Tremain (as it 
appears in the records), Samuel Ingersoll, jr., Minor Thomas, Henry 
Taylor and Cornelius Hanley. Stephen Wood worth was chairman of 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 219 

this meeting. This association prospered. H. Camp was the first 
librarian; Henry Taylor was the first chairman, and O. C. Comstock 
the first treasurer. As showing the naines of some other earh^ residents 
of prominence, the officers" names for the year 1812 were Isaac Still- 
well, chairman; and Abraham Hand, Nathaniel Ayers, Alexander 
Bower, Nicoll Halsey and Don C. Buell, trusteees. The meeting for 
that annual election was held in Mr. Camp's store. The society existed 
until 1839, when its property was sold at auction. The last board of 
officers were John Creque, chairman; James McLallen, secretary; 
Lyman Strobridge, James McLallen, John Creque, James Westervelt, 
E. J. Ayers, Henry Taylor, N. Ayers, Urial Turner and Lewis Porter. 

In 1818 one of the oldest Masonic lodges in this section was chartered 
at Trumansburgh. Eight men of that order petitioned the Grand Lodge, 
and the charter bore the date of June 8, 1818, and the lodge was given 
the name of " Fidelity." The first Master was Henry Taylor; Edward 
Ely, Senior Warden; Zach. P. Smeed, Junior Warden ; Horace Osborn, 
Treasurer; Elijah H. Goodwin, Secretary. Later it was thought ad- 
visable to remove the charter of the lodge to Ithaca. In 18-49, after 
the decline of anti-Masonry, the Grand Lodge was petitioned for a re- 
turn of the charter, but a new one was granted instead. It is Tru- 
mansburgh Lodge No. 157. The present officers are as follows: 
Lyman F. Smith, Master; E. E. Scribner, Senior Warden; C. C. Sears, 
Junior Warden ; James G. McLallen, Secretary; Clinton Horton, treas- 
urer; O. G. Noble, Senior Deacon; John Wixom, Junior Deacon; N. R. 
Gifford, Tiler. 

Fidelity Chapter R. A. M., No. 77, of Trumansburgh, is a prosper- 
ous organization, with the following officers: R. J. Hunt, High Priest; 
H. A. Mosher, King; B. F. Tompkins, Scribe; T. A. Swick, Captain 
of Host. 

Village Incorporation and Fire Department. — It has already been 
intimated that Trumansburgh was somewhat backward in early years 
in providing for the extinguishing of fires, and the village suffered ac- 
cordingly. An engine had been purchased previous to the great fire 
of 1864, but it had been neglected and little was done towards keeping 
up any organization for its use. 

In the spring of 1872 a meeting was held for the purpose of effecting 
a better organization of a fire department. A discussion of the subject 
led to a village canvass by J. K. FoUett, to ascertain public feeling re- 
garding the incorporation of the village under the General Act. Senti- 



220 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ment appeared to be in favor of the measure, and the necessary steps 
were so promptly taken that the first corporation election was held 
August 27, 1872. The following officers were elected: J. D. Lewis, 
president; C. P. Gregg, P. W. Collins, G. H. vStewart, trustees; W. H. 
Teed, collector; C. P. Barto, treasurer. 

Proper notice was given of the projected formation of a fire depart- 
ment and a meeting was called at Lovell's Hall, vSeptember 11, 1872, 
at which John N. Hood presided and H. M. Lovell was secretary. An 
organization was at once effected and the following were elected as the 
first officers of the new company: J. K. Follett, foreman; N. R. Gif- 
ford, first assistant; John McL. Thompson, second assistant; H. M. 
Lovell, secretary; J. N. Hood, treasurer. Mr. Lovell resigned in 
October and M. C. Gould was elected to the vacancy. The date of the 
annual meeting was fixed for December, at which all these officers 
were re-elected for one year. Ira M. Dean was made chief engineer, 
and G. W. Warne and C. B. Douglass pipemen. The succession of the 
foremen of the company has been as follows: J. K. Follet, 1872-4; C. 
W. Moore, 1875 to April, 1876, when he resigned on account of ill 
health, and G. W. Warne was promoted from first assistant and held 
the office to December 20, 187G; C. F. Hunter, 1877-8; John Dailey, 
1879-80; E. H. Tallmadge, 1881; Matt Cully, 1882; C. F. Hunter, 
1883; R. B. Hill, 1884; R. H. Stewart, 1885; G. P. Becker, 1886-87; 
R. B. Hill, 1888; George P. Becker, and Edward Camp. 

The present officers (1894) are as follows: Foreman, Edward Camp, 
first assistant, Florence Fish ; second assistant, Charles Rollins ; cor- 
responding secretary, C. L. Adams; financial secretary, W. L. Hall; 
treasurer, M. T. Williamson; engineer, Eri Manning; trustees, A. J. 
Howland, R. J. Hunt, E. R. Williams, H. A. Mosher, C. L. Adams. 

In 1882 a social club of young men of the village determined to form 
themselves into an independent hose company and offer their services 
to the village authorities. A meeting was held in July and an organ- 
ization perfected, with the following officers: Will Jones, foreman; 
Charles Lisk, assistant; R. V. Barto, secretary; W. F. Creque and G. 
H. Almy, treasurers. The succession of foremen of this company has 
been as follows: Will Jones, 1882-85; G. H. Almy, 1886-7; J. C. 
Wheeler, 1888; W. F. Creque, 1889. 

The officers for 1894 areas follows: Foreman, Isaac Holton ; first 
assistant, H. C. Gregg; second assistant, George Comfort; recording 
secretary, Henry Jewell; financial secretary, R. D. Sears; treasurer, 
J. K. Wheeler. 




C>i''^€^^ei€t- ^. ^.■o-V-S 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 221 

At the second meeting of the Board of Trustees measures were 
adopted to procure hose and other fire apparatus, but the formal oro-ani- 
zation of the fire department did not take place until November, 1872 
when an engine and a hook and ladder company were accepted by the 
board. J. N. Hood was subsequently appointed chief engineer, and 
Charles Clapp, assistant engineer of the department. In 1870 a special 
election was held to vote upon the proposition to build an engine 
house. 

In 1874 a board of engineers was organized and held their first meet- 
ing on May 25. The members were S. R. Wickes, chief engineer; J. 
K. Follett, first assistant. John Van Duyn, J. K. Follett, and Ira C. 
Johnson were appointed by the trustees as a fire committee, and D. 
H. Ayres was made clerk of this board, and M. A. Burdick, fire 
warden. 

In September of that year the following were appointed a fire police: 
A. H. Pierson, D. J. Fritts, D. C. Quigley, G. H. Stewart, R. C. 
Tompkins, J. R. Emery, S. A. Sherwood, Lewis Goodyear and Walter 
Burr. D. S. Biggs succeeded Mr. Wicks as chief engineer, and the 
following have served as chiefs of the department: A. P. Coddington, 
J. T. Howe, E. Holcomb, S. C. Conde, J. C. Kirtland, R. H. Stewart', 
E. S. Stewart, G. P. Becker, G. H. Almy, M. R. Bennett, W. I. Sher- 
wood. 

The following persons have served as presidents of the village since 
the incorporation : J. T. Howe, elected 1873; E. C. Gregg, 1874; John 
Van Duyn, 1875-76-77; J. D. Bouton, 1878-79; Truman Boardman, 
1880-81; John C. Kirtland, 1882; F. D. Barto, 1883; H. L. Strobridge, 
1884; John C. Kirtland, 1885; O. M. Wilson, 1886; L. W. Carpenter^ 
1887 resigned before qualifying, and H. A. Mosher appointed to the 
vacancy; R: H. Stone, 1888; L. E. Dake, 1889; Edward Camp, 1890; 
Samuel Almy, 1891-92; Frederick C. Biggs, 1893. 

The officers of the village for 1894 are as follows: Ezra Young, pres- 
ident; Edward Murphy, George A. Hopkins, Edwin P. Bouton, trus- 
tees; A. P. Osborn, clerk. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first "school" in Trumansburgh was established about 1800. 
It was a private enterprise and was short lived. The first public school 
building was on or near the site of E. M. Corcoran's present store. 



223 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

vSome time in the twenties this building was sold and moved to the 
extreme east end of the village and a new two-story school building- 
built on " McLallen's Hill." As the village grew this became too 
small, and the district was divided and another building erected next 
to what is now the agricultural works of Samuel Almy. 

About 1844 the districts were reunited and the "Union School 
House" was built. This in ten years became inadequate to the grow- 
ing needs of the community, and a meeting was called June 29, 1854, 
to take into consideration the establishment of an academy and erecting 
a suitable building. A committee was appointed, and the matter was 
decided favorably. 

Hermon Gamp was chosen first president. Subscriptions were ob- 
tained, and, September 5, 1854, a building was commenced. School 
was opened October 9, 1855. William AVhittemore, a graduate of Yale 
College, was chosen principal, and Miss Felicia A. Frisbee, a graduate 
of Mount Holyoke, as assistant. Mr. Camp retained his position as 
president until March, 1878, when Hon. Truman Boardman was 
elected. 

The Union Free School was established in School District No. 1, of 
Ulysses and Covert, by a vote of the inhabitants at a meeting held in 
school house at Trumansburgh, June 11, 1878. 

At a later meeting, "the Union School" in Truinansburgh having 
been, by a vote of the district, changed to a free school, an academic 
department has been established by the Board of Education. 

The original stockholders, or their representatives, have transferred 
to the district their interest in the property long known as the Tru- 
mansburgh Academy, making of the building and grounds, the philo- 
sophical apparatus and library, a free gift to the district. 

It is proposed to establish in the building thus acquired a school 
"which, in connection with the free school, shall give to the scholars 
of the district, and to such foreign scholars as may choose to avail 
themselves of its privileges, such advantages as will be commensurate 
with the age in which we live and in keeping with the advancement of 
the community in all respects." 

The faculty is as follows: Daniel O. Barto, principal; Mrs. Daniel 
O. Barto, assistant; Grammar School, Miss M. E. Swartwood, inter- 
mediate department; Miss Louise Hedger, primary department. 

Thus it followed that the "academy" and Union School, although 
in two buildings, were one and practically the same. The system, 




TRUMANSBURGH ACADEMY. 



224 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

although inconvenient in many respects, was in the main satisfactory; 
yet it was becoming more and more evident that even with increased 
facilities the accommodations were inadequate, and it was becoming 
something of a problem as to the future. Accident, however, furnished 
the solution, for on February 17, 1892, the old academy was burned 
to the ground. On April 7, 1892, at a school meeting called for the 
purpose, it was resolved to build a new school building, and on June 
25 the Board of Education advertised for bids. 

This resulted in the building of the present edifice, at a cost of $20,- 
000, which is perhaps as complete a building for the purpose as can be 
found in Central New York. The structure is in dimensions 100 by (JO 
feet, two stories high, supplied with a perfect system of heating and 
ventilating apparatus, and has a capacity of over 400 pupils. The old 
Union School building has been sold and all departments are now under 
one roof. 

The present Board of Education is B. F. Tompkins, Henry Rud}^, 
jr., Albert F. Mosher, Richard H. Stone, Levi J. Wheeler, Chauncey 
P. Gregg, M. Truman Smith. 

Officers of the board: Levi J, Wheeler, president; M. T. William- 
son, secretary; Jonah T'. Howe, treasurer; M. T. Williamson, collector. 

Faculty: E. Ernest Scribner, principal, Greek, mathematics, sciences, 
and Teachers' Class; Miss Clara Chapman, preceptress, Latin, German 
and literature; Miss Ada Weatherwax, assistant principal, French, 
English, mathematics, and Teachers' Class; Miss Edla Gregg, music 
and painting; Miss Anna Hart, Grammar School; Miss Lena Wagner, 
junior department; Miss Eva Farr, intermediate department; Miss 
Sara K. Bradley, primary department. 

Under the present management the school has attained a high degree 
of excellence, and although the expense was something of a burden on 
a small tax-paying community, no one now regrets the outlay. The 
standard of scholarship has been raised to a most satisfactory 'degree, 
owing largely to the efforts of the principal and faculty, whose every 
effort in this direction has been promptly seconded by the board. The 
influence of this school is now reaching far into the surrounding coun- 
try, and the number of foreign scholars is constantly increasing. 

Trumansburgh has suffered severely from several fires, the most 
disastrous of which took place on February 22, 1864. Before giving 
an account of this conflagration, we will quote from the Free Press 
pamphlet the following description of the place as it appeared just be- 
fore the fire; 



VILLAGE OF TRUMAN3BURGH. 225 

It is within the memory of those now living when Main street presented a strag- 
gling and exceedingly uninteresting aspect; there Avas.no uniformitj^ either in archi- 
tecture or grade ; every one built as it seemed to him best. The street west of the 
bridge previous to 1864 was several feet lower than at present, although it had been 
filled in several times ; yet it was at that time so low that it was seldom dry. LTp 
to the time when the corner now occupied by the Camp Block was built tipon, the 
dam covered most of the ground covered by that building, and at times even in mid- 
summer there was sufficient water to afford young America opportunity to indulge 
in aquatic sport. Crossing the dam on the site of the present stone bridge was a 
wooden structure of not more than one-half the width of the street and raised so 
high above the grade on each side as to amount to quite a formidable hill, and yet 
its upper surface Avas much lower than now. All that portion of the street between 
the bridge and the foot of the McLallen Hill has been raised from eight to twelve 
feet, and the buildings on either side which are noAv on grade have in many instances 
their cellars where the original structures had their first story, and even this story 
was reached by a long flight of steps from the board sidewalk below. Going east 
from the bridge the street was divided nearly in half from a point in front of the 
Page Block to the corner of Elm street by a wall, the south side of which was filled 
in to make a driveway to the residence of H. Camp, the building now occupied by J. 
D. Bouton, leaving a narrow roadway for ordinary traffic. The turnpike from Mc- 
Lallen' s store northwest made a bend several rods further to the north than the 
present roadway, passing but a few feet from the James McLallen homestead. This 
hill was very steep, and with the depression at its foot gave the brick store the ap- 
pearance of being on a hill, as in fact it was, compared to the street below. It was 
not an unusual occurrence "during the season of high water in the creek to see the 
street between the bridge and the hill submerged to the depth of several feet and 
remain so for several days. At almost all times the slack water from the dam ex- 
tended as far as where Bennett's livery barn now stands, and during the spring 
floods the slightest gorge of ice in the dam flooded the whole lower part of the town. 
In 1843 the Baptist Society decided to build a new church, and the old one Avas sold 
to Abner Treman, who moved it on the corner lot now occupied by the Camp Block. 
The building was partially over the water and it Avas not until several years after 
that a substantial foundation Avas put under the east side. The property was sold 
several times, and finally fell into the hands of David Trembley, who added another 
store on the east OA-erhanging the dam. At the time of the great fire, on Feb. 22d, 
1864, this building Avas oAvned by Lyman Mandeville, and as this conflagration re- 
moved all the ancient landmarks from this corner to the Presbyterian church, a de- 
scription of the burned district as it then existed Avill be interesting. The corner 
store where the fire started Avas occupied by Woodworth & BoAvers, the next room 
east was used by them as a store-room, then came the harness shop of J. S. Hunter. 
The first building across the creek Avas the harness shop of Mosher & Kelly ; this Avas 
on the lot now occupied by the Ostrander building; Dr. Clough had his dental rooms 
in the second story. John Eber Thomas had a meat market next door. Next came 
a building occupied by Mrs. W. H. Teed as a dressmaking shop ; adjoining this was 
the saloon and restaurant of W. H. Teed, Avho also had his residence in the second 
story and in the rear ; then folloAved the cabinet shop of Fayette Williams. The first 
floor of the next building was occupied by John Blue as a jewelry store, and the sec- 
29 



226 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ond story by Dr. L. Hughey as an office and residence; next was the dwelling of 
Francis Creque. The saloon kept by Thomas Sarsfield came next, and on the corner 
stood a dwelling owned by S. G. Williams and occupied by Thomas Sarsfield ; just 
below on the mill road was the blacksmith shop and residence of Samuel Williams. 
On Union street the first building from the corner was the shoe shop of Thomas 
Wells. The next building had a blacksmith shop on the first floor run by a Mr. 
Snow, a son-in-law of David Trembley, who had a paint shop in the second story ; 
then came Creque' s foundry. Continuing up the hill, the next building was used by 
John Creque, jr., as a tin shop; then a dwelling house occupied by Jacob Creque; a 
house owned by H. Camp and occupied by Jerry Johnson, and the Wolvefton house. 
The first building east of the mill road and on Main street was a dwelling and saloon 
occupied by Peter Letts ; ' the next was the furniture and undertaking warerooms of 
C. P. Bancroft ; the building occupied the lot where the stores of W. A. Fuller and 
E. Corcoran now stand; there was also a millinery shop in the upper story. Mosher 
& Burch had a general store where the Stewart building now stands ; next came the 
residence and store of J. R. Emery, on the same lot now occupied by him; Wickes's 
drug store, and millinery shop kept by Esther Stewart, a dressmaking shop by 
Misses Jones & Hoag were next. There were also a couple of small buildings be- 
tween this block and the Dr. Lewis Halsey homestead ; a large brick house owned 
and occupied at this time by David Trembley ; next to this was the Union House 
and barns; then the brick store of S. Allen; a small building formerly occupied by 
Eliphlet Weed, esq., and later by Charles Lyon as a shoe shop, but at the time of 
the fire it was a millinery store ; then came the dwelling house and store of the 
Quigleys, and next to the church stood the new house of D. C. Quigley. With the 
exception of the Allen store, and residence of David Trembley, all of these buildings 
were wood, and for the most part old, although in good repair ; some of them had 
been altered over from residences into stores, and in some instances two had been 
united by a common front, introducing show windows, etc. , giving the buildings a 
pretentious appearance not borne out by a more careful examination of premises. 

The great fire was discovered about one o'clock in the morning of 
February 22, 1864, in the corner store, then occupied by J. S. Hunter. 
There was no fire extinguishing apparatus of any kind in the yillage, 
the buildings were old and dry, and the flames spread rapidly. Lines 
of men and women were formed and buckets of water passed along to 
the devouring flames; but little impression was made upon the confla- 
gration. Furniture and goods were removed in advance of the flames as 
far as possible. On Main street from the bridge to the Presbyterian 
church, and Elm street to the corner of Whig, the buildings were filled 
with household goods and merchandise, considerable of which was 
taken out to places of safety. Buildings were finally blown up in efforts 
to check the fire, and it looked at one time as if the fine church must 
go; but by heroic efforts it was saved. The heaviest loss was the 
destruction of the stone mill owned by J. D. Bouton, which had then 



VILLAGE OP TRUMANSBURGH. 227 

recently been refitted and improved. It was believed that the fire was 
the work of incendiary. 

This was a hard blow to the village, but the lesson was a salutary 
one, and resulted in the large district burned over being prompl}^ built 
up with a far better class of structures. 

Most of the original owners either had no disposition or were unable 
to rebuild. On the subject being agitated the lots were eagerly sought 
for on account of the desirable location. The first change was the pur- 
chase of the Lyman Strobridge lot by H. B. Jones. This was followed 
b)'- the sale of the triangular lot between the Strobridge lot and the dam 
to J. S. Hunter, and the lot on the east owned by H. Camp to Joseph 
H. Biggs. Building was commenced on these lots during the summer 
and in the fall they were occupied. Then followed the building of 
the brick block on the hill. Dumont bought the Union House 
lot and the Trembley lot and erected two stores; Wickes rebuilt 
on his lot; the Quigleys built a store next door, and Titus Hart built 
the store now occupied by J. vS. Halsey; J. R. Emery rebuilt with 
wood on his original lot ; Lyman A. Mandeville sold the corner lot to 
H. Camp, who also purchased from David Trembley the adjoining lot 
on Union street and that portion of the lot which had been taken from 
the dam on the east, and erected the present building. vSubsequently 
S. Earle built his present store, having purchased from the Biggses a 
portion of their lot, and from Seneca Daggett all the ground now oc- 
cupied by the engine house, which he afterward sold to the corporation 
of the village. It will be seen that with but two or three exceptions 
none of the original owners rebuilt. Mr. Bouton rebuilt the mill, the 
community generously coming to his aid with substantial contributions. 

Some two years after this fire, while some of the buildings were un- 
completed, the sash, blind and door factory on Main street, on the lot 
now occupied by J. E. Hall's paint shop, was burned. 

Money was plenty at this time and rebuilding went on rapidly. New 
structures were erected on Union street, in which old boundary lines 
were largely obliterated. The site of the first building above the 
furnace, owned by John Creque, is now covered by the Pease block and 
adjoining structures. Morris Sarsfield's store is on a piece of land 
bought by H. Camp of David Trembley. John Van Auken's black- 
smith shop and barn occupy part of the old Furnace lot. Asher 
Wolverton built on his original lot. The result of the fire was to 
change the whole aspect of the village east of the bridge; but the alter- 



228 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ation due to the next fire was still greater; the latter took place at two 
o'clock on. the morning of May 22, 1871, starting in an alley between 
two stores. The buildings were of wood and there was little hope of 
saving them, w^hile the Washington House, on the opposite side of the 
street, caught fire several times. After the flames had progressed for 
some time, some person suggested that the fire engine, wh ch had been 
purchased several years earlier, should be brought into use: This was 
done, it being found stored in a barn, and it served to aid materially in 
checking the flames; but not until a terrible work of destruction had 
been accomplished. The territory burned over extended from the 
bridge to the shop of Cuffman & Clark on the south, and from the Wash- 
ington House corner to, and including, vStone & Biggs's store on the 
south side of the street. The condition of this part of the village 
previous to the fire, and the changes wrought in the rebuilding, are 
thus described in the PYee Press pamphlet : 

Pri )r to that time, commencing at the bridge on the south side of the street, was 
the marlcet of George "Wolverton, a small wooden building remembered as the place 
where for many years Asher Wolverton had done business. Originally this building 
was set high above the street, partially overhanging the dam, and approached b)- a 
flight of steps leading to a sort of platform. Next, and separated from it by a nar- 
row alley, was the " Bee Hive." This was built and owned by H. Camp; it was of 
wood, three stories high, and derived its name from the large number and variet}^ of 
occupations carried on within its walls. There were two stores on the ground floor 
which, at the time of the fire, were occupied by Jarvis Stone (who had just purchased 
the property), and Mrs. Giltner, milliner. The upper floors were used as living 
rooms, photograph gallery, and a large room in the northwest corner of the third 
story had been used as a band room for many years. Next was an alle}^ the right 
of way of which belonged to Wolverton ; next the store of Eber Lovell, formerly the 
hardware store of Wm. G. Godley; next the store of Atwater & Tompkins, owned 
by Clark Daggett; another covered alley in which also the Wolvertons held the title ; 
then came the hardware store of Pratt, Rumsey & Allen ; this building was the orig- 
inal shop of Uriel Turner, and. had undergone many changes; a roof had been put 
on, uniting this with the building on the east, covering the alley; next west of the 
hardware was the old stand of John Jamieson, but which at this time (1871) was oc- 
cupied by Pratt, Rumsey & Allen as a store room, and as a residence by John Green; 
then came a small building which had been fitted up as a saloon by A. V. Bush ; 
next to this was the building formerly owned by T. N. Perkins and used as a marble 
works, but at this time occupied by B. P. Sears as a grocery ; next were the sheds of 
the Washington House barn; quite a space intervened between this and the black- 
smith shop of Douglass, with the livery stable of J. K. FoUett in the rear ; then came 
the wagon shop' of Cuffman & Clark, with Fayette Williams occupying his present 
stand. On the opposite side of the street stood the Washington House ; next the 
jewelry store of Jacob Blue; the shoe and leather store of S, A. Sherwood; the store 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 229 

of Wm. H. Teed, and the Home Building, a fine block extending t6 the brick store 
of Stone & Biggs. The Home building was owned by Wm. H. Teed and J. L. Stxjne, 
and had three stores on the ground floor; the west one was occupied by Mr. Lieber- 
man as a clothing store, the center one as a bakery, and the east one by Mrs. Ban- 
croft as a millinery store ; W. A. Fuller lived in the second story, and the third was 
the Masonic Hall. Between this building and the store of Himrod there had been 
an alley, wide in front and narrowing toward the rear; upon this lot Mr. Teed had 
erected the store which he was occupying at the time of the fire. 

The blow to the town w^as a severe one, and for a time seemed to paralyze the 
sufferers, j^et the vitality of our people once more exhibited itself, and within twenty- 
four hours a new building was in process of erection on the site of the Douglass 
blacksmith shop by Pratt, Rumsey & Allan, who occupied it until the present store 
of Biggs & Co. was completed. In rebuilding the burned district history was re- 
peated, old boundary lines were changed, lots were divided, portions of some added 
to others. George Wolverton bought of W. J. Stone the alley between the old stores 
and erected the building now used as a post-office. W. J. Stone sold the west half 
of the Bee Hive lot to G. H. Stewart ; F. B. Stone built on the east half the store 
now occupied by C. L. Chapman; Stewart built a fine building on his lot, the west 
line of which is the center of the old alley-way which was surrendered by Wolverton. 
E. Lovell's Sons built on their lot and the west half of the alley. Clark Daggett re- 
built, as did Pratt, Rumsey & Allen. E. S. Pratt built on the Jamieson lot, and A. 
V. Bush on the Perkins lot. The Washington House lot remaine.d vacant for some 
time, and is now occupied bj- W. H. Teed, the Farmers' Inn, and the L. H. Owen 
office. J. C. Kirtland built on the Blue lot, and also erected a brick store for W. H. 
Teed, who sold his interest in the Home building lot to Mrs. C. P. Gregg, who in 
connection with J. L. Stone and D. S. Biggs built the present Opera House Block. 
L. H. Owen built an office and store house on the south side of the street, which, 
with a temporary building erected for a roller skating rink, was destroyed by fire on 
May 3, 1885. The building which occupied the site of the present Page Block was 
burned August 28, 1872. 

Manufactures. — The early maiiiifacturing- operations in Trumans- 
burg-h, as well as in other parts of the town of Ulysses, were chiefly 
confined to the grist mills, saw mills, and the various shops in which 
wagons, boots and shoes, furniture, domestic tinware, etc., were pro- 
duced. Several of these early industries have already been mentioned, 
and are described in later pages devoted to the other small villages of 
the town. 

Of some of the early industries the writer of the Free Press pamphlet 
says : 

Who has the honor of being the first metal worker to settle here is somewhat in 
doubt, but that David Williams found a blacksmith already at work is beyond ques- 
tion ; but probabl}^ Mr. Williams was the first to engage in what might be called 
manufacturing. A man named Holliday built and for some 5'ears operated a fur- 
nace located on the flat just below Bush's Hill. In 1812 a young Jerseyman named 



230 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

John Creque, a blacksmith by trade, attracted by the favorable reports of the new 
country, shouldered his kit of tools and started on a tour of investigation. Some 
time previous to this a family of Updikes, with whom he was connected, had moved 
into the country and founded what was known as the Updike Settlement, a few miles 
south of this village, and as was quite natural Mr. Creque sought out his old ac- 
quaintances. He saw no opening for him in that immediate locality and decided to 
try his fortunes at the " Holler," as Trumansburgh was then known. He had mar- 
ried a wife, Catharine Updike, in 1808, who with his family of three children, the 
youngest a babe, he had left in New Jersey. After deciding to remain, he went 
back for his family, and on his return rented a disused building near where the 
house of Linus Waring now stands, and after making such repairs as was necessary 
for comfort moved in. 

In those days blacksmiths were forced to do all manner of repairing- 
of farm utensils. The plows then used were of wood, iron shod and 
steel pointed and made by blacksmiths. John Creque, who was a man 
of shrewd business capacity, heard of the first cast iron plows of Jethro 
Wood at Wolcott. He made a visit there and arranged to buy castings 
of Wood, which enabled him to also make the new plows. Soon after- 
ward he joined his friend, Lyman Strobridge, in partnership. They 
continued. successfully in the business, buying their castings of Wood 
until about 1832, when Mr. Creque built a furnace nearly on the site of 
the present residence of John Van Auken. He put in a steam plant 
of primitive character, the engine having been made in Auburn prison. 
When his shop became too small Mr. Creque in 1836 built the furnace 
on the site of the first blacksmith's shop, which building was burned in 
the great fire of 1864. Besides Mr. Strobridge, Mr. Creque had as 
partners at different periods, a Mr. Hildreth, Benjamin Burgess and 
his sons, Washington and James, who in 1854 rented the works for five 
years. They were succeeded by Perrigo and Keeler, and William 
Douglass and John Van Auken. About the beginning of 1864 Wash- 
ington and James Creque proposed to buy the property, but the great 
fire prevented the consummation of the arrangement. Mr. Creque 
died November 2, 1866. 

The first mill by Abner Treman has been described. The fine water 
power of the creek naturally attracted early attention from the pioneers. 
Soon after 1800 a dam was built above the bridge at Rightmire's quarry, 
and at the end of the raceway on the west bank a saw mill was built. 
It was of great utility to the settlers in making lumber for early build- 
ings. A short time afterward a grist mill was built near that point, 
and later a plaster mill just below. In 1835 apart of this property was 
converted into an oil mill, which was operated many years. Albert 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 231 

Campbell built a dam abov^ the one just described in early j^eai^s, 
which supplied power to a small wood-working shop. About twenty 
rods above this John Campbell built a saw mill, and still farther up 
Peter Van Dervere had another. The next site above was owned by 
John Treman, who built a factory for wool carding and cloth making, 
which was operated by Samuel Smith ; Allen Pease purchased it later 
and changed it to a plaster mill. Just above this was A. B. Dicker- 
man's tub and pail factory. Farther up still Mr. Dickerman had a saw 
mill, and next above that David Williams established a trip hammer 
shop, where most of the axes used about here were made ; this was 
subsequently changed to a woolen factory; later cloth-making ma- 
chinery was added, and a large business was carried on. Turner, 
Andrews & Company had a similar establishment on or near the site of 
the store of Biggs & Company; it was managed by Frederick Beck- 
with. There was another woolen mill at ''Podunk. " 

Besides all these early industries, there were numerous asheries in 
the vicinity, which for many years were a source of considerable in- 
coine. H. Camp probably had the first one soon after 1800. Albert 
Crandall had one, and James McLallen another just west of the Trem- 
bley House barn, which was at that time a tannery. It is said that 
between 1830 and 1850 more people in Trumansburgh were engaged in 
various industries than at any time since. 

Sometime between 1820 and 1830 Jonathan Treman, son of the 
pioneer, Abner Treman, built for two mechanics. Grant & Lockwood, 
the main building of what is now the agricultural works of Samuel 
Almy. The property became locally famous over quite a section as 
"The Red Furnace," and during a half a century had various pro- 
prietors and met with periods of alternate success and failure. The 
original building was occupied early as a blacksmith shop in 
the basement, a wagon shop on the first floor, while David Will- 
iams lived in the upper story, and later William Chandler had a 
chair factory there. A succession of firms such as Grant & Stet- 
son, Grant & Campbell, Grant & King, and King & Lambert suc- 
ceeded that of Grant & Lockwood in blacksmithing, wagon work and 
building thrashing machines. Grant & Stetson introduced a metal 
working lathe, and moulding and casting, and a little later steam power 
was put in. Abram Andrus was then taken into the business to en- 
large its capital, but his interest was soon purchased by McLallen & 
Hesler, who, with George T. Spink and Stephen H.* Lamport, formed a 



233 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

new firm. The next chang'e was to the .style of vSpink, Lamport & 
Pease, Alvin Pease coming in with additional means. Various other 
changes followed, during which Georg-e Auble, Milo Van Dusen, Daniel 
Cooper, a Mr. Tobey, George Curry, Emmet Ayres, William Ogden and 
several others had more or less interest in the business. Ogden's admin- 
istration was succeeded by the firm of Rumsey & Almy, and this by 
Rumsey, Almy & Hunt. The present proprietor of the works, and who 
succeeded the last mentioned firm, is Samuel Almy, who makes barrel 
hoops by special machinery, and has otherwise improved the propert3^ 

Grant & Lockwood and Urial Turner were the pioneers in wagon 
making. Others who have been identified at different times with this 
interest are several of Mr. Turner's sons, William and Joseph Creque, 
Abraham Creque, D. P. Cuffman, David Trembly, Cuffman, Mosher 
& Rose, Mosher & Burch, Cuffman & Clark (J. G. Cuffman and John 
G. Clark), Cuffman & Son, Alanson Bean, Peter Jones, John Aiken, 
Harvey Pollay, M. Curry, Allen & Uhl, J. G. & D. C. Clark, J. H. B. 
Clark, William Douglass; Mosher, Bennett & Bates, and Mosher & 
Bennett. Urial Turner's shop was where Biggs & Company's store is 
now situated, and was occupied by him and his successors many vears. 
William Creque and his successors ■ had their shop on the lot now oc- 
cupied by Joseph Davenport, carpenter, and Mosher & Burch afterward 
occupied the same building, which later on was changed to a door, sash 
and blind factory, and was burned. Mosher & Bennett occupy the 
buildings made vacant by the failure of Allen & Uhl, and are now mak- 
ing platform spring wagons under Clark's patent as a specialty. J. G. 
& J. H. V. Clark occupy the building in wagon making and repairing. 

One of the early harness makers was Lyman Strobridge, whose settle- 
ment has been described. His first shop was on Union street, next to 
John Creque's blacksmith shop, and the two became firm friends and 
subsequently partners in manufacturing plows. In 1831 Mr. Strobridg-e 
erected a building on Main street, on the lot now occupied by John 
Kaufman, where he carried on harnessmaking until his retirement in 
1850. He was prominent in politics as a Democrat, a Free Soiler, and 
finally a Republican; was presidential elector in 1836; was in the Leg- 
islature in 1845, and was postmaster in 1848-9. His wife was Sarah 
Potter, and they had four children. H. L. Strobridge is his grandson. 

Soon after the great fire of 1864 the Gregg Iron Works, which had 
been in operation at Farmer village, building agricultural implements, 
were removed to Trumansburgh, and during more than twenty years 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 23B 

added largely to the prosperity of the place. A. H. Gregg- was a mem- 
ber of the firm, and through financial difficulties E. C. Gregg, the 
father, and C. P. Gregg, brother of A. H. Gregg, took the machine 
shop part of the plant. They purchased the land where the works now 
stand, and in 1865 erected the present machine shop. After that ad- 
ditions were made as necessity demanded. The principal implement 
made was the Meadow King mower, but others were added, notably the 
Osborn sulky plow, Sharpe horse rake, Morse horse rake and lawn 
mowers. About 100 hands were usually employed. In 1887, owing to 
over-production and the failure of several of their customers, the works 
were forced to assign, which they did, to S. D. Halliday, of Ithaca. 
By consent of creditors he continued to operate the works. The as- 
signee sold the property at public sale to Dr. G. W. Hoysradt, of Ithaca, 
and from him it passed to the family of Mr. Gregg, and is still operated 
under the style of Gregg & Company. 

The firm of J. .W. & C. W. Dean now operates a saw mill with gen- 
eral wood-working facilities attached, and a feed mill. L. H. Gould 
also does a large business in a similar line. At and near Halseyville 
are two excellent flouring mills, both by the roller process, one con- 
ducted by Eugene Dewey, and the other by W. D. Brinkerhoff & Son. 

The quarrying of stone for building and flagging is extensively car- 
ried on at Taghanic Falls by Homer Rightmire, who has a large 
mill for stone dressing, and by D. S. Biggs & Sons. Cornelius Collins 
is postmaster at the Falls, the office having been established soon after 
the opening of the railroad. 

Post-Office. — The first postmaster of Trumansburgh was Oliver C. 
Comstock, who held the office from 1811 to 1813. He was succeeded 
by H. Camp, who continued eighteen years, resigning in 1831, to be 
succeeded by James McLallen. The latter resigned in 1844, when for 
four years Lyman Strobridge had the office. Sanford Halsey was then 
appointed, and about a year later, in 1849, L. D. Bennett was appointed 
and continued until June, 1853. He was succeeded by Benjamin Allen, 
who retired August 16, 1861, and was followed by A. G. Stone. He 
held the office until April, 1871, and was succeeded by S. R. Wicks, 
who retired in 1873. C. P. Gregg was his successor, who resigned the 
office to D. S. Biggs. He was followed in July, 1885, by J. T. Howe. 
R. J. Hunt took the office under Harrison in March, 1890. Under the 
administration of D. S. Biggs the office was made a presidential office. 
J. T. Howe has recently been appointed postmaster. 

30 



234 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Cp:mktery. — In 1847, when it became evident that the old burial 
g-roimd, owned by the First Presbyterian church, was insufficient for 
the needs of the community, meetings were held to consider the subject 
of providing a new cemetery farther from the village center. At one 
of these meetings held May 24, 1847, the Grove Cemetery Association 
was organized with the following trustees, who afterwards became in- 
corporators: Walker Glazier, George T. Spink, William Atwater, 
NicoU Halsey, F. S. Dumont, James McLallen, John Creque, James 
H. Jerome, and N. B. Smith. On the 20th of the same month the 
above persons appeared before Henry D. Barto, county judge, and 
acknowledged the execution of the articles of incorporation, and at a 
meeting called soon after, NicoU Halsey was elected president ; N. B. 
Smith, secretary ; and Walker Glazier, treasurer. The following Au- 
gust the association bought of Smith Durling eight acres of land, for 
which they paid $85 per acre. This land was a part of the present 
beautiful cemetery, and has been greatly improved. In 1858 seven 
acres more were purchased, and other additions have since been made. 
In 1861 the Presb3^terian Society made a proposition to the Cemetery 
Association for the latter to assume control of the burial ground, and 
the arrangement was subsequently effected ; but the care of the grounds 
became a useless burden, interments there ceased, and in 1890 all the 
bodies were removed to the new cemetery. The present cemetery, 
with its beautiful landscape effects, a handsome receiving vault and 
other modern improvements, is an attractive and appropriate place for 
the repose of the dead. The officers for 1894 are Truman Boardman, 
president; L. P. Hand, vice-president; H. A. Mosher, secretary; James 
K. Wheeler, treasurer; executive committee, H. A. Mosher, Ephraiin S. 
Pratt, Edward Camp. 

Mercantile Business. — Mention has been made of the first store in 
Trumansburgh, kept by Robert Henshaw at the beginning of the cen- 
tuiy. At that time Owego was a place of considerable importance, 
whence most of the supplies for the country between the lakes was 
received, and whither went much of the produce of this section. The 
firm of Camp Brothers were the leading merchants of that place, and 
their business brought them a knowledge of "McLallen's Tavern." 
In 1805 they made a prospecting visit in quest of a site where they 
might build up a large trade. The result was the purchase by them of 
Mr. Henshaw's store, which was placed in charge of Hermon Camp, a 
younger brother of the firm. This event was an important one for the 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 2?,-) 

village of Trumansburgh. The ample capital of the firm, and the ex- 
ceptional business ability of Hermon Camp were powerful factors in 
building up the place. The old store soon became too contracted for 
the business and a new one was built, a part of which has been recently 
used for Charles Thompson's market. To this store additions were 
made from time to time, as increasing trade demanded, and in 1820 
several clerks were employed, among whom was Daniel Ely. In 1823 
a partnership was formed between Mr. Camp and Mr. Ely. 

The following account of Mr. Camp's after life in Truinansburgh is 
taken from the pamphlet history of the place before alluded to : 

In 1825 occurred the most important event of Mr. Camp's life, namely, his sepa- 
ration and subsequent divorce from his first wife. The trial resulted in the political 
division of the town ; two factions sprang into existence, old political lines were 
obliterated, and for many years candidates were nominated and elected on the basis 
of their position in the Camp-Ely embroglio. The feeling even extended into the 
jury box, and the animosities between former friends became as bitter as their 
friendships had been strong; this feeling was even handed down to the next genera- 
tion, and even to this day, when it is believed that all the actors in this lamentable 
affair are m their graves, it has not been obliterated. A man of lighter calibre would 
have succumbed under the pressure, but a fixed purpose, an iron will, and a deter- 
mination to live through and rise above social difficulties and alienation of friends 
was to him the stimulant for a more aggressive business policy. Mr. Camp was no 
saint ; he had his share of faults and social infirmities of primitive times. The moral 
code was not so well defined nor its provisions so well observed as at present; the 
country was still little better than a wilderness ; society was in a chaotic state ; might 
too often made right ; practices which would not now be tolerated were common . 
Mr. Camp simply adapted himself to his surroundings and made the most of his 
opportunities; he was no better nor worse than his fellows. He sold whisky as 
freely as molasses and with no more thought of committing a moral wrong ; the use 
of one was as common as the other, and the man who did not drink was the excep- 
tion, and he did not drink, at least to any extent. In those days all merchants kept 
a jug of whisky behind the counter which was free to ctcstome?'s; no sale was con- 
sidered complete or barter consummated without the customary treat. Most drinkers 
are never so rich as when in their cups, and while reveling in imaginary wealth are 
prone to indulge in luxuries if the}' have the cash — or credit. Alas! the poor man's 
credit was too often to his discredit, a day of settlement must come, and his rum 
courage and whisky wealth vanished into thin air. If Mr. Camp profited by this 
condition of things, he certainly did no more than other merchants, but it must stand 
to his credit that he was also identified with the first temperance movement in this 
town. As early as 1830, at a meeting of the merchants and grocers called i or the 
purpose, he heartily endorsed a proposition to abolish the treating custom. Five 
years before this a move had been made to stop the licensing of groceries; whether 
this emanated from the tavern keepers or citizens does not appear, but it is evident, 
even at this remote period, that Trumansburgh had troubles over the whisky ques- 
tion. 



236 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

During the revival of 1831 Mr. Camp was converted, and on Februar\' 0th of that 
year united with the Presbyterian Church on profession of faith. From this time in 
many respects he was a changed man. He resigned his position as postmaster 
rather than to obey the law of the department requiring the mails to be changed on 
Sunday; the light-hearted, open-handed, freethinking man became an austere and 
uncompromising Calvinist. He abandoned the sale of liquor and began the \\'ar 
against its use and sale which he fought to his dying day. He at once assumed, as 
if by right, a prominent position in the church and became its acknowledged leader, 
and he administered upon its affairs with the same uncompromising purpose which 
characterized him in business. He would brook no opposition; everything must 
yield to his imperious will. He dealt with recreant members as with an unruly child ; 
discipline and punishment swift and sure were certain to follow any infraction of the 
puritanical code which he had adopted. Such men as E. C. Gregg and Lyman Stro- 
bridge must confess it a sin to ride in a wagon on Sunday in order to reach their 
families from whom they had been separated for weeks or be disciplined ; they re- 
fused and left the chui'ch. Yet he was but following his nature, and in his heart 
believed he was doing God's service. He M^as active, persistent and consistent. He 
abstained from what he condemned in others, and there is no question but that to 
his skillful management of its affairs the Presbyterian Church owes much of its pres- 
ent prosperity. He gave his time and money without stint to deserving objects, he 
always being the judge. He prospered in business and waxed rich, built houses and 
stores, invested in stocks, was for many years president of the Tompkins County 
Bank. During the financial troubles of 1857, when all banks suspended specie pay- 
ment, a mob of people collected in front of his house clamoring for their money. He 
came out to them demanding the cause of such a demonstration. " We want our 
money," cried some. "Go to your homes; you have my personal guarantee that 
every Tompkins County Bank bill you hold is good for its face in gold." They went. 
The bank might not be sound, but H. Camp was, and his simple word better than 
their bond. Mr. Camp was not an ostentatious bestower of charity, but he gave 
liberally to educational institutions, particularlj^ to those for preparing young men 
for the ministry. He was instrumental in organizing the first temperance societ}' 
called the Sons of Temperance, and in company with James McLallen circulated a 
temperance pledge through the village, making a personal application to every male 
person of suitable age in the place ; this was in 1835. He subsequently became very 
active in the temperance movement, was for some years president of the State Tem- 
perance Society, and was spoken of as a candidate for governor on a prohibition 
ticket. He obtained his military title for services in the war of 1812-14, having 
raised the only cavalry company in the State. This company was recruited mostly 
from this and adjoining towns; the drilling ground was the then open field now oc- 
cupied by the " Phoenix House" and adjacent property. He marched his company 
to the Niagara River, which was the western frontier of the State, and did guard and 
picket duty along the river until close of the war. Although never in a general en. 
gagement, they were constantly harassed by stray shots from the river, and the 
writer well remembers an address made by " Col." Camp to the first volunteers from 
this town in 1861 in which he described his sensations when listening to the whistling 
of bullets from unseen British soldiers from the other side. He was a hearty sup- 
porter of the Union during the late war, rendering substantial aid to the soldiers and 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 287 . 

their families. Mr. Camp's second wife was Caroline Cook, who died in 1840; his 
third wife was Catharine Cook, who died in 1847 ; in 1848 he married Sarah P. Camp, 
widow of his nephew Frederick M., Avho survives him. Mr. Camp died June 8, 1879, 
aged ninety years and eight months. 

It is manifestly impossible in this work to follow the varied mercan- 
tile interests of Trimiansburgh in past 5^ears. As a rule, the business 
men of the place have been enterprising-, and at the same time have 
traded on conservative lines and in many instances with the most 
gratifying success. The various stores in the place at the present time 
will compare favorably with those of any other similar village in the 
State. Such establishments as those conducted by Manning Atwater, 
Ezra Young, Biggs & Co., Mosher Brothers, Chapman & Becker, 
Mosher-& Sears, H. S. Bates, and others, are a credit to their owners, 
and render it needless for citizens to go elsewhere for needed supplies. 

The Barto Bank, organized in 1863, to which allusion has been made, 
closed its offices in 1889. Since 1885 the banking business of the town 
has been done by the private bank of L. J. Wheeler & Co., the com- 
pany being James K. Wheeler. 

Personal sketches and biographical notices of most of the prominent 
citizens of the town will be found in a later department of this work, 
to which the reader is referred. 

Hotels. — As before stated, John McLallen kept the first public 
house in Trumansburgh. It was built of logs and a very primitive 
"hotel" in all respects. After a few years in this house he built a 
more pretentious structure on the opposite side of the street, which 
was called " McLallen's Tavern." This was afterwards demolished to 
■ make room for the Union block. 

Soon after 1800 a tavern was built on land including that now occu- 
pied by Owen Ferguson and Mrs. S. Earle. In 1811 this bore the 
name of " Schenck's Tavern," when it was the political headquarters 
and general resort. Later it was known as the "Bond's Hotel." In 
1819, when the building was owned by Allen Boardman and occupied 
by several tenants, some of whom had become obnoxious to their 
neighbors, it was demolished by a mob. The inmates escaped injury 
and fled. 

As early as 1815 there stood on the site of the Cornell House a build- 
ing which was afterwards remodeled by Dr. Lewis Halsey and kept by 
him as a tavern called the "Union House." He was succeeded by 
Gilbert Halsey and perhaps a score of others, and the building was 



238 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

burned February 22, 1864. From this time to 1871 the lot was vacant, 
in which year it was sold by David S. Dumont to Leroy Trembley. On 
May 5, 1871, the second great fire occurred and the Washington House 
was burned. A building boom succeeded and hotels were conspicuous 
among the new structures. Leroy Trembley was then keeping a 
restaurant in the building now occupied by Owen Ferguson, which 
Trembley sold to Hiram vSawyer. Mr. Trembley was a veteran land- 
lord and thought he saw a good opening for a hotel. He accordingly 
purchased the vacant lot owned by David S. Dumont, as above stated, 
and on June 5, 1871, broke ground for the "Trembley House." The 
house was opened under promising auspices and was one of the finest 
hotels in the county, representing an investment of $30,000. In No- 
vember, 1881, Charles Plyer became owner of the house; leased it to 
James H Bowman, and the name was changed to " Cornell." Plyer 
sold the property to a Mr. Kennedy, of New York, who placed D. P. 
Peters in charge, expecting to so run the house that it would soon be 
filled with guests. In this he failed, and a year later retired. The 
house then remained vacant to 1886, except a short period when J. H. 
Covert was a tenant. Kennedy finally sold the property to Mrs. M. J. 
Bowman for less than one-fourth its original cost, and it is now kept 
as a first-class public house. 

In 1836 P. H. Thompson, who was a son-in-law of John McLallen, 
bought a piece of land on Main street nearly opposite the site of the 
first log tavern. There he erected what was perhaps the first brick 
hotel between Owego and Geneva. The formal opening of this house 
took place on the 4th of July, 1837, and was made an event of great 
local importance ; but in spite of energetic management, Mr. Thomp- 
son did not meet with the success he had anticipated, and in 1846 the 
property was transferred to John Markham. From this time on sev- 
eral landlords, among whom were Dr. Benjamin Dunning, James Race, 
James Bradley, William and Stephen De Mund, William Jones, and 
others, tried the business, all probably losing money. In 1854 several 
attachments were issued against the property, leading to tedious litiga- 
tion; J. De Motte Smith was appointed receiver, and by the final 
decision of the Court of Appeals he was ordered to sell the property. 
He had already rented it to George Hoyt, who retained it under the 
purchaser, David Jones. The entire property brought less than $2,000 
at the sale. On January 24, 1863, the property was sold to Joseph 
Giles (who had kept a hotel at Havana) for Leroy Trembley. A few 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 239 

years later Corydon Burch purchased an interest, and the firm became 
Trembley & Burch. In 1867 Trembley sold to Halsey vSmith, and 
Burch to Almeron Sears, who were in possession when the building- 
was burned in the great fire of May 22, 1871. Mr. Sears then purchased 
the John McLallen homestead and fitted it up for a hotel, which he 
and his son opened as " The Phoenix," and kept it until the following 
spring. 

Immediately after the fire Mr. Sears bought the old McLallen store, 
altered it materially, and fitted it up for a hotel. There was then 
developed a craze for building, and the fine business blocks of the vil- 
lage and the Trembley and the Central Hotels were erected. Many of 
these structures proved to be in advance of the needs of the community. 
The Central Hotel, as it was named, did not pay, became involved in 
litigation, and passed rapidly under the management of half a dozen 
persons successively, and in 1881 was sold to Leroy Trembley. He 
made the house popular and tolerably successful. June 6, 1887, it was 
partly burned. Soon afterward, as a result of negotiations with J. B. 
Hamilton, a shoe manufacturer of Farmer village, a company purchased 
the hotel of Mrs. Trembley and furnished funds to start a shoe factory 
here. L. E. Dake afterwards came into the firm, and the business was 
continued for a time and finally closed out. 

In the spring of 1888 Mrs. Trembley bought the Phoenix Hotel, be- 
fore mentioned, of A. V. McKeel, refitted it, and has since conducted 
it as a temperance house. 

In the summer of 1877 Hiram Sawyer purchased a lot of L. H. Owen 
on Main street and built a two-story structure, which he occupied Jan- 
uary 1 following. He gave it the name of " Farmer's Inn," which he 
has conducted ever since. 

Albert Crandall, who has been mentioned as a pioneer of 1806, built 
a structure in 1808 on Main street between the site of the Barto Bank 
and J. D. Bouton's residence, and in part or all of it kept a tavern 
many years. His son Minor was the landlord here for a time. 

CHURCHES. 

The first church in the town of Ulysses was of the Presbyterian faith 
and was organized January 10, 1803. A few families of this denomi- 
nation had settled in the town from 1796 to 1800, among whom were 
Jabez Havens, Burgoon Updike, David At water and Cornelius Hum- 



340 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

phre}'. The church organization took place at the house of Mr. At- 
water, when the four persons mentioned and their wives were con- 
stituted the First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses by the Rev. Jedediah 
Chapman, a missionary who remained in charge two years. The first 
meeting house was built at the "Updike Settlement," about three 
miles south of Trumansburgh. It was of hewn logs, and twenty-five 
by thirty-five feet in size. A burying ground was established adjoin, 
ing the church, and there many of the pioneers were interred. 

The first church in Trumansburgh village stood on the site of the 
present Presbyterian church, and was begun in 1817 and finished in the 
summer of 181!). In 1823 the first vSunday school was formed under 
the pastorate of Rev. M. M. York, by Dr. William White. Wm. Hay 
was the first superintendent, and Treman Hall, Francis E. Crandall 
and James McLallen were teachers. In 1848 the original church build- 
ing was demolished, and the present structure was completed in Janu- 
ary of the next year and dedicated January 10, 1850. The following 
pastors have served this church : The Rev. Mr. Chapman was followed 
in 1805 by the Rev. Garrett Mandeville; Rev. Wm. Clark, 1810; Rev. 
John Alexander, 1813; Rev. Stephen Porter, 1816; Rev. Lot B. Sulli- 
van, 1817; Rev. Charles Johnson, 1819; Rev. Wm. F. Curry, 1825; 
Rev. John H. Carle, 1826; Rev. Hiram L. Miller, 1834; Rev. John H. 
Carle, 1839; Rev. Hutchins Taylor, 1844; Rev. D. H. Hamilton, 1855; 
Rev. Lewis Kellogg, 1861, Rev. Alexander M. Mann, U.D., 1865; 
Rev. Wm. N. Page, 1869; Rev. Ova H. Seymour, 1887; Rev. Reuben 
H. Van Pelt, 1888, who was succeeded the same year by Rev. Lee H. 
Richardson, who was installed on January 15, 1889. The church is 
now supplied by Rev. Dr. Wm. Niles. 

The Baptist church at Trumansburgh was organized in the log meet- 
ing house at the Updike Settlement August 26, 1819, under the name 
of " The Second Baptist Church of Ulysses," as the town then included 
the town of Covert. The first clerk was Daniel Barto, and Oliver C. 
Comstock was the first pastor. Services were held in various places in 
the vicinity. In August, 1821, the pastor, then William Ward, with 
Josiah Cleveland and Allen Pease were appointed a committee to meet 
other churches and form an association to be called " The Seneca Bap- 
tist Association." Dr. O. C. Comstock, while in Congress, became 
deeply interested in religion, and on his return began preaching, con- 
tinuing his medical practice at the same time. Under his ministrations 
the church inci-eased in membership in eight years from twenty-six to 



VILLAGE OF TRUMANSBURGH. 241 

one hundred and eight. In 1824 a church building- was erected on the 
site of the present structure. In 1846 it was removed to make way for 
a more commodious building, which was burned March 11), 1841). The 
present church was dedicated on the 6th of February, 1851. Dr. Corn- 
stock was succeeded as pastor by Rev. Aaron Abbott in 1827, who re- 
mained until 1834. P'rom that year until 1838 the pulpit was supplied 
until Rev. Wm. White was licensed, but on January 1 of that year Rev. 
Thomas Dowling succeeded, and the succeeding pastors have been 
Revs. P. Shedd, 1836; Wm. Lock, 1830; Howell Smith, 1843; Mr. 
Wood worth as supply, and Rev. Wm. Cormack to 1850, when C. L. 
Bacon came; I. Child, 1865; D. Corey, 1866; G. A. Starkweather, 
1869; E. S. Galloup, 1874; J. J. Phelps, 1877; D. D. Brown, 1882; J. 
G. Noble, 1884; and Rev. J. B. French, 1886. The present pastor is 
Rev. R. W. McCullough. 

In the spring of 1894 the church building was thoroughly repaired 
and refurnished, and rededicated March 4, 1894. 

Methodist Churches. — When in 1828 Rev. Alvin Torrey, a Meth- 
odist preacher, 'was laboring in this vicinity, he was urged by the 
people of Trumansburgh to extend his work to this field. Gen. Isaiah 
Smith was foremost in this movement. Mr. Torrey accordingly or- 
ganized a class in Kingstown, now in the town of Covert, which was 
visited b}^ various preachers from time to time, soine of whom came to 
this neighborhood where they were assisted by Alexander Comstock 
and Richard Goodwin. On the 4th of January, 1831, a meeting was 
held in Trumansburgh to effect a church organization, with Rev. Wm. 
Jones as moderator. Josiah Smith, R. M. Pelton, Frederick M. Camp, 
John Wakeman, James McLallen, F. S. Dumont and Abner Treman 
were chosen trustees, and James McLallen clerk. These men were not 
all Methodists, and some were not members of any church. A lot was 
soon purchased from Mr. Treman, and a church building costing $1,800 
was finished in December, 1831, and dedicated January 3 following. 
When this building became too small it was sold to the Catholics and 
the present edifice was erected and dedicated April 15, 1857. The 
succession of pastors, as nearly as now known, has been as follows : 
Revs. Wm. Jones, James Durham, Delos Hutchins, Isaiah V. Mapes, 
Ira Smith, D. S. Chase, H. K. Smith, J. M. McLouth, Calvin S. Coats, 
Joseph Anisworth, Ralph Clapp, R. T. Hancock, Thomas Tousey, S. 
L. Congdon, N. Fellows, Mr. Cranmer, A. vSoutherland, De Witt C. 
Huntington, William Manning, J. W. Wilson, Thomas Stacey, W. B. 
31 



242 " LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Holt, Martin Wheeler, J. L. Edson, G. C. Wood, M. S. Wells, Dwight 
Williams, F. Devitt, B. H. Brown, McKendree Shaw, R. T. Morris, A. 
N. Damon, J. E. Rhodes, L. vS. Boyd. 

Episcopal Churches. — On the 6th of January, 1871, at a meeting 
held in Dumont's Hall for the purpose of organizing- a Protestant Epis- 
copal church, there were present: Rev. T. L. Randolph, who presided; 
P. H. Thompson, W. B. Dumont, Benjamin Dunning, H. D. Barto, 
John Willis, Isaac Murray, and Stephen Clough, the latter acting as 
secretary. Adjournment was had to January 25, at which time an or- 
ganization was perfected and the following parish officers elected: 
Senior warden, H. D. Barto; junior warden, William Willis; vestry- 
men, John Willis, W. B. Dumont, Edward Pearsall, Warren Halsey, 
Benjamin Dunning, Clark Daggett, John Woodworth and J. S. Halsey: 
treasurer, David Dumont; secretary, Stephen Clough. The church 
received its name from the festival of the Epiphany, which occurred 
on the day of the first meeting. At a meeting held June 28, 1871, a 
committee was appointed to purchase a parsonage. It does not appear 
that this committee effected anything, for it was not until January 8, 
1873, at a regular meeting of the vestry, Mr. H. D. Barto made a 
formal donation of the property now occupied by the church and par- 
sonage to the society for church purposes. This was a magnificent 
gift, as this property was valued at that time at nearly ^5,000. On 
March 10, 1873, the church was put in possession of, and accepted a 
bequest of $9,000, by the last will and testament of John Carr, and it 
was determined to build a church immediately. To this end plans and 
specifications were obtained of Mr. William Dudley, a celebrated archi- 
tect of New York ; bids were advertised for and many were submitted. 
Mr. Randolph resigned May 23, 1874, and on August 1 the contract for 
the stone work was let to John Blackball. On August 8, 1874, a call 
was extended to Rev. Mr. Van Winkle, who resigned in April follow- 
ing, and was succeeded by the Rev. Charles De L. Allen, and he by 
the Rev, A. H. Ormsbee on April 5, 1877. All this time the people 
had been worshiping in the chapel, the church edifice was drawing near 
to completion as far as the exterior was concerned, but the building 
committee found themselves without the necessary funds to complete 
the interior and furnish the building. Mr. Barto had died in the mean 
time, and by his death the church lost one of its strongest supporters. 
His widow, however, most generovisly replenished the depleted treas- 
ury with a donation of $4,000; she also purchased a piece of land in the 



VILLAGE OP TRUMANSBURGH. 243 

rear of the church lot for something- like $000 and donated the same to 
the society. The affairs of this church were now in such a condition as 
to justify them pushing the building to completion, which was done. 
Mr. Ormsbee having resigned on September 10, 1878, the Rev. J. 
Everest Cathell was sent here the same month, and entered into the 
work of finishing the church with a vigor and energy which character- 
ized the man. He accepted a formal call in February, 1880, and re- 
mained until July, 1882. During his pastorate the church enjoyed a 
high degree of prosperity; he was a man of indomitable will and 
perseverance ; a fine preacher and ripe scholar, and under his ministra- 
tions the church was largely increased in inembership and financial 
strength. He was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Berry, who resigned 
in September, 1884. The pulpit was filled with supplies until the Rev. 
James P. Foster was sent here as minister in charge. Mr. Foster re- 
sided in Geneva and did not think it desirable to move his family to 
this place, although frequently desired to do so by the vestry, who 
thought the wants of the parish required a resident pastor, and to this 
end a call was extended to Rev. W. E. Allen on September 24, 1888, 
which was accepted. 

At the present time (1894) the church is without a pastor, and 
services are conducted by Prof. E. E. Scribner. 

Catholic Church. — Catholic families were comparatively late comers 
to this neighorhood, and in 1848 there were only three families of that 
faith here. They were occasionally visited by Rev. Father Gilbride, 
of Waterloo, down to 1853, when he .was succeeded b}^ Rev. Father 
Gleason, under whose administration a site for a church was purchased ; 
this was exchanged for the building now occupied by them, which was 
dedicated by Bishop Timon, April 18, 1857. Rev. Father McCool 
served the parish about six years, and was succeeded by Rev. Father 
Farrell for four months, and he by Father Tooley, who continued five 
years. Finally the growing Catholic community felt the need of a 
permanent place of worship, and the old Methodist church was pur- 
chased and refitted to meet the new wants. Rev. Father Gilbert was 
the first resident pastor, and remained to 1879. Rev. Father Angelo 
came next and was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. Father M. 
T. Madden, under whose administration the parish has greatly pros- 
pered. 

There is a Methodist church at Jacksonville, noticed on another page, 
and a Methodist Mission is supported at Waterburg. There is also a 
Presbyterian Mission in School District No. 15. 



244 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Jacksonville. — This hamlet was early known as "Harlow's Corners," 
and is situated on the Ithaca and Geneva turnpike, about seven miles 
from Ithaca and near the center of the town of Ulysses. The name of 
the place was changed after the battle of New Orleans, in 1815, in 
honor of " Old Hickory." The first post-office here was established in 
1822. The present postmaster is E. C. Almy, who also has a store. 
The settlers in this locality have been mentioned in foregoing pages. 
There has never been much manufacturing. A lead pipe factory was 
in operation about ten years from 1830, and potash was manufactured 
in early years. John Kerst is proprietor of the second store. 

A Methodist class was formed at Jacksonville in 1803, of which 
Richard Goodwin was leader; and in the following year a second one 
was formed, with Benjamin Lanning leader. The Methodist church at 
this place was made a separate charge in 1842, under Jonas Dodge, 
presiding elder. The church was built in 1827. The present pastor is 
Rev. J. M. Warner. 

Waterburg. — -This is a hamlet in the southwestern part of the town 
where there has been a post-office many years, and a small mercantile 
interest and shops. The present postmaster is William Steittenroth. 
James H. Moss operates a grist and saw mill. A small store is con- 
ducted in connection with the post-office. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

TOWN OF DRYDEN. 

The town of Dryden lies on the east border of Tompkins, extending 
westward to near the center, and contains 54,567 acres, of which about 
45,000 acres are improved. The town is bounded on the north by the 
town of Groton, on the east by Cortland county, on the south by the 
towns of Caroline and Danby, on the west by Ithaca and Lansing. It 
is the largest town in Tompkins county, and is number 23 of the town- 
ships of the military tract. It was named in honor of John Dryden, 
the English poet. 

Dryden was taken from Ulysses February 22, 1803. A section was 
taken from Danby and annexed to this town in 1850 (see session laws 



TOWN OF IJRYDEN. 245 

of that year), and in 188G seven of the eastern lots in the southern tier 
of the town were set off and annexed to the town of Caroline. These 
lots were numbered from 94 to 1(»0, inclusive, and embraced an area of 
3,840 acres. 

The first town meetino- was held at the house of George Robertson 
March 1, 1803, at which time the town was a part of the county of 
Cayug-a. The surface of this town is hilly or rolling. The eastern 
part forms the watershed betw^een the Tioughnioga River and Cayuga 
Lake. In the southeastern part is a loft}^ ridge w'hich rises to 1,800 
feet above tide-water. Fall Creek flows southwesterly through the 
central part, and is the principal stream, affording several good water 
power sites. Cascadilla Creek and other minor streams rise in the 
southwest part and flow into Cayuga Lake. Dryden Lake, lying two 
miles southeast of Dryden village, is a small sheet of water, chiefly 
artificial, and caused by the building of a dam at its outlet. The Dry- 
den Mineral Springs, near the village, are strongly impregnated with 
sulphur, magnesia and iron, and have wide-spread fame for the allevia- 
tion of disease. In the north part of the town is a swamp covering 
several hundred acres. 

The soil of Dryden is exceptionally good for agricultural purposes. 
It is a fertile, gravelly loam on the highlands, while in the valley of 
Fall Creek a rich alluvium prevails. Grain and stock growing and 
dairying are the principal occupations of the farmers. 

This town was formerly covered largely by forests of white pine, 
which in early years supplied timber for extensive lumber business 
and brought considerable revenue to the inhabitants. The census of 
1835 reported fifty-one saw" mills in the town, by far the larger part of 
which have disappeared. A large part of this town was awarded to 
soldiers of the Revolution in lots of (340 acres each, which were dis- 
posed of, often for ridiculously insignificant prices, to speculators or 
other buyers who intended to settle on their purchases. It is suscep- 
tible of proof that lots were sold often for froin five to ten dollars; 
one, it is said, was disposed of for a coat, hat, drink of rum and one 
dollar; while another transferred lot number 9 for one great coat. 
Some of the lots were sold by unscrupulous persons to more than one 
person, which, with other causes, led to much costly and annoying- 
litigation, an experience that characterized all sections of the military 
tract. 



246 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The purchasers of the lots in Dryden were more widely dispersed 
than those who settled other parts of Tompkins county, as will be 
noticed in succeeding pages; but they enjoyed facilities for reaching 
their lands which, if not all they could have desired, were much 
superior to those in other localities. During the years 1792-95 Joseph 
Chaplin, of the town of Virgil, cut out and constructed a rude roadway 
from Oxford, Chenango county, to Ithaca and to Kidder's Ferry. His 
contract only called for a road to Ithaca, but he disregarded its terms 
so far as to first open the road to the ferry (it being represented to him 
that more settlers lived there than at Ithaca). In consequence of this 
action the Legislature refused to settle with him until he fulfilled his 
contract. He accordingl}^ continued the road from a point in the town 
of Virgil through Dryden to Ithaca. This was given the name of "The 
Bridle Road " in this town, which to some extent clings to it yet. Over 
this early highway came the pioneers of the town. 

The first of these, as far as known, to settle jDermanently in the 
town was Amos Sweet, who in the spring of 1797 came in and settled 
on the site of Dryden village. There he built a log house ten feet 
square and began life in the wilderness with his wife and two children. 
He was accompanied also by his brother. About the year 1801 Mr. 
Sweet was compelled to leave his land, through some difficulty (as con- 
tended by some of the pioneers) with Nathaniel Shelden. Mr. Sweet 
died soon afterward and was buried on the opposite side of the road 
from the- Dryden Springs Hotel, where lie also the remains of his 
mother and two children. 

In the fall of 1798 a yoke of oxen drew a rude sled from the Chenango 
River, laden with household goods and a few implements, a distance of 
sixty miles to this town. With this team came on, some riding, but 
more walking much of the distance, Ezekiel vSanford, his wife and son ; 
David Foot, his wife and four daughters; and Ebenezer Clauson, his 
wife, son and two daughters, fourteen persons, who settled at "Willow 
Glen." Sanford built his log house opposite where Elias W. Cady 
lived ; Foot opposite where Joshua Phillips formerly lived ; and Clau- 
son on the opposite corner, formerly owned by Samuel Rowlands. 

In the summer of that year (1798) George Robertson began clearing 
on lot 53, which he had previously bought and paid for. He built a 
small log house, returned home to Saratoga, and early the following 
spring he brought in his wife and two small children, and was accom- 
panied b}^ his brother, Philip S., and Jared Benjamin, two young men 



TOWN OF DRYDEN. 247 

whom he had employed. Mr. Robertson was a carpenter and earned 
the money to pay for his lot by working at his trade in. Saratoga. They 
came westward up the Mohawk Valley to Utica, on to what is now An- 
burn, thence along Ca5aiga Lake to- the site of Ithaca, and from there 
by the Chaplin road to their home. In the season of 1799 and the suc- 
ceeding one, Mr. Robertson raised crops of wheat, which had to be 
carried to Ludlow's Mill (Ludlowville) to be ground. Mr. Robertson 
had the title of " Captain," and his father, Philip, was a soldier of the 
Revolution. George Robertson was the first supervisor of the town, and 
for many years enjoyed the entire respect of the community which he 
was so conspicuous in founding. Mott J. Robertson, his 5'^oungest son, 
succeeded to the homestead, and was one of thirteen children. 

George Knapp, who had first stopped in the town of Lansing, came 
to Dryden with his brother-in-law, Daniel White, in 1798. Knapp set- 
tled on lot 14. Mr. White's settlement had an important bearing on 
the condition of his fellow pioneers, for he gave them the first grist 
mill, thus saving them long and toilsome journeys. His mill was fin- 
ished in 1802, and stood a little northeast of where the Freeville bridge 
crosses Fall Creek. He was a practical miller and made the grinding 
stones from a rock formed in a field, which he split and dressed. These 
stones were in use until 1818, when they were displaced during a re- 
construction of the mill. Mr. White was prominent in the early 
Methodist church, and preached several years on the Cayuga circuit. 
He had a family of eleven children, most or all of whom are dead. His 
son Abel lived a long life at Freeville. 

Aaron Lacy, from New Jersey, settled at Willow Glen in 1799. He 
subsequently removed to the corner, afterwards owned by Jacob 
Stickles^ whose residence there gave the name of " Stickles Corners " 
to the place. 

Lyman Hurd came from Vermont in 1800 with his wife and several 
children, and settled on the corner opposite Lacy. Mr. Hurd brought 
the first span of horses into the town. He raised a crop of corn and 
o£its that season. The story has come down to us that one of Mr. 
Hurd's horses died early in the spring, and a man in his employ tramped 
through the woods to Tully and brought an ox, which was harnessed 
up with the other horse, and this ill-matched pair served for plowing, 
going to mill and other farm work. 

In the year 1799 Peleg Ellis, who had previously settled in Herki- 
mer county, traded his land there for lot 84 in Dryden, and removed 



248 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

here in 1800. When a call was made for troops in 1812, he marched 
out on the 26th of August, 1812, in command of the Dryden company 
for the frontier. The entire company, instead of waiting- to stand the 
draft, volunteered, except one who was unable to go. This compan}^ 
took part in the fight at Queenstown, and Captain Ellis was taken 
prisoner, but was soon afterwards paroled. He was afterwards com- 
missioned major in the old militia. He died in 1850, aged eighty-four 
years. He had twelve children, the homestead descending to John J., 
his son. Warren D. was another son, and a daughter married John M. 
Smith, of Dryden. 

John Ellis, brother of Peleg, settled early in the town of Virgil, but 
came to Dryden about the same time, or a little before, his brother, 
and settled near the site of Malloryville. They were from Rhode 
Island; and both became conspicuous in the affairs of this town. John 
Ellis promptly advanced to a prominent business and official position. 
He was made one of the first judges of the Court of Common Pleas; 
like his brother, went to the frontier in command of a second company 
of soldiers in 1813, and served to the close of the war. It is said that 
after his company had departed there were only fourteen men left in 
the town, who were liable to military duty. Judge Ellis was supervisor 
of the town for twenty-eight years, and in 1831 and 1832 served in the 
State Legislature. 

Joel Hull was a settler in 1801, coming from Massachusetts. He 
located on land afterwards owned by the Rowland famih^ Mr. Hull 
was a practical surveyor, a man of intelligence, and was elected the 
first town clerk. He was "made ensign of the first military company in 
the town, and kept a store, first in an addition built on his house. He 
subsequently removed to Pennsylvania. 

Five brothers, Richard, Thomas, Daniel, Benjamin and James Lacy, 
came from New Jersey in 1801. Richard settled west of the village 
and was the first owmer of the Dryden Springs. In early years the 
springs were known as " Lacy's Deer Lick," and it was believed that 
salt might be found there ; but after considerable effort by the brothers 
its was abandoned. Thomas Lacy settled half a mile south of the vil- 
lage, and Daniel a little farther south. The latter was the first school 
teacher in the town. Benjamin settled within the present village 
limits on the south side of the " Bridle Road," and James located in 
the vicinity of the lake. Four of the brothers removed from the town, 



TOWN OF DRYDEN. 249 

but Benjamin remained and became prominent in the- community. 
John C. Lacy was one of his sons. (See biography of John C. Lacy). 

Peter and Christopher Snyder came into the town in the spring- of 
ISOl froin New Jerse}^ and purchased lot 43 of William Goodwin. Soon 
after he purchased it, Henr}'' Snyder, son of Peter, and George Dart, 
son-in-law of Christopher, came with the others, and the four chopped 
the timber on six acres and then returned to their former liomes. In 
the fall the two brothers, with George Snyder and Dart, came back and 
cleared the land and sowed it to wheat, returning again to New Jersey. 
In the fall of 1803, Peter, with his family and household goods, came 
with two wagons to their new home. His sons, William, John and 
Abraham, drove twenty-five cows the whole distance. Christopher 
came also with his family, and Henry Naile, wife and child, and Jacob 
Crutts and wife. The whole party included thirty-two persons. Their 
journey was replete with incident and covered eighteen days. Choos- 
ing each one-half of the land by lot, the eastern half fell to Christopher, 
the western to Peter. The latter subsequently purchased the whole of 
lot 42 (640 acres), of which he gave 106 acres to each of his sons and 
fifty-three acres to each of his daughters. They had numerous descend- 
ants. 

William Sweazy settled early half a mile north of Varna, and a Mr. 
Cooper located as early as 1801 half a mile south of Etna; Jesse Bar- 
tholomew, father of Caleb, settled at Etna in April, 1812, where he 
purchased 180 acres. Andrew Sherwood, a Revolutionary soldier, and 
his son Thomas, came from Poughkeepsie in 1802 and settled on lot 9 
in the northeast corner of the town. Andrew lived to the age of ninety- 
nine years. Thomas served in the war of 1812, was a miller, and had 
a famil}^ of eleven children. 

Edward Griswold, another Revolutionary soldier, with his wife and 
son came from Connecticut to lot 39 in 1802. He became a prominent 
citizen. Charles Griswold was born in the town in 1800. He was 
father of Leonard Griswold, and was a soldier of 1812 and captain. 
He died in 1834. 

Seth Wheeler and his sons, Seth, jr., and Enos, from New Hamp- 
shire, settled a little south of the village in 1802. 

Jacob Primrose, from New Jersey, settled at West Dryden (Fox's 
Corners) in 1803. He was father of Henry and Lewis. The latter 
was constable in the town nearly fifty years. 

32 



250 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Joseph Hart, from New Jersey, settled near Judge Ellis's in 1805. 
His father, was a Revolutionary soldier. 

Thomas Southworth, with his son John, then ten years old, came 
from Herkimer county, N. Y., and settled at Willow Glen in 180G. 
The father was a man of enterprise, bought a small farm, established 
an early tannery, and kept a tavern. He lived to ninety-four years. 
John Southworth married a daughter of Judge Ellis, and became a 
large landholder and one of the wealthiest men in this section. He 
died at the age of eighty-two. (See biography.) 

It is, of course, impossible to follow all the later settlements in this 
town to later times. Those already mentioned were not only the earli- 
est pioneers, but many of them and their descendants have been among 
the most prominent citizens of the town and contributed largely to its 
growth and prosperity. Many others are mentioned in the personal 
sketches relating to the town. Between 1800 and 1810 settlement was 
rapid, more so than in some of the other localities, and among other 
names which appear in records during the period mentioned are the 
following: William Garrison, Lewis Fortner, Wm. Harned, Joseph 
Schofield, Jacob Snyder, Samuel Hemingway, Amos Lewis, Isaiah 
Giles, David Lewis, Benjamin Jennings, Obadiah Brown, John Conk- 
lin, Samuel Clark, Wm. Smith, Job Carr, Peleg Carr, Caleb Carr, Na- 
than Legg, James McElheny, Daniel Ogden, Israel Southwick, Morris 
Bailey, Peter Bush, Nathaniel Luther, Enoch Pixley, Ichabod Barnes, 
Israel Brown, John Waldron, John Wickham, Richard White, Jonathan 
Luce, Asahel Bouton, Obadiah Brown, jr. , Joel George, John Cornelius, 
Henry Teeter, Benjamin Genung, Ichabod Parmeter, Samuel Girvin, 
Zephaniah Brown, Geo. Gray, Stephen and James Yeomans, Nicholas 
Hile, Abraham Hoagland, Benjamin Fulkerson, John Mineah, John 
Horner, Liither Weeks, Abner Carpenter, Aaron Case, Wm. Miller, 
Ithamar Whipple, Elijah Dimmick, Timothy Owens, Abraham Wood- 
cock, and others, many of whom are mentioned in Part III of this 
work. Most of these were in the town prior to 1807-8. . 

The war of 1812 caused a slight check in immigration, but succeed- 
ing that event the influx of population continued unabated. 

John Hiles, from New Jersey, came to the town in 1814, settled on 
Fall Creek, but afterwards located at the foot of Dryden Lake, where 
he built and operated one of the largest saw mills in this section. He 
was father of Andrew Hiles, and died in 1865. David J. Baker came 
from Homer, Cortland county, and located at Dryden village in 1816, 



T(3WN OP DRYDEN. 251 

and became somewhat conspicuous. Rice Weed, from Connecticut, 
settled in Chenango county, but removed to Etna in 181 G where he 
was postmaster and justice of the peace. 

Elias W. Cady came in from Columbia county, N. Y., in 181G and 
settled on the farm where he lived many years. He was of English 
ancestry. Mr. Cady became one of the inost successful farmers in this 
county and owned about 700 acres. He was also prominent in all pub- 
lic affairs, was supervisor two terms, served in the State Legislature 
in 1850 and 1857, 

Paul Ewers, a Revolutionary soldier, came to Dryden from Cayuga 
county in 1813 and settled where members of his family lived in recent 
years. He was father of Paul, jr., who spent a long life in the town. 
Other later settlers were Jacob Lumbard, 1822; William Hanford, 
1823; Captain John Gardner, 1823; Jacob Stickles, 1833; George B. 
Guinnip, James W. Montgomery, Jeremiah W. Dwight and others. 

Isaac and John Teers, brothers, settled early in that part of Dryden 
called "Irish Settlement." Isaac was the father of Henry Teers, a 
blacksmith at Mott's Corners, and at one time supervisor of Caroline. 
He went to Michigan and died there. John Teers eventually moved 
to near Ithaca, where he died. He was father of William Teers. 

About the year 1832-3 two brothers named Elliot (one of them being 
Henry) settled in Dryden, and in the spring of 1835 Horton Hunt 
settled in the same locality. Michael Overacker was about the first 
settler in that neighborhood, and all of these were from Rensselaer 
county. There were only two or three cleared fields in that section 
when Mr. Hunt came in. 

John McGraw was born in Dryden May 22, 1815, and in early life 
entered into business connection with his brother and John Southworth, 
It has been written of him that he was distinguished for his rare busi- 
ness qualities and his comprehensive grasp of large and complicated 
enterprises. Careful in planning, the most minute details were not 
overlooked in his estimates, and when he once formed his plan no 
ordinary obstacle could thwart him in its execution. As a merchant 
he was a success ; as an extensive land owner and operator he had no 
rival. Early engaging, in connection with his father-in-law, John 
Southworth, in the lumber business, he established extensive mills, 
and they became the owners of a large tract of pine timber lands in 
Allegany county, N. Y., from which they accumulated a very satis- 
factory estate for ordinary business men, but John McGraw's resistless 



2r)2 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and untiring energy kept pace with his increasing financial prosperity 
and he invested and handled hundreds (;f thousands of dollars up to 
millions with the ease and sagacity and with less fret and wear to his 
evenly poised and balanced mind than usually attends the investment 
of a few thousand dollars by other men. He seldom became excited 
or Inirried. He kept his business always in hand, and controlled and 
directed the largest operations with but slight friction. In a word, 
|(jhn McCiraw was, in military parlance, a financial general, and having 
formed his plan of battle he moved his troops with the skill of a field 
marshal, and usually to a successful victory over every obstacle inter- 
cepting his line of march. Discomfitures which would have disheart- 
ened other men did not seem to divert him or retard his more resfjlute 
action in his onward advance. 

His marked characteristics were not demonstrative. He was kind, 
affable, bold, resolute, but cautious, of great force and sagacity, and 
with it all his heart was as sympathetic and tender as a woman's. 
Honest, prompt in decision and action, his presence inspired hope. He 
made few professions, but his fidelity to a friend was the test of a char- 
acter anchored in truth and honor. 

His large investments in Western lands and productive property left 
an estate at his death (which occurred at Ithaca, May 4, 1877, at the 
age of sixty-two) of over two millions of dollars. But no tribute to 
his memory can add to the monument his munificent gifts to Cornell 
University erected on the campus — the McGraw Building, at an ex- 
pense of $250,000. So long as a student attends the university, as the 
long roll of honor receives new accessions, each will bear to his dis- 
tant home, with fondest recollections of his alma mater, the cherished 
name and memory of John McGraw, the donor of that grand library 
building, within whose alcoves shall be accumulated the best literature 
of the world, and the fountain from which shall flow the grand streams 
of knowledge and the highest culture of the land. 

Mr. McGraw married Miss Rhoda Southworth, eldest daughter of 
John Southworth, a lady of most amiable character, brilliant endow- 
ments of intellect, refinement and culture. She died in 18-1:7, leaving 
an only daughter surviving her. Miss Jennie McGraw, the inheritor of 
the peculiar amiability, generous impulses, and intellectual graces of 
her mother. Miss McGraw became, at the death of her father, John 
McGraw, the sole heiress of a princely fortime, which, during her life, 
she dispensed in most munificent charities. Of a most delicate and 



TOWN OF DRYDEN. 25?, 

frail constitution, she sought health by foreign travel, and for several 
years spent a great portion of her time in England and on the con- 
tinent in pursuit of health, but in all her protracted suffering the 
warmth of her heart never cooled, nor did she forget her home or the 
host of friends she left behind her. On her last visit abroad she was 
married to Professer Willard Fiske, of Cornell University, and after 
Spending a year abroad she returned home. It was hoped that her 
native air would restore her to health, but the fondest wishes of those 
who knew her best and loved her most were doomed to disappointment, 
and she died surrounded by the friends of her youth and in the midst of 
the scenes and associations where in life she most loved to dwell. 
Her remains repose beside the ashes of her father in Ithaca's sacred 
keeping. 

The munificent gifts of the father and daughter to Cornell University 
and other charitable bequests will be a grander memorial than marble 
sculptured shaft or monumental urn. No words can add to their 
memory, while on their forehead has fallen the golden dawning of a 
grander day, and though friendship, when it recalls their names, gets 
no answer from the voiceless lips of the unreplying dead, yet faith sees 
their risen star, and listening love, standing by their graves, shall hear 
the flutter of a wing above their silent and honored dust. 

In closing this hasty review, we will not omit the name of Hon. J. W. 
Dwight, another of tlie prominent citizens who, for many years, was 
one of the most prosperous and sagacious business men, conduct- 
ing for years an extensive store and business with success, wielding a 
large and influential power in the prosperity of the town. Commencing 
his political life as supervisor of his town, he represented the county in 
the State Legislature in 1860 and 1861, and the twenty-eighth district in 
the forty-fifth Congress — 1877 to 1879 — and was returned to the forty- 
sixth Congress. He was elected for a third term to the forty-seventh 
Congress by a largely increased majority. (See biography). 

Biographical and personal sketches of a great number of the prom- 
inent dwellers in this town, both living and dead, will be found in the 
second and third part of this work. 

In comparatively recent times the town of Dryden has been one of 
the most progressive in this county. Its agricultural communities have 
been prosperous and quick to adopt improvements and advanced meth- 
ods, while its business men have been generally conservative and suc- 
cessful. The opening of the Southern Central Railroad conferred upon 



254 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the people as a whole large benefit, giving the producers easier access 
to markets and better facilities to business men for importing their 
wares. Educational and religious institutions have been established to 
meet the enlightened sentiments of the people. 

In the war of the Rebellion this town was behind no other in its spirit 
of patriotism and its activity in response to the calls of the imperiled 
government for volunteers. One hundred and forty-nine brave men 
went forward to do battle for the Union, many of whom gave up their 
lives for the cause. The town paid about $90,000 in bounties. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of George Robertson, 
March 1, 1803, where the following officers were elected: Supervisor, 
George Robertson ; town clerk, Joel Hull; assessors, John Ellis, Joel 
Hull, Peleg Ellis ; constable and collector, Daniel Lac}^ ; poormasters, 
William Garrison, Philip S. Robertson; commissioners of highways, 
Lewis Fortner, Ezekiel Sandford, William Harned ; fence viewers and 
overseers of highways, Amnah Peet, Ebenezer Clauson, David Foot, 
Joseph Schofield; poimdmaster, John Montgomery. 

Following is a list of supervisors of the town from its organization 
to the present, as far as they can be obtained. The town records were 
burned in 1877, and the list had, therefore, to be made up partly from 
other sources : 

1803. George Robertson. 1849. Hiram Snyder. 

1804. John Ellis. 1850. Charles Givens. 

1805. WiUiam Miller. 1851-53. Smith Robertson. 
1806-12. John Ellis. 1854-56. Hiram Snyder. 

1813. Jesse Stout, 1857-58. Jeremiah W. Dwight. 

1814. John Ellis. 1859-61. Lemi Grover. 

1815. Parley Whitmore. 1862. Caleb Bartholomew. 

1816. John Ellis. 1863-65. Luther Griswold. 

1817. Parley Whitmore. 1866-71. John M. Smith. 
1818-34. John Ellis. 1872-73. James H. George. 
1835-37. Joshua Phillips. 1874. E. R. Wade. 

1838. John Ellis. 1875-79. Harrison Marvin. 

1839. Joshua Phillips. 1880-81. James H. George. 
1840-41. Elias W. Cady. 1882-83. George M. Rockwell. 
1842-43. Henry B. Weaver. 1884-85. James H. George. 
1844. Jeremiah Synder. 1886-87. George M. Rockwell. 
1845-47. Wessels S. Middaugh. 1888-94. John H. Kennedy. 
1848. Albert J. Twogood. 

Following are the officers of the town for 1894: John H.Kennedy, 
supervisor, Dryden; John M. EUis, town clerk, Dryden; Everett F. 



VILLAGE OF DRYDEN. 255 

Weaver, collector, Etna; George E. Underwood, justice of the peace, 
Varna; James C. Lormor, constable, Dryden; Everett F. Weaver, 
constable, Etna; Francis E. Ellis, constable, Varna; Alonzo Hart, 
constable, West Dryden; Herman A. Strong-, constable, Freeville. 

Statistics. — The supervisors' report for 1893 gives the number of 
acres in this town as 58,192; assessed value of real estate, including 
village property and real estate of corporations, $1,051,895; total as- 
sessed value of personal property, $75,054; amount of town taxes, 
$4,394.12; amount of county taxes, $4,272.92; aggregate taxation, 
$12,948.80; rate of tax on $1 valuation, .0113. Corporations — Southern 
Central Division Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, assessed value of 
real estate, $41,270; amount of tax, $4r3G.35. E., C. & N. Railroad 
Company, $55,250; amount of tax, $624.33. D., L. ScW. Railroad 
Company, $1,980; amount of tax, $22.38. American Telegraph and 
Telephone Company, $2,550; amotmt of tax, $28.82. W. U. Telegraph 
Company, $(300; amount of tax, $7.46. N. Y. & P. Telegraph and 
Telephone Company, $450; amount of tax, $5.08. Barnard Washing 
Machine Company, $500; amount of tax, $5.65. Farmers' Dairy 
Dispatch, $300; amount of tax, $3.39. Dryden Opera House Com- 
pany, $100; amount of tax, $1.13. 

DRYDEN VILLAGE. 

The researches of Charles F. Mulks (now of Ithaca) give us the fol- 
lowing memoranda of the four lots which included the site of Dryden 
village. They were lots 38, 39, and 48 and 49. 

Lot 38 was drawn by Andrew Fink, captain in the First Regiment, 
and was claimed by him without contest. 

No. 39 was drawn by Bartholomew Van Denburgh, ensign in the 
Second Regiment. Fifty acres were sold by the surveyor-general to 
William Gilliland and claimed by him and John Dickinson. Fifty acres 
sold by the surveyor-general to Robert McClallan. The title is de- 
duced by patent from the surveyor-general to William Gilliland and 
John Dickinson for fifty acres on southeast corner of this lot. 

Lot 48, drawn by Walter Brooker, Second Regiment; claimed by 
John Lawrence ; certificate of patent for 600 acres. Deed from Walter 
Brooker to Alexander McDougal (major-general), November 24, 1785, 
recorded in secretary's office. Same title deduced to John Lawrence 
and awarded to him. 



356 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Lot 49, drawn by Elias Larraby, Second Regiment; claimed by 
Samuel Dexter, jr. One hundred acres sold bj^ the surveyor-general 
to James Fairlie, of Kinderhook. He sold his land to Stephen Hoge- 
boom the year after the war for eight pounds. Certificate of patent 
9th of July, 1790, 500 acres. There was litigation over this claim by 
Larrab5^ Deed of 500 acres from Jeremiah Van Rensselaer and Abra- 
ham Ten Eyck to Samuel Dexter, jr., 10th December, 1799. Deed 
for 500 acres from Elias Larraby to Edward Cumpton, December, 23, 
1783, proved by Rymer Vischer, who knew the grantor. Award not 
noted. 

Lot No. 63 was drawn as a gospel and school lot. At the annual 
town meeting in 1818 it was voted that the whole amount of money 
belonging to this lot be applied to the common schools, except six 
cents, and that be paid when called for the support of the gospel. 

The pleasant and enterprising village of Dryden is situated on the 
south branch of Fall Creek in the eastern part of the town and the 
Owego and Auburn branch of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The 
village has always been prosperous, considering its size, and has been 
the home of several of the most distinguished citizens of Tompkins 
county. The site of the village was originally mostly owned by Ben- 
jamin Lacy, Edward Griswold and Nathaniel Shelden, whose settle- 
ments here have been described. Amos Sweet built the first dwelling 
on the village site. 

In the early years there was considerable strife as to whether this 
point or Willow Glen should be the site of the principal village of the 
town. Quite a number of prominent and enterprising settlers had 
located at the latter point, and it was, of course, important to them to 
build up the nucleus of a village there. To this end Joel Hull opened 
a store there in 1802, which was the first one in the town. He was a 
practical surveyor and a man of considerable influence in early years. 
By the energy and activity of the settlers on the site of the present 
village, shops, stores and taverns were established and the tide of 
settlement turned this wa}^ So deeply interested in this matter was 
Edward Griswold that it is said that he gave a blacksmith forty acres 
of land to locate his shop here. Mr. Griswold was also instrumental 
in establishing a store which was managed for a time by Parley Whit- 
more. The other early settlers before mentioned were equall}^ zealous 
in efforts to bring business and population to this point. These im- 
provements and the building of the Presbyterian church in 1821 settled 



VILLAGE OF DRYDEN. 257 

the fate of Willow Glen. A school was opened in Amos Sweet's dwell- 
ing in 1802, and the Baptist religious society was organized in 1804. 
Nathaniel Shelden was a physician, the first one to locate here, and 
Dr. John Tajdor came soon afterward. The first marriage is believed 
to have been that of Riilofi: Whitney to Susan Glenny, of Virgil, in 
1800. 

The growth of the young village was of course slow, but it was 
steady and encouraging. Ruloff Whitney had a saw mill in operation 
early, and Hooker Ballard was keeping the tavern in 181G. Among 
others who had become resident in the village b}^ the year 1810 were 
James H. Hurd, cabinetmaker; Dr. John Ta5dor, David Foote, farmer, 
half a mile east of the village. Nehemiah Tucker, farmer; Abraham 
Griswold, farmer; Ruloff Whitney, saw mill; Thomas L. Bishop, saw 
mill; Jesse B. Bartholomew, distiller; Benjamin, Richard and James 
Lacy, brothers, farmers. Deacon Wheeler, farmer, lived half a mile 
northwest of the village. Timoth}^ Stove, cabinetmaker; Edward 
Griswold, farmer, half a mile north of the village. Ebenezer Tuttle, 
carpenter and builder; Daniel Z. Vleit, farmer; Joshua Holt, groceries; 
Parle}^ Whitmore, merchant and postmaster; Michael Thomas, half a 
mile south of the village. Dr. John Phillips; Nathan Goddard, farmer; 
Jedediah Phelps, brickmaker, and David J. Baker. Selden Marvin 
lived one mile north of the village. 

Besides the numerous saw mills that were early established in the 
town, other manufactures were begun. The father of John H. and 
William Kennedy established a large tannery in 1835, which has con- 
tinued in operation ever since, being now conducted under the firm 
name of Kennedy Brothers, with John H. Kennedy as surviving 
partner. The tannery was transferred from the father to the sons in 
1807. 

A woolen inill was started in the village at an early day, and was re- 
established in 1802 by Erastus Rockwell. This mill long had an ex- 
tended reputation for the production of fine cloths, and turned out 
00,000 3^ards annually. E. S. Rockwell and George M. Rockwell are 
sons of Erastus, and the mill passed to their control in 1870, under the 
firm name of E. S. Rockwell & Brother. The senior of the firm pur- 
chased a large mill at Tiffin, O., in 1883, and the business in Dryden 
continued under the style of G. M. Rockwell & Co. (E. S. Rockwell 
constituting the company) until 1891, when the Dryden Woolen Com- 
pany was incorporated; capital, $50,000. In December, 1892, the 
33 



258 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

business failed, owing- to the depressed and uncertain condition of the 
trade. 

Mercantile operations had meanwhile been extended in the village 
to meet the needs of the surrounding countr3^ The reader will find 
among the personal sketches pertaining to this town, in another part 
of this work, the names of many past and present merchants who have 
carried on business with success in Dryden, and some of whom were 
well known throughout Central New York. 

The post-office at Dryden was established about the year 1815, and 
in 1817 the mail was carried through from Oxford, Chenango county, 
over the Chaplin turnpike to Ithaca by a footman. The first stage began 
running between Homer and Ithaca, passing" through Dryden, about 
the 3^ear 1824. The present postmaster is W. H. vSandwick. 

In 1857, when the population of the village had reached about 400, 
iiieasures were inaugurated for its incorporation. A petition signed by 
Thomas J. McElheny, I. P. Ferguson, George Schenck, Lewis Barton, 
Freeman Stebbins, H. W. Sears, W.. W. Tanner, David J. Baker, N. 
L. Bates, Abraham Tanner, J. W. D wight, and fifty-eight others, was 
presented to Hon. S. P. Wisner, then county judge of Tompkins coun- 
ty, and on the 3d of June, 1857, he issued an order that all the territory 
described in the petition (said to embrace 999^ acres) be declared an 
incorporated village called Dryden village, if the electors should assent 
thereto. It was also ordered that Edwin Fitts, John B. Sweetland and 
vS. D. Hamblin should be authorized to call an election and act as in- 
spectors. The election was held July 7, 1857, and the whole number 
of votes cast was 112, of which seventy-eight were in favor of incorpo- 
ration. The first election of village officers was held on August 15, 
when the following persons were chosen : David P. Goodhue, Rochester 
Marsh, William W. Tanner, John B. Sweetland and Isaac Ford, trus- 
tees; Augustus H. Phillips, Orrin W. Wheeler, John C. Lacy, assessors; 
Godfrey wSharp, collector; Horace G. Fitts, treasurer; Thomas J. Mc- 
Elhen}^ clerk; Godfrey Sharp, poundmaster. 

David P. Goodhue was elected the first president of the village. 

The charter of 1857 remained in force until 1805, when a reincorpora- 
tion took place under a special act of the Legislature. (See Session 
Laws of that year, chapter 302). 

The officers of the village at the present time are: President, George 
E. Goodrich; trustees, Frank D. Hill, C, D. Hill, E. Davis Allen, 
George Cole, Charles B. Tanner, George H. Hart; assessor, J. E. Mc- 



VILLAGE OF DRYDEN. 259 

Elheny; treasurer, J. H. Pratt; clerk, D. T. Wheeler; water commis- 
sioners, J. H. Kennedy, George E. Monroe, A. M. Clark. 

Following- is a list of the presidents of the village from 1857 to the 
present time: 

iyo7-58. David P. Goodhue. 1873. Rochester Marsh. 

1859. Freeman Stebbins. 1874-7."). G. H. vSperry. 

1860. Lewis Barton. 1876. Harrison Marvin. 

1861. Freeman Stebbins. 1877. George E. Goodrich. 
1S62. John C. Lacy. 1878. John E. McElheny. 

1863. John Perrigo. 1879-80. John H. Pratt. 

1864. John W. PhilHps. 1881. John H. Kennedy. 
1865-66. Rochester Marsh. 1882-83. Erastus H. Lord. 

1867. Eli A. Spear. 1884-85. Daniel R. Montgomery. 

1868. D. Bartholomew. 1886. Albert J. Baker. 

1869. George H. Washburn. 1887-88. John H. Kennedy. 

1870. Alvin Cole'. 1889-90. Daniel R. Montgomery. 
1871-73. John Kennedy. 1891-94. George E. Goodrich. 

The first newspaper published in Dryden was called Rumsey's 
Companion, and was started in 1S5G by Henry D. Rumsey; this paper 
and its successors is described in an earlier chapter of this work. 

For many years the educational facilities of the village were limited 
to the common schools. The town at large was divided into fourteen 
school districts by the school commissioners on September 24, 1814. 
These commissioners were Joshua Phillips, Peleg Ellis and John 
Ellis. In all of the present school districts of the town there are 
comfortable school houses. In 1862 a building was erected by Profes- 
sor Graves in the southeast part of the village, wherein the ' ' Dr3^den 
Acadeni}^" was conducted with good success for about ten years. After 
the introduction of the Union Free School system in 1871, the building- 
was purchased by the Board of Education. The Union School and 
academ)'- are now^ under the principalship of Prof. M. J. Fletcher, who 
has supplied the following brief comparative statistics for the years 
1888-89 and 1893-94: The population of the district during this period 
has remained about stationar}^, and the school attendance in the lower 
grades has been generally tmiform. In the academic department the 
fall term of 1888 opened with 23 pupils and without an academic assist- 
ant; the fall term of 1893 opened with 53 pupils, a teachers' training- 
class and two academic assistants. The total number of pupils enrolled 
during the first two terms of 1888-89 was 35, of whom 13 were non- 
resident; total number enrolled the first two terms of 1893-94 was 75, 



260 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

of whom 41 were non-resident. Total non-resident attendance in 
whole school during first two terms of 1888-80 was 17; total during 
same time in 18!)o-91: was 50. The total of tuition bills for first two 
terms of 1888-80 from non-resident pupils was $308; during the same 
time 1804, $458. To this must be added an income of $100 for teach- 
ers' training class, while the Regents' literature fund has increased 
from $141 in 1888, to $232 in 1803. The number of students graduated 
during the six years from 1883 to 1888 was 13; the number during the 
six years from 1888 to 1804 inclusive was 27 (counting five graduates 
for present year — 1894). 

The fire department in Dryden was established in 1874 by the pur- 
chase of a fire engine, and reorganized to adopt itself to the new water 
supply in November, 1803. There is now a fire company in three divi- 
sions, and with the following officers: Chief engineer, D. K. Mont- 
gomery; foreman, J. Dolph Ross; first assistant, George Wickham ; 
second assistant, David Odell; president, James C. Lorimer; secretary, 
Clarkson T. Davies ; treasurer, John H. Pratt. There are, besides the 
engine purchased in 1874, three hose carts, 1,500 feet of hose, ladders, 
etc. The village hall building was erected on South street in 187(), and 
accommodates the fire apparatus, a lock-up, hall, etc. 
. Within the past few years the citizens of Dryden village have shown 
an enthusiasm and public spirit which might well be emulated by other 
similar places. The project of supplying the village with water had 
received considerable discussion prior to 1802, in which year it took on 
definite shape. The project involved bringing a supply of pure spring- 
water by gravity through a pipe from a point about two and a half 
miles northeast of the village, the piping of the streets and erection of 
hydrants. A commission was formed in the spring of 1802, with John 
H. Kennedy, president (an office which he has since held), and the 
enterprise was rapidly and successfully pushed ahead to completion. 
The cost was about $25,000, and at the present time there is scarcely a 
building in the corporation that is not protected from fire by a hydrant, 
while the citizens and their families have an ample supply of excellent 
water for all necessary purposes. The other members of the water 
commission are George E. Monroe and A. M. Clark. In this connec- 
tion, it should be stated that the public square is being handsomely im- 
proved, and a fountain is to be erected at a cost of $1,250, the generous 
gift of Andrew Albright, a former resident of the town, and one of a 
family who have long been prominent. 



VILLAGE OF DRYDEN. 261 

Another important addition to the attractions of the village is a new 
opera house, built in 1893, by a stock company, in which most of the 
leadings citizens became members. 

SouTHwoRTH LiBRARY. — -This beneficent institution is the result of 
a gift made in 1881 by the late Jennie McGraw Fiske, of $30, 000, for 
the erection of a suitable building and maintenance of a public library. 
The following were named as the trustees: Jeremiah W. Dwight, J. J. 
Montgomery, M. D. McElheny, J. E. McElheny. The library was 
incorporated April 25, 1883, under the name of the Southworth Library 
Association, with the following officers: J. W. Dwight, president; J. 
E. McElheny, vice-president; H. B. Napier, secretary; H. B. Lord, 
treasurer. In 1884 the trustees bought the Merritt Baucus property, 
which they remodeled for a library building. This was used until 
1803, when the trtistees purchased the H. W. Sears property on Main 
street, and contracted to have erected a handsome stone structure, to 
cost |lo,000, including- the cost of the real estate. The present board 
of trustees are J. E. McElhen)^, president; J. J. Montgomery, vice- 
president; John W. Dwight, G. M. Rockwell, D. R. Montgonier}^, D. 
E. Bower, D. Willard Fiske. H. B. Lord is treasurer, and Cora L. 
Holden, librarian. The building will be completed during 1894. The 
library has now about 5,000 volumes, and the income of the remaining 
$15,000 will be expended annually in the purchase of additional books. 
This library is of inestimable benefit to the village. 

At the noted Dryden Sulphur Springs a sanitarium has been con- 
ducted more than a quarter of a century by Miss S. vS. Nivison, M.D., 
where a large and well appointed building has been the temporary 
home for invalids from all parts of the country, and large numbers 
have gone from it cured of obstinate maladies. 

Mercantile Interests. — The village of Dryden has always liberally 
supported several good stores, the proprietors of which have carried on 
business in an enterprising and at the same time a prudent manner. 
Business failures have therefore been of very rare occurrence. The 
former firms of Sears & Baucus, Edward Fitts, Bower & Miller, and 
others, have in past years furnished excellent examples of successful 
country merchants. At the present time D. T. Wheeler & Co. carry 
on a large trade in the store formerly occupied by Sears & Baucus. J. 
B. Fulkerson and O. J. Hill are successful general merchants. Cyrus 
French, who long conducted an extensive hardware trade, recently 
sold out to French Brothers; and the. Baker Brothers are large dealers 
in groceries. 



263 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



A manufacturing business which promises success has recentl}^ been 
inaugurated by Barnard & Allen for the production of the Barnard 
washing machine. 

The old Dryden House, which was successfully conducted for a great 
many years by Peter Mineah, is now in the hands of Henry Wavle. 
In the year 1870 J. H. Cole built the Grove House, and has successfully 
conducted it ever since. 

Agricultural SocIKT^". — The Dryden Agricultural Society was or- 
ganized in 185G, and its success has been much more pronounced than 
that of most similar town organizations. A spirit of emulation has 
been developed among the farmers of the town which has brought 
forth excellent results in the raising of stock and the growing of vari- 
ous products. The first officers of the society were: Elias W. Cady, 
president; Jeremiah Snyder, vice-president; David P. Goodhue, treas- 
urer; Otis E. Wood, secretary. The grounds are situated in the eastern 
part of the village and comprise eighteen acres, with suitable build- 
ings. 

Following is a list of the principal officers of the societ}' from the 
beginning : 



YEAR. 


PRESIDEN']'. 


SECRETARY. 


TREASURER. 


1856 


Elias W. Cady. 


Otis E. Wood. 


D. B. Goodhue. 


1857 


Smith Robertson. 


Otis E. Wood. 


D. B. Goodhue. 


1858 


John P. Hart. 


Alviras Snyder. 


T. J. McElheny. 


1859 


John P. Hart. 


Alviras Snyder. 


T. J. McElheny. 


1860 


Alviras Snyder. 


Luther Griswold. 


T. J. McElheny. 


1861 


P. V. Snyder. 


M. Van Valkenburg. 


Eli A. Spear. 


1862 


Chas. Givens. 


A. F. Houpt. 


Eli A. Spear. 


1863 


Chas. Givens. 


A. F. Houpt. 


Eli A. Spear. 


1864 


Jacob Albright. 


Simeon Snyder. 


D. P. Gardner. 


1865 


Nathan Bouton. 


W. S. Moffat. 


Eli A. Spear. 


1866 


Nathan Bouton. 


Henry H. Houpt. 


Eli A. Spear. 


1867 


C. Bartholomew. 


C. D. Bouton. 


■ Eli A. Spear. 


1868 


Luther Griswold. 


Alviras Snyder. 


Eli A. Spear. 


1869 


Robert Purvis. 


Alviras Snyder. 


Eli A. Spear. 


1870 


A. B. La Mont. 


John H. Kennedy. 


Eli A. Spear. 


1871 


Charles Cady. 


George E. Monroe. 


Eli A. Spear. 


1872 


Lemi Grover. 


George E. Monroe. 


Walker Marsh. 


1873 


Lemi Grover. 


Alviras Snyder. 


L P. Ferguson. 


1874 


R. W. Barnum. 


W. E. Osraun. 


L P. Ferguson. 


1875 


0. W. Wheeler. 


W. E. Osmun. 


I. P. Ferguson. 


1876 


G. M. Lupton. 


W. E. Osmun. 


LP. Ferguson. 


1877 


G. M. Lupton. 


W. H. Goodwin. 


W. I. Baucus. 



VILLAGE OF DRYDEN. 



263 



YEAR. PRESIDENT. 

1878 G. M. Lupton. 

18T9 G. M. Luptou. 

1880 G. M. Lupton. 

1881 G. M. Lupton. 

1882 G. M. Lupton. 

1883 Martin E. Tripp. 

1884 G. M. Lupton. 

1885 G. M. Rockwell. 

1886 John H. Kennedy. 

1887 Theron Johnson. 

1888 Benjamin Sheldon. 

1889 Benjamin Sheldon. 

1890 Chester D. Burch. 

1891 Chester D. Burch. 

1892 Chester D. Burch. 

1893 Chester D.. Burch. 

1894 Chester D. Burch. 



SECRETARY. 

W. H. Goodwin. 
AV. H. Goodwin. 
W. H. Goodwin. 
W. H. Goodwin. 
W. H. Goodwin. 
George E. Monroe. 
George E. Monroe. 
A. M. Clark. 
Jesse B. Wilson. 
Jesse B. Wilson. 
Jesse B. Wilson. 
Jesse B. Wilson. 
Jesse B. Wilson. 
Jesse B. Wilson. 
Jesse B. Wilson. 
Jesse B. AVilson. 



TREASURER. 

W. I. Baucus. 
W. I. Baucus. 
David E. Bower. 
W. L Baucus. 
W. L Baucus. 
J. B. Fulkerson. 
J. B. Fulkerson. 
David E. Bower. 
David E. Bower. 
David E. Bower. 
David E. Bower. 
Dewitt T. Wheeler. 
Dewitt T. Wheeler. 
Dewitt T. Wheeler. 
Dewitt T. W^heeler. 
Dewitt T. Wheeler. 
Dewitt T. Wheeler. 



Jesse B. AA^ilson. 

Dryden Lodge, No. 471, F. and A. M., was organized March 20, 
1850. This lodge has always had a large membership among whom 
have been numbered most of the leading citizens of the town. The 
officers for 1894 are as follows: W. M., J. Dolph Ross; vS. W., Adelbert 
M. Clark; J. W. , Frank S. Jennings; treasurer, Isaac P. Ferguson; 
sec, O. J. Hill; S. D., Jesse B. Wilson; J. D., Chester D. Burch; 
chaplain, M. E. Tripp; tiler, Chas. B. Tanner. 

Dryden Lodge No. 300, I. O. O. F., was organized Ma}' 15, 1875. 
The officers for 1804 are: N. G., Wm. McKee; V. G., D. Clarke 
Ballard; sec, C. D. Griswold; treasurer, R. M. AVest; permanent sec. , 
H. F. Pratt; chaplain, Daniel Bartholomew; past grand. Dr. G. L. 
Rood. 

Etna Village. — This small village is situated on Fall Creek, a little 
west of the center of the town, a'ld is a station on the E., C. & N. Rail- 
road. It was known in early x'cars as " Miller's vSettlement " from 
William Miller, who settled here about the beginning of the century. 
Later it was called "Columbia," and retained that name until the post- 
office was established. A grist mill and saw mill have been in opera- 
tion here many j^ears. and now carried on by George H. Houtz. There 
are two hotels in the village, one of which is under proprietorship of 
John E. Coy, and the other of Hiram A. Root. A store is kept by Coggs- 
well Brothers. There are the usual coinplement of shops, and a church 
noticed elsewhere. 



264 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Freeville. — This is a small incorporated village on Fall Creek and 
at the junction of the E., C. & N. and the Southern Central Branch of 
the Lehigh Valley Railroads. A small mercantile business, a mill, 
and ordinary shops, with a hotel, constituted the business of this place 
until the building of the railroads, when a period of greater activity 
began. Otis E. Wood became the owner of a large tract of land and 
other property here and made great efforts to bring on a period of growth 
which might result in a prosperous village. It cannot be said that his 
anticipations have been fully realized. Mark E. Holton built and has 
long conducted the Junction House, a prosperous hotel, and the older 
hotel, for many years in the hands of the Shaver family, is now con- 
ducted by George I. Shaver. Stores are now kept by Albert L. Willey, 
as successor of Samuel B. Willey, the first merchant; Roe & vSutfin es- 
tablished a store in 1889 (H. W. Roe and W. E. vSutfin). 

James M. Carr is postmaster. A manufactory of cathedral window 
glass was established a few years ago by C. Tondeur, which is now in 
operation, and has met with a fair degree of success. The following 
village officers were elected March 20, 1894: President, W. J. Shaver; 
trustees, A. L. Willey (two years), S. S. Hoff (one year) ; treasurer, 
F. R. Willey ; collector, David Robinson; police justice, N. H. Thompson. 

Varna. — This is another hamlet on Fall Creek, near the western 
border of the town, and a station on the E. , C. & N. Railroad. A grist 
mill has been in operation here many years and passed through many 
hands. It is now operated by the Crutts Brothers, sons of Jacob Crutts, 
one of the early settlers. A grocery is kept by P. W. Mynard, and 
Robert Smiley is postmaster. A general store is kept by Eugene Van 
Duzen. 

Malloryville is a hamlet in the northeast part of the town on Fall 
Creek. It is not a post village. The old red mill is located a little 
below the place, and a pail factory is now operated by Elijah Watson. 
A firkin and tub factory is carried on by Elder E R. Wade, and an- 
other w^as established by George E. Watson, now of Freeville, which is 
conducted by his son, G. M. Watson. 

West Dryden is a small hainlet in the western part of the town with 
a post-office. 

CHURCHES. 

The First Baptist church of Dryden was organized February 29, 
1804, at the dwelling of William Miller in Etna. The little hamlet was 



VILLAGE OF DRYDEN. 2(55 

known as "Miller's Settlement." Samuel Hemmingway was chosen 
deacon, and John Wickham, clerk. Among the original members were 
Francis Miller, Elijah Dimmick, Silas Brown, Ebenezer Brown, Nathan- 
iel Luther, Job Carr, Ziba Randall, Timothy Owens, Jonathan Dun- 
ham, Henry Dunham, Joshua Ja}^ Abraham Woodcock, Nathan 
Dunham, Joel Whipple, Samuel Skillinger, Morris Bailey, Orpha 
Luther, Asher Wickham, Mehitable Carr, Betsy Brown, Abigail Dim- 
mick, Mary Owens, Lucy Dunham and Katie Woodcock. 

Services were held in various places until 1832, when a union edifice 
was erected. This society has had no services for some time past, but 
they are to be renewed soon. 

On the 17th of February, 1808, the Rev. Jabez Chadwick, assisted by 
Elder Ebenezer Brown, organized the Presb3^terian church of Dryden 
village. The names of the corporate members were James Wood, 
Stephen Myreh, Benjamin Simons, Derick Sutfin, Abraham Griswold, 
Juliana Turpening, Aseneth Griswold, Isabell vSimons, Rebecca Myreh, 
Sarah Wood, Elizabeth Tappen, Jerusha Taylor (as they appeared in 
the record). During the first nine years there was no regular pastor or 
stated supply, but various ministers and missionaries occupied the pul- 
pit. In 1816 Rev. Jeremiah Osborn became pastor. The first meet- 
ings were held in Thomas Southworth's barn at Willow Glen, and in 
1818 in Elias W. Cady's barn. The church building was begun in 1821, 
and when it was finished Rev. Reuben Hurd was installed pastor. It 
has been changed and improved in later years. About this time the 
society changed from the Congregational to the Presbyterian form. 
The present pastor of the church is Rev. Fred. L. Hiller. 

A young Methodist itinerant, who was passing through Dryden in 
1816, stopped and was induced to hold services in the school house. 
He did so, and went to several dwellings, exhorting the people. This 
was the beginning of Methodism in the town. His name was Rev. 
Alvin Torrey, and his zeal soon resulted in the organization of a class. 
Selden Marvin, Edward Hunting, and Abraham Tanner were among 
the original members. The conference of 1831 organized a new cir- 
cuit from the Cayuga, Caroline and Berkshire circuits, naming it the 
Dryden circuit, and Revs. Mr. Colbourn and M. Adams were appointed 
preachers. • A great revival followed and the house of worship was 
built in 1832. The next conference made the circuit a station, and 
Rev. J. T. Peck became the first pastor in charge. The pastorate has, 
of course, changed numerous times since, and Rev. J. W. Terry is the 

34 



266 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

present pastor. The church built in 1832 was burned in December 22, 
1873, and the present edifice was erected in the following year at a cost 
of about $11,000. 

The First Methodist church of Etna was organized April 13, 1885, 
and the meetings were held for a time in the village school house. In 
18;)7 the church edifice was built at a cost of about $2,000. The first 
trustees were James Freeman, Alvah Carr, Michael Vanderhoof, Rich- 
ard Bryant, Thomas J. Watkins, Oliver Baker and John H. Porter. 
The present pastor is Rev. P. J. Riegel. 

The First Methodist church of Varna was formed January 5, 1842, at 
the village school house. Hoffman Steenburg, William Cobb, Robert 
C. Hunt, Benjamin Davenport, George Emmons, John Munson and 
Isaac vSeamans were chosen the first trustees. At the next regular 
meeting it was determined to build a church. A subscription paper 
was circulated, and in 1843 the building was finished at a cost of $1,500. 
It was repaired in 1874 at a cost of $400. The present pastor is Rev. 
P. J. Riegel. 

The Methodist church of West Dryden was organized from a class 
which had been formed in 1811. This class was composed of Samuel 
Fox and his wife, David Case and wife, Selden Andrus and wife, and 
one other person. The first meetings w^ere held in the house of Sam- 
uel Fox, and later in the large school house at Fox's Corners. Circuit 
preachers occupied the pulpit. In 1832 the church was built at a cost 
of $2,200. The first trustees were Lemuel Sperry, Thomas George and 
William George. The present pastor is Rev. Thomas C. Roskelly. 

The Methodist church at Freeville was formed at an early day, but 
a reorganization was effected in 1876. The church was built in 1842 
and a parsonage in 1878, Rev. Thomas C. Roskelly is the present 
pastor. 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 26^ 



CHAPTER XV. 
TOWN OF CAROLINE. 

On the 4th of August, 1791, John W. Watkins, Royal Flint and their 
associates, mostly resident in and about New York city, filed with the 
secretary of state a proposal to purchase all the ungranted lands of the 
vState l3'ing between the military townships on the north and the town- 
ship of Chemung on the south, the Owego River on the east, and the 
pre-emption line on the west. The pre-emption line was the east line 
of the lands granted to Massachusetts in settlement of a long dispute 
over State boundaries. 

The offer was accepted by the commissioners of the Land Ofifice, a 
board consisting of the principal State .officers and of which Governor 
George Clinton was at that time president. A survey was directed to 
be made under the supervision of the surveyor-general, whose return 
was filed April 7, 1794-. 

His arithmetic made the territory amount to 336,880 acres. Several 
reservations were inade, but their area was not included in the above 
aggregate. A patent therefor was issued, dated June 25, 1794, to John 
W. Watkins, who very soon conveyed by deed to Royal Flint and 
associates their respective shares in the deal, as interest appeared. 
The naines of Watkins and Flint having been first affixed to the formal 
•proposal to purchase, the tract took the name of the Watkins and Flint 
purchase and comprised a tract thirty-five miles in length by fifteen in 
width. The price paid by the S3mdicate was three shillings and four 
pence per acre. 

Very soon after the deal had been consummated, two men named 
Johnson became the proprietors of a very large part of it, probably 
nearly or quite one-third, and including most or all that part of it now 
in Tompkins county. They were Robert C. and Samuel W. Johnson, 
of Stratford, in Connecticut. The "Johnson Lands," as they were 
called, included, with some few reservations, the towns of Caroline, 
Danby and Newfield, or the southern tier of the county of Tompkins. 

James Pumpelly, a surveyor from Connecticut, settled at Owego and 



268 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

became their resident agent and business manager in the laying out, 
subdivision and mapping of the territory for sale to actual settlers, 
and in some instances in considerable quantities to smaller speculators. 
Many large purchases were conducted in this manner, notably those 
of the Beers in Danby, and the Speeds, Boyers, Hydes and Patillos in 
Caroline, who thus bought in the aggregate a number of thousand 
acres. 

The name of wSamuel W. Johnson was borne on the annual tax-rolls 
of one or more towns until some time in 1849-50, and Johnson was an 
occasional visitor to the region and would return east with a small drove 
of live stock taken in payment for land, as the great majority of set- 
tlers bought by "article," so called. Of James Pumpelly, the cele- 
brated land agent of this region in pioneer days, it may be said that he 
was of Italian descent. His dealings with the settlers were always 
honorable, courteous, and very methodical and exact. His land office 
in the stone building close beside the Susquehanna at Owego was a 
famous place in its clay. 

The town of Caroline occupies the southeast corner of Tompkins 
county and contains 34,523 acres. ^ Its surface is upland, broken by 
irregular ridges running northeast and southwest. The soil is gravelly 
and calcareous loam, the latter chiefly in the southern part, and is 
adapted to grazing and grain growing. The dairying interest in the 
town has been extensively and profitably developed in recent years. 
The streams are Six Mile Creek and Owego Creek, the latter forming 
the eastern boundary, and their branches. The deep valleys of these 
streams are generally bordered by lofty and steep hills. 

This town was organized February 22, 1811,^ when it was set off 
from Spencer, but did not become a part of Tompkins county until 
March 22, 1823. It received its name in honor of a daughter of Dr. 
Joseph Speed, one of the pioneers. 

Settlement in Caroline was begun b}^ Captain David Rich, originally 
from the western part of Massachusetts, but later from Vermont where 

1 January 1, 1887, seven lots of 600 acres each were taken from Dryden and added 
to Caroline, making the area as above. 

'^ In 1810, the year before the division, Spencer contained 3,128 inhabitants. In 
1814, three years after the division of Spencer into five separate towns, the popula- 
tion of each was as follows: Caroline, 905; Danby, 1,200; Newfield, 982. These 
were set off to Tompkins county. Candor, 1,098; Spencer, 670; the last two remain- 
ing a part of Tioga county. 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. ' 209 

he had kept a tavern, who came to the east part of the town in 1795, 
by way of New Jersey (where he made a short stay), Apahachin (Tioga 
county), and thence up the Owego Creek. He purchased between 100 
and 200 acres, and his deed is the first recorded to an actual settler in 
Caroline. He had been a tavern keeper before his removal to this 
town, and followed the same business here, first in a log- house and 
later where his son, Orin P. Rich now lives. He held several town 
offices, and died, aged ninety-two, in 1852. 

In 1795 Widow Earsle37- came into the town with her ten children, 
and at the same date with Captain David Rich. The maiden name of 
Mrs. Earsley was Maria Johnson. Her native country was Holland, 
from which she came to this country with her parents when twelve 
years of age. She married Francis Earsle}^ who was born in Ireland 
of English parents and was by trade a weaver. He lived at Roxbury, 
Essex county, N. J., after arriving in this countr}^, and became a 
farmer. He served with one of his wife's brothers during the Revolu- 
tionary war, and died in 1790, leaving him surviving a widow and ten 
children, the 3'Oungest of whom were two twin girls only nine months 
old. In company with her brother and her eldest son she set out on 
horseback to find a new home in the summer of 1794. In her travels 
she met one Simmons Perkins, a surveyor who made a map of Town- 
ship No. 11, of the VVatkins and Flint purchase. In company with 
Perkins and six others, among whom were her son, her son-in- 
law, and her brother, Zacheus Johnson, she prospected for land. They 
camped out in the woods nights. One day as the}'- were crossing the 
little brook which still meanders through the fields, Mrs. P^arsle}^ said, 
"This is my home." She bought the land, 100 acres, at i|3.00 per 
acre. The}^ removed from New Jersey to Union, remained there four 
weeks, and went to Apalachin, where they lived till coming to this 
their new home. During this time the eldest daughter, Nelly, married 
Beniah Barney. In the fall the eldest son, John, came and built a 
cabin on the land. Mrs. Earsley traveled over the route between her 
new home in the forest and the old one in New Jersey twice. vShe 
rode in all over 500 miles on horseback. The family when it left New 
Jersey consisted of the mother and ten children, five boys and five 
girls, the eldest of whom married and remained at Apalachin. In the 
spring they came with oxen and sleigh, the snow being c^uite deep. 
They arrived on the ground March 4, 1795. 



370 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Mrs. Earsley was the first to locate and make preparation for a home, 
but Captain Rich was the first to arrive on the ground in the spring, 
which he did one week previously. His land joined hers on the east. 
The two settled in what was at that time the extreme northeast limit 
of the old township of Owego, in Tioga county. 

The next settlers in the town were Thomas Tracy and his son Ben- 
jamin, who, in 1T97, located near the site of the Charles P. Tobe}' 
dwelling. They were from Western Massachusetts originally, but 
came here from near the present village of Apalachin. After seven or 
eight years Thomas Tracy sold out to Samuel Rounsvell, who kept 
bachelor hall here many years, and Rounsvell sold to Walter J. Thomas 
about 1832. The son returned to their old home near Apalachin and 
reared a family. General B. F. Tracy, ex-secretary of the navy, is his 
son. A brother of Thomas Tracy, named Prince Ttrcj, also settled 
in Caroline a few years later than Thomas, but after the War of 1812 
sold out to the 'Schoonmaker famil}^ and left the town. 

The next settler in Caroline, and a member of a family who became 
very conspicuous, was John Cantine, jr., a son of General John Cantine, 
of Ulster county, N.Y. The Cantine famil}^ were from Marbletown, 
Ulster county, and of Huguenot descent. General Cantine gained his 
military title by honorable service in the militia of the Revolution. He 
also was at- times member of the Assembly, of the State Senate and of 
Congress, and was associated with most of the eminent men of New 
York State of th.ose stirring times. The last few years of his life were 
passed at the home of his son, John, and a married daughter (Mrs. 
Chambers) at Brookton (Mott's Corners), where he died April 30, 1808. 
He became as early as 1767 identified with the then wild lands of the 
province of New York. iVfter the close of the Revolutionary War, 
many adventurous parties from Eastern New York penetrated the in- 
terior wilderness and settled along the Susquehanna, Chemung and 
Tioga Rivers in advance of all surveys and allotments of the lands. 
Many of them were entitled to military bounty lands, and some con- 
flicts arose over titles. In 1788 the Legislature apjDointed commission- 
ers to settle all these disputes in this region. General Cantine, General 
James Clinton and John Hathorn were named, and were known as the 
" Chemung Commissioners. " In laying out and surveying the lands 
of Chemung township (before Tioga county was formed), they made 
large selections of land in this and other localities for themselves and 
their friends. One of these selections was a tract of 3,200 acres, now 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 271 

in the town of Caroline, known locally as "The Cantine Great" and 
the "Cantine Little Locations." The law required that such selec- 
tions of land should be made in square tracts, and General Cantine se- 
cured larg-e sections in the valley of vSix Mile Creek, without including' 
much hill land, by laying- out several squares adjoining each other 
along the valley. He made three separate "locations," two of 1,200 
acres each and one of 800 acres. He made also several locations on the 
site of the village of Wilseyville, now in Tioga county. 

The Cantine great and little locations in Caroline include the terri- 
tory where Slaterville and Brookton (Mott's Corners) stand, with 
adjacent lands. His certificates of location for the land were tiled with 
the secretary of state March 6, 7 and 21, 1792, and the patents were 
issued in the same month. General Cantine had located the lands upon 
the claims of militia soldiers called class men, who were entitled to 100 
or more acres each. Many of these he had bought in advance, and 
others were assigned to him for location in large parcels, he afterwards 
reconveying them to the proper persons. 

When John Cantine, jr., came to Caroline in 1798, as stated, his 
father gave him his choice of the land, where he finall}'' settled, in Caro- 
line, or of another tract which included the site of the city of Elmira. 
The son chose the Caroline tract for its superior water privileges on 
Six Mile Creek at Brookton. There he built a log house, which he oc- 
cupied several years. His wife was a daughter of a Frenchman, who 
was driven out of his country in the reign of terror and who fled to 
America. His name was Carte. He opposed his daughter's marriage 
to Cantine, and an elopement followed. The father disowned his 
daughter, but in after years, when she was the happy mother of a fam- 
ily, he relented and sent her children presents. One of the sons of 
Cantine was named John J. Carte Cantine, and a former boy had been 
named John Marat Cantine. 

Two 3^ears later (1800) General Cantine built a grist mill for his son 
at the falls, Brookton, the first real grist mill this side of Owego. A 
saw mill was added, the care of which and the clearing of his farm oc- 
cupied Mr. Cantine's time while he lived in Caroline, 1798 to 1828. 
The pioneer lodge of Free Masons (the Eagle Lodge) in the county 
was organized in 1808 at his house, which is still standing, and the 
meetings for a time were held here and alternately at the inn of Luther 
Gere in Ithaca. Mr. Cantine's old home, built in 1804, and long called 
"The Mansion House," was the first frame dwelling erected in Caro- 



273 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

line. He was an active, public-spirited man, held several local offices 
and had a large famih-', who are all dead. In 18-28 he sold his property 
in Caroline to his brother Charles and removed to Ithaca, where he 
lived at 72 North Cayug-a street until his death in 1834, aged sixty-six 
years. 

Hartman (or Hartmore) linnest, with three others, came from Mar- 
bletown in 1800 and settled on the old Sullivan place. Ennest had 
made other previous improvements on the old Deuel farm, but sold out 
to Dr. Joseph Speed. Joseph Chambers, Richard Bush and Oakley 
Bush came probably in 1800 from Marbletown. Soon after his arrival 
Richard Bush built a large square house of hewn logs, a little west of 
where the Velotus Stevens residence stands, on the south side of the 
road, and began keeping tavern — the first public house in the town. 
This was long known as the "Old Bush vStand. " Oakley Bush lived 
at first a near neighbor to Ennest, but later went over on the present 
John Rightmire farm, southwest of Slaterville. 

Richard Bush and Joseph Chambers were both grantees of General 
Cantine and settled, the former near B. F. Mead's, and the latter on 
Michael C. Krum's farm. Chambers sold out to Krum in 1838, and 
went to Illinois with his sons. Bush died about 1815, but his widow 
and her famih" lived on their old place a great many years. It has 
since been much subdivided. Widow Bush continued the tavern after 
her husband's death. 

Benoni Mulks was a millwright by trade. He was a soldier in the 
army of General Gates and took part in the first and second battles of 
Saratoga, but was prevented from witnessing the final surrender through 
the following circumstance: General Burgoyne's arm}' having burned 
the mills at Schuylerville, Mr. Mulks, being a millwright, was detailed 
from the ranks with a squad of men to rebuild them to grind corn for 
the American army. This occurred three days before the final sur- 
render of the British at Saratoga. 

In 1800 he came to Caroline to build the Cantine grist mill, where 
Brookton now is. One Sunday going up the Six ]\Iile Creek hunting 
and fishing he for the first time passed the flats about Slaterville. A 
tract of 325 acres here was owned b)' two merchants at Chemung and 
was for sale. It had originally been a part of Cantine's location. On 
the premises was a fine large spring of water near the bank of the 
creek. It was then he for the first time conceived the idea of purchas- 
ing the land and removing thither. Three of his old neighbors from 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 273 

the east had just settled near b}', one of whom, Joseph Chambers, was 
his brother-in-law. When, early in the fall, his son John came in with 
General Cantine and a party of youno- men to prospect the locality, the 
father and son decided to purchase it, and did so. Their deed bears 
date of September 30, 1800, 325 acres for $1,000. 

They erected a log house by the spring- the same fall, in readiness for 
their coming- the next season. Early next year (1801) Levi vSlater, 
John Robison and Lemuel Yates, arriving a little earlier, occupied the 
log house with their families until they could build one for themselves 
on their lands near by. The Mulks party came in June, arriving on 
the loth of the month. There were eight souls in the party, the eldest 
being the aged grandmother of seventy, and the youngest an infant of 
six months. The first season (1801) they cleared off six acres in 
readiness for winter wheat, and during the following winter and spring 
seven acres more for corn. At the same time they brought with 
them, among other live stock, thirty sheep, which were taken to Lans- 
ing (Eg3qDti) and let on shares for a few years until they could keep 
them. 

Two or three years later another son, Moses, came and also a mar- 
ried daughter, Mrs. Daniel Newkirk, John Mulks lived in Caroline 
twenty-five years. He built a grist mill, saw mill and distillery on his 
farm. In 1836 he went west. He was a pioneer in four different 
vState.s — Central New York in 1801 ; Michigan Territory in 1826; Indiana 
vState in 1833, and Wisconsin Territory in 1838. In each case he set- 
tled in a new, undeveloj^ed countr}-, and the last three times on gov- 
ernment land. He lived to the age of eighty-four, and died in White- 
water, Wis., in 1864. 

Levi Slater, a Yankee schoolmaster, came to this town with General 
Cantine in the summer, and having a knowledge of surveying, used the 
instruments owned by John Cantine in laying out land in this vicinity. 
In the spring of 1801 he built and settled in a log house on the site of 
Slaterville (named from him), which stood where W. J. Carns's house 
n(jw stands. He had bought of General Cantine 100 acres at $3.75 per 
acre. He brought his wife and child, the latter of whom was the late 
Justus Slater, of Jerse)^ City. When Mr. Slater arrived here he found 
two men from Chemung running a large sugar bush on the flats owned 

■' Among the old settlers to the east of the lake country it was much called Egypt 
as the}'- went there to buy corn until they could raise it. This similitude had 
reference to Joseph and his brothers in Egypt, where they went to buy corn. 
35 



274 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in late years by John Boice. They were about to go away and left their 
kettles and utensils. Mr. vSlater took up the work and made for him- 
self quite a quantity of maple sugar and molasses. The next few years 
were spent in clearing land and its cultivation, and by 1S12 he had 
most of the land in and around Slaterville under improvement. He 
also taught school at intervals in winter months. A few years after- 
wards his brother Thomas, and brother-in-law, Joseph Goodrich, moved 
here from the east, the latter settling where John Schutt now lives, in 
the town of Caroline, but till recently in Dryden. In the war of 1812 
Mr, Slater was captain of the local company, and when the British 
burned Buffalo, he and and his company were ordered to the frontier. 

For a few years after the locality around Slaterville was settled by a 
number of families, a small party of Indians came each fall to hunt in 
that vicinity. They were Oneidas and were led by one whom the settlers 
called Wheelock. Their usual camp was on the farm now owned by 
Aaron Schutt, first settled by Matthew Krum in 1806. This Wheelock 
was killed in the war of 1812, while fighting with the Americans; after 
that the Indians came to the town no more. 

The first sale of land by Mr. Slater was to Isaac Miller in 181G, about 
three acres, owned in later years by D. B. Drummond. Miller built a 
store and started in trade, but died soon after, and Mr. Slater succeeded 
to the business. Within the lapse of a few years a hamlet gathered 
around at that point and took the name of "Dutch vSettlement. " A 
post-office was opened in 1823, with John Robison as postmaster, and 
the name of Slaterville was given to it. Mr. Slater became a leading 
man and interested with his sons in various enterprises. About 1828 
he failed, and his real estate passed to James Hall,' of New York. Mr. 
Slater was supervisor five years in early times, and died at the age of 
seventy-eight years. 

John Robison, grandfather of Henry, came in 1801 from Marbletown 
and settled next east of Slater, where C. H. Deuel's house now stands; 
and in the same year Lemuel Yates came in and settled where Robert 
G. H. Speed now lives. 

To the eastward of Slaterville a number of pioneei's from New Eng- 
land gathered, giving it the local name of "Yankee Settlement," by 
which title it was distinguished from the " Dutch vSettlement," as the 
locality where Matthew Jansen settled. Jansen came in 1802 and was 
a blacksmith. He brought a few slaves into the town. Benjamin 
Tracy, son of Thomas, who had settled the Charles P. Tobe}^ farm, in 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 275 

the same year, and Daniel Newkirk, a tailor, about the same time. 
Daniel Newkirk was the son-in-law of Benoni Mulks. He settled on 
the Stilwell farm in 1803 and lived there till 1814, when he exchanged 
farms with Isaac Stilwell, of Hector, and Mr. Stilwell then moved on 
to the farm, where he lived most of his life. He has descendants in 
Caroline. Rev. Garrett Mandeville, from Ulster county, settled in 1803 
near the site of Mott's Corners, on the William Personius farm (Brook- 
ton), and was a prominent citizen, and left several descendants in the 
town. He was the founder of the Dutch Reformed church of Caroline 
back in the twenties. 

The first settlers at what became known as " Tobey's " were from 
New Eng-land. One of them was George Vickery, who came in 1804 
and located where the widow of N. M. Tobe}' lives. Edward and 
Thomas Paine, the latter a Revolutionary soldier, and Dr. Elisha Briggs 
and Dr. James and Simeon Ashley were others who settled early in 
that section; also five brothers b}^ the names of Abiathar G. , Samuel, 
William, vS3dvester and Bradford Rounsvell, all of whom settled along 
the turnpike on farms which they cleared up. They all came before 
the war of 1812. William was the first supervisor. The Rounsvells 
were a valuable addition to the new country, and were from Bristol 
county, Mass. 

Two brothers, Nathaniel and Samuel Tobey, were early settlers in 
Caroline, coming from Massachusetts. Nathaniel came in 1810, having 
been married a short time previous. He settled first on the Levi 
Goodrich farm, west of " Rawson Hollow," lived there one year and 
then moved to what has been called the Widow Rounsvell farm, where 
Abiather Rounsvell lived in early times. Later Mr. Rounsvell and 
Mr. Tobey traded farms; they where brothers-in-law. Mr. Tobey 
kept a tavern many years on the turnpike. Mr. Tobey had two sons, 
Nathaniel M. and Charles P., and several daughters. The father died 
in the early years of the late war, and both sons died in 1885. Samuel 
Tobey was a 3'ounger brother of Nathaniel, and came to town at a 
later date. At his death he left three sons, Austin, Edwin and Will- 
iam. Austin and William learned the printing trade at Mack & An- 
drus's office in Ithaca. 

In 1800 John Rounsvell (sometimes spelled " Rounsville ") settled 
on the farm which became the Dr. Speed homestead. He was from 
New Plampshire, and with him came Joel Rich. Rounsvell was the 
father of the late Charles J. Rounsvell, who was a member of assem- 



27(5 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

bly in 11^40. His daughter Harriet has repeatedly been stated to have 
been the first white child born in the town. This is not true. David 
Rich, jr., was the first, born January IS, 1T9T, as shown in the family 
record. Harriet Rounsvell was not born till 1801. There were also 
four others named Roiinsvell who settled in the town, all brothers. 

Robert Freeland was an Iri.shman and a carpenter. He came to 
Caroline in 1801 with the famil}^ of John Robison, who was his father- 
in-law. He bought the farm (now the T. B. June place) about 180-1, 
and adjoining parcels later, and owned nearly -400 acres at one time. 
He was well educated and one of the leading men of his day. 

Jonathan Norwood, son of Francis Norwood, came to the town prob- 
ably at a later day than his father. He lived to a great age. 

Henry Quick was the first of that name to settle in the town. He 
took the farm now owned b}- his son, Daniel H., about the year 1804. 
His brother Jacob came later, and also others of the name. Henry 
Quick married a daughter of Widow Earsle3\ 

Moses Higgins told Charles F. Mulks, ^ in an interview in 1883, the 
following reminiscences : The Reeds, Moses, Daniel and Belden, three 
brothers from Rhode Island, were early settlers in Caroline. Moses 
was the eldest, and came first and bought the present Higgins farm, 
east of Slaterville, together with a part of the Tobe)^ farm lying on the 
south side of the turnpike. He first settled on the Tobe}' part, lived 
there a few years, cleared about five acres, when he traded with the 
senior J. J. Speed. Mr. Speed built a dwelling and a store in a block 
house and lived there several j^ears. It is still called the old Jack 
Speed place. Daniel Reed, who was a minor, joined Moses, and for 
several years the family consisted of the two brothers and their step- 
mother. Upon her death John Higgins, a brother-in-law of the Reeds, 
came with his family, a wife and two or more children. He came from 
Ulster county, N. Y., and lived with Moses Reed, who was a bachelor. 
The Higgins family arrived in the town in the spring of 1808. Daniel 
and Belden Reed went to live together on land now owned by Moses 
Bull, on the hills south of the turnpike. When Moses Higgins came 
to the town there was no house between the Roe farm below Mott's 
Corners and the Cantine mill and Mansion House. From there it was 
all woods until they reached Chambers's, wdiere M. C. Krum now lives. 
From Krum's up past Slaterville it was much cleared and quite thickly 

1 These interviews, when had with Mr. Mulks, were committed to paper at the 
time, and are not from memory merely. 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 277 

settled, and nearl}" all b)' old Dutch neighbors from Ulster conntv. 
Samuel Rounsvell was then living- where Charles P. Tobey now lives. 
Thomas Tracy had lived on the place, but had sold to Rounsvell. The 
first school attended by Mr. Hig-gins was kept by John D. Bell in the 
old Mulks log house, the family having just built a new frame house. 
He afterwards attended the Lyman Cobb school. The first man to 
enlist from this town for the war of 1812 was Richard Robison, son of 
Capt. Ebenezer Lewis Robison. Capt. John Cantine raised a volunteer 
artiller}^ compan)" for three months' service. John J. vSpeed was keep- 
ing a small store when Higgins came, and also a post-office called 
Speedsville on the turnpike. The mail was brought up by a post rider 
from Ithaca in a small bag. From the turnpike Mr. Speed removed 
to the " cit}" " lot, and subsequently to the Morrell farm, as elsewhere 
noted. 

The Speed family, who were to become conspicuous in the history of 
the town and county, were from Mecklenberg count}", Va. Dr. Joseph 
Speed studied medicine with the celebrated Dr. Benjamin Rush, of 
Philadelphia, where Dr. Speed practiced a few years before coming to 
what was then the town of Spencer, Tioga county. De Witt Clinton 
visited this region in 1810, as before noted, and in his journal of Au- 
gust 10, of that 3'ear, he wrote: 

" Fourteen miles southeast from Ithaca, in the towui of Spencer, 
Tioga county, there is a settlement of Virginians called Speed; the}- 
are all Federalist." 

Caroline was then a part of Spencer, and Dr. Joseph vSpeed was the 
most prominent of the little colony alluded to by Clinton, the members 
of which came in between the years 1805 and 1808. So far as known 
their names were John James vSpeed, William Speed, brothers, who 
came in 1805, and were followed three jxars later by their father, Henry 
Speed, and Dr. Joseph Speed also in 1805, with his brother John, 
cousins of the two brothers above named; Robert H. Hyde came in 
1805, and two years later was followed by Robert's father, also named 
Robert, and by John and William Patillo and the family of Thomas 
Heggie. Robert H. S. Hyde, the lawyer, was the son of Robert H., 
and was born in town some years later. Augustine Boyer came from 
Maryland in 1803, and purchased through the agency of James Pum- 
pelly 1,000 acres of land of the Johnsons, who were the eastern pro- 
prietors tmder the Watkins & Flint syndicate. The other southerners, 
of whom we have spoken, also bought largely of wild lands in the town, 



378 .. LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and nearly all of them brought slaves with them, who were held until 
the institution was abolished in 1827. 

The senior John James Speed had been a merchant in Viro-inia, and 
had owned slaves, as had also others of this colony. He was a man of 
noble bearing and lived to about ninety years of age. He removed to 
Ithaca in 1832, and a little later to Cortland village, where he was con- 
nected with paper making. After other removals, he died in the State 
of Maine in' the fall of 18G(). 

In Caroline, John J. and William Speed opened a small store in 1805 
in a log house half a mile east of the site of Slaterville, and there in 
180G secured a post-office, with John J. as postmaster, the office being 
named " Speedsville. " A few years later, when John J. Speed, sr. , left 
the turnpike, he removed to a place now called the "City Lot." This 
was about the time of the war of 1812-15. He built a little collection 
of log and plank-sided houses, and families lived in a part of them. 
He also built a small grist mill and a saw mill on the little streams of 
that neighborhood and moved his store and the' post-office there. The 
settlers gave it the name of "The City;'" but Mr. vSpeed soon aban- 
doned his project and moved upon the hill and lived there several 
3^ears, conducting a large farm, since subdivided, but the homestead of 
which now belongs to F. C. Cornell^ of Ithaca. When he left there it 
was to live for a time with his son, J'ohn J., on the Caroline Center road, 
whence he removed to Ithaca. The Speedsville post-office had traveled 
across the town, and up the hill and down the hill without hindrance 
until about 1832, when the younger Mr. Speed was its custodian. At 
that time the citizens of Jenksville wished to have it removed to their 
little hamlet and the name changed to Jenksville. This Mr. vSpeed, jr., 
opposed, and his influence prevented such action. While he cared 
nothing for the post-office, he did wish that the name should be per- 
petuated. A compromise was effected by which the name was retained; 
the Speeds resigned the office, and another postmaster was appointed 
at Jenksville, which was thenceforth called " Speedsville." This office 
was supplied in early days by a horseback rider, whose regular weekly 
round trip was from Ithaca to Danby; thence via Spencer court house 
to Owego, and returning by way of Berkshire and Speedsville. The 
site of Speedsville when the "City Lot" was booming is now a back 
pasture on the Cornell-Morrell farm. 

John J. Speed, jr., became very prominent in the history of the 
county. While still living in Caroline he was elected to the Assembly, 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 279 

and after engaging in business at Ithaca was a presidential elector and 
a candidate for Congress. Between 1830 and 1840 he exchanged his 
propert}'" in Caroline for the mercantile business of the late Stephen B. 
Mtmn, jr., on the northeast corner of State and Caynga .streets, Ithaca. 
He continued business there a few years, and was conspicnons in the 
company which established the Fall Creek Woolen Mills, a project 
which was highly useful, but destined to failure. Mr. Speed failed, 
and afterwards was associated with Ezra Cornell in building early tele- 
graph lines, retrieved his fortnnes, and paid all the debts incurred 
before his failure. ^ 

Aaron Bull came here in 1806 from Ulster county, N.Y., but was 
originall}^ from a locality on the Housatonic River, Connecticut. He 
had gone to Ulster county, lived and married there before moving to 
Caroline. His children, Moses, Henry W., Mathew, Justus and John 
are still living. John has been a merchant and a miller at Slaterville 
for several years, and supervisor of his town. Matthew Krum, a 
brother-in-law of Aaron Bull, settled in the same year just north of 
the latter. Other early settlers were Moses Reed, Joseph Goodrich, 
Moses Cass, who had an early store ; Josiah Cass, brother of Moses, and 
who built a tavern about 1815 where H. S. Krum now lives; it passed 
three j'^ears later to Aaron Bull, who kept it nearl}" thirty years; Aaron 
Cass, father of Moses and Josiah,- who was the pioneer on the present 
Hasbrouck farm, a soldier of the Revolution, and in Captain Ellis's 
company in 1812, and killed at the attack on Queenstown ; Isaac Miller, 
an early merchant; Nathan Gosper on the Edward J. Thomas farm; 
Joseph Smith on the Willey farm ; Marcus Palmerton on the Hollister 
farm; John Doty on Chauncy L. Wattles farm; Captain Alexander 
Stowell at Caroline Center, and. others. 

1 Following is an extract from the last will of Henry Speed, of Caroline, which re- 
lates to slavery in the town : 

"I also give to her [his daughter Polly] my negroes, to wit, Luke}', Liza and John 
(called Jack). I also lend her my horse Bulow, and one her choice of my feather 
beds and furniture. This land and premises, negroes, horse and bed, etc., I desire 
that she, my daughter, Polh' (Hyde) may have and enjoy during her natural life ; 
and after her decease I desire that this estate above lent to my daughter Polly Hyde 
may be given to her child or children that may arrive at lawful age. I give unto 
Robert H. Hyde (her husband) my good -wishes, and pray that his soul may rest 
happy with God, and desire him to treat the negroes committed to his care with 
lenity and try to teach them the fear of the Lord." 

[This slave Eliza was the most consj^icuous figure in quite a celebrated law suit, 
which is alluded to on page 74. ] 



280 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

It is interesting^ to record that the elfects of the war of 1812-15 were 
felt in this town, for Captain Levi vSlater was then in command of a 
local company of Caroline militia. When the British burned Buffalo 
in ISlo the mih'tia was very generally ordered out, as before stated. 
Captain vSlater recei v-ed his orders and there was much local excite- 
ment. The company departed, but after a march of a day and a half 
reached Canandaig-ua, where they received notice that the danger was 
passed and they could return. wSeveral of the Virginian settlers before 
described, notably Dr. Joseph and John J. Speed, were members of 
the company, and, being Federalists, were opposed to the war. They, 
however, furnished substitutes, as did also ,4il§iistine Boyer, whose 
substitute received a gun, knapsack, and $20 cash, which proved excel- 
lent remuneration for the short trip to Canandaigua. 

After the war of 1812, and between that and 1820, the town fillecl up 
quite rapidly. Abraham Boice, jr., came in from Ulster county in 
1816 and first cleared lands in the town of Dryden, and later on the 
farm owned in recent years by Edward J. Thomas, east side of Dryden 
road. It was from the Boice famil}^ that " Boiceville," a hamlet west 
of Slaterville, took its name. Dr. James Ashle}^ came in 1814, with 
wife and two sons, Samuel P. and James, jr., from Massachusetts, and 
located on the Charles B. Higgins farm. Simeon Ashley, a brother of 
Dr. James, came in seven years later. Deacon Isaac Hollister, from 
Ulster county, settled near the site of Caroline Depot. George N. At- 
wood married one of his daughters; and Mr. Hollister had sons, 
Kinner, Timothy and Justus. In 1816 Jonathan Snow, from Wor- 
cester county, Mass., settled on the farm where the late vSimon V. 
Snow lived. James H. and Jonathan W. Snow were his sons. 

In an interview with Charles F. Mulks in 1870, and then written down, 
Eli Boice gave the following information : Eli came in when thirteen 
years old with his father, Abraham. The latter bought out Captain 
Robison, who lived on the Smile}^ farm.^ Old Henry Quick and Moses 
and Simeon Schoonmaker were then living near; Moses where his son 
Jacob now lives, and vSimeon on the McWhorter place. Prince, brother 
of Thomas Tracey, had lived up there previously but had gone away. 
Spencer Hungerford was then living on the present Camp Reed farm, 
but afterwards moved to the place named after him. John Mulks's 
first log house was then standing, and Ben Eighmey, father of Thomas 

1 The reader must bear in mind that the.se references to farms and localities refer 
to the year 1879, fifteen years ago. 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 281 

and Philip, was then Hvino- in it. j\I().ses Cas.s \Yas liviny," (jn the pres- 
ent Norwood fai'm. John Mulks was then eng-ayed in buildini;- his 
grist mill, borrowing most of the money for the purpose. He and his 
son Daniel did most of the mill work. He also operated a distillery. 
The Sloughter family lived on the hill on what is now the south part 
of John Rightmire's farm. The Slonghters sold to Thomas Bush, 
when the latter ran the saw mill, one hundred splendid pine logs for 
an old bull's-e_ve watch, worth now perhaps $2.50. Charles Mulks, 
brother of John, was noted for raising large crops of fine wheat. Eli 
Boice bought the Norwood farm from the younger John James Speed. 

John Taft, of Worcester count}", Mass., a soldier of the war of 1812, 
settled in 1820 in the south part of the town, where he died in 187G. 
His son, William H., was second lieutenant in the 137th Regiinent in 
the late war, and died of fever at Harper's Ferry. 

An interview written by Mr. Mulks and had by him with T. M. 
Boyerinl879, furnishes the following reminiscences: When Augus- 
tine Boyer came north in 1803 he came on horseback and alone. Mr. 
Boyer left home in May and in August purchased 1,000 acres of land 
of Mr. Pumpelly, the agent of Samuel William Johnson, of Stratford, 
Conn. Mr. Boyer hired Elisha Doty to build him a log house, and 
then started for his home in Maryland. The journey required eight 
da3's; this was in August, 1803. He came back in the fall with a 
horse and cart and a negro boy named Jerry Blackman ; they passed 
the winter together in the log house. AVhen Mr. Boyer settled here 
he was tnimarried, but in 1805 married into the Comegyes family, of 
Maryland. Hugh Boyer, a distant relative, came in with Augustine 
and located on what became the Brink farm. The first land sold by 
Mr. Boyer from his original 1,000 acres was to James Livermore within 
a few years after the first purchase. This was at Caroline Center, and 
Livermore's cabin was built a few rods in rear of the site of Sharrad 
vSlater's house ; he sold out a few years later and went wxst. Mr. 
Boyer acted for a time as land agent for S. W. Johnson, and in that 
capacity sold to Jonas Rhoode his land on Brearle)^ Hill (elsewhere 
mentioned). About the time of the^war of 1812, when T. M. Boyer 
was six years old, there was a small frame school house in the corner 
formed by the turnpike and the level Green road at Tobey's, where he 
attended school to Abiathar Rounsvell. He also attended at a school 
kept by Rev. Mr. Mandeville near Caroline Center in what was called 
" the Old City, " from the fact of the several houses built near each 
36 



282 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Other by J. J. Speed, sr. The "New City" was where Mr. vSpeed 
built some mills. Mr. Boyer attended school in 1820 to Benjamin 
Walter in the school house above mentioned on the turnpike. One 
day when the elder Mr. Boyer was going" through the woods from his 
house to the lower place where he afterwards lived, he saw a bear 
standing on his hind legs pulling down wild cherry limbs and eating 
the cherries. Although Mr. Boyer had a loaded gun with him, he for- 
got for a moment to use it; he hallooed at the bear and the animal ran 
away. Deer were also very plentiful, but Mr. Boyer would never kill 
one of them. 

George Blair, Nathan Patch, Sabin Mann, and a few others, were all 
from near Worcester, Mass. , and settled on new land before the war of 
1812, which they cleared. Blair settled there in 1800, as a single man, 
and also did Sabin Mann. Mann was drafted in the war and killed, 
and Blair married his widow. Austin Blair, Michigan's war governor, 
and William H. Blair were his sons, the latter receiving the family 
homestead. 

Reuben Legg, from Massachusetts, was the ancestor of the Legg 
family, and settled on the Stearns farm below the hill from Speedsville. 
He had seven sons. 

Lyman Rawson came from Vermont, as did also the father of Lyman 
Cobb. Timothy Tyler, father of Hiram W. Tyler, was also from Ver- 
mont, and a brother-in-law of Rawson. 

The Widow Jemima Personius Vandemark came to Caroline and 
settled with a large family on land bought by herself on Bald Hill and 
owned in late years by one of her grandsons. Her husband had been 
killed about a year before by the accidental discharge of a gun while 
on the way to join the army in the war of 1812. She lived on Bald Hill 
until her death in 1855. 

Silas Lason was the early settler on the present James Mandeville 
farm. He lived there man}'- years and reared a family of sons. The 
family removed to Virgil, and were succeeded on the farm by 
Cornelius Terwilleger, from Ulster county. He also had a number of 
sons. 

James Personius, a Revolutionary soldier, was the ancestor of the 
Personius family of Caroline, coming to the town late in life. The 
names of his sons who were early residents in the town were 
Ephraim, Isaiah, Isaac, Cornelius and Jatnes, jr. The latter was a 
soldier in the war of 1812. The Widow Vandemark (elsewhere men- 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 283 

tionecl) was a daughter of the elder James Personius, and settled on 
Bald Hill after the war of 1812. Cornelius Personius was a noted 
hunter and is said to have shot two deer at one shot, eighty rods dis- 
tant, with a rifle which he borrowed of Benoni Mulks. 

Henry Krum, sr. , in a written interview informed Mr. Mulks in 1879 
that old Aaron Cass, who lived first on the Hasbrouck farm and after- 
wards on the Mc Master farm at Ellis Hollow, whence he was drafted 
into the war of 1812 to return no more, was the father of a large family. 
Of the sons there were Josiah, Aaron, jr., Moses and John. One 
daughter married Solomon Freer, and was the mother of G. G. Freer ; 
another married Milo Hurd, and another Isaac Teers. Josiah Cass 
built the tavern so long kept by his uncle, Aaron Bull. Aaron and 
John Cass went to Canada. Moses Cass operated a distillery and made 
whisky on the farm. John James Speed also had a distillery on the 
Sam Jones farm near Speedsville; and a man named Isaac Kipp oper- 
ated one at Rawson Hollow. There were two William Motts. The 
first was a large man and lived at '' Tobeytown. " He was the father 
of Harrv Mott and of Mrs. Abram Krum and Mrs. Landon Krum. 

Erastus Humphrey gave in 1884 the following reminiscences to Mr. 
Mulks, which the latter wrote at the time: Roswell Humphrey, sr. , 
the father of a large family, came to Connecticut Hill, near Speedsville, 
from Connecticut, in December, 1812. He settled on 100 acres of land, 
part of the Livingston tract, which he bought of Laban Jenks. The 
latter had owned 400 acres in one tract, which he sold off to several 
purchasers. A daughter of Roswell Humphrey had married Luman 
Case, who settled on what is now G. M. Bull's farm, on Connecticut 
Hill in the spring of 1811. Roswell Humphrey died in 1838 at the age 
of sevent3^-three years. He had ten children, one of whom was Eras- 
tus. Some of them became quite prominent in various waj^s. 

Dana and Lyman Crum settled on Connecticut Hill in the spring of 
1811 at the same time with Luman Case; they were the first to locate 
there. These Crums spelled their names with a "C," while other 
families of the name spelled it with a " K." 

Samuel Leet, father of a large family, also came from Connecticut 
and settled on Connecticut Hill. There were eight sons and four 
daughters in the family. 

Two brothers, Laban and Elisha Jenks, and Michael Jenks, a cousin 
of these, all from Worcester, Mass., settled early on Owego Creek, near 
Speedsville, and their descendants were once numerous, and of whom 



284 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

some remain in the town. They probably arrived here about 1800. 
vSamuel Jenks, of the same stock, came in the year after the Humphreys 
(1814). Laban Jenks settled first below Speedsville on the Berkshire 
side of the creek. This land he traded for 400 acres covering most of 
the site of vSpeedsville. There he opened a little .store and began to 
barter with those around him, thus gathering a little hamlet which was 
called " Jenksville." The transition of this name to Speedsville is else- 
where described. Mr. Jenks had a large family of boys. He removed 
to Michigan about 1825. 

Moses and vSimeon vSchoonmaker were brothers who came from Ulster 
county and settled in the Schoonmaker district probably not far from 
1812. Moses was the father of Jacob and lived where the latter did in 
late years. Simeon lived on the David McWhorter place and was the 
father of Garrett and De Witt Schoonmaker. 

Moses Roe told Mr. Mulks in 1880 that his great-grandfather, William 
Roe, settled below Mott's Corners about 1800, and for their first milling 
they went to Owego; that was before the Cantine mill was ready. 
William Roe was in the Revolutionary war, after which he was a mer- 
chant on Long' Island, and later bought land in this town, about 400 
acres, or half of Hinepaugh's location of 800 acres. He had sons, Isaac, 
William, Gamaliel and John. Gamaliel was the father of Philip Roe, 
and the descendants of William have reached four generations. 

According to statement of John Brearley, his father, Joseph Brearley, 
was among the first to settle on Brearley Hill, coming there from 
Lansing in 1811. He located a mile above Jonas Rhoode, who settled 
three years earlier; he was from Massachusetts. 

Philip D. Hornbeck said in 1879 that William Mott 2d, so long^a. 
leading business man of Mott's Corners, and who was then living at 
Watkins at the age of eighty years, learned the carpenter's trade 
of Ira Tillotson, of Ithaca, who built the Methodist church on Aurora 
street and the Tompkins House. William Mott afterwards owned 
six saw mills along Six Mile Creek and also several farms. He did 
a large lumber business, but eventually failed. The lower mill at 
Mott's Corners was built by him, and afterwards burned down. He 
afterwards bought the old Cantine Mill at the falls, and turned the old 
mill into a plaster mill, and built a large grist mill on the site on the 
north side of the falls, which he operated a number of years. In later 
years Mr. Mott removed to Ithaca and lived on State street, and re- 
moved from there to Watkins. 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 28;") 

Caroline lias the honor of being the home of L3'-man Cobb, author of 
Cobb's Spelling- Book, which is well remembered by persons fifty 3rears 
old and npwards. Mr. Cobb taught school at Slaterville in a small 
school house which stood on the farm of Charles Mulks, now owned by 
John Boice. Mr. Cobb taught there about two years, and during that 
time compiled his spelling book, the first edition of which was issued in 
1810. Several of the neighboring farmers helped him to publish the 
book, among whom were Levi Slater, Erastus Benton, of Berkshire, 
Isaac Stillwell and Charles and John Mulks. Mack & Andrus, of 
Ithaca, were the publishers for New York and the Middle States, and 
millions of copies of the book were printed in this and other States. 
Cobb sold the copyright to several parties in New England, the South- 
ern and Western States. Mr. Cobb afterwards compiled other school 
books. 

Peter Lounsbery, father of Cantine, Edward and Richard Lounsbery, 
came from Ulster county in 1820 and settled where Richard's widow 
now lives. He was a prominent citizen, member of assembl}^ in 1844, 
etc. Charles Cooper came in 1810 and settled on a farm. His sons 
were William, J. A. D., and Hiram Cooper. 

About the year 1828 a Mr. Terry lived on the corner where Smith 
Stevens now lives, about half a mile west of the site of Caroline depot. 
Mr. Terry was made postmaster in about 1835 by the President, 
and the post-office was named " Terryville;" it was probably the first 
post-office between Ithaca and Owego. Mr. Terry was removed by 
President Jackson, as a result of a petition gotten up by William Mott 
charging Terry with being what is now-a-days termed an " offensive 
partisan." The office was, therefore, removed to " Mott's Hollow" 
about a year after it was established and named Mott's Corners, and 
William Mott 2d was the first postmaster. Eugene Terry, of the sur- 
rogate's office in Ithaca, is a grandson of Postmaster Terry. 

A man who, with his descendants, exerted considerable influence 
upon the town of Caroline was Charles H. Morrell. He was an early 
settler in the town of Lansing, near Lake Ridge, and eventually died 
there." He went there from New Jersey. About 1832 he bought of 
John J." Speed, sr. , two large farms in Caroline. In his lifetime Mi% 
Morrell, and his sons after him. were noted for successful sheep hus- 
bandry and were the most extensive sheep breeders and dealers in 
Central New York. In his will Charles H. Morrell bec^ueathed his 
large sheep herd, about 2,000 head, to his sons and daughters; 800 to 



286 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Henry K., of Caroline; 500 each to Lewis A. and Charles H., jr., of 
Lansino-, and 200 to his daug'hter. To his son Henry K. he also willed 
the Speed farm in Caroline, now owned by F. C. Cornell. To his 
daughter, wife of J.J. Speed, jr., he gave a large farm in Caroline. L. 
A. Morrell became very active and prominent in sheep husbandry, and 
was the author of a valuable work on that subject. Henry K. Morrell 
removed from the town about 1860. 

Marlin Merrill came from Connecticut in 1830 and settled first at 
Mott's Corners, and afterwards on the farm where Charles Bogardus 
lived. Michael C. Krum came in from Ulster county in 1838 and set- 
tled where he now lives. In the same year Eleazer Goodrich, father 
of Levi L. Goodrich, came in from Berkshire, Tioga county, where he 
had settled in 1820. George Blair, father of Austin Blair, settled early 
on the Blair farm. The names of many other early and later residents 
of the town will be mentioned in the account of the villages and in the 
biographic department of this volume. 

T. M. Boyer told Charles F. Mulks in 1880 that the winter of 1835-6 
was remarkable for its deep snow. It began snowing Januar}' 1 and 
continued four consecutive daj^s. During the winter not less than ten 
feet of snow fell. There were many deer about Shandaken and a man 
named Gilman hunted them on snow shoes. He went to Ithaca and 
contracted to deliver there six or eight deer within a specified short 
time, the Ithacans not believing he could fulfill and thinking they 
would have a joke on him. He delivered the deer on time and de- 
manded his money. 

The Six Mile Creek rises in Dryden and its whole course is about 
sixteen or seventeen miles. There have been twenty-three mill sites 
on the stream since the country was settled, including saw and grist 
mills. There have been fifteen saw mills, seven grist mills, two or 
three woolen mills, a gun factory, and a few small cider mills operated 
at sundr}" times. There are now only two or three saw mills and one 
grist mill, water and steam being used in some cases. 

The " Bottom Mill," so called, on the upper Six Mile Creek, was a 
saw mill built by by Elijah Powers in 1808 and was one of the first saw 
mills built on that stream. Powers lived on the Chauncey L. Scott 
farm, which after him was owned by a Mr. Haskins. The Bottom Mill 
passed into the hands of the Van Pelts, who operated it a long time 
until it was worn out. The mill stood at the upper branches of Six 
Mile Creek. 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 



287 



At the first town meeting- held in Caroline, at the tavern of Rieharcl 
Bush, as directed by the aet forming the town, in April, 1811, the fol- 
lowing' offieers were ehosen : William Rounsvell, supervisor; Levi 
Slater, town clerk; Ephraim Chambers, Nathaniel Tobey and Laban 
Jenks, assessors; John Robison, Nathaniel Tobey and Moses Reed, 
commissioners of highways; Charles Mulks, collector; John Robison 
and Joseph Chambers, overseers of the poor; Richard Chambers and 
Robert Hyde, constables; Dr. Joseph Speed, Charles jNIulksand Robert 
Freeland, fence viewers; Richard Bush, poundmaster. 

Following isa list of supervisors of Caroline from 1811 to the present 
time, with dates of service ; 



1811-12. William Rounsvell. 
1813. John J. Speed, sr. 
1814-15. John Robison. 
1816-17. Robert Freeland. 

1818. Augustine Boyer. 

1819. Robert Freeland. 

1820. Augustine Boyer. 
1821-25. Levi Slater. 
1826-28. Robert Freeland. 
1829-31. William Jackson. 
1832-34. Samuel H. Dean. 
1835. Henry Teers. 
1836-37. Spencer Hungerford. 
1838-42. Lyman Kingman. 

1843. James R. Speed. 

1844. Lyman Kingman. 

1845. John Chambers. 

1846. Dr. Daniel L. Mead. 

1847. Lyman Kingman. 
1848-19. Samuel E. Green. 

1850. William Cooper. 

1851. Henry Krum. 

1852. Michael C. Krum. 

1853. Edward Hungerford. 

1854. Robert H. S. Hyde. 

1855. Herman C. Reed. 



1856-57. John Bull. 

1858. Charle.s J. Rounsveh. 

1859. John J. Bush. 

1860. Peter Lounsbery. 

1861. WiUiam H. Blair. 

1862. William Curtis. 

1863. James H. Snow. 
1864-65. Samuel E. Green. 

1866. Sharrad Slater. 

1867. Samuel P. Ashley. 

1868. Lyman Kingman. 

1869. Sharrad Slater. 
1870-73. John Wolcott. 
1874-76. Chauncey L. Wattles. 
1877-78. Epenetus Howe. 
1879-80. Smith D. Stevens. 
1881. James H. Mount. 
1882-83. James Boice. 
1884-87. R. G. H. Speed. 
1888. James Boice. 

1889-92. Fred E. Bates. 

1892. Seat contested by Fred E. 

Bates and John Bull, and 
given to the latter. 

1893. John Bull. 



1894. William K. Boice. 

At the town meeting of 1817 it was voted " That whoever kills a fox 
in this town shall be entitled to a bounty; for killing a wolf, $5; for 
killing a wild-cat, $1." 

At the town meeting in 1810 it was " Resolved, That Lyman Raw- 
son be prosecuted for retailing ' speerits ' without a license." 



388 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Ephraim Chambers, John Robison, Abram Blackman and Dr. Joseph 
Speed were the first justices of the peace in this town, appointed by the 
Board of vSupcrvisors and judg-es of Common Pleas jointly. The office 
was made elective by the people in 1827. The first justices elected 
were Dr. James Ashley (one year), Milo Heath (two years), Aaron 
Curtis (three years), and Silas Hutchinson (four years). 

When Caroline was set ofl: from Spencer and separately organized in 
ISll, all the preliminaries were satisfactorily agreed upon, but the 
people could not agree upon the name. It was proposed and assented 
to that the spelling book should be taken and opened and the first 
female name they should find should be the name of the town. At the 
same time John Cantine and Dr. Speed agreed that the first girl that 
should thereafter be born in the family of either should be named 
Caroline. Diana Caroline vSpeed became Mrs. Vincent Conrad, and 
Caroline Cantine a Mrs. Giddings. Both have been dead many years. 

In 1813 there was still a large part of the town assessed and taxed as 
non-resident lands. The largest of these non-resident owners was 
Samuel W. Johnson, of Stratford, Conn. He owned 1800 acres in one 
solid body in the southwest corner, embracing the whole of the lands 
since known as the Pugsley, Ridgway, Lane, and several lesser farms. 

In round numbers the assessed valuation of residents was, in 1813, 
$88,553; and of non-residents, $27,828. This was the second year after 
the town was organized. 

Following is a list of the principal officers of this town for 1894: 
William K. Boice, supervisor, Slaterville Springs; Charles E. Meeks, 
■ town clerk, Brookton; William P. Rich, collector, Caroline; George 
H. Nixon, justice of the peace, Speedsville; Charles Lewis, constable, 
Speedsville; John E. Van Etten, constable, Brookton; Adelbert M. 
Dedrick, constable, Slaterville Springs; Elnathan H. Card, con.stable, 
Slaterville Springs. 

Statistics. — The number of acres of land in Caroline, as given in 
report of Board of Supervisors, 1893, is 34,747. Assessed valuation 
of real estate, including village property and real estate of corporations, 
$851,495. Total assessed value of personal property, $32,550. Amount 
of town taxes, $2,330.09. Amount of county taxes, $1,518.53. Aggre- 
gate taxation, $5,370.29. Rate of tax on $1 valuation, .0061. Corpo- 
rations' — D., L. & W. Railroad Co., assessed value real estate, $40,000; 
amount of tax, $244. E., C. & N. Railroad Co., assessed value of real 
estate, $45,000; amount of tax, $274.50. N. Y. & P. Telegraph and 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 289 

Telephone Co., assessed value of real estate, $500; amount of tax, 
$3.05. W. U. Telegraph Co., assessed value real estate, $300; amount 
of tax, $1.83. Town audits, 1893, $1,056.38. 

Slaterville. — This small village is situated on Six Mile Creek, on 
the northern line of the town. The derivation of its name and most 
of the early settlers have been already mentioned. Others who may 
properly be mentioned as residents early and at later time in that 
vicinity were John Robison, Robert Freeland, Lemuel Yates, Francis 
Norwood and others. 

With the establishment of the early mills and mercantile stores, and 
the organization of churches and schools, most of which have been de- 
scribed, the hamlet grew to a few hundred inhabitants and remained 
in about that condition many years. The post-oflice was established 
in 1823, with John Robison as postmaster; he also kept a tavern at the 
time. The present official in the office is Mrs. E. M. Wattles, who has 
had it continuously since 1872. 

In 1816 or 1817 John Robison and Mr. Hedges built a tannery and 
operated it a few^ years ; it stood on the site of the present barn of 
Carns's Hotel. Robison and Hedges were succeeded in the business 
by Milo and James Heath, who continued it many years. The Heath 
family, father and brothers, came from Connecticut originally, but re- 
moved to Caroline from Delhi, N. Y., in 1818, and were long influential 
men in the town. 

About the same time Isaac Miller built a frame store across the road 
from the tannery and began trade ; he died soon afterwards. 

Levi Slater was his successor, and carried on trade there about eight 
years. Between 1816 and 1820 the little village saw its greatest pros- 
perity, at least until the discovery of the merits of the Magnetic Springs. 
This event took place about 1871, when a well was sunk by Dr. William 
Gallagher. The waters of these springs contain a large percentage of 
mineral constituents, and have proved efficacious in the cure of many 
diseases. The Slaterville House was a hotel built many years ago and 
kept at various periods by Zophar T. McLusky, James Hall, Richard 
Freer, S. Edward Green, George Clark, Josephus Bullman, Josephus 
Hasbrouck, and perhaps others. When the springs began to be devel- 
opedj and the reputation of the w^aters became known, W. J. Cams 
took this house, renamed it the Magnetic Springs House, enlarged 
and improved it, beautified the grounds, drilled for a supply of the 
water, and opened it to the public. He has kept the house ever since. 

37 



290 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The Fountain House was built by Hornbeck & Benjamin Brothers 
in 1872, and in 1875 was sold to Moses Dedrick. Mr. Cams is now 
also conducting this house, having- purchased it of Harrison Halstead. 

A flouring- mill was built at Slaterville in 1820 by Solomon Robison, 
who rebuilt it in 18;3G. It was burned in 1863, and three years later 
the second mill was erected by Jason D. Atwater. This mill was 
burned down in 1891 and not rebuilt. 

In 1818 an old frame school house stood on the land of Charles 
Mulks. It was partly demolished and rendered useless by a party of 
mischievous bo3^s, and in the next winter school was taught in the old 
Freer log house in Slaterville, and in the following year (1828) the 
" Red School House " was built. 
. A store is now kept by John Bull, and W. D. Post deals in hardware. 

Speedsville. — The settlement of this small village and the events 
connected therewith have been already described. The place was 
known in early years as " Jenksville, " from Laban Jenks, an early 
settler. About the year 1835 a movement was started to secure a post- 
office there under that name, the inhabitants not taking kindly to the 
removal of the office which had already been opened under the name 
of Speedsville down to the old road whither John J. Speed had removed. 
The inhabitants finally succeeded in forcing Mr. Speed into a com- 
promise, under which the office was taken back to "Jenksville," but 
under the name of Speedsville, which Mr. Speed was desirous should 
be retained. Leroy W. Kingman was the first postmaster after the 
removal and was appointed February 4, 1835. Other succeeding post- 
masters have been Isaac L, Bush, vSamuel P. Ashley, G. H. Perry, 
Josiah Lawrence, Isaac L. Bush, D. B. Gilbert (who held the office 
more than fifteen years), and was succeeded by W. S. Legge and Mrs. 
Dr. Johnson. The present postmaster is J. I. Ford. 

Many of these carried on mercantile business in connection with their 
official business, and A. N. Ford, D. B. Gilbert & Son, Asa Phillips, 
and others, formerly kept stores. The present merchants are J. I. 
Ford and E. L. Freeland. Trout Brook Creamery is in this village, 
owned and operated by Truman & Thompson, of Owego. About 500 
pounds of butter are made here daily. 

A small grist mill is now operated by S. Hart about two miles from 
the village, and wS. H. Akins has a planing mill and crate factory, 

Mott's Corners. — This place was known in early years as Cantine's 
Mills, and its name was changed from Mott's Corners to Brookton in 



TOWN OF CAROLINE. 291 

recent years. The village is situated on Six Mile Creek, near by sta- 
tions on the Elmira, Cortland and Northern Railroad and Caroline 
depot on the D., L. & W. Railroad. The settlement of Gen. John 
Cantine here, as well as others, has been quite fully detailed in pre- 
ceding' pages. The building of the early mills at this point deter- 
mined its locality as a site for a village. The Upper Grist Mill, as it 
has been known, stands nearly opposite the site of the old Cantine Mill, 
which was built about the year 1800, and was burned in 1862, while 
owned by Joseph Chambers. The present mill was built by George 
White in 18G5, and was sold by him to F. C. Cornell. This mill is not 
now running. It was at one time owned by William Mott 2d, as was 
also the mill on the present Voorhis site several years previous. The 
latter mill was destroyed by fire and rebuilt by David C. Roe in 1850. 
It passed through several hands to the Voorhises, father and sons, and 
was burnt in 1800 or 91. Fred E. Bates then became proprietor of the 
site and built thereon the present mill, and very soon after resold it to 
the Voorhis brothers. Daniel M. White and Fred E. Bates have two 
saw mills here. 

There were formerly two woolen factories in operation at this place. 
A man named Losey for many years owned and carried on a gun fac- 
tory below Brookton. The business was originally started at Ta- 
ghanic Creek in Ulysses and removed to Brookton. They were followed 
by Mr. Lull and son, who changed the establishment into a factory for 
the manufacture of blankets. After a few years this was discontinued. 

Former merchants here were George T. Sanders and John J. Bush. 
wStores are kept at present by Frank F. Mulks and E. M. Mills. Frank 
F. Mulks is postmaster. 

Caroline Post-Office. — This is a hamlet in the northeast part of 
the town, and is the locality that was first settled, as before described, 
by Capt. David Rich, AVidow Earsley, Dr. Joseph Speed, and others. 
It was first known as "Yankee Settlement," and later as "Tobeytown, " 
from Nathaniel Tobey, an early settler, who was the father of Nathan- 
iel M. Tobey. The post-office was first established here about 1819, 
and Dr. Speed was the first postmaster. Wallace W. Conrad is the 
present official and carries on the only store. 

A saw mill was built here in 1822 by Henry Morgan and Isaac 
Goodale, which passed to possession of N. M. Tobey in 1865, and he 
rebuilt it. The present grist mill was built and is now operated by 
Francis Earsley. 



292 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The tipper mill was built by Mr. Tobey in 1835, on the west branch 
of Owego Creek. Mr. Tobe)'' also built a steam grist mill there in 
1854, which he successfully operated until 18G3, when it was burned by 
an incendiary and not rebuilt. 

Caroline Center. — This hamlet is situated near the center of the 
towm, which fact gives it its name. It was in that vicinit}'- that the 
pioneers Augustin and Hugh Boyer, William Jackson, Calvin Clark, 
Jonathan Snow, James Livermore, Alexander vStowell, John Taft, Abel 
Gates, Ezekiel Jewett, John Grout, Joel Rich (brother of Capt. David 
Rich), Jeremiah Kinney, Israel Paine, and others settled and lived; 
man}' of them have descendants still living in the town and county. 

The post-office was established here about 1839, with Hiram S. Jones 
as postmaster. The present official is John Davis. There has never 
been any manufacturing of mi;ch account here. Robert E. Brink is 
the merchant. 

Caroline Depot post-office was established in 1859, the 5-ear preceding 
the building of the depot there. Alvin Merrill, who was .station agent, 
was the first postmaster. vSlaterville, Brookton, and Caroline Center 
receive their supplies chiefly from this station. A store is kept b}^ 
Da3'ton Conrad, and William B. Krum is po.stmaster. 

There is a post-office in the town called White Chnrch, over which 
William Hart presides. 

Caroline Lodge, No. 681, F. & A. M., was instituted in November, 
1867, with twenty-eight charter members. W. C. Gallagher, M.D., 
was the first W. M. ; Moses Munson, vS. W. ; Job Norwood, J. W. ; R. 
G. H. Speed, secretary; R. M. Wood, treasurer. The charter was re- 
ceived in June, 1868, when some slight changes in the list of officers 
occurred. The present chief officers are: Richard Leonard, W. M. ; C. 
L. Davis, S. W. ; C. J. Hamilton, J. W. ; W, K. Boice, treas. ;■ H. A. 
Davis, secretary; Leroy Heffron, S. D. ; Bowne Mulks, J. D. ; George 
Aldrich, S. M. C. ; Leroy McWhorter, J. M. C. ; R. G. H. Speed, chap- 
lain; George E. Vandemark, marshal; Thomas Gibbs, tyler. 

Speedsville Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., was instituted June 11, 
1851, and worked under a dispensation until June 19, 1852, when its 
charter was issued and thirteen members enrolled. The first W. M. 
was Robert H. S. Hyde; S. W., Thomas Band; J. W., Lyman King- 
man; secretary, Leonard Legg; treasurer, Robert E. Muir. The 
present chief officers are: Nelson Slater, W. M. ; R. F. Abbey, S. W. ; 
G. H. Nixon, J. W. ; S. H. Boyer, treasurer; H. S. Akins, secretary; 



TOAVN OF CAROLINE. 093 

W. L. Keeny, vS. D. ; J. I. Ford, J. D. ; A. Bostwick, chaplain; Collins 
Cartright, S. M. C. ; F. M. Baker, J. M. C. ; C. A. Clark, marshal; Milclan 
Mead, t)'ler. 

Religious Organizations. — The first church organization in the 
town of Caroline was of the Dutch Reformed faith and was due to the 
efforts of Rev. Gerrit Mandeville. The date was some time in the year 
1813; the early records of the church are not accessible, but among the 
original members were Joseph Chambers, Oakley Bush, the Widow 
Earsley, and others. Mr. Mandeville remained with the church nearly 
twenty-five years. A house of worship was built about 1820, which has 
been demolished, and the society is extinct. 

The First Methodist Church of Caroline. — This church is in 
vSlaterville and the class which preceded it w^as formed in 1813 with 
eight members, only one of whom was a man. The first pastor was 
John Griffin. The church organization was effected November 28, 
1831, under the title, "The Garretson Society of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church," but its subsequent incorporation was tinder its present 
name. The first regular pastor was Rev. George Harmon. The church 
building was commenced in 1832 and dedicated in 1831. It has been 
since enlarged and repaired. Rev. William H. Strang is the present 
pastor. 

The Methodist Church at Caroline Center. — This society was 
organized about 1820, with thirteen members, by Rev. George Har- 
mon, above mentioned. In 1825 the society built a church at a cost of 
$1,000, which sufficed until 18<>0, when it was superseded by the pres- 
ent church. A. F. Brown is pastor. 

The Methodist Church at Speedsville. — A class was formed at 
Speedsville about the year 1820, which was followed in 1851 by a church 
organization. A house of worship was erected in the same year during 
the pastorate of Rev. William Lisbee. 

A church was built at Speedsville in 1828 b}' the Methodists, Presby- 
terians and Universalists, who used it jointly until 1851. The Meth- 
odists now worship in their own church,' and Rev. A. A. Brown is 
pastor. 

St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church of Speedsville. — This 
society was originally organized as a church of the same name at Rich- 
ford, whence it was removed to Speedsville in 1842. Rev. George 
Watson was called as missionary, and Hiram Bliss and Towner Whiton 
were made wardens. Rev. C. W. NcNish is pastor. 



294 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

In 1801 an Episcopal Society was org'anized at Slaterville, and in the 
spring- of 1894 they finished a beautiful church at a cost of $3,500. 
Memorial windows were presented by Moses Bull in memory of his wife 
and daughter; by Mrs. Mary F. Tobey, in memory of vSimon and Sally 
Andrews (her fatlier and mother) ; and by Mrs. William P. Speed, in 
memory of her husband and her sons, Joseph and Daniel. The pastor 
is Rev. C. W. McNish. 

The Universalist Church. — A Universalist Society was org'anized 
April 26, 1827, with twenty-seven members and Rev. N. Doolittle 
pastor. A new org-anization was effected in 1870 under the name of 
the " Universalist Church of Speedsville," with forty-three members 
and Rev. A. O. Warren pastor. The orig-inal society joined with the 
Methodists and Presbyterians, as before stated, in building- a church. 
The Universalists eventually purchased the building. 

The First Baptist Church of Caroline. — This society was organ- 
ized in 1814 "^ath fourteen inembers and Rev. Plin}^ Sabin pastor. In 
1848 a house of worship was erected; this was removed in 1863 and a 
neat building erected at Brookton, which was dedicated January 11, 
1864; its cost was $2,500. The society also owns a parsonage. The 
pastor is Rev. William A. House. 

In 1892 a Methodist Society was organized at Caroline, and a church 
was built in 1894 at a cost of about $1,500. Rev. Charles Northrop is 
pastor. 

Congregational Church. — This society is at Brookton and was or- 
ganized March 28, 1868, and incorporated in the following month. The 
original membership was fifty-five, a number of -whom were from the 
Methodist Society of that place and the Reformed church. The first 
pastor was Rev. William vS. Hills. In 1868 a handsome church was 
erected at a cost of about $5,000. The pastor is Rev. vSherman More- 
land. 

In 1814 a Baptist (Old vSchool) church was organized, over which 
Rev. John Saw5^er was pastor. The house of worship was built in 
1843. This society is not now in existence. 



TOAA^N OF DAN BY. 295 



CHAPTER XVI. 

TOAVN OF DANBY. 

The reader of the preceding history of Ithaca in this volume has 
learned of the coming- to that place in 1789 of the Dumonds and Yaples 
from Ulster county, and their primitive improvements on land to which 
they supposed their title would continue to be good and sufficient. " In 
that supposition they were mistaken ; for through the non-payment of 
taxes in Albany by an agent they lost their title, and in 171)5 the part}^, 
consisting of Isaac and John Dumond and Jacob and John Yaple, 
formed some kind of a partnership agreement and pushed on into what 
is now the town of Danby and there took up farms. The partnership 
continued several years after the first settlement. Many others of the 
pioneers of the northern and northwestern parts of this town were also 
from Ulster county and vicinity, while many of those who located at 
what became the so called " Beers Settlement " at South Danby were 
from Fairfield county, Conn. The Dumonds and Yaples, undismayed 
by their discouraging experience at Ithaca, plunged energetically into 
the task of making new homes. They were met by numerous obstacles, 
of course, being forced to cut their way through the woods to the lo- 
cality, to construct their own roads, and to build their log houses with- 
out the aid of neighbors. The tract where those worthy pioneers 
settled is included in the farms now or recently owned by John Sea- 
man, James Comfort, the widow of Henry Yaple, and a son of David 
Yaple. Several descendants of both the pioneer families are now resi- 
dent in this county. Isaac Dumond, son of John, was the first white 
child born in the town, August 12, 1795, and lived on the homestead 
to a venerable age. 

The pioneers in the "Beers Settlement" district (South Danby) 
were Dr. Lewis Beers, one of the very early physicians of the county, 
and his brother, Jabez Beers, who came in from Stratford, Fairfield 
county, Conn., in the spring of 1797. They settled on the farms now 
owned by E. L. B. Curtis and John Hall respectively. Mr. Curtis is 
a grandson of Dr. Beers. The doctor was accompanied by his wife 



296 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and two indentured young" men named William R. Collins (afterwards 
for many years a prominent citizen of Ithaca), aged sixteen years, and 
Joseph Judson, aged fifteen. The latter was a prosperous farmer of 
Danby. 

Jabez Beers had a wife and family, and his daughter named Harriet 
became the wife of John Scott, of Ithaca. 

Dr. Lewis Beers became a conspicuous figure in the early history of 
the count5^ He built the first frame house in the town in 1801. He 
was chosen the first justice of the peace of the town, receiving his war- 
rant in 1807 from Governor Daniel D. Tompkins. In the same year 
he was appointed first judge of the Court of Common Pleas. In this 
office he was succeeded by his brother Jabez. The latter was also 
elected to the Assembly at a later date. Dr. Beers was the first and 
only president of the old Owego and Ithaca Turnpike Company, assum- 
ing the office in 1812 and continuing in it until the road became a pub- 
lic highway in 1841. He was founder and first i^astor of the "New 
Jerusalem Church," or Swedenborgian, which faith he adopted about 
1813. After a long, honorable and useful life he died September 4, 
1849, at the age of eighty-one years. 

In the spring of 1805 Dr. Beers returned to his former home and 
brought back his aged parents, who were cared for b}^ him until their 
death. His father died in Danby, January 3, 1816, and his mother 
April 10, 1817. 

In 1796 Elias Deyo became a resident of the town and for ten years 
was the only settler of foreign birth. He was a German. 

David Clark located in the Beers vSettlement neighborhood in 1801, 
and Lewis Beardsley in 1802, on the farm now occupied by Stockton 
B. Judson. Benjamin Jennings came in the latter year. Oscar Jen- 
nings was his son, and the late Benjamin Jennings his grandson. He 
was from Cornwall, Conn., and settled on the farm now occupied b}^ 
the family of William Buckland. Benjamin Jennings was member of 
assembly in 1827 and 1837, and a prominent and useful citizen. 

Deacon Hezekiah Clark, John Pumpelly and Philo Hawes came to 
the town in 1803, and Benijah Ticknor in 1804. Abner Beers, jr., 
came in 1804, and Nathan Beers in 1805. In the latter year Joseph 
Judson purchased the farm which remained in the family many years. 

Comfort Butler, Nathan and vSeymour H. Adams, and David vSmith, 
with their families, came to the town in 1806 and became reliable 
citizens in the growing community. vSeneca Howland came in 1807, 



TOWN OF DANBY. 297 

Settlement in the town continued steadily, though not rapidly, until 
the war of 1812-15. Elbert Curtis, M.D., came from Stratford, Conn., 
in 1809, and settled where his son, E. L. B. Curtis, now resides. He 
later boug-ht the Jabez Beers homestead and lived there to 1857, when 
he removed to Ithaca and died there November 3, 1866, at the age of 
sixty-nine years. He was a prominent and useful citizen ; was mem- 
ber of assembly in 1838, and held various town offices. 

Selick Bates and Charles Wright settled in the town in 1812. The 
former removed to the town of Caroline; his daughter married Charles 
Wright's son, Abrahajm. 

In the northern and northwestern parts of the town, returning to 
the year 1804, we find that Thomas, John, William, Abraham, James 
and Samuel Swarthout located there. They were from Ulster count}^ 
N.Y. , became useful citizens, reared families, and still have many de- 
scendants in the town. 

Peter Davis and his son William arrived in the same year (1804) and 
soon afterwards John Masterson, Spencer Eaton and Jacob Wise. 
John Miller came in 1805. John Elyea, the pioneer of this name in 
the town, came in 1813. 

Moses Barker settled in the western part of the town in 1814 on the 
farm owned in recent years by his son-in-law, G. A. Todd. A few 
years later James Briggs settled on a farm about half a mile from 
West Danby post-office, and his brother Isaac located about a mile 
distant. 

In the southern part of the town ^Nloses Banfield settled in 1802 on 
the farm occupied in recent times by George J. Bratt. His son Isaac 
was a leading citizen of the town. Aaron Bennett came to this part of. 
the town in 1806, and Amos Hall, grandfather of Albert Hall, came 
about the year 1807 and settled where the widow of Albert now lives. 
Amos's sons, Leonard and Silas, followed their father hither two years 
later. The first named son was father of Albert. 

Isaac Jennings came in from Saratoga county in 1815, settled where 
William Smiley lived in recent years. Others who located in the town 
in later years, and prior to 1840, were Dr. Aaron Tibbetts, who was a 
leading physician more than forty years; Simon Loomis, Jackson 
Graves, Elihu Keeler (father of Charles Keeler), and many others who 
will be mentioned a little further on. 

The first birth in this town was that of Isaac Dumond, son of John, 
which occurred August 12, 1795. Isaac lived in the town to a great 

38 



298 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

age. The first death was that of Mrs. Rogers, wife of Joseph Rogers, 
who was a tenant of Dumond's; her death took place about the year 
1797. 

The pioneers made early arrangements for the simple education of 
their children, as far as possible, and a school house was erected at the 
Beers vSettlement about the beginning of the century, and within a year 
or two afterwards another was built in the Dumond and Yaple neigh- 
borhood. Joseph Judson was the first teacher. Some of the Danby 
children had attended school prior to this in a log school house in the 
town of Ithaca. 

The organization of the town of Danby did not take place until Feb- 
ruar}^ 22, 1811, when it was taken from the town of Spencer, Tioga 
count5% and it was annexed to Tompkins county, March 22, 1822. On 
the 29th of April, 1839, a small part of the town of Caroline was an- 
nexed to Danby. 

The first town meeting was held on the 12th day of March, 1811, and 
the following officers elected: Stephen Beers, jr., supervisor; Uri Hill, 
town clerk ; Nathan Adams. Aaron Bennett and Benjamin Jennings, 
assessors; John Yaple, Seymour H. Adams and Hudson Jennings, 
commissioners of highways; Jacob Yaple and Stephen Beers, overseers 
of the poor ; Birdsey Clark, constable and collector ; Hudson Jennings, 
constable; Lewis Beardsley, Hezekiah Clark, John Dumond and John 
Yaple, fence viewers and damage appraisers; Hezekiah Clark, pound- 
master. 

It was voted at this meeting to " locate the town pound in the ensu- 
ing year on the corner of the section where it crosses the turnpike, one 
half of which to be on Esquire Beers's land. Dr. Lewis Beers agrees 
to build said pound at his own expense." 

Following is a list of the supervisors of the town from the beginning 
to the. present time ; the list contains the names of many early settlers 
alread}^ mentioned, as well as later prominent residents of the town : 

Stephen Beers, jr. , five years. - ' Miles C. Mix. 

Benjamin Jennings, eleven years. Sherman Miller. 

Elbert Curtis. Elbert Curtis. 

Jonathan B. Gosman. Andrew Taylor, two years. 

Harley Lord. Frederick Beers. 

Benjamin Jennings. Elbert Curtis. 

Chester W. Lord, two ^^ears. Eli Beers. 

Alexander Gastin. Andrew Ta3dor, - 

Elbert Curtis. , Chester W. Lord, two years. 



TOWN OF DANBY. 299 

Eleazur Taylor. Lyttleton F. Clark, two years. 

Francis Nourse. William A. Mandeville, two- years. • 

V Gideon Tuthill, two years. Levi Curtis, three years. 

Eli Beers. Elbert L. B. Curtis, two years. 

Francis Nourse, two years. Josiah Hawes, eight years. 

Elbert L. B. Curtis. John E. Beers, twelve years. 

Francis Nourse. Frank A. Todd. 

Frederick Beers. . John E. Beers, two years. 

Lemuel Jennings. F. A. Todd, 1892-3. 

Elbert Curtis. Henry Hutchings, 1894. 
Dioclesian A. Marsh. 

This town, as the reader has learned, was among the foremost to re- 
spond to the call of the country in the struggle for the perpetuation of 
a free government. It is also most commendable that the people upon 
the successful close of that great contest at once took steps to properly 
honor the memory of those who sacrificed or imperiled their lives for 
the good of their country. To this end the " Soldiers' Monument As- 
sociation of the town of Danby " was organized on the 4th of July, 
1866. The directors were Charles B. Keeler, president; E. L. B. Cur- 
tis, Levi C. Beers, John L. Hance, and Rev. Warren Mayo. About 
$1,900 were raised by entertainments of various kinds, which was in- 
creased to $3,000 by vote of the people, and E. L. B. Curtis, John L. 
Hance and Josiah Hawes were given authorit}^ to negotiate for the 
erection of a suitable monument. The result of this noble action 
stands in a beautiful marble shaft twenty-nine feet high, which was 
raised with appropriate ceremonies. On it are the names and date of 
death of forty-five men who gave up their lives in the war. 

The town has always been chiefly a grain and stock growing district, 
and now ranks among the foremost in this respect. The farmers are, 
as a rule, well-to-do, and pursue their business on advanced methods. 
Some farmers are giving attention to milk production and a fine milk 
depot and ice house was built at West Danby in 1893. 

Following are the principal officers of the town for 1894: Henry 
Hutchings, supervisor. West Danby; William H. Baker, town clerk, 
Danby; Frank D. Smiley, collector, Danby; Jacob Wise, justice of the 
peace, Danby; Charles E. Bruce, constable, Danby; Jerry Dorn, con- 
stable. South Danby; Clarence H. Slocum, constable, Caroline Depot; 
Simeon D. Sincebaugh, constable. West Danby; Nelson C. Williams, 
commissioner of highways, Danby. 

Statistics. — Number of acres of land in the town, as shown by the 
supervisors' report of 1893, 33,286 ; ^assessed valuation of real estate, 



300 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

including village propert}' and real estate of corporations, $625,254; 
total assessed valuation of personal property, $43,000; amount of town 
taxes, $1,331.79; amount of county taxes, $1,502.09; aggregate tax- 
ation, $4,339.09; rate of tax on $1 valuation, .00()5. Corporations — -D., 
L. & W. Railroad Co., assessed value of real estate, $8,000; amount of 
tax, $52; G., I. & vS. Railroad Co., assessed value of real estate, $32,- 
000; amount of tax (including tax on the company's telegraph line), 
$211.25; N. Y. & P. Telephone Co., assessed value of real estate, $500; 
amount of tax, $3.25; W. U. Telegraph Co., assessed value of real 
estate, $150; amount of tax, $0.98; Ithaca Water Works Co., assessed 
A^alue of real estate, $1,200; amount of tax, $7.80. 

Dan BY Village. — This village covers the site of the Beers Settle- 
ment on the old Ithaca and Owego turnpike, six miles from Ithaca. 
Here the first dwelling was erected by Elias Deyo as early as 1798. 
The more prominent early settlers in this vicinity were Abner Beers, 
David Clark, Hezekiah Clark, John Pumpelly, Hudson and Benjamin 
Jennings, Letis Beardsley, Erastus Bierce, Uri Clark, and Stephen 
Beers, several of whom have been mentioned. About the year 180G 
Abner Beers opened the first store here in a log building, since which 
earl)' date various merchants have traded here. 

The first mills in this town were erected by the Dumonds and \"aples, 
a saw mill in 1797 and a grist mill in 1799. The}^ were on Buttermilk 
Creek on land that was undivided between the two families. The Elm 
Tree flouring and saw mills at Danby were erected by a stock com- 
pany composed of Messrs. Ellis, Johnson, Beers and De Forrest in 
1853. About three 3^ears later the company sold the property to 
Thomas J. Phillips. He added steam power, and conducted the busi- 
ness imtil December 15, 1868, when the mill was burned. The site 
remained vacant until 1878, when Frazier & Krum built the new mills; 
these were sold to W. R. Gunderman in 1880. He successfully oper- 
ated them until 1889, when they were again burned, and Mr. Gunder- 
man removed to Ithaca, where he operates a grist mill and general 
storehouse business. 

The first post-office was established at Danby in 1801-2, at the resi- 
dence of Dr. Lewis Beers, who was appointed postmaster. In 1811-12 
it was removed to the residence of Jabez Beers, and about the year 
1827 was removed to the village and Hudson Jennings was made post- 
master. The present official is Henry Beardsley. 



TOWN OF DANBY. 301 

The first public house in the village was kept by Deacon Hezekiah 
Clark in 1811 in what was in late years the residence of Levi C. Beers. 
Prior to that date Dr. Beers entertained travelers at his house. 

Henry S. Beardsley and Charles Ostrander now carrj' on stores in 
the village, and the saw mill on the site of the old Judson mill is in 
the Jennings estate. T. H. Howell and Josiah Hawes formerly had 
stores here. 

The Danby Rural Cemetery Association was incorporated July 1, 
1871. Land for the cemetery was donated by E. L. B. Curtis. A 
board of trustees has charge of the affairs of the association. 

West Danby. — This hamlet is situated on the Cayuga Inlet, and is 
a station on the Geneva and Sayre Branch of the Lehigh Valle}" Rail- 
road. The first settlement here was made b}" Moses Barker in 1814. 
The first dwelling was built by Jared Patchen, who owned the land 
but was not an actual settler. James Grimes occupied the house as a 
tenant. John Patchen came to this locality in 1823, purchased a farm, 
and reared a family. He was father of Ira Patchen. William Hugg 
was a settler here about the year 1816. Ira Patchen built and opened 
a store about 1850, and carried on business more than thirty years. 
There has never been an}- manufacturing of account. A saw mill is 
located here which is now owned by John Banfield. The Novelty 
Works, for the manufacture of yard sticks, sign boards, etc., are con- 
ducted by D. A. Beach. Fairbrother & Co. have a store, and F. A. 
Fairbrother is postmaster. A. J. Tupper is the other merchant of the 
village. 

South D.^nby. — This is a small hamlet in the southern part of the 
town, the settlements in which have already been described. A post- 
office was established here many years ago, and Sarah Jennings is the 
present incumbent of the office. There is one store and a blacksmith 
shop here. 

Churches. — Religious organization followed very closely the early 
settlements in this town. The Congregational church at Danby village 
was first organized as a Presbyterian societA" in 1807, and continued as 
such until 1867, when it became Congregational in form and doctrine. 
The church edifice was built in 1820, but has been at various times im- 
proved and enlarged. The present pastor is Rev. J. R. Jones. 

There was formerly a Baptist church in Danby village, but the build- 
ing has recently been transformed into a town hall. 



302 LANDMARKS OF T(3MPKIXS COUNTY. 

The Methodist church at Danby was organized as a class, with five 
members, in 1811, and incorporated as a society in 1833, during- which 
year the house of worship was erected ; it has been much improved at 
various times. The first pastor was Rev. Elijah Bachelor, and the 
present one is Rev. J. R. Allen. The church was rebuilt about ten 
years ago at a cost of about $3,000. 

The Methodist church at West Danby was organized in 1869, but a 
class had existed there many years earlier. The first pastor was Rev. 
E. G. W. Hall. The church was built in 1870. The present pastor is- 
Rev. A. G. Bloomfield. 

The South Danby Methodist Church was organized as early as 1830, 
and was formerly a part of the North Danby charge. The church was- 
built in 183G. The charge was separated from the parent church in 
1843. In ISTl the church was extensively repaired. The first pastor 
was Rev. Peter Compton. The present pastor is S. D. Galpin. 

The Church of New Jerusalem. — -This denomination was organized 
into a society May 30, 1816, in the old school house, under the name 
of "New Jerusalem Society of the County of Tioga." There were 
then sixty-four subscribers. On the 23d of March, 1825, eighteen per- 
sons formed a society in this faith at Danby, under the pastoral care of 
Dr. Lewis Beers. In the following April a church was begun on a lot 
donated by Dr. Beers ; it was finished in November. The building has 
not been regularly used since 1866, and is now a barn.' There were 
no regular services after 1866. 

Christ's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized August 12, 1826, 
in the school house of District No. 2. The first rector was Rev. Lucius 
Carter: the first wardens, Daniel Williams and Walter Bennett. The 
church building was erected in 1834 and consecrated in 1836. The 
church is not now active. 

The West Danby Baptist Church was first organized with twenty- 
seven members dismissed from the Spencer church for that purpose in 
1821. This church was afterwards removed to Ithaca. In 1823 the 
old Spencer church was divided into the First and Second Baptist 
Churches of Spencer, and the latter subsequently removed to W^est 
Danby. There the church building was erected in 1840. The present 
pastor is Rev. S. wS, Vose. 



TOWN OF NEWFIELD. 303 



CHAPTER XVII. 
TOWN OF NEWFIELD. 

This town was formerl}" a part of Tioga county, and was taken from 
the town of Spencer in that county on the 22d of February, 1811, and 
called " Cayuta. " The name was changed to Newfield March 29, 1822, 
it having become a part of Tompkins county when the county was or- 
ganized in 1817. . The town was reduced in area on the 4th of June, 
1853, when "all that part of the town lying on the west side of said 
town, and beginning at the north line of said town, at the northeast 
corner of lot 4, thence along the east line of lots 4, 8, 12, 19 to 84, 51 
and 52, and 9 and 10, shall after January 1, 1856, be annexed to and 
form a part of Catharines in Chemung (now Schuyler) count3\ " 

The records of this town giving the early proceedings of the author- 
ities were all destro3^ed in 1875. 

Newfield is in the southwest corner of Tompkins county, and 
contains 34,892 acres, of which about 25,000 are under cultivation. 
The surface is hilly, much broken in the central part, with ridges rising 
from 400 to 600 feet above the valleys. The soil is a good gravelly 
loam. The town is generally well watered by living springs and 
their outlet streams. Cayuta Creek drains the southern part, and 
the inlet to Cayuga Lake the northern part. These are the principal 
■streams. 

The territory of this town not being within the military tract, and 
its lands therefore not drawn by soldiers, speculators and settlers did 
tiot buy up the lots, nor were the farms occupied until several years 
after pioneers had made their homes in Ithaca, Dr3"den, Groton and 
Lansing. But the time came when the rugged and uninviting aspect 
of the town could not longer deter. the adventurous and hardy pioneer 
from entering its thick forests to begin the work of civilization. Set- 
tlement began in the town with the advent of James Thomas, who, 
about the year 1800, settled on the old Newtown road. None of his 
descendants lives in the town, and almost nothing is known of where 
he came from or whither he went. "Within a year or two later Joseph 



804 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Chambers settled on the farm occupied in late years by Augaistus 
Brown. In 1804 John White arrived, and about the same time David 
Linderman came in from Orange county and settled on the farm 
recently occupied by Curtis Protts. He brought his wife and infant 
son, the latter being Harvey Linderman, long a well known resident of 
Newfield village. 

Richard Seabring, a Revolutionary soldier, died in Newfield in 1821. 
His son Cornelius was a very early settler in the the town of Lansing, 
and in April, 1804, removed to Newfield and located at what became 
known as " Seabring" Settlement." He was an early postmaster, when 
the imail was carried once a week on horseback between Ithaca and 
Elmira. He continued until 1824 on the farm first occupied by him, 
and then sold it to his son vSamuel. The latter died in 1871, and the 
farm passed to Cornelius H., son of Samuel. 

In 1805 Barnabas Gibbs settled on what has been called the John P. 
Hazen farm. He had then lived one year in Dryden. His son, John C. 
Gibbs, was about three years old when they came to Newfield, and passed 
his long life in the town. One of his daughters became the wife of J. 
B. Albright of this town. 

Philip Lebar, from Pennsylvania, settled early in Lansing, but came 
to Newfield in 1806. Jonathan Compton was also a settler in the town 
in 1806. 

From and including the year 1809 settlements were numerous in this 
town, among them being James Todd, father of John P. and Solomon 
S. Todd, well known residents of the town, and was conspicuous in the 
community, and one of the early deacons in the Presbyterian church. 

Abraham Brown, father of Alvah, vSte]Dhen S., Hiram and.Holden T. 
Brown, arrived in town in 1809 and settled on the farm afterwards 
owned by his sons. 

In 1810 Isaac L. Smith, who had settled early in Lansing, came to 
Newfield and located on the farm, where his son, Samuel H., after- 
wards lived. The several pioneers who came into this town from 
Lansing were led to adopt that course on account of the comparatively 
high prices of land in that town. 

Deacon Charles Gillett came in at about the same time with Mr. 
Smith and settled where Joseph Kellogg lived in recent years. Deacon 
Gillett had also settled some years earlier m Lansing and married a 
sister of Mr. Smith. 

Solomon Kellogg came in about 1811 and, with others already men- 
tioned, has descendants in the town. 



TOWN OF NEWFIELD. 305 

Between 1812 and 1815 there was considerable influx of population 
in the town. Deacon Ebenezer Patchen was one of the early settlers 
in the so-called "Windfall Settlement." James Murray, father of 
David Murra}^, settled where Morgan R. V^an Kirk afterwards lived, 
and Jeremiah and Stephen Green settled in the Seabring neighbor- 
hood. 

Jacob A. and James Trumbull came from New York city and settled 
at Trumbull's Corners in 1813. Other settlers of this period in that 
immediate locality are mentioned further on. 

William Dudley, from New Jersey, came to Ithaca not far from 1810, 
and in 1816 removed to Newfield. His son, George Dudley, worked in 
the store of Luther Gere at Ithaca, where he learned the mercantile 
business, and afterwards became the first merchant at Newfield village. 
His brother, Abram, was associated with him in the business. William 
Dudley was grandfather of P. S. Dudle}^ 

Noah Beardslee was an early settler in the town of Lansing, remov- 
ing there from Connecticut in 1806. He was a blacksmith. In 1818 
he removed to Newfield, and later in life was engaged in lumbering. 
He died in 1868. John Beardslee, long a resident of Newfield, was a 
son of Noah. 

The other prominent settlers of the town will be properly mentioned 
in the succeeding village accounts. 

The town of Newfield, although not settled so early as other parts of 
the county, has kept well to the front in more recent years in its agri- 
cultural interests. More than two-thirds of the town is under a good 
state of cultivation, while such mercantile operations and mills are car- 
ried on as are needed in the community. Churches and schools were 
early established and have since been liberally supported. In the war 
of the Rebellion the town sent about 227 of her sons to aid the distressed 
government, and their patriotic deeds are remembered by their grate- 
ful townsmen. 

Owing to the destruction of the town records only a portion of the 
town officers can be presented. The supervisor in 1878-89 was Ezra 
Marion; 1880-87, Randolph Horton; 1888-90, S. A. Seabring; 1891-93, 
Randolph Horton; 1894, William H. Van Ostrand. 

The town officers for 1894 are as follows: Supervisor, William H. 
Van Ostrand; town clerk, Howard McDaniels; justice of the peace, 
William Weatherell; assessor, Alonzo Bower; commissioner of high- 

39 



306 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ways, Irving Holman; collector, S. W. Bellis; overseer of the poor, C. 
M. Beardslee. 

vStatistical. — The report of the Board of Supervisors for the year 
]89o gives the following statistics : Number of acres of land, 30,997; as- 
sessed value of real estate, including village property and real estate of 
corporations, $4:88,070; total assessed value of personal property, $o2,- 
220; amount of town taxes, $'0, 212. 45; amount of county taxes, $l,oo4."- 
97; aggregate taxation, $9,285.50; rate of tax on $1 valuation, .0184. 
Corporations — P. & R. Railroad Co., assessed value of real estate, 
$20,000; amount of tax, $368; P. & R. Railroad Telegraph, $500; 
amount of tax, $9.20; N. Y. & P. Telegraph and Telephone Co., 
$5,000; amount of tax, $92. 

The methods of the farmers of this town have undergone considerable 
change in the past few years, as they have in other towns of the 
county. While sufficient grain is generally produced for home needs, 
and in some instances more than this, much attention is now being paid 
to the production of hay for market. Many acres are thus turned aver 
to grass, and shipments from the town are large. 

Newfielt) Village. — This little village is situated near the Cayuga 
Inlet in the northeast part of the town. Its site is embraced in the 
Livingston purchase, a part of which passed to Stephen B. Mmm, and 
for which James Pumpelly acted as agent. Through him Eliakim 
Dean, father of Jefferson Dean, and grandfather of David M. Dean, a 
prominent attorney of Ithaca, purchased the village site in 1802. Mr. 
Dean's residence was in Ithaca, but he proceeded to improve his pur- 
chase. In 1809 he built the first saw mill, where the upper mill 
stands. 

In 1811 he erected the first grist mill in the town on the site of the 
lower mill. This mill was sold a few years later to Gen. J. John Green. 
Jefferson Dean is now residing in Ithaca at a ripe old age. 

In 1815 Samuel R. Rogers established a carding mill and cloth mak- 
ing factory at the village, which was long ago abandoned. The Perry 
saw mill stands on the site. 

In 1816 William Cox cleared a lot and built the fifth frame house in 
the village, opposite the hotel on the north side of the creek. There 
was a post-office at the Seabring neighborhood and about this time was 
transferred to Newfield village, and Mr. Cox was the first postmaster 
there; his receipts for the first quarter were $1.50. Mr. Cox was born 
in Orange county, this State, of strict Presbyterian parents. When 



TOWN OF NEWFIELD. 307 

young he went to Ohio and was converted under the mmistrations of 
Rev. J. B. Finle}^, and became a Methodist. He afterwards was prom- 
inent in establishing the first Methodist class in Newfiekl village. 

In 1846 John T. James began manufacturing oil cloth in the south 
part of the town, and in the following year removed the business to the 
village. It was long" ago given up. 

George Dudley Icept the first store in the village, beginning about 
the year 1816. Under the management of himself, his brother Abram, 
and son, P. S. Dudley, the business continued and prospered. John 
L. Puff & Sons, Geo. W. Peck, E. Patterson, S. Dudley Cook and Wm. 
Tanner are now leading merchants. 

Jeremiah Hall kept the first tavern in the village in 1810. There 
are now two hotels, one kept by Robert S. McCorn and the other by 
Nelson Swan. The McCorn House was formerly the residence of Dr. 
Cook. 

The first log school house was built about 1816, and was succeeded 
by what was long known as "the Old Yellow School House." This 
old house is now a store house on the Benjamin Drake farm, and the 
former school yard forms an extension of the cemeter}^ The first 
meeting house was built b}^ the Presbyterians in 1832; before that time 
religious meetings, as well as those of various other kinds, were held in 
the old school house. 

The little village grew steadily, but its prosperity was seriously 
checked on the 15th of June, 1875, by a disastrous fire which destro)^ed 
a large share of the business part of the place. But this fire was in one 
respect a blessing, for on the several sites of the ruins more substantial 
and handsome brick and wood structures arose, giving the village a 
more modern appearance. The Newfield Flouring Mills were built by 
Nicholas Luce and Dudley about 1830. Mr. Nicholas soon became sole 
proprietor and continued to 1842. After several changes the property 
passed to P. S. Dudley in 1861. The mill is now conducted by Wm. 
H. Van Ostrand, who changed it to the roller process in 1894. 

The Lower Mills were erected in 1850 by John Dean. In 1856 P. S. 
Dudley purchased an interest in connection with O. C. Puff. Dudley 
& Puff continued to operate the mills to 1859, when Mr. Dudle}^ became 
sole proprietor. The mill has since passed to Wm. H. Wetherell, who 
added a saw mill a few years ago. Below this mill was formerly a cloth 
factory, and still farther down is the old tanner3\ 



308 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINvS COUNTY. 

There have been various saw mills scattered throughout the town, 
but they are gradually disappearing- as the timber becomes more 
scarce. 

Trumbull's Corners. — This is a hamlet in the northwest part of the 
town, and was first settled in 1813 by Jacob A. and James Trumbull, 
from New York city. They took up land on three of the four corners, 
which gave the place its name. Herman Parker, James Douglass, J. 
V. Clark, Joseph Stubbs, Lewis Hughes, Daniel vStrang and others 
settled earh^ in that locality. Shops and stores were established in 
later years, and about the year 1844 a post-office was opened, with 
Daniel Strang, jr., postmaster. The present postmaster is Theodore 
Kresga, who also has a store, and another is conducted by James U. 
Douglass. There is no manufacturing here other than the saw mill. 

East Newfield. — This is a station on the G., I. & S. Branch of the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad, and a post-office, in which -John C. Gibbs was 
the first official. The present postmaster is H. B. Howell. The name 
of the post-office has been changed to " Nina." 

There were formerly post-offices at "Pony Hollow" and at Strat- 
ton's, the latter in the eastern part of the town ; the former has been 
closed. 

Rural cemetery associations have been formed under the State laws 
at both Newfield and Trumbull's Corners, the former on the 2d of 
April, 1868, and the latter on the 1st of May, 1877. The first officers 
of the Newfield Association were: David Nichols, president; R. H. 
Estabrook, secretar}^; B. B. Anderson, treasurer. The grounds have 
been handsomely improved and contain five acres. The present officers 
are: President, James F. Linderman; secretar}^, Geo.W. Peck; treasi:rer, 
R. Horton; trustees, Geo. W. Peck, James F. Linderman, John L. 
Puff, A. J. Van Kirk, Morgan P. Van Kirk, Chas. W. McCorn, Jona- 
than Stamp. The first officers of the Trumbull's Corners Association 
were Burr Rurasey, president; E. Keene, secretary; J. W. Clark, 
treasurer. 

King Hiram Lodge F. & A. M. was instituted June 1, 1880. The 
present officers are: Master, Wm. Payne; sr. warden, Charles Stringer; 
jr. warden, AVm. E. Bush; sr. deacon, S. D. Cook; jr. deacon, Berkely 
Siiupson; tyler, De Witt Payne; secretar}', Chas. Van Marter; treas- 
urer, John L.- Puff. 

Religious Institutions. — As early as can be known the Methodist 
denomination is entitled to the honor of first establishing a class in 



TOWN OF NEWFIELD. 309 

Newfield, in 1818, in the Seabring neighborhood, and another in the 
village of Newfield a year later. Of course there had been religious 
meetings at various points, sometimes conducted by itinerant mission- 
aries and preachers, several years earlier than this date. Jeremiah 
Green was the first leader at Seabring's, and soon afterward moved to 
Newfield and occupied the same position there. William Cox was a 
conspicuous worker in the cause at the village, and first procured the 
services of Rev. James Kelsey, then holding an appointment at Ithaca. 
At his residence the class meetings were held during six years after its 
formation. 

The first Methodist society was organized at Newfield in 1834, and 
Benjamin H. Clark, Israel Mead, H. M. Ferguson, David Murray, N. 
W. Reynolds, Charles M. Turner, Abram Dudley, Samuel Seabring, 
and Daniel B. Swartwood were the first trustees. The erection of the 
meeting house was begun the same year and finished in the next year, 
tinder the pastorate of Rev. Moses Adams, the first pastor. The old 
church, with various improvements, served the purposes of the societ}^ 
until the present edifice was erected. The present pastor is Henr}^ C. 
Andrews. 

The First Baptist Church of Newfield was organized in 1820 by 
Elder Oviatt. The first deacons were Elijah B. Georgia and Nathan 
Stewart. Meetings were held in the school houses until 1842, when 
the church was erected. The church had a fair degree of prosperit}' 
many years, but for some time there has been no resident minister, and 
no services are held. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Newfield was organized with twelve 
members, under Rev. William Levensworth, about the year 1820, in 
the Yellow School House. Miller Wood, Charles McCorn, Simeon T. 
Bush, Robert Estabrook and Daniel Crowell were chosen trustees. The 
lot on which the church was built was conveyed to the trustees Febru- 
ary 10, 1832, and in that year the meeting house was built. In 1878 
the church underwent extensive repairs. The present pastor is Rev. 
Christian W. Winne. 

The First Christian Church of Newfield was organized May 20, 1854, 
in wSchool District No. 12. The first pastor was Rev. Ezra Chase. In 
1858 the society built a neat church, which is still standing. 



310 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
TOWN OF GROTON. 

Thk present town of Groton was formed as Division, April 7, 1817,. 
and was taken from the older town of Locke. On March 13, 1818, the 
name was changed to Groton, so called from the town of Groton, Conn., 
from which State came man}^ of the early settlers of this locality. Trac- 
ing briefly the formation of the several towns, of which Groton was 
once a part, we learn that the original town or provisional district of 
Milton was organized Januar}^ 37, 1780, as one of the civil divisions of 
Montgomery county. In 1791 Herkimer county was set off from 
Montgomery on the west, while in 1794 Onondaga county was taken 
from the western part of Herkimer, and still later, 1799, Cayuga was- 
taken from Onondaga. Each successive formation included what is 
now Groton, although the region was so little settled and improved 
previous to 1800 as to require no special exercise of authority over its 
territor)^ other than the record of conveyances. The town or district 
of Milton became known as Genoa in 1808, but prior to that time, and 
on February 20, 1802, Locke was formed from Milton and included all 
that is now Groton. In 1817 Groton, under the original name of Di- 
vision, was made a separate town of Cayuga county, and ten days later, 
April 17, 1817, Tompkins county was created, and this town was made 
one of its original civil divisions. 

Groton is located in the northeast part of the county. The land sur- 
face is rolling and in places moderately hilly. From the valleys the 
land rises by gradual slopes to heights of from one hundred to three 
hundred and fifty feet. The principal or central valleys are located in 
the central and east parts of the town, and each extends in a generally 
north and south direction, following, respectively, the courses of Owasco 
Inlet and Fall Creek. These streams are the chief water courses of the 
town, each furnishing excellent water .power privileges, and likewise 
ample natural drainage system. Owasco Inlet courses across the town 
from south to north and discharges its waters into Owasco Lake; Fall 
Creek crosses the town from north to south, thence passes westerly and 
empties into Cayuga Lake at Ithaca. 



TOWN OF GROTON. 311 

Settlement. — The pioneer settlement of Groton was made while the 
territory of the town formed a part of the still older jurisdictions of 
Locke and Milton. Snch publications as have been made relating to 
early settlement generally accord this honor to Samuel Hogg, at West 
Groton; Ichabod Bowen (Brown), John Guthrie and John Perrin, at 
Groton; and J. Williams, J. Houghtailing and W. S. Clark, at East 
Groton. There may be added to the list of pioneers in East Groton the 
names of Capt. Jesse Clark and Luther Bliss, each of whom is equally 
deserving of mention in this connection. Also among the first settlers 
in the central portion a claim of priority is made in favor of Ephraim 
Spaulding and Michael Grummon, who are said to have come to the 
place in June, 1795, and cleared land where the LTnion School now 
stands. They also built log houses in the town during the same year. 
It is also said that Major Benjamin Hicks, a former Revolutionary 
officer, was the first settler, and that his improvement was made on lot 
75 during the summer of 1797; that John Perrin was in the employ of 
Major Hicks and made the clearing referred to. These facts, and 
others of importance, we glean from the address of Professor Baldwin, 
who made thorough research into the early history of the town, and 
w^hose conclusions are undoubtedly reliable. By his consent we make 
free use of his material for the benefit of the readers of this work. 
From the same authority it is learned that in October, 1797, three fam- 
ilies set out from Massachusetts to make future homes in this town. 
They were John Perrin and wife, Ebenezer Williams, in the first load, 
and Ezra Carpenter in the second, all bringing furniture and other 
necessaries. In due time all reached their destination and made settle- 
ments in the town. Still, the question of priority of settlement has 
ever been disputed, but whether it was Spaulding and Grummon, the 
Vermont ers, or John Perrin, the Yankee from Massachusetts, is quite 
immaterial; hence no effort will here be made to settle it. 

In the spring of 1798 Lemuel Perrin, father of John, settled in the 
town, and about the same time came S. Jenks Carpenter. Ezra Loomis 
settled in 1804, followed in the same year by Samuel Ingalls and Silas 
Stuart. In 1802 Jonas Williams purchased lOG acres for $320.25, and 
built on it the first grist mill in Groton. Other settlers of about the 
same time were Admatha Blodgett, Dr. Nathan Branch (the first phy- 
sician of the town), Jonathan Bennett, Peleg Hathaway, Abiatha Hath- 
away and others, whose names are now forgotten. The first justice of 
the peace was Jonathan Bennett, appointed in 1805 or 'G, and he held 



312 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

office many yeai"s. In 1806, according' to Professor Baldwin, David 
William, and James Hicks settled in the town, and within two years 
Benjamin and William Williams also became settlers. The surname 
Williams afterward became prominent in Groton affairs, and some of its 
representatives were identified with the best interests of the town. 

However, bearing still further on the subject of pioneership in Gro- 
ton, Nelson Trumble states that his ancestor, Luther Trumble, settled 
about one mile north of Groton villag^e between 1790 and 1800. Luther 
Trumble, son of the pioneer just mentioned, was afterward prominently 
connected, with the building up of Groton village and its locality, and 
other members of the family became well known in the early history of 
the town. By personal application to representatives of old families we 
learn that many of the pioneers were here as early as 1805 or '6, and a 
few as early as 1800. In another department of this work will be found 
extended reference to these old pioneers and their families; hence in 
the present connection little else than an allusion to their settlement is 
necessary. 

In 1800 Isaac Hopkins came from Washington county and settled in 
the east part of the town. His descendants were not numerous, though 
several of them still live in Groton. David Morton also came about 
1800 and purchased a tract northeast of the village. He had been a 
sea captain, but had lost much of his property. This family name is 
still well represented in Groton. The Van Marter family settled in 
Groton soon after 1800. Isaac and Margaret were the pioneers. Their 
descendants are yet numerous in the county. In the same year Rich- 
ard Francis settled where A. Morace Francis now lives. He kept pub- 
lic house, was an ensign in the war of 1812, and altogether a leading 
man. Samuel Crittenden, from Guilford, Conn., settled on the site of 
Cortland village in 1T9T, and in 1802 moved to a farm near McLean 
village, or its present site. Judge Crittenden was one of the foremost 
men of the town of his time, and he left a large train of prominent 
descendants. He died in 1862. 

David Stoddard was the pioneer head of a large and respected family 
of descendants in the town. He came from Connecticut, settled first in 
Chenango county, and later on came to West Groton, where he was an 
extensive farmer and landowner. Thomas Jones came from Massachu- 
setts about 1805; was a cloth dresser, and had a fulling mill, but later 
in life turned farmer. Isaac Allen, a Vermonter, located at West 
Groton Corners about 1804, and was the founder of the settlement at 



TOWN OF GROTON. 313 

that place. He built the first store, established a tavern, and was an 
extensive landowner in the vicinity. Samuel Sellen lived north of Al- 
len and was also a pioneer. He left a large family. The Henshaws 
lived near Samuel Sellen's tavern stand, and in the same neighborhood 
Henry Carter and Mr. Travers were early settlers. West of them 
Deacon John Seaton settled in 1817, and about the same time iNFathan 
Fish carried on cloth dressing" in the same vicinity. 

Jonathan Conger was an early settler in the west part of the town ; 
was a weaver and farmer, and later on a speculator. He married 
Thankful Guthrie, daughter of Capt. John Guthrie, and raised a large 
family of children. The surname Conger to-day stands for integrity 
and enterprise in Groton. Capt. Guthrie was a pioneer on the site of 
John G. Cobb's farnx. He was a prominent man, also a hunter of some 
note, and the hero of some splendid bear stories. Elisha Cobb came 
from Taunton, Mass., and was an early settler in the west part of the 
town. He was twice married and had five children by each wife. The 
Bucks were pioneers in Lansing, and some members of the family 
drifted over into Groton at an earl}?" day. Where Nelson Stevens now 
lives his father, John Stevens, settled about 1813. In 181T William R. 
Fitch, a lawyer of note and a judge of ability, settled in the northwest 
part of the town. Job Ailing was also a pioneer in this locality, and 
also one of the first justices of the peace in the town. Hugh Bulkley 
settled where Lorenzo Bulkley lived in 1825. Rev. Joseph W. Stearns, 
well known as pastor of the old Christian Church, and honored be- 
cause of his anti-slavery efforts and sentiments, came to West Groton 
in 1835. Samuel Wilson Bothwell located in the north part of Groton 
in 1820, and Ezra Perkins in the same vicinity three years later. 
Where John Smith now lives, David H. Coggshall settled in 1820. He 
was a tailor and farmer, and a man of considerable note. John vSmith, 
pioneer, came about the same time, and was also a prominent and suc- 
cessful farmer. Amza Armstrong settled where iVndrew Metzgar 
lives. Jonas and Mary jNIetzgar were the pioneer head of a family of 
fifteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity. vSome of them 
were among Grotoii's best farmers. 

Oliver Hatch was in the Revolutionar}' service seven years, and his 
descendants assert that he came to the town in 1795. Capt. Ebenezer 
Pierce settled near Bear Swamp in 1815. About the same time Robert 
Moe settled where Augustus now lives. James Ashton settled in the 
town in 1830. Lewis Gifford settled in Groton in 1805, and Joseph 

40 



314 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Berry in 1811. George Fish settled at the corners now called La Fay- 
ette in 1818, and in the same year Paschal Fitts settled where his son 
George now lives. He was a brickmaker and farmer. Royal T. Morse 
settled on the Salt Road in 1825, and Dr. Clark Chapman on the same 
thoroughfare in 1835. Deacon Amos Hart settled in 181G where 
Jerome Fitts lives, and at a still earlier day Thomas Benedict located 
at McLean. 

Asa Baldwin settled in the south part of the town about 1812, and in 
the same neighborhood Reuben Darling and Joseph Smiley were also 
settlers. Henry Teeter was an early land and mill owner on Fall 
Creek and at Peruville. The McLachlan and McKellar families were 
early in the sou.th part of the town. Both were from Scotland, and in 
Groton became thrifty farmers. William D. Mount was at Peruville, a 
tanner and currier, as early as 1835. Stephen Barrows was a wagon- 
maker at Groton in 1824. Seth Tallmadge located in West Groton in 
1830. Deacon Daniel Bradley was a pioneer in the east part of the 
town, as also were the Coopers and Berrys. William vS. Clark started 
a frilling and cloth-dressing mill at Groton city in 1806. Luther Bliss 
located here in the same year, and Capt. Jesse Clark was here some six 
3^ears earlier. 

In this manner we have endeavored to recall the names of many of 
the pioneers and early settlers of Groton. From what has been stated 
it will be seen that settlement was most rapid between 1810 and 1830. 
In fact as early as 1815 the" town, then a part of Locke, had a sufficient 
number of inhabitants to warrant its separate organization, although 
this consummation was not reached until three years afterward. How- 
ever, before narrating the events connected with the organization and 
civil history of Groton, we may devote a brief space to a record of the 
"first events" in the town. According to the general belief John 
Perrin built the first log house in 1797, and was also the first inn-keeper 
merchant, brickmaker, and' distiller in the town. Jonas Williams built 
the first framed house in 1807, also the first saw and grist mill. The 
first school house was built about 1805 and stood about on the site of 
the present carriage works. Abiatha Hathaway was the first teacher. 
Young Jonas Williams and Miss Hathawaj' were married in 1805. 
Jonas AVilliams, sr. , was the first shoeinaker; Andrew and David Allen 
the first blacksmiths ; Dr. Nathan Branch the first physician, 1803 ; 
Ebenezer Williams was the first wagonmaker, 1797; John Winslow the 
first potter; Samuel Love the first tanner; Benjamin Whipple the first 
Treacher; and Lemuel Perrin the first miller. 



TOWN OF GROTON. 315 

Town Or(;anization.- — On April 7, 1817, the town of Locke was 
divided and the south part erected into a separate town and called 
Division. It comprised fifty lots, each containing a scjiiare mile of 
land, being- five deep, from north to south, and ten wide, from east to 
west. The first town meeting was held at the house of Samuel Love, 
on April 15, at which time officers were elected as follows: Supervisor, 
Samuel Crittenden; town clerk, Admatha Blodgett; assessors, Benj. 
Williams, Nathan Benson, William Cobb; collector, Ezra Loomis; 
overseers of the poor, Ezra Carpenter, David Morton ; commissioners 
of highways, Jonathan Bennett, Isaac Allen, John Benedict ; constables 
and poundmasters, Spencer Crary, Jencks Carpenter, Ezra Andrews; 
commissioners of schools, Ezra Carpenter, Nathan Benson, James 
Luther; inspectors of schools, Joshua Dean, Admatha Blodgett, vSeth 
Blood, Sumner Brown. 

The following have been supervisors of the town: 

1817-18. Samuel Crittenden. 1852. William Woodbury. 

1819-20. Isaac Allan. 1853. J. P. Pennoyer. 

1821-23. Jonathan Bennett. 1854-56. Clark Chapman. 

1824-25. Nathan Benson. 1857-58. E. Jason Watrous. 

1826-27. Job Ailing. 1859-62. William D. Mount. 

1828-30. William AVoodbury. 1863-65. Mortimer D. Fitch. 

1831-32. Xury Blodgett. 1866. Daniel B. Marsh. 

1833-34. John Boynton. 1867-68. Walter AV. White. 

1835-36. Sylvanus Larned. 1869. William D. Mount. 

1837-38. AA^illiam AA^oodbury. 1870-72. Nelson Stevens. 

1839. J. P. Pennoyer. 1873-75. \^ B. Gross. 

1840-41. Sylvester Nash. 1876-77. Nelson Stevens. 

1842-44. John Young. 1878-81. AA'illiam H. Fitch. 

1845-46. Cicero Phelps. 1882-86. A. G. Chapman. 

1847-48. Nathan Mix. 1887-89. John W. Jones. 

1849-50. AVilliam Woodbury. 1890-91. Corydon W. Conger. 

1851. J. P. Pennoyer. 1892-93. Dana Rhodes. 

Following are the principal officers of the town for 181)4: John J. 
Youngs, supervisor, Groton; M. A. Downing, town clerk, Groton; 
George D. AVait, collector, McLean; James M. Montfort, justice of the 
peace, Peruville; Frank L. Tarbell, constable, AVest Groton; Charles 
H. Tarbell, constable, Peruville; Marshall AVoodbury, constable, 
Groton; R. J. Pierce, constable, Groton, J. Mason, constable, McLean. 

P'rom what has been noted relating to the early settlement and or- 
ganization of Groton, it will be seen that pioneership was practically at 
an end when the town was set off from Locke in 1817. At that time 



316 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the population of the district separated was about 3,000; in 1840 it had 
increased to 3,618, the greatest number attained at any time during its 
history. In 1850 it had decreased to 3,342, but the census of 1800 gave 
the' town a population of 3,534. In 1870 the inhabitants numbered 
3,512; in 1880, 3,450: in 1890, 3,427, while the count of 1802, under 
State authority, showed Grot on to contain 3,607 inhabitants. The in- 
crease of later years has been virtually in the growth of Groton and the 
development of its resources, brought about by the enterprise of its 
people. Half a century ago, however, this then hamlet was of no 
greater importance in the history of the town than Groton City or Mc- 
Lean, and possessed no natural resources that gaA^e it greater prom- 
inence ; and it was only the fact of its central location in the town that 
crave to the village its early advantage over the other hamlets of the 
town. The presentation of this subject naturally leads to reference to 
the villages of the town, and they may be properly treated in the order 
of present prominence. 

Statistics. — The report of the supervisors for 1893 gives the follow- 
ing statistics : Number of acres of land, 30, 725 ; assessed value of real 
estate, including village property and real estate of corporations, 
$1,110,220; total assessed value of personal property, $142,850; amount 
of town taxes, $3,989.63; amount of county taxes, $2,879.23; aggregate 
taxation, $9,754.11; rate of tax on $1 valuation, .0078. Corporations 
^Groton Bridge Company, assessed value of real estate, $28,600; 
amount of tax, $223.08; Groton Carriage Co., $15,000; amount of tax, 
$117; Crandall Machine Co., $5,100; amount of tax, $40.17; S. C. 
Railroad Co., $34,200; amount of tax, $266.76; E., C. & N. Railroad 
Co., $9,000; amount of tax, $70.20; N. Y. & P. Telegraph and Tele- 
phone Co., $70; amount of tax, $0.55; W. U. Telegraph Co., $230; 
amount of tax, $1.80; American Telegraph and Telephone Co., $400; 
amount of tax, $3.12. 

GROTON VILLAGE. 

In the geographical center of the town, on both east and west sides 
of Owasco Inlet, and on lots 65, 66, 75 and 76, is located the pleasant 
village of Groton. The village tract was originally principally owned 
by pioneer Deacon William Williams, while other owners and occupants 
were John Perrin and Jonas Williams. As is elsewhere stated, Perrin 
built a house here in 1797, a log structure, and Jonas Williams built the 



TOWN OF GROTON. 317 

iirst frame dwelling in 1806. John Halliday knew the place in 1815, 
and at that time the settlement had but three dwellings. The next few 
years witnessed many improvements, as in 1817 there were seven 
framed buildings in the settlement, occupied by Deacon Williams, S. 
Jenks Carpenter, Pliny Sykes, or Sikes, and Dr. Daniel Mead as dwell- 
ings; Robert Crandall Reynolds, store and dwelling; James Austin, 
tavern; and a school house standing about on the site of the present 
carriage factory. Soon after this time Ebenezer Williams built a wagon 
shop, also a large frame structure which became the Mansion House, a 
public tavern of much note at an early day. The rear of the present 
Groton House is a remnant of this old inn, the front or main portion 
having been added at a later day b}'' Robert C. Reynolds. Luther 
Trnmble, jr., erected a fulling mill on the Inlet; also built several 
dwellings and stores at the Corners about the same time, so that the 
3'ear 1825 found a prosperous village established. The post-office was 
established in 1812, and weekly mails were received from Homer. 
Jonas Williams had both grist and saw mills in operation before 1815. 
Zimri Marsh became a resident of Groton in 1824, established himself 
in trade and became at once one of the leading men of the town. Others 
followed, both as tradesmen and in manufacture, and in the course of 
the next twenty-five years Groton increased from a small cross-roads 
settlement to a village of considerable importance. A.t a very early day 
Ebenezer Williams built a wagon shop and manufactured carriages, but 
as demand for the latter was limited, few were made. However, in the 
course of a score of years the fame of Groton-made wagons and car- 
riages spread throughout Central New York, and the demand for them 
led to their manufacture on a somewhat extended scale, although it was 
not until about twenty-five years ago that machinery was used in mak- 
ing this product in this locality. 

In 18G0 the people of the village determined to have an act of incor- 
poration, for the principal streets — -Main, Cortland, Church, William, 
Elm, Mill, and Cayuga — were b}^ this time substantially built up, and 
the interests of the inhabitants demanded that there should be at least 
a limited separation of the municipality from the township at large. 
Accordingly, in pursuance of the provisions of the Act of 1847, on the 
11th of June, 1860, the Court of Sessions of Tompkins county granted 
an order of incorporation for the village, the same containing 4:d3^Q 
acres of land, and having a population of 596. The first election was 
lield on August 4, 1860, when Robert C. Reynolds, F. H. Robertson, 



318 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

William Williams, William Woodbury and Daniel S. Delano were 
elected trustees. 

In 18'.)() the village resolved to reincorporate and charter in accord- 
ance with the provisions of the laws of 1870. This was done, and the 
first election held in March of that year. This action enlarged some- 
what the powers of the village authorities, and under it the office of 
president, with others, became elective by the people instead of by the 
trustees. The first president was William L. Pike, who was re-elected 
in 1801. His successor was Ellery Colby, elected in 1802, followed by 
Giles M. vStoddard in 1803. The trustees of the village are as folknvs: 
William E. Mount, Elisha Field and Fred. Mosher. 

The Fire Department. — The gradual building up of the village, 
both in dwellings, blocks and manufacturing establishments, rendered 
necessary some provision to guard against destruction b}^ fire. During- 
the fall of 1864 the Williams & Finney Block was burned, and in De- 
cember following the village voted to purchase a fire engine. For its 
operation Excelsior Fire Company was formed, and on June 1, 1805, 
Pioneer Hose Company was organized. The latter is still in existence. 
The engine house near the Baptist church was erected in 1868. 

The present village fire department consists of two hose companies 
and one hook and ladder company, known respectively as Pioneer Hose 
Compan}", the C. W. Conger Hose Company, and the Citizens' H. & L. 
Co. Two of the hose carts are stationed at the " head of Main street," 
as commonly mentioned, and one near the bridge shops; the "truck " 
is kept in the village building on Cortland street. 

Water vSupplv. — The establishment of a generous water supply for 
all purposes in the village became a positive necessity, and the need of 
better fire protection created an almost imperative demand for that 
supply; therefore, in 1888, the village trustees formed themselves into 
a Board of Water Commissioners and gave fidelity bonds. With the 
approval of the village the commissioners purchased the old Willoughby 
farm of forty acres, located two and one-half miles northeast of the 
village, the location being the source of supply for the stream called 
Spring Brook, and containing eight or ten springs of pure water. 
Reservoirs were constructed, and from them the water was brought 
into and throughout the village. The entire work was done during" 
1888, at a total cost of $23,000, which sum covered all expenses of con- 
struction and land and right of way purchase. The commissioners who 
performed so well on behalf of the village were trustees Benn Conger,. 



TOWN OF GROTON. 319 

president; William D. Baldwin, secretary; Daniel L. Bradley, treas- 
urer; Manley P. Gale and George Pickens. The fall from the springs 
to the distributing reservoir is ITO feet, and the latter is elevated above 
Main street 218 feet. The water is distributed throughout the village 
by six, eight and ten-inch pipes, a total of five miles of mains, while 
placed at convenient points are fire hydrants to the number of forty- 
eight. The revenues from the system are sufficient to maintain the 
works, pay the interest on the water bonds, and, in addition, create a 
fund for the payment of principal when due. The present commission- 
ers are D. H. Marsh, president; H. G. Dimon, M. D. Goodyear, Nelson 
Harris and W. W. Hare. 

Educational Institutions. — The first school house in Groton village 
was built and put in'use in 1805, and was located near or on the site of 
the present carriage factory. This building was burned in 1813 or '14, 
and was succeeded b}" a more suitable framed school house, known for 
many years as the " Little Red School," which also stood on the lower 
end of Main street. The school building on the site now owned by the 
" T3q3ewriter Coinpany " was erected in 1858, and still stands, though 
used by the company for office purposes. 

The Groton Academy was founded and established in 183 T by a stock 
<^ompany whose members were residents of the village and interested 
in the welfare of the youth of the vicinity. The building was of frame 
construction, and was used for academic purposes until its final destruc- 
tion by fire in 1882. The acadeiny continued as a private or company 
enterprise until the latter part of 1872, when the property was pur- 
chased by the village and changed into a union free school of District 
No. 8. The succession of principals of the academy, during the period 
of its existence as such, was as follows: Stephen W. Clark, 1837; 
Samuel D. Carr, 1841; Carleton Parker, 1842; Samuel D. Carr, 1844; 
James E. Dexter, 1848; Mrs. D. E. Sackett, 1849; Rev. R. H. Close, 
1851; Samuel G. AVilliams, 1852; R. O. Graves, 185G; Samuel G. 
WilHams, 1857; Joseph E. Scott, 1859; M. M. Baldwin, 1861-72. 

Professor Baldwin was the owner of the academ}- property, having 
purchased the interest of the stockholders during his principalship. 
On November 12, 1872, School District No. 8 held a meeting to vote 
on the question and determine whether a union free school should be 
established. At that meeting it was resolved "that School District 
No. 8 of the town of Groton resolve itself into a imion graded school 
district;" also that the Board of Education be instructed to secure the 



320 LANDMARKS OF T(3:MPKIXS COUNTY. 

advantages of an academic department to the school. The first board 
comprised H. K. Clark, Charles Perrigo, D. H. Brown, Jerome Hath- 
away, L. M. Morton, Rev. G. H. Brigham and vS. N. Jones. 

This Board of Education purchased from Professor Baldwin the old 
Groton Academy, which thenceforth became the Union Free vSchool of 
District No. 8. In 1882 the old building was destroyed b)^ fire, and re- 
placed with a larger and more substantial brick structure, erected at a 
total cost of about $15,000. In 1892 material additions and improve- 
ments were made, at an expense of nearly $10,000 more. The mem- 
bers of the Board of Education for the current year, 1893, are: W. E. 
Mount, president; G. M. Stoddard, vice-president; H. G. Dimon, sec- 
retary; H. B. Stevens, Benn Conger, F. A. Begent, L. J. Townley, 
H. S. Hopkins, treasurer. 

The principals of the Union School have been as follows: B. L. 
Robinson, temporary ; Flora Green, part of one term ; A. Norton Fitch, 
1873; Alva M. Baldwin, 1874; Vernon L. Davey, 1875; Roland S. 
Keyser, 1878; Arch. McLachlan, 1881; Prof. Waters, 1883; C. A. 
Bliesmer, 1885; A. H. Sage, 1887; W. S. Lockner, 1890; O. W. Wood, 
1892. 

Church History. — The first society for public worship in the town, 
or that portion of the town which now forms Groton, was that origin- 
ally known as the East Congregational Church, organized June 19, 
1805. The first meeting house was built of logs, and stood two miles 
east of the village on the farm now a part of the estate of the late Job 
Stickles. The log edifice was replaced in 1818 with a more substantial 
frame structure, which stood on the old site until 1864:, and was then 
removed to the village, where it now forms a part of Odd Fellows Hall, 
the property of Edwin R. Nye. This society was a large and flourish- 
ing one until its membership was much reduced by the organization of 
the Congregational Church at the village. 

The Congregational Church of Groton, the ofi'shoot of the mother 
society above mentioned, was organized March 2, 1849, and in 1851 the 
old frame edifice was completed, at a cost of $3,000. It was dedicated 
January 29, 1851. The present elegant church home of this society 
was built in 1881, under the direction of D. L. Bradley, John I. Booth, 
H. H. Marsh, Marcus Sears, A. G. Chapman and Wm. H. Smith as 
building committee, and at a total cost of $40,000. The pastors of this 
society have been H. A. Sackett, R. H. Close, Augustus Pomeroy, S. 
G. Lum, J. C. Taylor, Samuel Johnson, G. A. Pelton and William A.. 



TOWN OF GROTON. 321 

Smith, the latter being the present pastor, whose connection with the 
society has covered a period of more than sixteen 3^ears. The church 
has a membership of 200. 

The First Baptist Society of Groton was the outg-rowth of the First 
Baptist Chnrch of Locke, the latter having been organized August 27, 
1800, and the change of name made after the creation of the town of 
Groton from Locke. The first church edifice stood south of the district 
school, and was built about 1819 by Ebenezer Williams. The next 
edifice of the societ}'' was completed and dedicated January 1, 1814, but 
the building was burned March 16, 1870. Immediately afterward the 
present attractive edifice on Cortland street was erected, at a cost of 
$20,000. The church has 146 members, with 120 pupils in the Sunda}/- 
school. The officers are as follows: Deacons, E. J. Watrous, H. G. 
Moe, Lyman Metzgar; clerk, Nelson Trumble. Succession of pastors: 
B. Andrews, Peleg Card, Henry Bogel, J. S. Backus, R. K. Bellamy, 
A. P. Mason, Lewis Ransted, A. R. Belden, W. B. Downer, D. B. 
Purington, Walter G. Dye, L. C. Bates, Thos. Allen, L. W. Olney, 
J. P. Bates, G. H. Brigham, L. W. Olney, Jno. W. Payne, T. E. Ed- 
wards, L W. Emory, C. A. Bleismer, J. G. Noble, J. H. Sage, D. R. 
Watson, S. F. Matthews. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Groton village was organized 
July 18, 1836; L. K. Redington, minister, and Justus P. Pennoyer, 
official mem.ber. The first church edifice was built in 1842 and was 
dedicated December 20 of that 3^ear, at which time also a reorganization 
of the society was effected. The present pastor of the M. E. Church is 
Emer}^ R. Baldwin. The membership numbers 184, and 170 members 
of the Sunda)' school. The trustees of the society are Alonzo Anthony, 
E. M. Aver}^, Henry Maston, James Richford, Frederick Avery, Asa 
Smith and E. P. Wartrous. 

The Roman Catholic Church at Groton village was organized in 1870 
by Father Gilbert, of Ithaca. In 1873 the brick church edifice on South 
Main street was erected at a cost of about $2,500. This parish is with- 
out a resident priest. 

Manufacturing Industries. — -In a preceding portion of the present 
chapter frequent mention has been made to the first industries estab- 
lished in and about the village. One of the most important of these 
industries was the manufacture of wagons and carriages, but the 
founders of the business at that time had little thought that they were 
laying the foundation of what was destined to become one of the great- 

41 



322 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

est of the county's industries. For a period of fifty years following- 
1820 the manufacture of carriages and wagons was an important part 
of local industry, but it was not until about 1860 that wagons were 
made here on an extended scale. 

The Groton Carriage Company was incorporated January 7, 18TG, 
and was the outgrowth of a business established about 1855 by William 
Allen and George Carpenter. Also interested in this same concern in 
later years were Lyman Allen, Harrison Bowker and Ira Woodford. 
Under the latter proprietor the business declined, but Samson S. Will- 
iams re-established it. In 1876, from the Williams plant, the carriage 
company was directly created, with an original capital of $20,000, in- 
creased in 1891 to $100,000. The first officers were E. P. Atwood, 
president; H. K. Clark, secretary; D. H. Marsh, treasurer; and A. J. 
Williams, general manager. Various changes have been made among 
the officers of the company, and among" those who have acted as presi- 
dents have been H. K. Clark, Corydon W. Conger and D. H. Marsh. 
Mr. Marsh was elected president and treasurer in 1881 and has held 
that office continuously to the present time. Dana Rhodes was elected 
secretary in 1877 and held that position at intervals for several yeirs. 
In February, 1886, William L. Pike canre into the company in the 
capacity of superintendent, and in January, 1887, was elected secretary 
and general manager. The Groton Carriage Company is one of the 
stable industries of the village, and was never more successful than 
under its present management. The present officers are D. H. Marsh, 
president and treasurer; W. L. Pike, secretary and general manager; 
and Dana Rhodes, attorney. Running" at full capacity, the compan}" 
employs about 175 men. 

The Groton Bridge and Manufacturing Company is the direct out- 
growth of a business established by Charles and Lyman Perrigo as early 
as the year 1849. The Perrigos were proprietors of a foundry and ma- 
chine shop, and as time passed they enlarged their works and added to 
their products until they had built up a large and extensive trade. One 
of the many graduates of their works was Oliver Avery, jr., who 
eventually became one of the firm, as also did EUer}'- Colby. In 1877 
the then existing firm of Charles Perrigo & Co. began the manufacture 
of iron bridges. Soon afterward the Groton Iron Bridge Company was 
formed and incorporated, of which Mr. Perrigo was president; Mr. 
Colby, vice-president; William Williams, secretary; and Mr. Avery, 
treasurer and general business manager. This concern did business 



TOWN OF GROTON. 823 

until 1S8T, and was then merged into the Groton Bridge and Manufac- 
tnring Company. 

About the year 1847 Daniel Spencer began the manufacture of grain 
separators at a location on Spring Brook, but soon moved his works to 
the village. Here Wm. Perrigo became interested with Mr. Spencer 
and the son of the latter in making the separators, while the firm of 
Chas. Perrigo & Co. built the "powers." Finally the whole concern 
merged into the business of Perrigo & Aver}-^, and from them passed to 
the present company. 

The Groton Bridge and Manufacturing Company Avas incorporated 
in 1887, with an original capital of $100,000 (afterward increased to 
$120,000), for the manufacture of iron bridges, steam engines, separ- 
ators, spoke machines and agricultural implements. The first president 
was Ellery Colby ; vice-president, Frank Conger ; secretary and treas- 
urer, Chester Barney, who died before the company fairly began oper- 
ations, whereupon Barnum R. Williams was made secretary, and Oliver 
Avery treasurer. In 1888 William H. Fitch became treasurer, and in 
1890 was elected president. Corydon W. Conger was then elected 
treasurer. This is b}^ far the most important and valuable industry 
ever established in Groton, and under its present management the 
greatest success has been attained. The annual business amounts to 
nearl}^ $500,000, and the works emplo}^ about 150 men. 

The Crandall Typewriter Company was incorporated and did busi- 
ness at Cortland and Syracuse before locating at Groton. On January 
1, 1887, the removal was made, and in that A^ear the large and well 
equipped building on Main street was occupied. The capital stock of 
the company is $35,000. The officers are: D. H. Marsh, president; 
Everett Smiley, vice-president ;. Frank Conger, secretary; Frank J. 
Tanner, treasiu'er; F. L. Twiss, superintendent. 

The other manufacturing industries of the village are the planing 
and lumber mills of Begent & Crittenden, and the Groton Flouring 
Mill, the latter the property of J.. G. Beach. 

The First National Bank of Groton was organized in 1865, through 
the efforts of Charles Perrigo and Dexter H. Marsh, having a capital 
stock of $100,000. This institution has always done a legitimate and 
safe business, and is to-day regarded as one of the soundest banking 
houses in the count}^ Mr. Perrigo was the original president, while 
Mr. Marsh was the cashier. These positions were respectively held 
until January 14, 1890, when Mr. Marsh was elected president, and 



334 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Hiram G. Moe was elected cashier. During the period of its existence 
this bank has paid an annual dividend of eight per cent. , and has paid 
cash dividends aggregating $237,000. The present surplus and undi- 
Added profit account stands at $54,000. The directors are: D. H. 
Marsh, president; C. P. Atwood, vice-president; H. G. Moe, cashier; 
and W. M. Marsh, Nelson Harris, Ja}^ Conger and Arad S. Marsh. 

The Groton Press. — On January 31, 1839, H. P. Eels & Co. began 
the publication of a weekly paper called the Groton Balance. Thirty- 
nine numbers were issued when the paper passed to the hands of E. vS. 
Keeney, who changed its name to Groton Democrat, and issued thirty- 
five numbers. Publication was then discontinued. 

The Groton Journal was founded November '.), 1866, by Hiram Clark 
Marsh, and during the five years of his ownership the paper was an 
active and aggressive Republican publication. He sold the paper to 
J. P. Pennoyer and A. M. Lyon, who were in turn succeeded by L. M. 
Chapin. The next proprietors were Wm. H. Allen and Henry L. 
Wright, who, in 1879, established a Lansing department, under the 
direction of Lewis J. Townley. On October 16 of that 5^ear the name 
of the paper was changed to Groton and Lansing Journal. On the 17th 
of November, 1883, Mr. Townley bought the paper and sold a half 
interest to Mr. AVright, but on the 3d of December, 1885, Mr. Townley 
became and has since continued its sole proprietor. 

Conger's Journal, the first number of which appeared March 23, 

1882, was the result of the enterprise of that progressive firm, C. W. 
Conger & Co. , by whom it was designed as an advertising medium of 
their own and other Groton business interests. ' The Journal was dis- 
tributed gratuitous!}', and its press work was done in the office of the 
Groton and Lansing Journal. Mrs. Corydon W. Conger was its editor 
and conducted an interesting and instructive miscellaneous news de- 
partment. 

The Bridge Builder, a monthly publication, was first issued in Ma}-, 

1883, under the editorial management of Mrs. C. W. Conger, and was 
devoted to the interests of the local bridge company. 

The Groton Rural Cemetery was incorporated June 28, 1858, and the 
association at once laid out a beautiful tract of land for burial purposes. 
It is situated on a commanding eminence about three-fourths of a mile 
northeast of the village. The grounds are tastefull}^ laid out, and 
beautifully adorned with shrubbery and foliage trees. The arrange- 
ment of all departments is attractive, and much of this appearance 
of thino-s is diie to the efforts of Georafe W. Davev. 



TOWN OF GROTON. 325 

The Southern Central Railroad. — For the construction of this railroad 
the town of Groton people contributed the sum of $50,000, but in con- 
nection with the work the names of Charles and Lyman Perrigo, Hiland 
K. Clark, Peirson & Avery, Perrigo, Avery & Field, Robert C. Reyn- 
olds, Dr. E. W. Crain, Franklin Willoughby and Sylvester Larned 
must stand in especial prominence. The road was completed through 
this valley in 1869. 

McLean. — Second in importance and size among the villages of the 
town is the hamlet called McLean. Amasa Cobb built the first log- 
dwelling, also the first tavern, on the village site. John Benedict built 
the first saw and grist mills, while Roswell Randall opened the first 
store. Daniel J. Shaw was a pioneer grist miller; Dr. Richard Laning 
the first physician; Wm. S. Clark and Samuel H. Starr the first cloth- 
dressers. Among the pioners of this locality were Nicholas Rowe, 
Anson Hanchett, Amasa Cobb, Ezra Bangs, Elisha Bangs, Elijah West, 
William Harris, and the Cummings, Davis, Pettis and other families. 
As early as 1838 two distilleries, with the other business enterprises, 
even at that early day made McLean a hamlet of some note. The 
original name of the village was Moscow, but in 1824 a post-office was 
established and named in honor of Judge McLean. 

However, during its three-quarters of a century of history McLean 
has never advanced beyond the condition of a hamlet, and at no time 
has it contained more than 400 inhabitants. Its industries comprise a 
foundry and machine shop, a firkin and butter tub factory, creamery, 
large grist mill, a number of small shops, two general stores, and one 
well appointed drug store. The cheese factory is one of the established 
industries of McLean, which was put in operation in 1864 and has been 
continued to the present time. , The butter package factory has long 
been the propert}^ of V. B. Gross, and was the outgrowth of a still 
older business of the same kind. In 1837 John Neal built the large 
grist mill afterward known as the D. B. Marsh mill. It is now the 
property of John W. AVest. Solomon R. Reniff is the proprietor of the 
saw and cider mill. The machine shops and foundry are owned by 
Houghtaling Bros. 

McLean has five churches, a number not equaled by any other vil- 
lage in the township. The Baptist Church of McLean was organized 
January 24, 1824, with thirty members, and with Amos Hart and 
Ithamar Whipple as deacons. However, Baptist preaching was heard 
in this locality as early as 1805. The church was built in 1828, under 



326 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS (T)UNTY. 

the direction of John Benedict, Samuel Noyes and Deacon Hart, and 
cost $1,500. It has now thirty-six members and fifty-five pupils in the 
Sunday school. The present pastor is Joseph E. Dodsley, successor to 
J. W. Barr. The deacons are T. M. Weeks and E. P. Hart; trustees,. 
Allen Howard, John Ronk and T. N. Weeks; superintendent of Sun- 
day school, E. P. Hart. 

The McLean Methodist Episcopal church was (organized in 1830, and 
the church edifice built in 1832 at a cost of $1,500. It was extensively 
repaired in 183(5. The church has nearly 100 members, and about fifty 
pupils in the Sunday school. The officers of the church are J. W. 
Terry, pastor; D. C. Johnson, Almon Trapp, Wesley Andrews, William 
Waters, M. M. Robbins and E. G. Galloup, trustees; superintendent 
Sunday school, E. G. Galloup. 

The First Universalist Society of Groton was organized at McLean, 
April 21, 1832, with about thirty members. The church edifice was 
erected in about 1843, and cost, including furnishings, about $3,000, 
The first minister was Walter Bullard; the present minister, Herbert 
H. Graves. The present membership of the church is twenty-seven. 

Zion Church, P. E., a mission from Homer, was founded at McLean, 
September 23, 1833. The church edifice was erected in 1849, and cost 
$1,200. For a number of years Zion parish has been without a rector, 
and the church has but twenty communicants. The present wardens 
are William De Coudres and William Hubbard. 

The Roman Catholic at McLean is the youngest of the religious 
societies of the locality. The church has no regular pastor and only 
occasional services are held. 

Peruville. — In the south part of the town of Groton, and lying partly 
within the town of Dryden, is the present hamlet of Peruville. Half a 
century and more ago this was a place of considerable industry, but 
later years have witnessed the removal or discontinuance of those of 
greatest importance, and the village now contains but three stores, a 
flour and feed mill, cider mill, creamer}^, and one or two shops. The 
village is situated on lot 95, and here the first settlers were Asa Church, 
who built the first grist mill ; Henry L Brinkerhoff, Thomas Johnson, 
and Dr. Wright. In 1820 the village plat was regularly surveyed by 
Levi Bodle}^ Proininent among the early business men at Peruville 
were Reuben .Darling, Joseph Smiley, William D. Mount, and Henry 
Teeter, the latter at one time owning much of the village site and its 
industries as well. 



TOWN OF GROTON. 327 

The present merchants of the village are J. H. Mount, J. M. Mont- 
fort, and I. Miller & Son. The mill is the property of Filander H. 
Robinson. 

The Methodist Episcopal church at Peruvdlle was originally organ- 
ized as a society of both Dryden and Groton, and has been a station of 
each town. The society was organized about 1830, and the edifice was 
built in 1834 at a cost of $3,000. The church has about forty members, 
with about the same number in the Sunday school. The present pastor 
is Rev. Emory R. Baldwin, and the trustees are C. J. Wheeler, W. C. 
Lumbard and J. M. Montfort. 

The Wesleyan Methodist church of Groton is located about a mile 
north of Peruville. The society was organized about 1845, and in 1850 
the meeting house was built. The present membership is about thirty, 
and the society is under the pastoral charge of Rev. C. E. Curtis. 

West Groton. — In the northwest part of the town, and in one of the 
most fertile districts thereof, is the pleasant little hamlet of West Gro- 
ton. In an earlier portion of the present chapter the reader will find 
the names of the earlier settlers of this locality, therefore they need not 
be repeated here. Through the kindness of Perry W. Allen we are 
able to furnish the names of the various men at this point. The mer- 
chants have been James I. Brinkerhoof, Hopkins & Ludlow, B. F. 
Ludlow, Ferris & Gaylord, Goodyear & Seymour, John Dart, vSkinner 
& Cady, Locke & Wright, T. F. Sherman, Atwater & Baldwin, P. W. 
Allen (postmaster and deputy twenty-seven years), John Boulker, B. 
F. Thompson, A. Stuart Stearns, C. Van Buskirk, A. B. Rogers, and 
Stevens & Townley. 

West Groton was made a post station in 1833, and the postmasters 
have been Cicero Phelps, Perry W. Allen, A. B. Rogers, A. S. Stearns, 
and Ben Townley. The present business interests of the hamlet are 
the general store of Stevens & Townley, the extensive egg and honey 
business of E. F. Tallmadge, a blacksmith and shoe shop. 

The West Groton and East Lansing Congregational church was 
organized in December, 181G, with five original members. The society 
was organized in 1832. The parsonage was built in 1861, the church 
repaired in 1872, the steeple erected in 1884, and the parlors and new 
barn provided in 1886. The church has 100 members and the Sunday 
school 120. The pastors of this church in succession have been as fol- 
lows: Marcus Harrison, 1831-33; Samuel vScott, 1836-37; John Ivison, 
1837-39; Peleg R. Kinnie, 1845-55; Rev. Pomeroy, 1858-61; Calvin 



328 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

McKinney, 18ri2-(;4; Ezra Jones, 1865-68; W. O. Baldwin, 1869-72; 
A. D. vStowell, and John Cunningham 1877-!):3. The present officers- 
of the church are John Cunningham, pastor, and Benoni Brown (emeri- 
tus), Nelson Stevens, and Richard T. Ludlow% deacons. 

The First Christian church of West Groton was organized in 1831, 
and in 1833 a frame edifice was erected a short distance south of West 
Groton. At one time the society had about seventy-five members, but 
owing to dissensions the members left and the society graduall}^ passed 
out of existence. 

Groton City. — ^In the northeast corner of the towm of Groton, and 
located principally on lot 59, is the hamlet called Groton City. During 
the pioneer days of the region, when saw mills were numerous on Fall 
Creek, this locality was known as " Slab City." At that time this was 
an important point, and half a century ago " vSlab City " did more busi- 
ness than Groton village. However, like many other similar hamlets,. 
Groton City has lost nearly all of its former prestige and much of its old 
time usefulness. The early settlers in this locality were Capt. Jesse 
Clark, Major Lemi Bradle)^, Jesse Bartholomew, Aaron and John Bene- 
dict, who built saw and grist mills, William S. Clark, who built the first 
dam on Fall Brook and set up a fulling mill. In 1813 Zacheus Maltby 
built a tavern on lot 68 ; Crosby and Tanner opened store in 1809. 
These were the first business ventures in Groton City and locality. At 
present there is no regular store in the village, and the only industry is 
the custom feed mill of L. W. Steadtnan & Son. 

A few rods west of the corners stands the Groton City Free church, 
which was built by subscriptions contributed by the people of the neigh- 
borhood without regard to denomination. However, this has always 
been a Methodist church, and until quite recently belonged to the con- 
ference. It is now an independent church, and its pulpit is supplied b}' 
young ministers from Cortland. 

La Fayette. — This is the name which has ahvays been applied to the 
four corner settlement in the east part of the town, where once stood a 
saw and grist mill. When built the latter was christened by pioneer 
George Fish, and as the christening took place on the same day that 
General La Fayette was at Auburn, :\Ir. Fish appropriately designated 
this as the La Fayette Mill. 

Grotto. — This is the name of a post-office established in the west 
part of the town July 1, 1892, through the efforts of Edwin W. Van 
Marter, who is its postmaster and also a merchant at that point. 



TOWN OF LANSING. 329 

Umkria. — This is the name of a post-office established in the fall of 
18-93, having its location on Fall Creek, about half a mile south of La- 
Fayette. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
TOWN OF LANSING. 

The town of Lansing lies in the north part of Tompkins county, west 
of Groton and on the east side of Cayuga Lake. The surface rises in a 
rolling upland to about 500 feet above the lake, with abrupt ledges in 
some places. The soil is chiefly a gravelly loam, well adapted to grain 
growing. Salmon Creek is the principal stream, rising in Cayuga county 
and flowing southerly through this town near its center. Its valley is 
narrow, and from its east side the land rises in a gradual slope and ex- 
tends eastward with a comparatively level surface, which is divided into 
beautiful and fertile farms. To the westward from the creek valley 
the surface rises into what is known as the "Ridge." Salmon Creek 
has small tributaries in Gulf, Townley, Hedden, and Upper Hedden 
Creeks. On Townle}^ Creek are the three Indian Falls, fort}^ to sixty 
feet in height, and noted for their natural beauty. On Hedden Creek 
are the Buttermilk Falls, also noted for their natural picturesque attrac- 
tions. There are other cascades on the small streams of this town which 
contribute to the many romantic beauties of the locality. 

One of the old military townships of Cayuga count}'- was named "Mil- 
ton," and was erected Januarj^ 27, 1789. On the 20th of February, 
1802, the town of Locke was set off from Milton. On the Gth of April, 
1808, the name was changed to Genoa, from the south part of which the 
town of Lansing was set off on the 7th of April, 1817, under the act 
that created Tompkins county. It retains its original limits and con- 
tains 38,808 acres, of which about 32,000 are improved. Settlements 
were inade in what is now Lansing, of course, long before it became a 
civil organization. In March, 1791, Silas Ludlow, his brother Henry, 
and Thomas, son of the latter, with their families came into the town 
from Ithaca, drawing their little store of goods on a handsled on the ice 
of the lake. Reaching the mouth of Salmon Creek they followed up its 
ravine to the falls on the site of Ludlowville and there located. The 

42 



330 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

water power there was attractive to them and they bought military lot 
No. 76 for sixty dollars. Henry built his first log house where Charles 
G. Benjamin now lives. These men became prominent in founding the 
little community, and their descendants were active in public affairs. 
Several of the latter removed from the town. Jehiel Ludlow was mem- 
ber of assembly, sheriff, and justice of the peace. 

Samuel Baker and his brother-in-law, Solomon Hyatt, passed through 
this town on their way to Canada in 1788 or '89, inspected lot No. 54, 
and Baker afterwards bought it, probably in 1791. In the spring of 
1792 he hired a man to aid in chopping, and they came in and built a 
log house on the site of Lansingville. October 13, 1792, Baker ex- 
changed his lot for the one adjoining, and started in the spring of 1793 
from Peekskill, on the Hudson, on a sloop with his family on his journey 
towards his wilderness home. Arriving at Lunenburg, on the Hud- 
son, he learned that his title was worthless. He was a good blacksmith 
and went undauntedly at work at his trade, saved up a hundred pounds 
sterling, with which he purchased 100 acres of the first lot he had bought 
of the owner in Albany, and came on by the usual route up the Mohawk 
in a bateau, through Oneida Lake, Seneca River, and Cayuga Lake to 
Plimrod's Point, where Mr. Himrod had made a settlement in 1793. 
Ebenezer Haskin had located in the same 3''ear a mile east of the lake 
on the site of Lake Ridge, and with his oxen helped Baker to move his 
goods to his lot. There Baker built a blacksmith shop, and between 
that time and 1801 purchased the remainder of the military lot. He at 
one time owned about 1,200 acres. He was the first supervisor of the 
town of Milton, and his children and grandchildren have been conspic- 
uous in the town. He was a magistrate many years, a preacher of 
,some note, and built the first canal boat that ran from Cayuga Lake. 

Capt. Benaja vStrong and his son Salmon came in 1791 and purchased 
'2,000 acres on both sides of Salmon Creek, and began a clearing a mile 
and a C[uarter east of Lansingville on lot No. 63, where Albert Slocum 
now lives. He gave his sons each a farm and they settled in the town. 
Two of his daughters married Zoel and Daniel Bacon, and settled near 
the site of North Lansing, in the northeast part of the town, in 1793. 
Captain Strong was a noted pioneer and lived to ninety-six years, and 
had been in the Revolutionar}' War; his son, of the same name, was 
in the AVar of 1812 as a soldier. 

John Bowker came in 1791 from Ulster county, by way of Owego 
and Ithaca, and settled near North Lansing, where his son James after- 



TOWN OF LANSING. 331 

wards lived. He was a justice of the peace, constable, and supervisor 
in the town of Milton. His brothers, Joseph and Noah, came in 1792. 
John Bowker had twelve children, all of whom reared families, and at 
the time of his death, in 1<S55, was father, grandfather and great-grand- 
father to i;50 children. 

Andrew Myers with his wife and two children came down the lake in 
1792, and settled at what has been known as '' Myers Point." His son 
Andrew built a large grist mill there about 1832. 

Moses and Nicholas Depeu settled at the mouth of Salmon Creek in 
1792. 

Ephraim Bloom was of German descent, and came from Pennsylvania 
in 1791 and took up lot 91, building his cabin where Lewis Bloom lived 
in recent years. Two Indians spent the succeeding winter with him, 
and in the spring of 1792 he brought in his famil}^ two sons and five 
daughters. He died in 1828, a few days more than 104 years old. His 
wife lived to a few da5^s more than 100 5^ears. 

Richard and Charles Townley, brothers, originalh' from New Jersey, 
reached this town in December, 1792, coming by way of Ithaca, and 
built a log cabin which they occupied first on Christmas da}'. Once 
settled in their cabin, Charles left his brother and famil}^ and returned 
to the Susquehanna, not far from Wilkesbarre, where they had lived 
four years after leaving New Jersey. Richard Townley was a man of 
superior native talents, and though not well educated, was an intelli- 
gent reader, closely observant, and became remarkably well informed. 
He learned surveying and practiced it throughout the county, was super- 
visor of Milton in 1802; justice of the peace in 1804; associate judge of 
Cayuga county ; member of assembly ten years from 1804. As school 
commissioner he divided the town into districts and sold the public 
school lots. He was a presidential elector in 181G, and delegate to the 
State Constitutional Convention in 1821. He left a family of ten chil- 
dren at his death, which occurred in 1840. His descendants have been 
prominent in the town. 

Abram Minier, son of George, of Northampton county, Pa., came 
with his brother Daniel into the lake country in 1787 or 1788. Daniel 
went on to the Genesee country, but a deed shows that Abram pur- 
chased 600 acres of Captain Van Rensselaer, of Albany, in 1792. He 
brought his family and took possession in 1798. His land was on the 
site of South Lansing or " Libertyville. " He reared a family of four 
sons and five daughters, one of the latter became the wife of Robert 



332 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Tennant Shaw, who was named after the celebrated Presbyterian min- 
ister of New Jersey. 

William Boice settled at vSouth Lansing in 1793, and built and kept 
a log tavern. In the same year Barney Collins came to that locality from 
Pennsylvania. 

George Rhodes, from Cherry ville, came in 1793, with Frederick 
Storms, of the same place, purchased 240 acres of land,, which they di- 
vided, and the two farms are now occupied by John Conklin, and Fred- 
erick Storms, a grandson of the pioneers. The first Rhodes built and 
operated a distilery. 

Zenas Tichenor settled on militar}' lands in Lansing in 1789-90, and 
was the first school teacher of the town. He was one of twelve broth- 
ers, all of whom were soldiers of the Revolution ; one of his sons was 
in the War of 1812, and three of his grandsons were soldiers in the war 
of the Rebellion: Col. Isaac S. Tichenor, of the 105th N. Y. V. ; Maj. 
James H. Tichenor, of the 32d N. Y. V. ; and Capt. A. W. Knettles, of 
the 143d Regiment. 

Tilman Bower was a settler in 1794 from Pennsylvania, and three 
years later, his five sons, Honteter, John (who located near their father), 
Samuel, Adam and George (who settled at or . near North Lansing), 
came into the town. 

John Holden came from Great Bend, in 1793, and settled on Lot 47, 
a mile west from Beardsley's Corners, where his son William now lives. 
In the same year John Beardsley, of Stratford, Conn., came with his 
wife and five children, and settled on one-half of Lots 48 and 49, near 
the Baptist church site. He was justice of the peace and judge of the 
county. 

In 1794 Robert Alexander settled with his family on what has been 
known as the Allen farm. His title was proved worthless, sev^eral years 
later, and he ramoved to Newfield Weston Allen purchased the farm 
of Mr. Chapman, the successful litigant, moved upon it, and it is now 
occupied by his grandson, Nicholas. 

In 1794, Micajah Starr settled a little south of Lake Ridge; Deacon 
Gillett and Solomon Kellogg a little east of there, and Jonah Tooker a 
mile west of Ludlowville, where he kept the first store in Lansing". 
Henry Teeter, from Stroudsburg, Pa., settled in 1794 where Peter and 
John Hedden lived in recent years ; he kept a public house a number of 
years; it was burned and his wife perished in the fire. John Mead came 
this year from Chenango county and bought the north half of Lot 93 for 



TOWN OF LANSING. 33B 

:^loO of William Hardenbiirg-. Mead was a Revolutionary soldier. His 
land was occupied by his sons in 1814. John M. Mead was his grand- 
son. 

Daniel Bacon, the father of Daniel L. Bacon, of Lansing', came with 
with brother Joel from Connecticut and purchased 215 acres in lot 47 
where they settled in 1793; half of this tract is now owned by Daniel 
L. Bacon. 

William Goodwin settled near the site of the Asbury church in 1793. 
He presented the land for the burial ground. His daughter married 
Col. Henry Bloom. The latter was the son of the pioneer, Ephraim 
Bloom, obtained his title in the War of 1812, and was wounded at 
Queenstown. He held the office of supervisor, sheriff and member of 
assembly. His brother Abrara was a captain in the War of 1812. 

Daniel and Albert White, brothers of Rev. Alvord White, who was a 
circuit preacher in 1794, settled near Lansingville or " Teetertown," 
about 1796. 

In 1797 Jacob Shoemaker came to this town from New Jerse}'. His 
sons, Jacob and Henry, afterwards lived on the homestead, where his 
grandson Jacob now lives. John Ozmun came in about the same time 
and left many descendants in the locality. Abram Van Wagner bought 
a soldier's claim of 109 acres on lot 94, where his son-in-law. Dr. J. F. 
Burdick lived. The latter practiced in the town for many years and 
died here. 

Samuel R. and Christopher Brown settled in Lansing about 1797; 
Christopher settled where James La Bar lived, and his grandson, Ben- 
jamin Brown, lived on a part of the old farm. 

George La Bar became a settler about 1798 and was father of 
Ephraim La Bar, who held the office of sheriff at one period. Daniel 
Norton, Joseph Gibbs, Samuel Davis and Sidney Drake (father of Og- 
den, Samuel and Benjamin), all came to the town in 1795-99. Davis was 
an early carpenter. Other settlers before or in 1800 were Cornelius 
Haring (grandfather of John), John Kimple, Daniel Clark (at Ludlow- 
ville, where he built a carding and fulling mill and dye works), Na- 
thaniel Hamilton (three-quarters of a mile west of Lansingville at 
"White's Settlement " ), David Moore, Jonathan Colburn, John S. Hol- 
den (father of Hiram, of Genoa), Matthias Mount (three miles north of 
Ludlowville), and perhaps others. 

These pioneers of the years preceding the beginning of the century 
Avere sturdy, industrious, and generally moral and God-fearing people. 



334 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and under their patient and self-sacrificing toil the wilderness soon be- 
came not only habitable in a comfortable sense, but productive of most 
of the necessaries of happy living. Their lives were not filled with the 
ease and luxury that characterize those of many of their descendants, 
but that they were contented and hopeful is susceptible of ample proof. 
Many stirring incidents occurred to vary the monotomy of their daily 
labor, but our limited pages will admit but meager record of them, 
Mrs. Townley related to her friends that "one stormy day, when Mr. 
Townley was away and not expected home, she was in her log cabin 
alone with her four children. About ten o'clock in the morning she 
heard a noise at the door; soon it began to open slowly, and she saw a 
bayonet coming in followed by an Indian, who went to the fire-place 
and sat down on the floor, the fire being below on the ground. Not a 
word was said, and soon there came in three more, all Indians except 
one, who was a white man in Indian costume ; but little was said by 
them for some time, and that in Indian language. Each was armed 
with a gun, ba3^onet, and tomahawk slung on his back. One of the 
little boys (James, who died in 1826), attracted by the wampum on their 
garments, jumped down from where he was sitting and went to them. 
Soon one of them asked who lived there and she told them Townley, 
and they commenced talking about one Townley at Wyoming, and told 
their stories of the fearful massacre. They finally asked her for some- 
thing to eat, and she brought out what she had, and they carried awa}^ 
all they did not eat. Two years afterwards an Indian was through that 
country selling moccasins. Mr. Townley purchased and paid him, but 
he put back a shillmg, saying: ' Me owe your squaw loaf bread so big.'' 
He was one of the uninvited guests on that stormy day, and probably 
never had met an Indian agent." 

The following Indian stories have also been preserved, which relate 
to this immediate region. The first incident was contributed to the 
Christian Union by Mrs. Mary L. Townley, granddaughter of the pio- 
neers, as follows: 

In the year 1779 a soldier belonging to Lieutenant Dearborn's detach- 
ment was taken prisoner by the Indians. Having some way elfected 
his escape, he followed on the track of his comrades, hoping to overtake 
them; the Indians, however, were in pursuit, and when near the head 
of the lake, finding that he was likely to be surrounded and captured^ 
he took to the water and swam across to the mouth of the small guUey 
opening to the lake, just north of Mr. McKinney's, on the east shore. 



TOWN OF LANSING. 335 

He here hoped to conceal himself, but the Indians soon hunted him 
•out, and having tied him to a tree, tortured and burned him to death. 

In estimating- the barbarity of this action, we should remember that 
the savage blood was probably provoked to retaliation by the wholesale, 
sweeping desolation of their trees, fields and orchards by Sullivan's 
army, then marching through their country. 

The following mcident is from the " History of Cortland County," by 
Hermon C. Goodwin, and relates to this territory: "A little west of the 
residence of Dr. J. F. Burdick, and where he had a flourishing peach- 
orchard, were some eighteen or twenty cabins. Here lived a tall, 
swarthy Indian chief, generally known among the warriors of the Six 
Nations as ' Long Jim, ' with whom he was a great favorite. He was of 
Mohawk and Oneida 'extraction, and possessed many of the more promi- 
nent characteristics for which the two tribes have been justly celebrated. 
He- was usually kind, benevolent, and just, but if insulted without 
proper cause, would assume the ferocit}' of a tiger, and act the part of 
a demoniac monster. He was an orator and a warrior, and possessed 
the art of swaying the multitude at will. He believed in witches, hob- 
goblins, and wizards, and often pretended to be influenced by a tutelary 
goddess, or guardian spirit. Shrewd and artful, dignified and gener- 
ous, yet at times deceptive and malevolent, he studied to acquire influ- 
-ence and power, and in most of his marauding depredations was suc- 
cessful in keeping the arcanum of his heart as in a 'sealed fountain.' 
His unwritten history represents him as acting a conspicuous part in 
numerous tragical events, which were perpetrated by detached parties 
from Burgoyne's army. 

"A venerable chief, who resides on the New York Indian Reserva- 
tion, informed us that, according to the tradition of his tribe, Long Jim 
was the main cause, instigator, and perpetrator of the bloody massacre 
of Miss Jane McCrea, too well known in history to be recorded in these 
pages. He was the leader and controlling spirit of the band who met 
the Winnebagoes, in whose care she was, and, unwilling to see the prize 
gained by the other party, he fiercely tore her from her horse and toma- 
hawked her on the spot, afterwards bearing her scalp triumjDhantly to 
her expectant lover." 

Between 1800 and 1810 settlers came rapidly to Lansing, its beauti- 
ful situation beside the lake and its fertile soil proving very attractive. 
John Royal came soon after 1800 and settled near North Lansing, and 
Daniel De Camp, John Lane, and Jacob Conrad located near by about 



336 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the same time. Reuben Colton settled at East Lansing in 1802 on lot 
100. Thomas Darrity settled in 1802 on lot 75, and had for a time the 
earliest tannery. Samuel Brown located in that year in the south part 
of the town. 

Joseph Wj^ckoff, a harnessmaker, came about 1802 and settled on lot 
95, where Samuel Robinson afterwards lived. He had three sons: 
Jesse, Levi, and Joseph, the former living and dying on the home-tead. 
He (Jesse) had four children, and was the grandfather of William O. 
Wyckoff, the well known stenographer and manufacturer of the Rem- 
ington typewriter. 

In 1801 or 1802 John Brown settled on Salmon Creek north of Lud- 
lowville, and was elected to the Legislature in 1814-15, and was judge 
of the Common Pleas in 1810, and supervisor thirteen years. Aaron 
Hedden settled in 1802 and left descendants in the town. Joseph Knet- 
tles, from Pennsylvania, father of Capt. A. W. Knettles, settled about 
this time, and sold goods a few years. 

Joseph Miller came in 1803 and bought 100 acres on the southwest 
corner of lot 74 for an old Continental musket. He was the father of 
Marvin B. and George W. Miller. Joseph E. North, who was a cap- 
tain in the army of 1812, was an early settler where Benton Halladay 
now lives. 

Jacob Markell, of New Jersey, drew military lot 51, and his son set- 
tled on it in 1808. Benjamin Buck came from Great Bend in 1805 with 
his wife and twelve children. Six of his sons and four daughters be- 
came settlers and residents of the town. In 1807 or 1808 Conrad Teeter 
settled at what became locall}^ known as " Teetertown," where he built 
the first tavern. When the first post-office was established the name of 
Lansingville was given to the place. 

Calvin Burr began business at Ludlowville in 1812, and his descend- 
ants were long associated with business interests in the town. Oliver 
Phelps moved into the town in 1811 and built the first store at Ludlow- 
ville; his clerk was Arad Joy. Mr. Phelps built the first steamboat on 
the lake, about 1825. Benjamin Joy was an early and long resident^ 
and was ver}' prominent as a temperance worker. He was foremost in 
organizing the Lansing Temperance Society in 1828, which is still in. 
existence, holding annual meetings on the 30th of December. James 
A. Burr, of Ithaca, is the present president of the societ5^ Silas K. New- 
ton came in 1813 from Ul3'sses and worked at shoemaking. David Crocker 
came from Lee, Mass., in 1817, and settled where his son David after- 




^^{^A^u/} Mutj 



TOWN OF LANSING. ■ 337 

wards lived, on the farm now owned b}^ Edwin Davis. Casper Fenner 
was a settler of 1817, purchasing" military lot 42. Henry B. Lord, the> 
long time bank cashier of Ithaca, came into Ludlowville in 1888, and 
was connected with the Burrs in business. Joseph Ives, Abram Miller, 
Benjamin Grover and John Kelly were the other settlers of this period. 

The modest career of the venerable Roswell Beardsley, of " Beards- 
ley's Corners " (North Lansiag) is most remarkable in some respects. 
He came to that place in 1827-8, and was made deputy postmaster in 
June, 1828. He was appointed postmaster by John Ouincv Adams, 
and has ever since, through a period of about sixty-five years. It gives 
him the present distinction of being the postmaster longest in contin- 
ual incumbency in the United vStates. 

Benjamin Joy, many 3xars a resident of Tompkins county, was de- 
scended from Thomas Joy, who came to America from Hingan, Norfolk 
county, England, in the year 1630 in company with John Winthrop, 
first governor of the Colon)^ of Massachusetts, and eight hundred 
others. The Jo}^ family had its full share of patriots and soldiers both 
in the French and the Revolutionary Wars, among whom was David 
Joy and his brother Abel, who, after the battle of Bunker Hill, joined 
an arm};- of patriots at Cambridge and served throughout the war. In 
the year 1800 David disposed of his somewhat sterile farm near Gilford, 
Vt., and removed with his family to Fabius, Onondaga county, N. Y. 
On the 23d day of June, 1800, Benjamin was born. His father died 
when lie was but thirteen years of age, and the following year he re- 
moved with his brother to Ludlowville, his home for fiftv years there- 
after. At an early age he entered his brother's store as clerk and re- 
mained in this capacity until manhood. 

In the year 1822 he commenced business for himself, and in the fol- 
lowing year was married to her who became his greatest comfort and 
blessing throughout life. 

In the year 1827 Mr. Joy entered upon his life work, his attention 
having been aroused by a series of sermons from the pen of Lyman 
Beech er. It soon became his practice to address large meetings in his 
own and adjoining counties, and at their close to present the pledge of 
total abstinence. Mr. Joy's labors extended through more than a 
quarter of a centur3\ 

While he was one of the best known and honored men of his day, 
loved and revered alike by friends and foes, yet he battled to uproot 
43 



338 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and destroy, and often called down upon himself bitter denunciation 
and malignant opposition. 

In 1854 Mr. Joy was chosen as a Prohibition representative of the 
Legislature of his county, where he speedily became a leader. In the 
year 1864 he removed to Penn Yan, where he died February 18, 18(iO. 
In his new home, as in his old, his labors were incessant in the church 
and in the great causes of reform. 

It is impracticable to further follow the records of these men and their 
later de.scendants who have labored to bring the town of Lansing to its 
present prosperous condition; but notice of others in the present com- 
munity will be found in Part III of this work. In its educational and 
religious institutions the town has kept well to the front, the first school 
having been established before the beginning of the centur}'- in a log- 
house across the street from where Jonah Tooker opened the first store 
at Ludlowville, in 1795; and a church society was instituted and a log 
church erected a mile west of Ludlowville before 1800. There are now 
twenty-three districts in the town, with neat school houses in most of 
them. 

Some first occurrences in the town may here be properly placed on 
record. The first primitive grist mill of Henry and Thomas Ludlow, 
built in 1705, has already been mentioned; previous to that time grain 
for grinding was carried across the lake to Goodwin's Point and thence 
to Abner Treman's mill at Trumansburgh. 

John Guthrie sold the first goods from a boat load brought by him 
from vSchenectady to the mouth of Salmon Creek. Jonah Tooker opened 
the first regular store in 1795, and the first tannery was built of logs by 
Thomas Ludlow a little west of Ludlowville; a few years later he built 
another on the site, where a public house has been kept since. Thomas 
Darrity built the first tannery. Henry Bloom and Catherine Goodwin 
were united in the first marriage in the town. 

The town of Lansing is chiefly an agricultural district, and while 
there are several small villages and hamlets, there is none of impor- 
tance, and the trade iuterests are only sufficient for the needs of the 
several sections. There has never been extensive manufacturing in the 
town. Grain growing, fruit production, and stock raising have been 
the principal occupations of the farmers, with a tendency in recent 
years towards dairying and the raising of hay and fruit growing. The 
peace and prosperity of the town has been undisturbed except by the 
war of 1861-65, during which the people of the town' evinced the same 



TOWN OF LANSING. 



339 



ardent patriotism shown by other towns in the countv. The town 
furnished 143 men to the Union armies, several of whom became 
officers of high rank, and many sleep in soldiers' graves. 

For the past twenty years the town of Lansing has been a temperance 
town, the majority of the votes cast being in favor of temperance and 
no license. 

The officers of this town for 1894: are as follows: John H. Conklin, 
supervisor: Charles E. Wood, town clerk; Barnard M. Hagin, justice 
of peace; James G. Brick, assessor; Alilo Howell, commissioner of 
highway; Delos C. Haring, overseer of the poor; Charles R. Bower, 
collector; William H. Myers, Almon M. Tarbell, Bradford Austin, 
Albert Van Auken, constables; Samuel Hudson, John W. Pratt, Har- 
rison W. Bower, inspectors of election District No. 1 ; Dana Singer, 
excise commissioner; Frank Haring, Charles H. Bacon, Henry Karn, 
inspectors of election District No. 2; Fred A. Townley, George Lanter- 
man, Michael Egen, inspectors of election District No. I]. 

Following is a list of the supervisors of this town as far as we have 
been able to obtain them : 



1829. Josiah Hedden. 
1830-31. Calvin Burr. 
1832-33. Josiah Hedden. 
1834. Luther Hedden. 
1835-36. John Griswold. 
1837-40. Daniel D. Minier. 
1802-66. H. B. Lord. 



1867. William Mead. 

1868. J. B. Bogardus. 
1869-76. James M. Woodbur3^ 
1877-86. David Crocker. 
1887-89. Horatio Brown. 
1890-95. John H. Conklin. 



Churches. — In 1795-6 Rev. A. Owen and Alward White were ap- 
pointed to Seneca Circuit and formed the First Methodist Episcopal 
Society at Jonah Tooker's house, a mile west of Ludlowville, and at 
Robert Alexander's, soutli of Lake Ridge. A log house was built in 
1801 half a mile west of Lansingville, which was burned in 1802. A 
frame structure took its place, which was the first frame church build- 
ing in Genesee Conference. From an old record we learn that " there 
were no roads at that time. Indian paths and flayed trees were the 
only guides. In the fall of 1796, as the Alexander family were sitting 
around the fire in the evening, the}^ were startled by a strange cry 
which seemed to come from a distance, and rushed to the door to dis- 
cover the cause. It was evident that it proceeded from the adjacent 
forest, between them and Cayuga Lake, but whether from a panther or 
human being they could not tell. Mr. Alexander decided that it was a 



^40 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

call for help, and hallooed in reply. Soon after the sound appeared to 
be nearer, and by repeated calls the lost traveler was guided to their 
cabin, when, to their astonishment, they beheld A. Owen, with whom 
they had been acquainted in Pennsylvania. This was his first round 
on his circuit, and losing the Indian path on the lake shore in the dark- 
ness, he had taken that course to find a friend." A quarterly meeting- 
was held in a barn near the site of the Asbury meeting house in 1707, 
and a class was formed with Reuben Brown leader; the other classes 
were formed as above noted. Three of these classes united, and a log- 
church was built in 1797, which was burned in 1801 or 1802. A frame 
structure took its place, which was 34 by 36 feet in size and was used 
until 1833, when a brick edifice was built at Lansingville. This was 
burned February 20, 1803, and in the following year the present frame 
church was erected. The present pastor is Benjamin Franklin, who 
resides at North Lansing. 

Since the above was written, a valued contributor has sent in the 
following account of Methodism in and near this town, which merits a 
place herein, even at the risk of minor repetitions : 

There are traces of Methodist preachers in Lansing in the year 1793; 
in this year William Colbert, jr., preacher on Northumberland Circuit, 
Penn., was sent on a tour of exploration through the then "Western 
Wilds of New York." He started from Wilkesbarre, Penn., went as 
far as Niagara, Canada; on his return he came through Lansing and 
stumbled on to a Methodist, a new settler, by the name of Conklin. 
Colbert, who was a full fledged Methodist preacher, was dressed in 
knee buckskin trousers, kept bright by occasional applications of yellow 
ochre (what changes a centur}^ has wrought in preachers' costumes!) 
While Colbert was " staying for a rest " at the cabin of Conklin (who, 
by the wa}-, lived six miles north of the present site of Ithaca, which 
must be within the precincts of this Asbury church), they heard of a 
preacher that had newly moved into the settlement of Ithaca, then a 
town of three families. The preacher was a Baptist minister, known 
as " Elder Starr," who in a few days announced that he would preach 
to the settlers on the following Sabbath. Conklin and Colbert heard 
of the appointment and resolved to attend the meeting. The Sabbath 
was a fine one in June, 1793, and the few inhabitants gathered for the 
first time to, hear the gospel in their new home. Settlers from the ad- 
jacent country heard of the appointment and a few came in to hear the 
new preacher. In the congregation were two who knelt during prayer; 



TOWN OF LANSING. 341 

a smothered whisper went around the cabin "they are Methodists." 
After the conclusion of Elder Starr's sermon Conklin arose and intro- 
duced his companion as a Methodist, and asked the privilege for him 
to preach. Elder Starr arose and said: "The Methodists are a new 
sect, holding strange doctrines, and the people do not care to hear them. " 
During the year 1797 a Methodist class was formed at Asbury. The 
names of the members of Asbury class are as follows: Reuben Brown 
and wife, James Egbert and wife, Walter Egbert and wife, Abram 
Minier and wife, William Gibbs and wife. Reuben Brown was ap- 
pointed class reader by the pastor, Anning Owen. Brown lived one 
mile east of West Dryden Corners, and often started on foot, accom- 
panied b}^ his wife, and carrying a babe in their arms, over the then 
corduroy road, to attend church and lead his class at Asbiny Chapel, a 
distance of six miles. This same 3'ear two log "meeting houses " were 
built, one at Teetertown and the other at Asburj^ The one at Asbury 
stood at the east end of the present Asbury Cemetery and was used for 
district school purposes on week days and divine service on Sunda}'. 
The church and school house have gone hand in hand from the begin- 
ning of American Methodism. This same year, ,1797, Asbury and 
Teetertown were attached as appointed to Seneca circuit. A. Owen 
was the first regularly appointed pastor of Lansing Methodism. His 
remains, with those of his wife, now lie in the Kline Cemetery under a 
monument erected by the Wyoming Conference. The first quarterly 
conference of Lansing Methodism was held in a barn near the spot 
where the present Asbur}?' church now stands. In 1811 the log meet- 
ing houses became too strait to hold the inquirers after Zion and was 
discarded. A brick house was built and the famous red meeting house 
at Asbury. vShortly after the completion of the red meeting house 
Bishop Asbury, first bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church, passed 
through Lansing and preached in the new meeting house, and in honor 
of him it was named Asbury Chapel. The preachers during the decade 
1801 to 1811 Avere Jonathan Newman, Jacob Grubber, Smith Weeks, 
John Billings, Miller Hill, Thomas Dunn, John Husselkuss, James 
Polemus, Thomas Ellis, John P. Weaver, Parley Parker, Joseph Scull. 
Benoni Harris, Elijah Batchlor, George W. Densmore. This last is 
the minister who organized the Foxtown, or more properly, the West 
Dryden Society, which from its organization to the present time has been 
connected with the Asbury. The ministers from 1812 to 1832 are first 
the venerable James Kelsey, who has at this writing a daughter living 



34S LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in Freeville, N. Y., and who, when a small girl, sat on Bishop Asbury's 
knee. She is a member of the West Dryden M. E. church. Her name 
is Mrs. Samantha George. Mr. Kelsey had for his colleague S. L. 
Hanley. They were followed by such veterans as Dan Barnes, Palmer 
Roberts, William Cameron, Jonathan Heustis, Loring Grant and John 
Kimberlin, whose dust lies in Asbury Cemetery underneath where the 
pulpit stood in which he so often preached. He was buried there ac- 
cording to his own request. In 1844 a disaster befell the Asbury 
Society. On January 1 the famous red meeting house was no more; it 
was burned to ashes, but after the fire had burned out, a copy of the 
Scriptures was taken from the corner-stone where it had lain for thirty- 
three years. During this year (1844) the present house was built, and 
some who hewed the timbers and helped to raise the frame are with us 
to-da}'. This sketch covers a period of 101 years — from 1793 to 1894. 
The present pastor's name is Rev. W. Owen vShepherd. The present 
membership is fifty. 

Ludlowville and Lansingville, which had formed one charge for 
many years, were divided in 1891, and Lansingville became the head 
of a new charge, Lansingville and North Lansing; and Asbury, which 
for ninety-seven years had been associated with West Dryden, was at- 
tached to Ludlowville. The present pastor of the M. E. Church at 
Ludlowville is Rev. W. Owen Shepherd, with approximate membership 
of seventy. 

Baptist Church of East Lansing. — This societ}^ was organized 
March 27, 1804, and was first known as the "Second Baptist church of 
Milton." The early records are not in existence, but the first pastor 
was a Rev. M. Tuttle, in 1805. Reuben Colton and wife, Noah Bow- 
ker, Ph(£be Buck and Mr. Stebbins were among the first members. 
Meetings were held at first in a log school house on the corner west of 
the present church site ; afterwards in Philmore Barne3^'s barn a mile 
north of that corner, until Benjamin Buck built a large barn about one- 
fourth of a mile south of where the church stands. The membership 
was much scattered, some living five iniles from the place of meeting. 
Rev. P. P. Root, one of the earl}^ ministers, was a missionary in Central 
New York. Another was Elder Stillwell, a blind man, who preached 
occasionally in various places. Elder Weekl}'', another earh^ minister, 
lived at Lake Ridge, and preached once in two weeks. This was about 
1814. Then came Rev. William Powers (1818), followed by Elders 
Harmon and Starr. Rev. E. W. Martin was the first settled pastor, in 



.TOWN OF LANSING. 343 

1821, closing" in 1825. There was a good deal of controversy as to lo- 
cation of a church edifice, some wanting- it in Groton and others in 
Lansing. At a meeting held December 17, 1822, the following resolu- 
tions were passed : 

Resolved, That subscriptions be drawn for the purpose of erecting a meeting house 
on the land now in possession of John Ludlow, on lot 79, in the town of Lansing, and 
adjoining the east and west road from Luther Barney's to the Groton line. 

The church was finished in 1823 at a cost of $2,000, and dedicated 
November 20, sermons being preached by Elders Benjamin and An- 
drews and Elder Oliver C. Comstock. 

Rev. T. B. Beebe began his labors about 1825, held protracted meet- 
ings, and closed his labors in 1834. The first business in 1832 was the 
appointment of a committee to revise articles of faith and covenant. 
T. B. Beebe, Noah Bowker, and J. Morrison were appointed. The 
church in 1832 reported 108 members. Rev. B. Andrews preached one 
year, 1831-5. In April, 1835, Rev. Asa Caldwell received a call from 
the church. Rev. D. B. Purrington preached from April, 1838, to 1840. 
Asa Caldwell again served the church from May, 1840, to January, 
1842. The following pastors came next: P. Work, 1842 to 1847; B. 
■Gibbs supplied the pulpit during the last named year; Daniel Garth- 
waite came for a short time; Rev. A. Bailey, 1848; T. J. Cole, Decem- 
ber, 1849, to October, 1852; Rev. Edgar Smith, October, 1853, to May, 
1860; this year the parsonage was rebuilt at a cost of $1,200; Jul}^ 1, 
1855, O. Fawcett was allowed to preach in the church at 4 o'clock P.M. ; 
Rev. M. Livermore, 1860 to 1863; Rev. P. Work visited the church 
about this time. Next G. B. Gibbs supplied the pulpit for some time. 
Rev. E. L. Benedict, April, 1866, one year; Rev. M. H. Perry, one 
year from April, 1868; this year the church was extensively repaired at 
an expense of $2^,200, and was re-dedicated August 20, 1868. Rev. S. 
C. Ainsworth, October, 1869, to September, 1876; Rev. R. Corbett, 
one year from April, 1877; Rev. F. Purvis, from June, 1878. Rev. 
John E. McAllen preached from 1881 to 1886 ; Rev. Edward Royce came 
in 1886 and left in the fall of 1890; Rev. D. P. Rathbone came in the 
spring of 1891 and left in May, 1892. The present pastor. Rev. S. H. 
Haskell, came in June, 1892. A Sabbath school was organized about 
1831, after an extensive revival, and is still continued. The trustees 
are William Metzgar, R. M. Holden, G. L. Cutter; senior deacons, 
John Haring, J. G. Buck, A. Tallmadge. A cemetery is connected 
with the church. 



344 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

A Baptist church was org-anized at North Lansing in 18-44. The first 
pastor was Elder B. Ames, who was followed b}" Rev. William B. De- 
lano, William Wilkins, vS. Gardner, vS. S. Day, Burdick, C. A. 

vSmith, E. W. Benedict, E. J. Lewis, and others. In 18(iO the member- 
ship reached sixty, but for ten years past it has been about twenty. 
Rev. H. S. Haskall is the pastor. The trustees are John H. Conklin, 
Charles A. Bower and Anson Howser. The church building- was 
erected in 1852. 

Baptist Church at Lake Ridge — This society, first known as the 
" First Baptist Church of Milton," was organized October 31, 1796, with 
the following fourteen persons as members: Micajah Starr, Anna Starr, 
Benajah vStrong, Abigail Strong, Charles Townley, Lydia Gillett, Lu- 
ther Barney, vSarah Bacon, Joel Bacon, Thankful Bacon, Pierpont Ba- 
con, Jerusha Bacon, William Avery, Abigail Woodruff. Elder Micajah 
Starr was chosen the first pastor and served until his death in ]\Iarch, 
1820. Early meetings were held at the houses of the members and in 
school houses, until November 1, 1840, when the society occupied its 
new church at Lake Ridge. Various pastors served the church until 
1863, since which tiine there has been no regular service. 

Presbyterian Church. — A Presbyterian society, called the "Second 
Church of Milton," was organized about the year 1805. Its formation 
was due partly to a disagreement in the First Church of the town re- 
specting a site for a house of worship. It was locall}^ known as the 
" Teetertown Church." AVhen the naine of the town was changed to 
Genoa, the name of the church was correspondingly changed, and the 
same course was followed when the town of Lansing was organized, it 
being then called the " Church of Lansing." It passed under the care 
of the Geneva Presbytery January 28, 1806, but was transferred to the 
Presbytery of Cayug'a when that body was organized. Rev. Jabez 
Chadwick organized the church, and on Februar}" 26, 1806, was in- 
stalled pastor. Rev. John Bascom succeeded him in 1818, and re- 
mained to his death in 1828. Mr. Chadwick returned and remained to 
1831, but his religious views underwent change, and a division occurred 
in the society. Rev. Alexander M. Cowan was a supply for the church 
in 1834-36, and soon afterward most of the members joined the "Free 
Congregational Church of Genoa,' then located at Five Corners, or- 
ganized by Mr. Chadwick. September 25, 1805, an immense frame 
church was built on ground now embraced in the Lansingville ceme- 
tery. The church having no right to sell this property, in 1853,. 



TOWN OF LANSING. 345 

throug-h efforts of David Crocker, who was then in the Assembly, an 
act was passed giving the title to the Lansingville Cemetery Associa- 
tion, and the building was sold at public sale to S. S. Todd, for |175, 
who took it down and used the timbers in other structures. The 
original cost of the church was $2,000. An effort was made by Dr. 
White to turn the structure into an institution of learning before it was 
sold and torn down, but it failed. This church society went to decay 
some fifteen years before the building was sold. 

Presbyterian Church of Ludlowville. — At a meeting held in pur- 
suance of regular notice in the school house at Ludlowville, September 
9, 1817, Thomas Ludlow acted as moderator, and Lewis Tooker secre- 
tary. The following resolution was adopted: 

Resolved, That this society be hereafter called and known as the ' ' Presbyterian 
Society" in Ludlowville, in the town of Lansing, and that nine trustees be elected; 
and Ebenezer Browm, John Bowman, Julius Ackley, Oliver Phelps, Edward Walker, 
Abijah Miller, Thomas Ludlow, Joshua Jennings and Gideon Morehouse were chosen 
as such trustees. 

The church was organized in December, 1817, b}^ Rev. Dr. Wisner 
and Rev. Samuel Parker, of Ithaca, with eighteen members. Rev. 
William Adams was the first pastor, installed April 21, 1819. January 
17, 1823, a committee was appointed to superintend the building of a 
church, which was duly finished, and the first meeting held therein 
January 10, 1825. Prior to that time services had been held in an 
addition to the school house. The society is now without a pastor, the 
last one having been Rev. S. H. Meade. In 1855 the membership was 
about eight}'', but it has declined to about sixteen. 

The North Lansing Methodist Church was organized in 1837 by 
Rev. Sylvester Minier. Mr. Minier in that year organized classes 
called the County Line Class and East Lansing Class. The presiding 
elder was then Rev. H. Agard. The church was erected in 1851. In 
October, 1891, Lansingville was joined to this charge. The present 
pastor is Rev. B. Franklin. 

German Lutheran Church. — Several German families at the 
" Bower Settlement," north of Lansingville, organized an Evangelical 
Lutheran church in 1803. John Houtz was the first pastor, and also 
taught school in a log building; Jonathan Markle also preached for a 
time, services being held every four weeks. The Synod embraced 
churches in Waterloo, Geneva and vSeneca Falls, with the Lansing 

44 



346 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

church. The last services were held in 1842, with John Izenlord as 
last pastor. 

LuDLOwviLLE — This is the largest villag-e in the town of Lansing, 
and is situated on vSalmon Creek, about a mile from the lake shore. It 
dates back to about the beginning of the century, as we learn from the 
Journal of De Witt Clinton, written in 1810. He says: "Nine miles 
from Ithaca we pass Salmon Creek, a considerable stream, on which 
are a mill, built by one Ludlow ; and a mile farther we ascended a very 
elevated hill, from which we had a prospect of Ithaca, the lake, and a 
great part of Seneca count}'. Here are some houses and a post-office." 
The village now contains 300 inhabitants, and has two churches, six 
stores, two blacksmith shops, one drug store, kept by Fred Moore, a 
hardware store and tin shop by Charles E. Wood, two shoe stores by 
Fillman Smith and John Bailey respectively, a meat market by Frank 
Lobdell, a millinery store by Margaret Van Auken, an Odd Fellows 
Hall and the public hall owned b}^ Nelson E. Lyon, a flouring mill, 
feed mill and saw mill. The old hotel and premises are now owned 
and occupied by Nelson E. Lyon. The village is the principal place 
in the town, wnth enterprising merchants, and other business men. 
The largest general store is owned and conducted by Nelson E. Lyon, 
and the second largest by Charles G. Benjamin. Among the earlier 
prominent business men were, Oliver Phelps, who came from Fabius in 
1811 and built the first store ; he also built the first steamboat on Cayuga 
Lake. Arad Joy came from Fabius in 1811 on horseback, with the key 
to Mr. Phelps's store in his pocket, and acted as clerk for Mr. Phelps. 
Calvin Burr began business here in 1812. Henry B. Lord, now cashier 
of the First National Bank in Ithaca, acquired an interest in the busi- 
ness of Mr. Burr in 1838. The village at one time had seven dry goods 
stores and other business places, and was a more important point than 
Ithaca. About three and a half miles above Ludlowville on Salmon 
Creek is a grist mill owned and operated by James Ford, which was 
built in 181!) by Ambrose Bull. Another mill, half a mile above this 
one, was owned still earlier by a Mr. McClung. The present postmas- 
ter of Ludlowville is Charles G. Benjamin, an old resident and mer- 
chant, who received his commission in November, 1893. 

Cayuga Lake Salt Company. — The business now being prosecuted 
by this company is undoubtedly destined to be one of the greatest im- 
portance to Tompkins county. It has long been known that salt existed 
deep doAvn in the earth in this locality, and acting upon that knowledge, 



TOWN OF LANSING. 347 

in March, 1891, Royal V. Lamberson, Warren W. Clute, and Arthiir 
Oliver secured an option on lands on the east shore of Cayuga Lake, at 
the mouth of Salmon Creek, sank a well to the depth of 1,500 feet, and 
struck a stratum of solid rock salt, now known to be thirty feet in 
depth. The drill has not yet passed through the salt deposit. The 
location of this site was the result of careful study of the geolog-y of 
this region, good engineering, an excellent judgment on the part of 
these men. They organized the company with a capital stock of $50,- 
000, erected a plant and warehouses, and began operations. In the 
following year they increased the capital stock to $150,000, drilled 
another well, enlarged their buildings, and began operations on a much 
larger scale. In 1893 new machinery and processes were adopted, in- 
cluding what is known as the vacuum pan, and improved drvers, and 
the manufacture of high-grade salt, which commands a ready market 
and the highest prices, is now produced in large quantities. The dail}^ 
capacity of the works is 1,000 barrels, and employment is given to about 
100 persons. Their shipping facilities are, of course, excellent, as their 
location is directly upon the railroad. After the success of the first 
well, the compan}^ purchased a tract of twenty-seven acres upon which 
to conduct their future operations. The men whose names have been 
mentioned are active and energetic in the business, and all indications 
now point to the future great success of the industry. The officers of 
the company are Royal V. Lamberson, president ; Archibald S. White, 
vice-president, with Warren W. Clute, secretar}" and treasurer. 

Lake Ridge. — This hamlet is situated on high ground above the 
lake, in the northwest part of the town. Frederick Fenner was one of 
the first merchants in this place, and an early proprietor of the Lake 
Ridge Hotel, which was built about 1811. A Mr. Lamport had a gen- 
eral store here about 1840. Isaac Davis built a store building and 
leased it to Joseph Smith for ten years. He was followed by Freeman 
Perry, who met with reverses, and Henr}' Teeter took possession of the 
stock. While selling it, the store caught fire and was burned. William 
Davis was a prominent merchant before 1865, and his store also 
burned. L. D. Ives purchased and took possession of the hotel and 
store in 1870. At his death the store passed to his two daughters, and 
later the younger daughter, Mrs. Luc}^ J. Shank, bought her sister's 
interest. Her husband, B. O. Shank, now conducts the store. The 
postmaster is Joshua B. Davis, who received his commission in April, 
1892. 



348 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

vSouTH Lansing. — This place was formerly called " Libertyville," 
and the local name of " The Harbor " has also attached to it. It is a 
mere hamlet in the central part of the town, and now contains a large 
brick hotel, owned and kept by William Miller; a grocery by Charles 
Egbert, and a blacksmith shop by C. F. Crance. Charles M. Egbert is 
postmaster and was commissioned in May, 1892. 

Lansingville. — This is a hamlet formerly known as " Teetertown, " 
and is situated on the ridge west of Salmon Creek, in the north part of 
the town. It contains a general store kept by Main & Townsend; a 
hotel b}^ Mr. De Camp; a blacksmith shop by Wilmer Stout; and a 
church. Mr. Stout is postmaster. 

North Lansing. — This little place has also the name of " Beardsley's 
Corners," from the residents of that name. It is in the northern part 
of the town, and has a general store kept by Roswell Beardsley; a 
hotel by Oscar Teeter; a blacksmith shop b}^ Anson Howser; two 
churches and a post-ofQce. Roswell Beardsley is postmaster and en- 
joys the unique distinction of having occupied that office longer than 
any other person in the United States has acted as postmaster. He 
receiAT'ed his commission in 1829. 

East Lansing. — A post-office by this name is located in the eastern 
part of the town, where there is a small collection of dwellings and a 
blacksmith shop and Baptist church. The postmaster is Chauncey 
Haring, who was commissioned in February, 1890. 

Besides the foregoing there are four other post-offices in this town, 
but at points where there are no business interests of account. One of 
these is called Hedden's, which is a station on the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road, and J. W. Brown is postmaster; he was appointed in June, 1888. 
He is a native of Lansing, son of Reuben Brown. His father died in 
1869, and his mother in 186-4. He obtained his education in the com- 
mon schools and a private school in Ithaca, and at twenty-one years of 
,age he learned telegraphy in LudlowAdlle; from there he went to 
Hedden's. 

Asbury is a post-office under Mrs. Mary Head, who was commis- 
sioned in 1893, succeeding her son, Horace A. Head. 

Midway is the name of a post-office located about midwa}^ between 
North and South Lansing. Wm. A. J. Ozmun is postmaster and was 
appointed in 1875. 

At the Ludlowville station is a post-office called Myers, which is in charge 
of Peter D. Drake, who was appointed November, 1891. He is a native 
of Sheldrake, Seneca countv, and son of Lewis B. and Martha Drake. 



TOWN OF ENFIELD. 349 



CHAPTER XX. 

TOWN OF ENFIELD. 

This town lies upon the western border of Tompkins county, south 
■of Ulysses and north of Newfield. The surface rises to a mean eleva- 
tion of from 500 to 700 feet above the lake and is diversified by rolling 
slopes and level tracts. The soil is principally a gravelly loam adapted 
to grain and grass growing. The town contains 23,086 acres, of which 
nearly or quite 20,000 acres are improved. The principal stream is 
Five Mile Creek, which has its rise in the northwest part of the town 
and flows southeasterly, receiving the waters of several smaller streams, 
and in the southeast part enters a deep gorge over a precipice, form- 
ing one of the many beautiful cascades in this region, called Enfield 
Falls. Above the falls the ravine presents many scenes of great natu- 
ral beauty, and its wild and picturesque scener}'- has commanded the 
admiration of the many who have visited it. 

The first settlement of Enfield was about the beginning of the pres- 
sent century, several years after white pioneers had begun the making 
of their rude homes within the limits of the other towns of Tompkins 
•county. Ithaca, Trumansburg, Jacksonville and Goodwin's Point in 
this immediate vicinity had each been settled before a pioneer pene- 
trated into what finally was taken from Ulysses to form the town of 
Enfield. 

In 1798 Jabez Hanmer settled on the south line of the town of Ulys- 
ses, but it was not till 1804 that John Giltner pushed on farther into 
the forest and located on lot 45 on what has been known as the John 
Horton farm^ He removed elsewhere a few years later. 

Judah Baker became in 1804 the first permanent settler of the town. 
He came from Coxsackie, Dutchess county, N. Y., with his wife and 
rseven children, three horses and wagon, and traveled westward by the 
usual route until he reached Fall Creek near Ithaca. Leaving his fam- 
ily there he pushed ahead to find the site of his wilderness home. 
Proceeding some distance up the Inlet he turned westward and 
Kihopped a wagon-way three miles to his destination. There he made a 



350 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

little clearing, built a hut, and then returned for his family. They 
all arrived in June, 1804, their whole fortune as far as money was con- 
cerned consisting of $11. His first dwelling was on the site first occu- 
pied by J. M. Baker, his grandson. Enfield Center is situated chiefly 
on the large tract at (jne time owned by Mr. Baker. Judah Baker 
lived in the town until his death in 1851, at the age of eighty-eight 
years. 

While the building of a large log cabin was in progress in 1806, a 
young man named Cooper was killed by a falling log; this was without 
doubt the first death in the town. It was in this old log barn, which 
was standing in recent 3^ears, that Elder Ezra Chase preached for many 
years before the existence of meeting houses. 

In 1806 while Mr. Baker was in quest of a stray cow he heard the 
sound of an ax — a sure indication that there was a white man at one 
end of the helve. Following the sound he came to a clearing where he 
found Ashbel Lovell and his family, who had lived there about a year. 
Mr. Lovell had settled on the farm occupied in recent years b}' David 
Johnson, now owned by Wm. Wallenbeck. He was a good citizen and 
his descendants still live in the town. 

" Applegate'sCorners," so called, was settled in 1805 by John Apple- 
gate, John White, and Peter Banfield. John Applegate opened the 
first tavern at the Corners in 1807; the first school house was built in 
1809. A post-office was established underthename of Applegate, and 
Joseph Tibb is postmaster and conducts a store. 

Jonathan Rolfe came in from South Amboy, N. J., in 1806, with his 
wife and four children and settled on the farm afterwards occupied by 
his youngest son, Jonathan; this place is now owned by vSquire B. Rolfe. 
In the same year Gilbert Longstreet settled in the west part of the 
town ; his daughter married Lewis H. Van Kirk, father of Leroy H. 
Van Kirk, now county clerk. 

The Van Kirk family has long been a prominent one in the town. 
Joseph Van Kirk was the pioneer and settled here very early. He had 
a son, Lewis H., who was a cattle dealer and drover, and. was sheriff 
of the county 1852-1855. His widow is still living in Ithaca with her 
son, Leroy H. (See personal sketch in later pages of this volume. ) 

In 1805 Daniel Konkle and Joseph Rogers became settlers, the latter 
in the southeast part where Thomas Kelsey lived in recent years. 

John and Isaac Beach came in about the year 1804; they settled on 
lot 62, where David Purdy located in 1827. This, lot like many others 



TOWN OF ENFIELD. 351 

of the military lots, was the subject of litigation, and the title was 
finally g-iven to David Purdy and his heirs. Isaac Beach moved after a 
few years to the farm where Silas Harvey lived, and John removed to 
Ohio. 

Samuel Rolfe came to the town in 1807, locating- at Applegate's Cor- 
ners; he was justice of the peace many years. 

James Bailey and James Rumsey, the former from what is now Rom- 
ulus, came in 1806 to the south part of the town. Mr. Bailey had served 
in the war of 1812 and settled where his son, Daniel, afterwards lived, 
now occupied by his son Edwin. Mr, Rumsey had lived in Scipio a 
year, going there from Orange count)^, and in the fall of 1805 came to 
Enfield with his sons, John and James, cleared a piece of ground, 
sowed wheat, and returned to Scipio. In the spring of 180G he came 
back with his family arid built a log house where his son George now 
lives. 

The early milling for the people of this town was done at Ithaca and 
for a number of years the need of a grist mill was severely felt. In 1812 
Benjamin Ferris built a saw mill above Oliver Rumsey's house, which 
was the first saw mill in town. In 1817 Isaac Runise)', a brother of 
James, came in and built a grist mill at the falls on the site of the pres- 
ent mill. 

In the fall of 1809 two brothers, Timothy B. and Squire J. Noble, 
came from Pennsylvania to look at some Enfield land which had been 
purchased by their father. In the following spring they and their 
father (John) and mother came in and settled on a tract of 400 acres on 
the south side of what has been known as "Noble street." The tract 
was divided equally among the four. 

Pioneer work was begun along the southern border of the town in 
1809 by Amos and Gilbert J. Ogden, John Cooper and Reuben D. Lyon. 
Isaac Chase was a settler at Enfield Center as early as 1809, living there 
in a log horise; as was also James Newman. Nathaniel, son of the 
latter, kept a tavern there before 1812. David Thatcher settled at 
" Kennedy's Corners" before 1812, and John Townsend located early 
on the site of " Bostwick's Corners. " Andrew Bostwick had lived at 
Port Byron and bought Townsend 's farm at sheriff's sale in 1820. His 
son Orson came to live upon it, Andrew following some years later. 
Andrew began mercantile trade with Oliver Williams. William L. and 
Herman V. Bostwick of Ithaca are sons of Orson. (See history of 
Ithaca and biographical sketches. ) 



352 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

F. J. Porter came from New Hartford, Oneida county, in 1814, and 
settled where he still lives, and in the same year John Sheffield settled 
where he remained the rest of his long life. vSamuel Harvc}^ came 
from New Jersey and kept a tavern in the town for many years. He 
was father of Joseph and Silas Harvey, to whom he gave 240 acres of 
land. They have descendants in the town. 

Jesse Harriman, who is described in the history of Trumansburgh as 
a very early settler there (1793), came into Enfield in 1819-20, located 
first near the Center and built a saw mill. He afterwards moved to Five 
Mile Creek where H. T. Havens now lives, and lived there with his 
son Lyman. He died in 1866 at the great age of ninety-five years. 

Walter Payne, the first supervisor of the town, lived in 1819 where 
John Hetherington lived in later years, now occupied by his son Frank, 
and in the same year John Summerton came in and settled where he 
passed most of his long life. Charles Woodward came to the town in 
1822. 

In 1825 T. S. and J. B. Williams came from Middletown, Conn., and 
the former opened a store at Applegate's Corneirs, the latter acting as 
clerk. In 1826 T. S. Williams purchased what was known as the Beek- 
man lot and there built a saw mill which was operated by ox-power. 
In 1827 they removed to Ithaca, and in the history of that town will be 
found proper mention of their later lives and their descendants. 

Jervis Langdon the late wealthy business man of Elmira, was a clerk 
at Enfield Center about 1831— 32, first in Ira Carpenter's store and af- 
terwards a merchant in the firm of Langdon & Marsh. He then re- 
moved to Ithaca where he was in trade for a time before his removal 
to Elmira. 

Among the more prominent citizens of the town in later years was 
Col. Henry Brewer, who came in from Ulysses, where he had located 
in 1839. He was an enthusiast in agricultural matters and instrumen- 
tal in the introduction of more extensive clover-growing in the town. 
He was father of William H. and Edgar Brewer, and is deceased. Ed- 
gar Brewer occupies the homestead. Col. Henry Brewer was a member 
of assembly in 1850. 

Many other persons and families who have contributed to the growth 
and prosperity of the town are properly noticed in Part III of this work. 

We cannot consistently follow the settlements of this town further, 
nor hope to name all who have been conspicuous in transforming the 
primitive wilderness into the present prosperous agricultural district. 



TOWN OF ENFIELD. 



353 



The memory of their labors for their posterity lives after them and to 
their great honor. Personal sketches of man)'- prominent families of 
the town will be found in a later part of this work. The town is essen- 
tially an ag-ricultural community, manufacturing- operations never 
having been important and mercantile interests onl}^ such as would suf- 
fice for the people. The course of events has continued upon a quiet 
and even way until the war of 1861-fio which drew from the inhabitants 
many of the young and old who went forward to the aid of the g'overn- 
ment. The town sent out 107 volunteers and their self-sacrificino- deeds 
were honorable to themselves and productive of good to the cause for 
which the}^ fought. 

Following is a list of the supervisors of the town from its organiza- 
tion to the present time: 



1821. Walter Payne. • 
1825. John Applegate. 
1826-27. Gilbert J. Ogden. 
1828-31. Christopher Miller. 
1832-33. Wm. Hunter. 
1834 David Atwater. 
1836-38. Bethiiel V. Gould. 
1839-41. C. C. Applegate. 
1845-47. Cyrus Gray. 

1848. Daniel L. Starr. 

1849. C. C. Applegate. 

1850. Amos Curry. 

1851. John Hardenburg. 

1852. Joseph Rolfe. 

1853. Joshua S. Miller. 

1854. Joseph Rolfe. 

1855. Peter VanDorn. 

1856. Chester Rolfe. 
1857-58. Samuel V. Graham. 
1859-60. Henry Brewer. 
1861-62. AVm. L. Bostwick. 
1863. Daniel W. Bailey. 



1864. Daniel Colegrove. 
1865-67. D. W. Bailey. 
1768-70. S. V. Graham. 
1871. J. G. Wortman. 
1872-74. Ebenezer Havens. 
1875. Daniel W. Bailey. 
1876-78. Leroy H. Vankirk. 

1880. Seth B. Harvey. 

1881. Isaac Newman. 

1882. John J. Abel. 

1883. Daniel W. Bailey. 

1884. LysanderT. White. 

1885. Byron Jackson. 

1886. Tertelus Jones. 

1887. Burr Rumsey. 

1888. Daniel W. Bailey. 

1889. Joshua S. Miller' 

1890. Daniel W. Bailey. 

1891. T. Jones. 

1892-3. William F. Smith. 
1894. Levi J. Newman. 



The town of Enfield was erected from the southwestern part of Ul3^s- 
ses on the iGth of March, 1821, and received its name from the town of 
Enfield, in Connecticut. The records of the town down to the year 
1845 are lost. 

Following are the names of the principal town officers for the year 
1894: 

45 



354 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Levi J. Newman, supervisor, Enfield Center; William Barber, town 
clerk, Enfield Center; John J. Johnson, collector, Enfield Falls; Hen- 
ry A. Graham, justice of the peace, Enfield Center; Fred V. Ball, con- 
stable, Enfield; Lewis Wallenbeck, constable, Enfield Center; 
George Havens, constable, Enfield Center; Abram Creque, constable, 
Enfield Center. 

Statistics. — The report of the board of supervisors for the year 1893 
g-ives the following statistics : number of acres of land, 22,007. Assessed 
value of real estate, including village propert)^ and real estate of cor- 
porations, $531,493; total assessed value of personal property, $42,200. 
Amount of town taxes, $3,356.64 Amount of county taxes, $1,235.87. 
Aggregate taxation, $5,832.93. Rate of tax on $1 valuation, .0102. 
The town has fifteen school districts besides the joint districts. 

Applegate's Corners took its name from John Applegate, who built 
and kept the first tavern therein 1807, and the first school house in the 
town was built a little to the north of the Corners about the year 1809. 
A small mercantile business has been carried on there from the begin- 
ning, and some of the men who later on became leaders in business in 
the county first started here. Among these were Josiah B. and T. S. 
Williams. The first road laid out in the town was from these corners 
southwesterly to the farm where Nicholas Kirby lived in recent years ; 
the road is now unused. Joseph Tibb now keeps a store here and is 
postmaster, the name of the office being Applegate. 

Beside the post-office at Applegate there are two others in the town 
— Enfield Center and Enfield Falls. At Enfield Center is a pretty little 
village, where Charles Wright, William H. Rumsey and George Lord 
are merchants. John G. Wortman, now the undertaker of the place, 
was for man}' years in mercantile business here, and rebuilt Wortman 
Hall from the old Presbyterian church. vSamuel D. Purdy, now a 
farmer, was a former merchant. 

William Barber, a blacksmith, was postmaster ever since the war, 
until the present 3'-ear, when he was superseded by Charles Wright. 
The hotel has been kept many years by Moses L. Harvey. 

Enfield Falls, in the southeastern part of the town, is a hamlet cen- 
tering around the grist mill, on the site where the first mill was built. 
R. S. Halse}^ has the mill, and Charles Budd is postmaster; there is at 
present no mercantile business here. 

Churches. — The Baptist church of Enfield was formed in 1817, at the 
house of Elder John Lewis, and comprised twenty-six members. Ser- 



TOWN OF LANSING. 355 

vices were held at the house of Jonathan Rolfe and later at the Wood- 
ward school house in the south part of the town. In 1842 a house of 
worship was built at Enfield Center at a cost of about $1,300. The 
present pastor is Rev. T. F. Brodwick. 

In 1821 five persons instituted the Christian church, of which Elder 
Ezra Chase was the first pastor; he was succeeded by Rev. J. M. West- 
cott. The church was built at Enfield Center many j'ears ago. H. L. 
Griffin is the present pastor. 

The Methodist church at Kennedy's Corners was the development 
of a class which was formed at the North school house in 1844, with 
Elias Lanning as leader; it was at first under the charge of the Jack- 
sonville church ; but later under the church at Enfield Center. The 
church edifice was built in 1848. 

The Methodist church of Enfield was recognized as a separate charge 
January 19, 1835. Rev. Joseph Pearsall was the first pastor. Prior to 
that date class ineetings had been held in a barn at Bostwick's Corners, 
and in other barns near by. On the 3d of June, 1835, a lot was bought 
of Andrew Bostwick for $50 and a church erected upon it. On the 13th 
of March, 1876, it was determined to remove the building to Enfield 
Center, which was done and the building was repaired at a cost, includ- 
ing the new site, of $3,200, and on June 20, 1876, the church was ded- 
icated. The present pastor is Rev. J. H. Britton. 

In about the year 1831, Rev. William Page, who was then filling a 
pulpit as stated supply in Ithaca, visited Enfield and became instru- 
mental in organizing a Presbyterian church, which was fully effected 
under the care of the Presbytery of Cayuga, February 14, 1832. The 
society has been several times changed to other Presbyteries, as they 
were organized. On the 28th of Februar}^ 1838, after several others 
had served the church. Rev. Warren Day was installed and remained 
until 1844, when he was succeeded by Rev. Moses Jewell. A meeting 
house was finished at Enfield Center in 1835-5, which is now used as a 
public hall. The society disbanded many 3^ears ago. 



THE 

HISTORY OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY 



IN THE 



Twenty-Five Years of Its Existence, 
1868-1893. 



BY 



WATERMAN THOMAS HEWETT, Ph.D., 

Professor of the German Language and Literature in tlie University. 



I. 

INTRODUCTION. 

It had been proposed as early as in 1822 to found a college in Ithaca, 
and in March of that 5^ear a request was presented to the Reg-ents by 
the Genesee Conference of the Methodist church for a charter. It was 
stated that six thousand dollars had already been raised for the support 
of such a college, with "which it was the intention to proceed to the 
erection of buildings in the following spring. At the same time the 
trustees of the Geneva Academy applied for a charter for a college, on 
the basis of certain funds already subscribed and land and buildings 
alread}" erected, and an annual grant promised by the corporation of 
Trinit}' Church in New York. As both these colleges were to be erect- 
ed by religious denominations, the Board of Regents considered what its 
policy should be toward applications of this kind from various religious 
organizations. The board had adopted, as early as March 11, 1811, 
the view that no academy ought to be erected into a college until 
the state of literature therein was so far advanced and its funds so far 
enlarged as to render it probable that it would attain the ends and sup- 
port the character of a college in which all the liberal arts and sciences 
would be cherished and taught. " The literary character of the wState 
is deeply interested in maintaining the reputation of its seminaries 
of learning, and to multiply colleges without adequate means to en- 
able them to vie with other similar institutions in the United States 
would be to degrade their character and to be giving only another 
name to an ordinary academy. The establishment of a college is also 
imposing upon the government the necessity of bestowing upon it a 
very liberal and expensive patronage, without which it would languish 
and not maintain a due reputation for usefulness and universal learn- 
ing; colleges, therefore, are to be cautiously erected, and only when 
called for by strong public expediency." 

The case was now different, for an additional question was involved. 
The board, however, after mature consideration, held that it had no 



860 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

right to inquire into the rehgions opinions of the applicants for a char- 
ter, and that it might wisely make use of denominational zeal to pro- 
mote the great educational interests confided to its charge. It was 
directed, April 10, 1822, that the charter of a college in Ithaca be 
granted whenever it should be shown within three years that a perma- 
nent fund of fifty thousand dollars had been collected for its support. 
It was, however, found impossible to raise this sum. This impulse, 
though fruitless in itself, may have led to the foundation of the Ithaca 
Academy, which was incorporated the following year, March 24, 1823. 



II. 

THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND HIGHER EDUCA- 
TION.— THE LAND GRANT ACT, ESTABLISHING 
COLLEGES OF AGRICULTURE AND THE 
MECHANIC ARTS. 

The duty of the government to support and foster higher education 
existed with the first dream of national independence. In October, 
1775, when Washington was in camp in Cambridge, Samuel Blodget, 
who was later distinguished as the author of the first formal work on 
political economy published in the United States, remarked in the 
presence of Generals Washington and Greene, with reference to the 
injury which the soldiers were doing to the colleges in which they were 
encamped: "Well, to make amends for these injuries, I hope after our 
war we shall erect a noble national university, at which the youths 
of all the world ma}'- be proud to receive instruction." Washington 
answered: "Young man, 3^ou are a prophet inspired to speak what I 
am confident will one da}^ be realized." One of the earliest provisions 
of the colonial governments was for popular education, in addition to 
which were charters for private and county schools and colleges, which 
were to be supported b}^ general taxation. In the Constitutional Con- 
vention of 1787, on May 29, Charles Pickering proposed that Congress 
should have power to establish and provide for a national universit)^ at 
the seat of government of the United States. Mr. Madison proposed 
later that this should be one of the distinctly enumerated powers in 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 361 

the Constitution. On September 14 Mr. Madison and Mr. Pickering 
moved to insert " power to establish a university in Avhich no prefer- 
ence or distinction should be allowed on account of religion." The 
action proposed was lost, not from opposition to the principle involved, 
but because such an addition to the Constitution would be a super- 
fluity, since Congress would possess exclusive power at the seat of 
government, which would reach the object in question. The patriot 
and scientist, Dr. Benjamin Rush, issued an address to the people of 
the United States, strongl}^ urging a Federal university as the means 
of securing to the people an education suited to the needs of the 
country, with post-graduate scholarships, and fellowships in connec- 
tion with the consular service, and an educated civil service generally. 
"The people," he said, "must be educated for the new form of 
government by an education adapted to the new and peculiar situation 
of the countr}^" President Washington, in his address to Congress on 
January 8, 1790, said: " There is nothing that can better deserve your 
patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is 
in every country the surest basis of happiness. In one in which the 
measures of government receive their impressions so immediately from 
the sense of the community as in ours, it is proportionably essential. 
Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by afford- 
ing aids to seminaries of learning already established, by the institution 
of a national university, or by any other expedients, will be worthy of 
a place in the deliberations of the legislature." The response of both 
the Senate and the House of Representatives to this address was favor- 
able, the latter saying: "We concur with yoig. in the sentiment that 
agriculture, commerce and manufactures are entitled to legislative 
protection, and that the promotion of science and literature will con- 
tribute to the security of a free government. In the progress of our 
deliberations we shall not lose sight of objects so worthy of our regard. " 
Washington contemplated also the possibilit}^ of the appropriation of 
certain western lands in aid of education. Jefferson held that the 
revenue from the tariff on foreign importations might be appropriated 
to the great purpose of public education. 

This earl}' recognition of the duty of the national government to 
promote higher education is of importance in considering the history 
of the passage of the Land Grant Act of 1862, in behalf of technical 
and liberal education, and the various views by which that measure 
was advocated or opposed. 

46 



362 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

At the close of the Revolutionary war several of the original States 
claimed that their borders extended to the Mississippi River. To the 
west lay a vast extent of country whose possession had been deter- 
mined by the fortunes of the war. Virginia, New York, Connecticut, 
Massachusetts, and even Georgia, claimed this country either as in- 
cluded in their original charters or as acquired by treat}^ Avith the 
Indians or by exploration. The national government, so far as it ex- 
isted at this time, possessed no territor3^ All the land was included 
within the borders of States. It was proposed by leading statesmen 
that these nebulous and conflicting claims should be surrendered to the 
general government on condition that the lands thus ceded should be 
used to pay the debt of the war, and for the general good. Between 
the years 1781 and 1792, all the States which laid claim to this land 
ceded their rights to the nation. On June IG, 1783, two hundred and 
eighty-eight officers petitioned Congress for a grant of land for their 
services. Of these officers two hundred and thirty-one were from New 
England and the Eastern States. This petition of the officers of the 
Revolution failed. Three years later representatives from the officers 
met in Boston, and on March 4, 1786, the Ohio Company was formed, 
the object of which was to purchase from the national government a 
million and a half acres of land in what was later Eastern Ohio, 

A plan for a State to be established between the Ohio River and 
Lake Erie was organized in New England, to be settled by army vet- 
erans and their families. Petitions of soldiers in favor of the plan 
were forwarded to Congress through General Washington. It was 
proposed that after the payment of soldiers for their services in the 
war, the public lands remaining should be devoted to public purposes, 
among which were specified "establishing schools and academies." 
A proposition from the State of Virginia came before Congress (1783) 
to devote one-tenth of the income of the territory to national interests, 
as the erecting of fortresses, the equipment of a navy, and the "found- 
ing of seminaries of learning. " This act did not pass. 

On May 20, 1785, the Congress of the Confederation passed an act 
for " Locating and Disposing of the Lands in the Western Territory." 
This act contained the provision : "There shall be reserved the central 
section of every township for the maintenance of public schools, and 
the section immediately adjoining for the support of religion, the 
profits arising therefrom in both instances to be applied forever accord- 
ing to the will of the majority of male residents of full age within the 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 363 

same." To Colonel Timothy Pickering, of Massachusetts, "if to any 
one man, is to be attributed the suggestion which led to the first edu- 
cational land grant. " To the Hon. Rufus King the immediate merit 
of embodying this principle in the statute is due. "This reservation 
marks the beginning of the policy which, uniformly observed since 
then, has set aside one thirty-sixth of the land in each new State for 
the maintenance of public schools." The use of this national land had, 
however, been separately advocated by leading statesmen of the time. 

Generals Putnam, Tupper and Parsons were active in this scheme 
for settling the new territory, but its efficient agent before Congress 
was the Rev. Manasseh Cutler, of Hamilton, Mass., a chaplain in the 
late war, a man of legal training, and later a memxber of Congress from 
Massachusetts, a scholar whose scientific enthusiasm and attainments 
in astronomy and botany made him the friend and correspondent of 
the most eminent scholars of the world. Under the influence of Dr. 
Manasseh Cutler the " Ordinance of 1787 for the government of the 
North-West Territory " was passed. It contained the memorable 
words, "that religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good 
government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of 
education shall forever be encouraged." The committee which re- 
ported this act recommended that one section in each township should 
be reserved for common schools, one for the support of religion, and 
four townships for the support of a university. This was subsequently 
modified so that two townships should be appropriated "for a literary 
institution, to be applied to the intended object by the legislature." 
Dr. Cutler's friends and associates would not embark in this enterprise 
unless these principles were unalterably fixed. They demanded to 
know on what foundations their social organization should rest, and 
hence the organic law had to be first settled. By this action the prin- 
ciple of national aid to education was established. 

The sale of the great tract of five million acres to the Ohio Com- 
pany was closely associated with the passage of the " Ordinance of 
1787 " and determined in part its form. This act, so momentous in its 
sequences, rested upon a compact between each of the original States 
and the people in the proposed territory, and was to remain unalter- 
ble unless by mutual consent. It contained the great principles of civil 
and religious liberty, and of the rights of conscience. By it an orderly 
and representative government was secured to all the people of the 
great Northwest. Slavery was forever prohibited and public education 



364 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

was provided. The most eminent jurists have expressed their admi- 
ration for this enactment. Daniel Webster said : ' ' We are accustomed 
to praise the lawgivers of antiquity, . . . but I doubt whether 
one single law of any lawgiver, ancient or modern, has produced effects 
of more distinct, marked and lasting character than the Ordinance of 
1787. ... It set forth and declared it to be a high and binding 
duty of government to support schools and advance the means of edu- 
cation. We see its consequences at this moinent and we shall never 
cease to see them perhaps while the Ohio flows, "i Judge Story, in his 
work on the Constitution, said: This ordinance " has ever since con- 
stituted in most respects the model of all our territorial governments, 
and is equally remarkable for the brevity and exactness of its text and 
for its masterly displa}^ of the fundamental principles of civil and re- 
ligious liberty. American legislation has never achieved anything 
more admirable, as an internal governinent, than this comprehensive 
scheme. Its provisions concerning the distribution of property, the 
principles of civil and religious liberty, which it laid at the foundation 
of the communities established under its sway, and the efficient and 
civil organization by which it created the first machinery of civil 
society are worthy of all the praise that has ever attended it."- 

Chief -Justice Chase said: "Never, probably, in the histor}^ of the 
world, did a measure of legislation so accurately fulfill, and yet so 
mightily exceed, the anticipations of the legislators. "^ 

" It approaches as nearh" to absolute perfection as anything to be 
found in the legislation of mankind; for after the experience of fifty 
years it would perhaps be impossible to alter without marring it."* 

The draft of this great charter was made b}^ Nathan Dane, of Massa- 
chusetts, but to Dr. Manasseh Cutler is due the distinct incorporation 
of the principle of the support of education and the establishment of 
a ruii versify, and probably the provision against slavery. It is even 
possible that his was the master mind which suggested the form of the 
whole, based as it largely is upon the constitution and judicial system 
of Massachusetts of 1780, and containing in addition the principle of 
the inviolability of contracts, which six weeks later was incorporated 

1 First and second speech in reply to Foote's Resolutions. 

2 Works III, 363, 433; Hist, of the Const., 1, 307. 
" Introduction to the Statutes of Ohio. 

■* Judge Timothy Walker, address at Marietta. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 365 

in the draft of the Constitution of the United States. Certainly we 
know that the passage of this famous ordinance, as well as the sale of 
five and a half million acres of land by Congress, was due to his able 
advocac}" and conquering personality. 

One of the first acts of Congress after the adoption of the Constitu- 
tion was to affirm solemnly the binding force of this ordinance, and to 
adapt its provisions to those of the new Constitution. Following the 
precedent here set, the States which constituted a part of the North- 
west Territory, which were admitted later, made provision for the 
support of popular education and the endowment of colleges by appro- 
priations of land or a certain percentage of the income from the sales 
of public lands. Three to five per cent, of the proceeds of the sales of 
public lands within their borders had also been granted to the States 
by the national government before the national grant of 1862, which 
had in many cases been devoted to education. Since the year 1800, 
every State admitted to the Union, save Maine and West Virginia, 
which were taken from older States, and Texas, wdiich v/as acquired 
from Mexico, haA^e received two or more townships of land for the 
pupose of founding a university. The proceeds of the sale of saline 
and swamp lands, and grants of public lands to the States for internal 
improvements have in some cases been devoted to education. Three 
million five hundred thousand acres have thus been set apart for higher 
education. Special grants have been made to a few States, as one to 
Tennessee in 1806, and minor appropriations for specific purposes, to 
asylums, academies and missionary societies. The vast agricultural 
interests of the West now began to demand the recognition of agricul- 
tural and industrial education by the national government. The State 
of Michigan asked Congress in 1850 for a grant of :>o(),000 acres of land 
for the support of agricultural schools. The question of a national 
grant in aid of scientific and practical agriculture had been forced 
upon Congress by numerous petitions, which had been presented both 
by scientific bodies and even by State Legislatures. In the year 1854 
the Legislature of Illinois presented a memorial to Congress request- 
ing such a grant of the public lands, and at the session of Congress of 
1857 a similar memorial was presented from the State Board of Agri- 
culture of the vState of New York asking a grant of land in aid of the 
agricultural colleges of the several States. P'rom this time forward 
memorials poured in upon Congress in constant succession asking for 
appropriations for such schools. 



366 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The Hon. Justin S. Morrill, of Vermont, took his seat in 1855 as a 
member of Congress from Vermont. His attention was soon called to 
the numerous appropriations of public lands for railroads and local 
interests, by which our vast national domain was being gradually sacri- 
ficed without contributing to any permanent work of general benefit. 
He was soon impressed with the fact that this splendid possession 
might, by an intelligent and comprehensive plan, be so appropriated 
as to make it a source of perpetual blessing, placing resources in the 
hands of the government such as no previous nation had enjoyed. 
Mr. Morrill was from New England, where education was regarded as 
an essential of good government and upright citizenship ; he was also 
from a State whose chief interest was in its agricultural resources, but 
whose wealth was gradually diminishing with the development of more 
fertile regions. He thus describes the reasons which led to the intro- 
duction of the bill, and his part in its passage: 

First, that large grants of land were made for educational as well as for other pur- 
poses, and that the older States were obtaining little special benefit from the large 
common property of the public domain. 

Second, that the average product of wheat crops per acre in the Northern and 
Eastern States was rapidly diminishing, and that these States would soon be depend- 
ent for bread upon our Northwestern States. While in England their soil, maintain- 
ing its ancient fertility, under more scientific culture, and its wheat crop per acre 
appeared undiminished. Some institutions of a high grade for instruction in agri- 
culture and the mechanic arts, I know, had been established in Europe, and that 
something of the kind here was greatly to be desired. 

Third, that the liberal education offered in 1858, at our colleges, appeared almost 
exclusively for the instruction of the professional classes, that is to say, for ministers, 
lawyers and doctors only ; while obviously the greatest number of our people, or all 
those engaged in productive and industrial employments, were unprovided for, 
though hungering for some appropriate higher education. 

Existing colleges then had more faith in discipline than in usefulness, and sur- 
rendered little time to the teaching of the practical sciences. It struck me, however, 
that these would do the greatest good to the greatest number and open a larger field 
to a liberal education. With these views, my first bill was introduced and passed 
both Houses in 1858. Instruction in the sciences, agriculture and the mechanic arts 
was made to lead, but without excluding the classics. It was to be the instruction of 
a college. I do not remember of any assistance in framing my bill prior to its intro- 
duction. 

One slight amendment only was made, and that by the Senate, where the bill was 
earnestly supported by Senators Wade, Crittenden and Pearce. After its introduc- 
tion Colonel Wilder, of Massachusetts, president of the National Agricultural Society, 
and Mr. Brown, president of the People's College, New York, and others, worked to 
encourage members to vote for the Bill. My own speech was about the only one in 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 367 

favor, while there was some outspoken opposition and a report b}- Cobb, of Alabama, 
against it. The bill was vetoed by Buchanan, though favoring a measure that 
w.ould provide for a professorship of Agriculture for a college in each State. Mr. 
Sickles, a personal friend of Buchanan, then, as now, a member of the House, hav- 
ing heard of a coming veto, left the House in haste to see and persuade the President 
to approve the bill. Upon his return he told me that he was too late, and that 
Senator Slidell of Louisiana had got the ear of the President. Of course I patiently 
waited for a change of administration, and in 1862 again pushed the bill, but for a 
larger endowment of lands. Senators Harlan, Pomeroy and Wade cared for the 
bill in the Senate. Most of the State Legislatures had passed resolutions in its 
favor. There never was a doubt about the approval of Lincoln. I do not think 
he had anj' relations with Buchanan, who soon left for Pennsylvania. 

The value of the land granted to colleges was largely diminished by the great 
amount of bounty land and railroad land grants competing for a market at the same 
time. Only one college had a Cornell to husband its resources. 

For the jDroper equipment of the Land Grant Colleges the original endowment was 
soon found to be too small, and for many years various bills were introduced by me 
to obtain a supplementary grant. 

Success finally crowned these efforts in 1890. Professor Atherton, of Rutgers 
College, now President of Pennsylvania Agricultural College, and Major Alvord, of 
Maryland Agricultural College, rendered valuable aid in all of these supplementary 
bills. 

Recop^nizing the education of the people as the noblest function of 
government, Mr. Morrill drew up independently a bill '• Donating 
Piiblic Lands to the several States and Territories which might pro- 
vide Colleges for the benefit of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts," 
which he introduced in the House of Representatives December 14, 
1857, and asked that it be referred to the Committee on Agriculture, 
of which he was a member. 

An opposition was immediate!}'' developed to the reference pro- 
posed, and it was moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on 
Public Lands, which on the following day was done. 

Mr. Morrill, in beginning his speech in behalf of the bill, stated that 
no measure for 3"ears had received so much attention in various parts 
of the country as this, so far as can be proved by petitions which 
have been received here from the various States, north and south, from 
count}' societies and from individuals. He compared the efforts of the 
government to promote commerce, railroads, literar}' labor through the 
copyright, and to benefit mechanics by the patent system, and education 
through munificent grants, with the little done for agriculture. We are 
behind European countries in this regard, while far ahead of them in 
every other. He claimed that the prosperity of a nation depended, 



368 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

first, Upon the division of the land into small parcels; and secondly, 
upon the education of the proprietors of the soil. Our agriculturists 
are, as a whole, seeking to extend their boundaries instead of promot- 
ing a higher cultivation of the soil. He showed by statistics of agri- 
cultural products that crops were decreasing in the East and South, 
and that agriculture as pursued was exhausting the soil. Foreign 
states support a population vastly larger per square mile than our 
own. Here we rob the land, and then the owner sells his land and 
flies to fresh fields to repeat the spoliation. The wave would some 
day be stayed by the Rocky Mountains, but shall we not prove 
unworthy of our patrimony if we run over the whole before we 
learn to manage a part? The nation that tills the soil so as to leave 
it worse than it found it, is doomed to decay and degradation. Agri- 
culture undoubtedly demands our first care. Our public lands are 
no longer pledged to pay the national debt. Who will be wronged 
by this bill? What better thing shall be done with our national 
domain? Since 1850 grants of lands amounting to 25,403,993 acres 
have been made to ten States and one Territory to aid more than 
fifty railroads. As prudent proprietors we should do that which 
would not only tend to raise the value of the land, but make agri- 
cultural labor more profitable and more desirable. Up to June 30, 
1857, we had donated ungrudgingly to different States and Territories 
67,736,572 acres of land for schools and universities. If this purpose 
be a noble one, as applied to a territory sparsely settled, it is certainly 
no less noble in States thickly populated. He defended the constitu- 
tionality of the bill and claimed that Congress had a plain and absolute 
right to dispose of the public lands at its discretion. vSome statesmen 
have denounced our land system as a prolific source of corruption, but 
what corruption can flow from agricultural colleges? " The persuasive 
arguments of precedents, the example of our worthiest rivals in 
Europe, the rejuvenation of worn out lands which bring forth taxes only, 
the petitions of farmers everywhere yearning for a more excellent way, 
philanthropy supported by our own highest interests, all these consid- 
erations impel us for once to do something for agriculture worthy of 
its national importance. " 

Mr. Morrill then introduced an amended bill.. A parliamentary 
struggle ensued, in which it was sought to lay the bill on the table, 
and in which Mr. Cobb opposed its passage upon the ground of uncon- 
stitutionality. Mr. Cobb sought also to show that the effect of the bill 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 369 

would be to give some States an advantage over others, under the ex- 
isting ratio of representation. He also objected to the exclusion of the 
Territories from the benefits of the bill, and held that the grants to 
railroads increased the value of the public lands; but in this case the 
government would receive no equivalent. 

On April 15, 1858, Mr. W. R. W. Cobb, of Georgia, reported back 
the bill, recommending that it do not pass. A minority report, signed 
by two members of the committee, Messrs. D. S. Walbridge, of Mich- 
igan, and Henry Bennett, of New York, was also presented. The 
reasons upon which the majority of the committee relied for the rejec- 
tion of the bill rested mainly upon the limitation of the powers of the 
P'ederal government by the Constitution. "The States had reserved 
to themselves all authority to act in relation to their domestic affairs, 
and these principles established the only solid foundation for the per- 
petuation of the Federal Union. Such is the symmetry of our gov- 
ernment, that its very existence depends upon its severe adherence 
to the limitation of its duties. If the general government possessed 
the power to make grants for local purposes, without a consideration 
within the States, its action would have no limitation but such as 
policy or necessity might impose. Every local object for which local 
provision is now made would press for support upon the general gov- 
ernment, and would create demands upon it beyond its power to 
meet, and of necessity it would be driven into the policy which 
would increase its means. As its expenditures are increased the 
revenue must be enlarged, and the general government, by the adop- 
tion of the policy would levy taxes upon the people of the Union 
for the sake of the local interests of the States. . . . Patron- 
age would be fatal to the independence of the States; with pat- 
ronage comes the power to control, as consequence follows upon, 
cause. If the principle be admitted, what shall limit its application? 
The committee have failed to perceive how they could be justified in 
recommending a grant from the general government in support of 
agricultural schools and in refusing' one for any other purpose equally 
meritorious. The means of the general government are taken from 
the people. If you take it from the public lands, you give it money in 
the stead; if you destroy its revenue from that source, you must in- 
crease it in some other. The appropriation asked for is in lands; but 
your committee can discover in this regard no difference between an 
appropriation in lands or one in money; the effect is precisely the same 
47 



B70 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in both cases. If the revenue from the public lands is destroyed, the 
deficiency must be met by taxes upon the people. The public domain 
belongs to all the people of the United States ; their interest in it is 
common, and the government is but the trustee for the common 
benefit, limited in its actions over it to those powers conferred by the 
Constitution. It is a part of the public funds, and can be devoted to no 
purpose forbidden to the money of the Federal government. . . . 
As a landholder, the government may legitimately bear a share of 
the burdens imposed to create an improvement which shall enhance 
the value of its domain, and may contribute to that end, yet its aid 
must be limited within the extent which does not require taxation to 
effect it. It may, as a matter of p6v/er or right, contribute portions of 
the public lands to improve the value of the remainder, but even in 
this sound policy its duties toward the general welfare will limit it to a 
healthy and reasonable extent. The donation of section sixteen for 
the support of schools was an inducement to purchasers and en- 
hanced the value of the adjacent lands, the sale of which indemnified 
the government for the donation which it made. So, too, the donation 
of the salines . . . The grants to the new States upon their admis- 
sion into the Union were upon conditions which more than indemnified 
the government. If the prayers of the petitioners were granted, pro- 
digious quantities of land would be thrown upon the market by com- 
peting venders, which would deprive it of marketable value. The very 
gratification of their wishes would destroy the object which they have in 
view. To make the grants would be to render them of but little avail. 
Congress, without a promise of pecuniary compensation, has no power 
to grant portions of the public domain, and, if it had, no policy could 
be more unwise than to grant it for the support of local institutions 
within the States." 

The minority report, to which Mr. Morrill contributed, cited the 
fact that schools for instruction in scientific and practical agricul- 
ture had been established by most of the European governments;, that 
in many countries of Europe the subject of agricultural education is 
incorporated with the public administration, being often committed to 
the minister of public domains. Agricultural colleges had been estab- 
lished in various vStates, in part by private benevolence and in part by 
legislative act ; also that agricultural professorships had been created 
in many colleges and universities. Of 5,371,876 free male inhabitants 
of the United States in 1850, nearly one-half, or 2,389,013, were re- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. Sll 

turned as farmers and planters, while in the professions of law, medi- 
cine and divinity, there were but 94,515 men employed. To educate 
these men for the learned professions there were 234 colleges, endowed 
with man}^ millions of dollars, and two million dollars are actuall}^ 
expended every year in the education of 27,000 students. The main 
wealth of the country is in its agricultural products, which far exceed 
in value its foreign commerce. If a grant of land to aid in the con- 
struction of a railroad may be made for the benefit of all the States, b)" 
which the value and sale of the public lands is promoted, there is equal 
warrant for giving millions of acres to soldiers who have fought our 
battles. 

The measure under consideration is in no sense a donation to the 
States; it will relieve them from no taxation, but will impose new 
duties and further burdens. It merely makes the States trustees for 
certain purposes which they may constitutionally and efficiently dis- 
charge. The United States will not part with its title to any lands 
save upon certain conditions, which are to be of perpetual and binding 
force. As the United States originally acquired their title to much of 
the public domain upon the stipulation that it was to be disposed of 
only for the common benefit of all the States, so it is believed that no 
grant has ever been made which will prove to be a more strict com- 
pliance with the terms than this now proposed, reaching, as it will 
reach, not only all the States, but a major part of the people of all the 
States, reaching them, too, in their persons and material interests and 
reaching them also for the coimnon benefit of all the people. That our 
coimtr}^ needs all the aid likely to flow from a measure of such far- 
reaching consequences, the united testimony of all our agriculturists in 
all sections of our country loudly proclaims, and that it will prove wise 
and practical, the experience in our own and other lands happily already 
demonstrates. As each State would possess the sole control and man- 
agement of its proportionate fund, national power could not be held to 
interfere in local government. The constitutionality of such a law was 
maintained, and it was held that there was no limit to the uses and pur- 
poses to which the public domain ma}^ be applied, but the discretion of 
Congress ; if the proposed grant is for the benefit of all the States, Con- 
gress has full power to make it, and the law-making power alone can 
judge of that fact. 

The bill passed the House on the 22d of April, 1858, by a vote of 
one himdred and five to one hundred. Upon analyzing this vote. 



372 * LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

we find that the members from the Southern States, with few excep- 
tions, voted against the measure, while its main support came from 
the North. Certain members from the Western States also opposed 
it on the ground that their own States would suffer in growth and 
in population, and that the purposes of the Homestead Act would be 
defeated. 

On April 22, 1858, the bill was presented in the Senate, and on the 
following day referred to the Committee on Public Lands. On May 
6, 1858, Mr. Stuart, of Michigan, reported that the committee, after 
very carefully considering this question, had, in view of the existing 
circumstances, reported the bill back to the Senate without any recom- 
mendations for or against its passage. On May 19 the vSenate pro- 
ceeded to the consideration of the measure, which, however, was stren- 
uously opposed, Mr. Pugh, of Ohio, saying: "We might as well make 
a test vote on that bill. It has never been favorably recommended by 
any committee of either House. Probably it is the largest proposition 
for the donating of public lands that has ever been made here. We 
cannot consider it at this time, and I think instead of wasting the 
precious hours that remain in discussing at great length a question, 
which, if it comes up, will be defeated, we may as well take a test vote 
on the question of taking up the bill, and I call for the yeas and nays." 
The bill was taken from the table by a vote of twenty- eight to twenty- 
four. Senator Yulee having sought to vary the motion so as to lay the 
bill on the table and thus dispose of it more effectively. Various motions 
were presented to proceed to the special order, to postpone the special 
order, and to take up other measures in place of the Land Grant Act 
for colleges. Mr. Stuart said: "I only desire to say that the friends 
of this measure do not intend to discuss it. It is a measure which ex- 
plains itself. The reading of the bill prepares every senator to vote 
upon it. ... I wish to protest against the authority of my noble 
friend from Alabama [Mr. Clay] as well as his historical statement 
[that this was a bill which the Democratic party of this country had 
been committed against for thirty years past]. I deny his authority to 
make party questions, and I deny his historical statement that this is a 
party question or has ever been made so. This is simply a proposition 
to grant less than six million acres, whereas it is but a short time, — in 
1855, — since we passed the law under which there have been granted 
sixty million acres; that was done by a Democratic majority and ap- 
proved by a Democratic president." Mr. Mason, of Virginia, said: 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. V.-^S 

" The Senator would be mistaken if he expected the bill to pass with- 
out debate. It may be the policy of the senator and those who think 
with him to let the bill pass as smoothly as may be, but as far as I 
understand it, it is presenting- a new policy to the country altogether, 
being a direct appropriation from the treasury for encouragement of 
schools of agriculture. ... I am not aware that it has been known 
so far to the legislatures of the country to make these general appro- 
priations through all the States. I shall deem it my duty, for one, to 
expose its character, as I look at it, fully to the people whom I repre- 
sent, and I presume that the disposition of other senators is to do the 
same thing." The Senate refused to consider the bill further. On the 
first day of the second session of the Thirty-fifth Congress, December 
G, 1858, Mr. Stuart, who had charge of the bill in the Senate, gave 
notice that as soon as the Senate was full, he should ask for the consid- 
eration of the bill. On December 15 Mr. Stuart called up the bill. 
An attempt was made to postpone its consideration on account of 
the sickness or absence of members who were opposed to it. Upon 
the question of considering the bill the Senate was equally divided, 
the vice-president, Mr. Breckenridge, voted 7/0, and the considera- 
tion was postponed. On December IG the bill was again called up and 
made a special order for the following- week. Upon the day desig- 
nated, the consideration of the measure was again postponed. On 
February 1 Senator Wade, of Ohio, moved to postpone all prior orders 
and to take up this bill, speaking with great energy in its favor. Among 
other things, he said: " This bill passed the House toward the close of 
last session. It came here so late that those who were opposed to it 
found it would be easy to talk it to death, and it will share the same fate 
now unless its friends support the motion to take it up in preference to 
other bills. Many senators here are instructed by their States to use 
their influence to procure the passage of the bill ; I am one among that 
number." He also argued that it was time that something of this 
nature should be done b}^ Congress for the benefit of agriculture. 

The bill, as originally presented, provided that twenty thousand acres 
of land should be granted to each State, for each senator and repre- 
sentative in Congress to which the States were then respectively en- 
titled, making a total grant of 5,925,000 acres. It was sought to amend 
the bill by making the grant to the several States and Territories in the 
compound ratio of the geographical area and the representation of said 
States and Territories in the Senate and House of Representatives, 



374 LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

after the apportionment under the census of 1860, provided that said 
appropriation be made after first allotting to each vState and Territory 
fifty thousand acres. Mr. Harlan, of Iowa, said: "The census of 1850 
shows that at that time there were over three millions of the people of 
the United ^States engaged in agricultural pursuits. Where is their 
representation on this floor? Non est. They are not here, only as they 
are represented by professional men." Various amendments were 
offered, some designed to make the quantity of land granted by the 
bill proportionate to the area of tillable lands in the vState. An effort 
was also made to introduce a provision in the act as finally passed, 
that in no case shall any State to which land scrip may thus be issued 
be allowed to locate the same within the limits of any other State ; but 
their assignees may thus locate said land scrip upon any of the appro- 
priated lands of the United vStates, subject to public entry. 

Mr. Jefferson Davis reviewed the history of the acquisition of the 
public lands by the general government, and opposed the measure on 
the ground that the power to "dispose" of the lands did not imply 
that they could be given away. Previous grants of the public lands 
had been made to increase the value of the property and to promote 
the revenue of the United States. "So far as grants of land have 
been made to construct railroads, merely on the general theory that 
railroads were a good thing, the Federal government has violated its 
trust and exceeded the powers conferred upon it. . . . Where a 
grant has been made of a certain portion of land to increase the value 
of the residue and bring it into cultivation, ... it rests on a prin- 
ciple such as a prudent proprietor would apply to the conduct of his 
own affairs. Thus far it is defensible; no further. The land grants 
to the new vStates for education rest on the same general principle. 
The new States, sovereigns like the old, admitted to be equal, before 
taking both the eminent and useful domain, entered into a contract 
with the other States, that the}^ would relieve from taxation the land 
within their borders while owned by the general government. This is 
the consideration for which land grants have been made to the new 
States; and a high price they have paid for all that has been granted 
for educational purposes." 

Mr. Davis's views are not confirmed by the terms of the Ordinance 
of 1787. They are of interest now as those of a strict constructionist 
of the Constitution of that time, and in virtue of certain views of gov- 
ernmental and State rights which he later advocated. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 375 

After further debate the vote was taken, with the result that twenty- 
five yeas and twenty-two naj^s were cast, being- a majority of three for 
the measure. On the IGth of February a message was received from 
the House that it had concurred in the Senate amendments to tlie bill. 

In the decision of this question, certain senators conscientiously 
maintained views based upon traditional interpretations of the Constitu- 
tion; others, who opposed the measure, joined with the former through 
party affiliations, and certain senators from the South acted in support 
of the measure contrary to the convictions of their constituents. Sen- 
ator Morrill gives the following additional incident in the history of the 
measure: " It was reported that President Buchanan would veto the 
measure on account of its unconstitutionality. When the bill had been 
in the hands of President Buchanan for some days. General Sickles of 
the House told me that there was some danger of the veto of the bill, 
and requested me to give him a copy of the speech, wherein I had 
shown that Buchanan, when a senator, had voted for an appropriation 
for a school for deaf mutes in Kentucky. He thought that this vote 
would preclude him from urging any constitutional objections against 
the agricultural college bill. He jumped on a horse and rode up to 
the president's, but soon came back, telling me that he was too late, 
that Senator Slidell, of Louisiana, had got the ear of the president and 
the bill would be vetoed." Among those who supported this law most 
actively in the House during its first passage were Representatives 
Morrill, Walbridge, Cochrane and others, and in the Senate, Senators 
Wade, Stuart and Collamer. 

On February 34, 1859, President Buchanan sent a special message to 
the House of Representatives, vetoing this act. After stating the 
provisions of the bill and the range of its application, he proceeded to 
set forth the objections to the measure, which he deemed to be both 
inexpedient and unconstitutional. His first objection was the great 
difficulty of raising sufficient revenue to sustain the expenses of the 
government. Should this bill become a law, the treasury would be 
deprived of the whole or nearly the whole of the income from the sale 
of public lands, which was estimated at five million dollars for the 
next fiscal year. The minimum price of government lands was one 
dollar and twenty-five cents, but the value of such lands had been re- 
duced to eighty-five cents by the issue of bounty land-warrants to old 
soldiers. Of the lands granted by these warrants, there were out- 
standing and unlocated nearly twelve million acres. This had reduced 



376 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the current sales of the <(overnment lands and diminished the revenue 
from this source. If, in addition^ thirty-three States should enter the 
market with their land scrip, the price would be reduced far below 
even eighty-five cents per acre, and as much to the prejudice of the old 
soldiers, who had not already parted with their warrants, as to that of 
the government. With this issue of additional land scrip, there would 
be a glut in the market, so that the government could sell few lands at 
the established value, and the price of bounty land-warrants and scrip 
would be reduced to one-half the sum fixed by law for government 
sales. [This anticipation was afterwards realized in the sale of the 
land scrip issued to the various colleges.] Under these circumstances, 
the government would lose this source of revenue, as the States would 
sell their land scrip at any price that it would bring. The effect upon 
the treasury would be the same as if a tax were imposed to create a 
loan to endow these State colleges. The injurious effect that would be 
produced on the relations between the Federal and State governments, 
by a grant of Congress to the separate States, was argued by a reason- 
ing almost similar to that presented by the majority of the committee 
of the House of Representatives in reporting originally against the 
measure. The third argument, that the bill, if it should become a law, 
would operate greatly to the injury of the new States, was based upon 
the fear that wealthy individuals would acquire large tracts of the public 
lands and hold them for speculative purposes. The low price, to which 
the land scrip would probably be reduced, would tempt speculators to 
buy it in large amounts and locate it on the best lands belonging to 
the government. The consequence would be that the men who de- 
sired to cultivate the soil would be compelled to purchase these very 
lands at rates much higher than the price at which they could be ob- 
tained from the government. Fourthly, he doubts whether this bill 
will contribute to the advancement of agriculture and the mechanic 
arts, objects whose dignity and value can not be too highly appreci- 
ated. The Federal government will have no constitutional power to 
follow up the donation to the States, and compel the application of the 
fund to the intended objects. As donors, we shall possess no control 
over our own gift after it shall have passed from our hands. If the 
State Legislatures fail to execute faithfully the trust in the manner 
prescribed by the law, the Federal government will have no power to 
compel the execution of the trust. Fifthly, the bill will injuriously 
interfere with the existing colleges in the different States, in many of 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 377 

which agriculture is taught as a science, and the effect of the creation 
of an indefinite number of rival colleges sustained by the endowment 
of the Federal government will not be difficult to determine. He 
believed that it would be impossible to sustain the colleges proposed 
without the provision that scientific and classical studies shall not be 
excluded from them ; for no father would incur the expense of sending 
his son to one of these institutions for the sole purpose of making him 
a scientific farmer or mechanic. [The bill itself negatives this idea, and 
declares that its object is to promote tJie liberal and practical educa- 
tion of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of 
life.] By far the larger portion of the veto message is devoted to the 
question of the constitutional power of Congress to make the donation 
of public lands to the different States of the Union, to provide 
colleges for the purpose of educating the people of those States. 
The general proposition is undeniable that Congress does not possess 
the power to appropriate money in the treasury raised by taxes on the 
people of the United States for the purpose of educating the people of 
the respective States. It will not be pretended that any such power is 
to be found among the specific powers granted to Congress, nor that 
"it is necessary and proper for carrying into execution " any one of 
these powers. Should Congress exercise such a power, this would be 
to break down the barriers which, have been so carefully constructed 
in the Constitution, to separate Federal from State authority. We 
should then not only 'Ma}^ and collect taxes, duties, imposts and ex- 
cises " for Federal purposes, but for every State purpose which Con- 
gress might deem expedient or useful. The language of the second 
clause of the third section of the fourth article of the Constitution, 
which declares that Congress shall have power to dispose of and make 
all needful rules and regulations respecting the territories or other 
property belonging to the United States, does not by a fair interpreta- 
tion of the words "dispose of" in this clause bestow the power to make 
a gift of public lands to the States for purposes of education. Congress 
is a trustee under the Constitution for the people of the United States, 
and, therefore, has no authority to dispose of the funds entrusted to its 
care, as gifts. A decision of the Supreme Court, in which an opinion 
was rendered by Chief -Justice Taney, was quoted, who says in refer- 
ence to this clause of the Constitution : "It begins its enumeration of 
powers by thstt of ' disposing, ' in other words, making sale of the lands 
or raising money from them, which, as we have already said, was the 
48 



378 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

main object of the cession (from the States) and which is the first 
thing- provided for in the article." In the case of States and Terri- 
tories, such as Louisiana and Florida, which were paid for out of the 
public treasury from the money raised by taxation. Congress had no 
power to appropriate the money with which these lands were purchased 
to other purposes, and it was equally clear that its power over the 
lands was equally limited. "The mere conversion of money into land 
could not confer upon Congress any power over the disposition of land, 
which they had not possessed over money. " If it could, then a trustee, 
by changing the character of the fund entrusted to his care for special 
objects, from money into land, might give the land away, or devote it 
to any purpose he thought proper, however foreign to the trust. Grants 
of lands by the national government to new States for the use of schools 
as well as for a State university, were defended on the ground that the 
United States is a great land proprietor; and from the very nature of 
this relation, it is both the right and the duty of Congress as their trustee 
to manage these lands as any other prudent proprietor would manage 
them, for his own best advantage. Such a grant became an inducement 
to settlers to purchase the land, with the assurance that their children 
would have the means of education. The gift of lands for educational 
purposes enhanced their value and is, therefore, justifiable. 

This veto of the land act establishing national colleges put an end to 
any further hopes of its passage during Mr. Buchanan's administration. 
If Congress occupied the relation of a legal trustee to these lands, it 
was bound by the legal limitations of such a trustee, instead of having 
the power to interpret intelligently under the Constitution what was 
the normal exercise of its powers. The law-making power was, by 
this argument, made subject to a power created by it. 

Mr. Morrill, in replying to the President's veto, claimed that there 
was no possibility of a lack of harmony between the State and Federal 
authorities on account of any provision in the bill, which left the ar- 
rangement and control of institutions founded under the act wholly to 
the State. On the question of passing the bill over the veto, there 
were 105 yeas and 96 nays, not the requisite two-thirds to enable the 
act to become a law. 

Mr. Morrill was not, however, discouraged, and two years later, 
upon the accession of a new administration, he gave notice, on De- 
cember 8, 1861, that he would introduce a bill donating public lands 
for the support of colleges in the various States. The bill was formally 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 379 

introduced on December IG, read twice, and referred to the Committee 
on Public Lands. Here it was kept until December 20, 1862, when 
the chairman of the committee reported back the bill with a recom- 
mendation that it should not pass. This adverse action in the House 
having been anticipated, the same measure was introduced in the 
Senate by the Hon. Benjamin Wade, of Ohio, on May 2, 1862, where it 
was referred to the Committee on Public Lands and ordered to be 
printed. On the 16th of May Senator Harlan reported back the bill as 
amended b}'' the committee with a favorable recommendation. On the 
lyth of May the bill Was formally considered in Committee of the 
Whole. It was stated to be essentially the same as that passed 
by both Houses of Congress two years before, save that the appropri- 
ation granted 30,000 acres of land to each State for each representative 
or senator in Congress in place of 20,000 acres of land, as provided 
in the original bill. The hostility of certain Western senators, 
who feared that their States would be affected disadvantageous!}^ by 
the passage of the bill, was the principal occasion for opposition at this 
time. It should be borne in mind that senators from the South were 
not in attendance. Some senators, fearing that the passage of the 
bill would exhaust all the valuable lands in their own States, de- 
sired to limit the grant to government lands in the territories. The 
popular favor with which this measure was regarded throughout the 
North had constantly increased within the two years since Mr. Buchan- 
an's veto. Mr. Wade stated that " a great many States, and I believe 
most of our free States, have passed resolutions in their Legislatures 
instructing their senators to go for the bill." Senator Harlan from 
Iowa stated that he represented a State that would be adversely affected 
by the bill, but that he should vote for it for two reasons: first, because 
the Legislature of his State had instructed him to do so ; and secondly, 
because " I do not believe the State will be seriously damaged should 
the bill become a law, and justice to the old States seems to rec[uire it. " 
The Committee on Public Lands concluded, in view of all the facts 
which exhibited a policy of large liberality towards the new States, that 
it would not be unreasonable for the old States to insist on such a dispo- 
sition of a small part of the public land as would result in benefit to 
them, especially as they had by an almost unanimous vote agreed to 
the passage of the Homestead Bill. . . . This bill proposes to 
grant to the States less than ten million acres. We now have of sur- 
veyed and unsold lands over one hundred and thirty-four million acres. 



380 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

At the same time there is a total of unsold and unappropriated lands 
of 1,040,280,093 acres. It is, therefore, a trivial gift of this vast 
national estate to bestow upon education." Mr. Wright of Indiana re- 
marked: " If this fund is to be raised in this way I would much rather 
devote it to the females of the land. Do not be startled, gentlemen, it 
is so. Look at your half million of men in the army with neglected 
daughters and sisters to be raised and educated." Another argument 
by Senator Harlan, the chairman of the Committee on Public Lands, 
is worthy of notice. "This body is a body of lawyers. Heretofore 
appropriations of lands have been made for such universities. The 
proceeds of the sales of these lands have usually gone to educate the 
children of professional men. Here, for the first time I believe in the 
history of the Senate, a proposition is made to make an appropriation 
of lands for the education of the children of the agriculturists of the 
nation, and it meets very strenuous opposition from a body of lawyers. 
If this Senate were composed of agriculturists chiefly, they would have 
provided first for an agricultural college and probabl}^ afterwards for a 
college in which the sons of lawyers, physicians and other professional 
men could be educated. I do not believe that if the proposition were 
submitted to a vote of the people of the country you could array one- 
fifteenth of the voters against it." Various amendments were sub- 
mitted, which did not change the essential features of the bill, limiting 
in one case the amount of land that might be appropriated in any 
single State to one million dollars. A provision that the act should 
not take effect until July 1, 1864, was lost. It was provided that when- 
ever there are public lands in a State, the quantity to which said State 
shall be entitled, shall be selected from such lands. An amendment 
granting a sum of money from the proceeds hereafter derived from the 
sale of the public lands, equal to $30,000 for each senator and repre- 
sentative in Congress, to which the States are respectively entitled, 
was lost. 

The passage of this amendment would have left the value of the 
the public lands undisturbed, but would have limited the large re- 
turns from the careful administration of the fund and the sale of 
the scrip, and made impossible the large sum which Cornell Uni- 
versity and the University of California have realized. The bill 
finally passed on June 11, with a vote of thirt3^-two in its favor to 
seven against, and was then sent to the House for concurrence. On 
July 17, after various dilatory motions to again refer the bill to the 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 381 

Committee on Public Lands had been voted down, the bill passed by 
a vote of ninety to twenty-five, was signed by the speaker on July 1, 
and received the signature of the president on the same day. During 
most of the time in which this bill was under debate. Dr. Amos Brown 
was in Washington and active in influencing members of Congress in 
its favor. Some of the amendments to its provisions in the vSenate 
were introduced at his personal suggestion. 

The Rev. Amos Brown, LL.D., was born in Kensington, New Hamp- 
shire, on March 4, 1804. His early bo3^hood was spent on a farm, and 
his earliest educational privileges were limited to the advantages 
afforded by the district schools of New England. He prepared for 
college in the Academy at Hampton, New Hampshire, where his orig- 
inal purpose to study medicine was changed, and he entered Dartmouth 
College in 1829, with the purpose of becoming a student of theology. 
During his academic' and collegiate course he supported himself by 
teaching. After graduating from college, he entered Andover Theo- 
logical Seminary. His course in the Theological Seminar}^ was inter- 
rupted by an absence of one year, in which he acted as the principal of 
the academy in Fr3^eburg, Maine. After leaving Andover, he became 
principal of the Gorham Academy and Teachers' Seminary, where he 
remained for twelve years. Mr. Brown was an educator of great ability 
and power. He gathered the ablest teachers about him, and was one 
of the earliest advocates of coeducation. His ability as an organizer 
was of a high order, and both as a disciplinarian and a teacher he ex- 
erted a powerful influence upon those whom he trained. His personal 
instruction was mainly in mental science, and with it he discussed 
theories of instruction and the principles of intellectual growth. The 
reputation of his school was so great that it attracted pupils from other 
States, and the Hon. Horace Mann, who visited the Gorham Academy 
in order to study the theories and methods which were employed there, 
often spoke of Dr. Brown as one of the ablest teachers of New Eng- 
land, saying that he would make the best college president of all 
whom he knew. Later he resigned his position in order to enter the 
ministry, for which he had prepared, and became pastor of a Congre- 
gational church in Machias, Maine; but so strong was his passion for 
his favorite pursuit of teaching, that after three years' service in Machias 
he assumed charge of the academy in Ovid, New York. Here his 
former success was repeated. The Seneca Collegiate Institute became 
one of the most prominent schools of this State, and some of the most 



383 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

eminent scholars of the country felt the influence of Dr. Brown's in- 
spiring personality, among them President W. W. Folwell, of the 
University of Minnesota; Professor J. L. Morris, of Cornell University; 
■Professor T. L. Lounsbury, of Yale, one of our ablest scholars in Eng- 
lish literature, and known especially for Ms brilliant studies in 
Chaucer; also Professor B. Joy, of Columbia College. Mr. Brown 
instituted public lectures in order to awaken an interest in scientific 
farming in the agricultural community around, and in this manner his 
attention was first called to the need of a State agricultural college. 

The Rev. Amos Brown was influential in securing the charter for the 
State Agricultural College and in locating the same in Ovid. He also 
originated the plan of asking from the State the loan of $40,000, with- 
out interest, from the United States deposit fund. His remarkable 
ability in influencing men is shown by his success in inducing the leg- 
islators to grant this gift to the Agricultural College. Dr. Brown was 
one of its trustees, but he was not, as was anticipated, made its presi- 
dent. About this time the trustees of the People's College in Havana 
sought to perfect its organization, and on August 12, 1857, Mr. Brown 
was elected president of that institution. It is noticeable that, while he 
shared 'the plans and purposes of the new college, he desired to give a 
broader scope to its curriculum; and in his inaugural he stated that its 
object would be to promote literature, science, arts and agriculture. 
Agriculture, and various branches of manufactures and the mechanic 
arts, were to be systematically studied within the college as a part of 
its regular course. He was more and more impressed with the impor- 
tance of practical and scientific education, and with the conviction that 
such education must be supported by the national government, an 
appropriation of public lands naturally suggested itself to his mind 
as a practical and constitutional method of bestowing such aid. 

Soon after the introduction of the Morrill Bill, Dr. Brown was 
requested by the trustees of the People's College to go to Washington 
and labor to promote its passage. The debt which the country owes to 
Dr. Brown for promoting the noblest grant for popular education 
which the world has known, may be estimated by the deliberate judg- 
ment of the value of his services expressed by those who were most 
intimately indentified with the passage of this measure in Congress. 
Senator William Pitt Fessenden, of Maine, wrote: "Mr. Brown, as I be- 
lieve, was not only father of the bill, but to his persistent, efficient and 
untiring efforts its success was mainly due. I have no hesitation in say- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 383 

ing- that but for him it would have failed, in my judg-ment, altogether." 
Senator Morgan, of New York, stated: " The first man who suggested 
to me the passage of the bill was yourself ; and from my own knowledge 
the first bill passed, which was vetoed by Mr. Buchanan, would not have 
had the remotest chance in either house of Congress without your inter- 
est, labor and most efficient efforts. " Senator Harris, of New York, also 
said: "The agricultural interests of the country are indebted to him 
more than to any one. indeed every one else, for the passage of the law 
devoting public lands to agricultural colleges." Senator Clark, of New 
Hampshire, wrote: " It might have passed without you, and I cannot 
say that it would not; but sure I am no one was so active or efficient as 
5^ou in removing obstacles to it or securing it friends." 

Senator Wade, of Ohio, who took charge of the passage of this law in 
the United States Senate, in speaking of the influence of the People's 
College in the passage of that law, wrote: " Having taken a deep inter- 
est in that measure, I ought to be qualified to speak with confidence on 
the subject, and I do not hesitate to say that, had it not been for the 
exertions of that institution, I do not believe the measure could have 
received the sanction of Congress. Great credit is due to the exertions 
of the Honorable Mr. Morrill of the House for his unwearied labors in 
its behalf; yet I always believed, and still believe, that had it not been 
for the able, energetic and unwearied exertions of the Rev. Amos 
Brown, president of the People's College, it would never have become 
a law. It encountered great opposition in some quarters on account of 
its supposed antagonism to the Homestead Bill, and much also from 
the mere indifference of members who did not take interest enough in 
the measure to give it a thorough investigation — more still from sev- 
eral members from the land States, who feared its passage would con- 
flict with the rapid settlement of their States. All these difficulties, 
however, were overcome by the intelligent and persevering labors of 
Mr. Brown, whom I consider really the father of the measure and whose 
advice I believe entitled to more weight in carrying the law into execu- 
tion than that of almost any other man." 



384 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



III. 

PRELIMINARY HISTORY: 1. THE PEOPLE'S COLLEGE.— 

2. THE NEW YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL 

COLLEGE. 

Two colleges preceded the foundation of Cornell University, which 
exercised an immediate influence upon its history and determined in 
part the form which it assumed. Tlie one most nearly related to it 
was the People's College, situated in Havana, N. Y. The foundation 
of this College is due, pre-eminently, to the enthusiasm and labors of 
one man, Mr. Henry Howard, afterward a resident of Ithaca; and espe- 
cially to his labors in connection with an organization called the Me- 
chanics' Mutual Protection, which had numerous affiliated societies 
throughout the State of New York. This society arose in that unsettled 
period which followed the panic of 1837. This was the era of the rise 
of corporations with a maximum of wealth and a minimum of respon- 
sibility. A spirit of wild speculation pervaded the country. The pub- 
lic lands, one source of the national revenue, were sold and paid for in 
depreciated local currency. Banks were even organized whose sole 
object was to issue money to acquire possession of such lands. The 
removal of the United States deposit fund from the various State banks 
in which it had been placed, and its distribution among the States, de- 
prived these banks of funds which had furnished their capital, and upon 
which their prosperit}^ rested. ■ Financial distress followed immediately. 
Banks throughout the country failed ; manufactories were closed and 
laborers deprived of means of support, or were paid in depreciated cur- 
rency. The nation seemed on the verge of financial ruin. A wild panic 
spread throughout the country. Bread riots broke out in the metropolis, 
and agitators fanned the excitement of the oppressed and suffering 
people. A special session of Congress was called to take measures to 
avert national bankruptcy and to relieve poDular distress. The relations 
of labor to capital became subjects of earnest and often excited discus- 
sion. At this time a convention of mechanics was called to meet in the 
city of Buffalo, and an organization was formed called the Mechanics' 
Mutual Protection (July 13, 1843). Its object was a noble one. It 
sought to diffuse a more general knowledge of the scientific principles 
governing mechanics and the arts, and to elevate workmen, by making 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 385 

them independent, and increasing their proficiency in their several call- 
ings, by rendering" to each other counsel and mutual assistance, which 
would elevate the life of the mechanic, and protect them from the en- 
croachments of wealth and power, which might combine against them, 
and to enable them to secure remunerative wages, and above all to 
awaken a common interest in their profession. 

In the winter of 1848 three men met at the house of Mr. Howard, in 
Lockport, to discuss plans for a technical school, which, if approved, 
were to be presented to the society of their order in Lockport. These 
men were Henry Howard, D. H. Burtis, J. P. Murphy and R. P. But- 
rick. The Hon. Washington Hunt, at that time comptroller of the State 
and afterward governor, approved of the plan. The a:ddress which Mr. 
Howard prepared embodied a history of efforts to establish agricultural 
and technical schools in Europe and in the various States of this 
country, and also the results of manual labor schools in Switzerland 
and other cormtries of Europe. During the years 1848 and 1849, 
Mr. Howard, although called a visionary, delivered this address before 
various associations of the Mutual Protection. The purpose to found 
such an institution met the views of the most thoughtful members of 
the local society, and the address was published and distributed among 
the lodges, "Protections," throughout the State, about seventy in num- 
ber. 

Mr. Horace Greeley, with his large interest in whatever concerned 
the welfare of humanity, published an editorial in the Tribune in June, 
1850, warmly advocating the project of founding a State college of 
practical science ; and proposed, first, that the college should embrace 
instruction in agriculture as well as in mechanics, and that the farmers 
should be invited to co-operate in founding it; that it should be erected 
on a square mile of land, which should contain a model farm and nur- 
sery; that all students should attend the lectures on mechanical and 
agricultural subjects, and labor in the field in the brightest and best 
farming weather, and in the mechanical department in sour and in- 
clement weather. Mr. Greeley believed that an education should 
not be a gift of charity, but that the future mechanics and artisans 
of our State would prefer to win it by labor. He proposed that 
the institution should be founded by a stock company, with a cap- 
ital of $200,000, and that each contributor should be paid five per 
cent, interest upon his stock. Subscribers should have the right 
to designate a pupil for the university, but the pupil should pay his 
49 



386 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

own expenses. Mr. Greeley thought that the pupil could earn his ex- 
penses within tifty dollars the first year; that he could earn his entire 
expenses the second year; fifty dollars more than his expenses the 
third, and seventy-five dollars more than his expenses the fourth year; 
and that he would thus be gradually equipped for work with ample 
knowledge, by his own efforts. 

Mr. Greeley believed that the cost of establishing a complete univer- 
sity would amount to $100,000, and stated that he knew where $1,000 of 
that sum could be obtained. Even supposing that the university should 
ultimately cost $200,000, he believed that it could provide board and 
instruction for 1,000 boys, who would earn an interest of five per cent, 
on the capital; or, in other words, that the labor of each student, apart 
from the cost of his education, would amount to ten dollars a year. 
The citizen who subscribed $1,000 should be entitled to designate one 
pupil for the university ; subscribers of less amounts might associate, 
and their joint contributions amounting to $1,000 would authorize them 
to nominate a pupil. 

The labor question was at this time paramount, and the influence of 
a society like this mechanics' organization was able to exercise a power- 
ful influence in any election. 

On August 15, 1851, a company of seventeen men met in Lockport 
in the hall of the Mechanics' Mutual Protection, No. 1, and formed an 
organization to promote a mechanical college. They elected many of 
the most prominent men of the State as members. Among the names 
which appear in their records at this time are those of William H. 
Seward, Martin Van Buren, Sanford E. Church, afterwards chief judge 
of the State of New York, Erastus Corning, Thurlow Weed and Gen- 
eral James F. Wadsworth. A week later Horace Greeley was elected 
a member, and from this time his active participation in founding the 
People's College, and his later connection with Cornell University, 
dates. 

The first officers of the association were Samuel Wright, president; 
Joel Cranson, vice-president; Harrison Howard, secretary; James P. 
Murphy, treasurer. This organization proposed to make its power felt 
in the choice of candidates for the Legislature and State officers. 
With this iDurpose, letters were sent to candidates of both parties, 
inquiring as to their attitude toward the proposed college. Before 
the election of Washington Hunt as governor, Mr. Howard wrote 
to him asking him if he would recommend Ihe college to the State 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. SS-T 

in his inaugural inessag"e. Mr. Hunt stated that he had already, 
in a letter to the president of the American Institute, expressed him- 
self in favor of a mechanical school, such as was proposed, and 
added, "Whether in or out of office, I shall go with 5^011 and your 
friends in establishing such an institution and securing for it, not only 
a charter, but its full share in an}' bounty of the State. There is no 
doubt but that the vState will endow an agricultural college. Why 
should not the mechanical interests be placed on the same footing? My 
impressions are in favor of one institution divided into two departments, 
one agricultural, the other mechanical. I made out a statement recently 
for some friends in New York, showing what the State had expended 
for colleges, while nothing had been done for the men who toil in farm- 
ing or mechanical pursuits. I wish to see these pursuits made intel- 
lectual as they should be." 

As Governor Hunt was elected b}^ a majority of only 262, it is 
reasonable to suppose that the mechanical organizations throughout the 
State (seventy in number), which united to support his candidacy, con- 
tributed to determine his election. Similarly, when the Hon. Horatio 
Seymour was a candidate for governor in 1852, an inquiry was addressed 
to him as to whether he would favor the new college. While prudently 
refraining from entering into any engagement which would limit his 
action thereafter, his attitude was known to be favorable to an enter- 
prise in which so much public interest had been aroused, and he com- 
mended the subject of such a college to the favorable consideration of 
the legislature, in his first message. 

An important meeting of the People's College Association, as it was 
now called, was held in Rochester, Thursday, August 20, 1851, when 
resolutions were passed setting forth the need of an institution of this 
kind, and emphasizing the fact that education, to be universal, must be 
practical; that the security and power of the State rest upon the in- 
telligence and virtue of the people ; and that no free community can 
suffer any portion of its youth to grow up in ignorance without damage 
to its vital interests and peril to its liberties. Among other resolutions 
it was 

Resolved, That education, to be universal, must be eminently and thoi-oughly 
practical, must be adapted to the wants morall}^ intellectually and physically, of indi- 
viduals, in every sphere of life; and that the only rational hope of interest in the 
great majority for higher education, capable of inducing them to make sacrifices for 
its acquirements, must be based on its adaptation to the needs of industry and the 
uses of every day life. 



388 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

R(\S(>/7'i'(/, Tluil wliile many (leijartniunls of professional life would seem to be 
crowded with aspirants for employment anrl success therein, there is a manifest and 
deplorable deficiency of scientific and thorougly qualified farmers, architects, miners, 
etc., who should bring the great truths of geology, chemistry, mechanics, etc., to 
bear intimately and beneficially on all the operations of productive labor, thereby 
increasing its efficiency ;ui(l its fruitfiilncss, and we look to an improved system of 
c )llegiate education for the neces.sary and proper corrective. 

J\csolTt'(/, That the current system of education is unjust to woman in its higher 
departments, excluding her from advantages and opiDortunities which arc jirovidcd 
at the common cost for men alone, and we regard the arbitrary separation of the 
se.\es in the pursuit of knowledge as conducive neither to propriety of manners nor 
Ijurity of heart; and while we recognize the truth that Nature lias indicated for the 
two se.\es diverse aptitudes and duties, we insist that woman, like man, shall be left 
free to acquire such an education and pursue such occupations as her own sense of 
fitness and propriety shall dictate. 

It was further resolved that, as all are comitianded to work, and no 
one can be sure of passinj^- throu_o-h life exempt from the physical neces- 
sity of laborino- with the hands for food, therefore, all should be so 
trained and educated as to (|iialify them for tiseftdness and efticienc}' in 
niannal labor. 

It was provided that the People's Collco-e shoidd be subject to the 
control of no sect or part}'; that productive labor should be practically 
honored and inflexibly reqtnred of all; that each strident should be free 
to prosecute such studies as mioht be indicated l)y his parents or leo-al 
guardians, and to graduate master of those onl}'-. His employment 
should be adapted, as far as practicable, to his tastes, his strength and 
his capacities, and it was expected that after the lirst two years every 
student vyould be able to pay his way and prosecute his studies inde- 
pendently, without reliance on extraneous resources. It is noticeable 
that here the first plea for coeducation was presented, and after stren- 
uous debate passed almost unanimously, being vigorously supported by 
Mr. Greeley, who reported the resolutions. Not all the supporters 
of the People's College had contemplated coeducation as an inseparable 
part of the plan. On September 8, 185o, the Hon. Washington Hnnt, 
in a letter commenting upon a proposed address, said: "My impression 
has been that the department (coedtication) does not properly come 
within the manual labor system proposed by the People's College. I 
think that young men and young women should be educated at differ- 
ent institutions. A majority of the trustees think differently, no doubt, 
and I will not object to having the experiment tried; but I will not 
(with my present views) profess that Ihave any faith in its success. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. pjSO 

At the next meetiniif of the trustees, whieh I hope to attend, tliis sub- 
ject may be discussed, when 1 will give my views more fully; mean- 
while, if this part of the address is retained, I prefer to have my signa- 
tiire omitted. " 

In vSeptembcr of this year an industrial congress met in Albany and 
passed resolntions favoring the pro])osed university, and recommend- 
ing that at the State Fair in Rochester the farmers should assemble in 
mass meeting and discuss this important proposition. 

The proposed grand assembly of the farmers of the State in Roches- 
ter did not occur ; but several meu, including Mr. (Jreeley, the Hon. 
T. C. Peters and one or two others, met at the house of Mr. D. D. T. 
Moore and discussed the proposed college. Mr. (ireeley prepared sub- 
sequently a draft of a ])lan of the college and sent it to Mr. Peters. 
In correspondence with -Mr. Ploward and Mr. Peters, the details of this 
prospectus were agreed upon and it was published. On September 11 
the association of the new college met in Lockport and ado]jted the 
recommendation of the Hon. T. C. Peters, editcjr of the Wool (irower, 
that the farmers should be invited to participate in founding the new 
college. 

A meeting of the society, announced to be held in Buffalo, January 
15, 1852, is interestmg as showing how the early conception and sup- 
port of this movement for the People's College rested upon the enthu- 
siasm of a few individuals. When the secretary reached the city to 
attend this meeting, a great snow .storm had obstructed all communica- 
tion with the external world. "The few who were interested had pre- 
vious engagements, (me was busy getting the Commercial ready for the 
press, others had oxen to buy or wives to marry." In consequence of 
this the secretary was the only member present. This laborious but 
cheerful individual repaired to his hotel, shut himself in his room, 
elected officers and passed resolutions, submitted by the absent Peters 
anTd enlarged 1:^ himself. Letters were read from men interested in 
the progress of the movement, several honorary members elected, a 
committee appointed to memorialize the Legislature for an act of in- 
corporation of the People's College, the shares of which were limited to 
one dollar each, and an assessment of twenty-five cents was levied upon 
each member of the Association to meet current expenses. An elabo- 
rate report of this meeting was published in the press of the vState. At 
the close of the records the secretary adds:- " I hope, when the college 
is established, I shall be excused for this deception, as I believe that if 



390 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

this meeting- had been a faikire, mueh delay would have been the result. 
Using men for a good' purpose, provided it is clear that no injury can 
come to any human being as a result, is not a sin in my humble opinion. " 
Subsequent meetings were held, the main purpose of which, was to 
secure an act of incorporation from the Legislature and to issue addi- 
tional appeals to secure the interest of the public. Meetings in Brook- 
lyn were attended by Horace Greeley, Henry Ward Beecher and 
Professor Youmans. The attempt to secure a charter from the Legis- 
lature finally succeeded, and an act of incorporation was granted at an 
extra session, April 12, 1853. Since the period when the foundation of 
a People's College was first proposed, Mr. Howard, the unwearied 
agent, had canvassed the State, and addressed meetings in nearly all of 
the large cities, and various agricultural and educational conventions, 
in behalf of the proposed College. In this work he was engaged until 
August, 1855, when efforts to raise money were suspended on account 
of the financial stringency. " . 

The first meeting of the trustees of the People's College was held in 
Owego, May 25, 1853, at which D. C. McCallum was elected president 
of the board; A. I. Wynkoop, of Chemung, vice-president; Tracy Mor- 
gan, treasurer; and Henry Howard, secretary and general agent. 

At a meeting of the stockholders of the People's College held at Bing- 
hamton, November 26, 1856, a resolution was presented, "That, as 
a Board of Trustees, we will use our influence for the location of the 
college in the county which will first make up the balance of the $50,- 
000 needed to locate." It appears that this resolution was a shrewd 
parliamentary device, the true object of which was not then recognized, 
to secure the influence of the trustees to have the college located in 
Havana. The active agent in securing this location was the Hon. 
Charles Cook, who later came forward and offered to make up the sub- 
scription necessary to authorize the trustees to choose the site for the 
college. Commissioners were appointed to visit Havana and to exam- 
ine the location which had been offered for the college by Mr. Cook. 
Previous failure and discouragement induced the trustees to look fav- 
orably upon any proposition that would secure the establishment of 
the college, for which many of them had labored so long. 

At a meeting of the stockholders, held in Havana, January 15, 1857, 
the question of location was voted upon. The previous excitement had 
been intense, and efforts had been made to secure favorable ballots and 
proxies in favor of the location in Havana. Amidst what is reported 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 391 

as a perfect tempest of applause and the wildest enthusiasm, the num- 
ber of votes in favor of such location was reported as 1,847, and 
opposed as 1,137, leaving- a majority of 710 in behalf of Havana. 
Active measures were now taken to organize the college. The site and 
the farm which had been offered were regarded as satisfactory, and 
an effort was made to raise a sum of $250,000 in order to secure the 
success of the enterprise. Committees were appointed to superintend 
the erection of buildings, to arrange a course of study, and to nominate 
professors. 

At the meeting of August 12, 1857, plans for the new colleg-e were 
presented, the main building of which should contain a chapel which 
would seat 500 students, also lecture rooms, a chemical laboratory, 
library, cabinets, etc. On the following- day the Rev. Amos Brown 
was elected president of the college, and Mr. Cook was made chair- 
man of the Executive Committee and also of the Building Committee. 
Soon after, the national Land Grant Act in behalf of scientific and 
practical education, known as the Morrill Bill, was introduced in Con- 
gress, and the trustees made an appropriation to send President Brown 
to Washington in order to promote the purposes of the bill. In the 
mean time, the erection of the proposed college building proceeded, 
the funds for which were largely contributed by Mr. Cook. It is 
probable that all the subscriptions which had been made during 
previous years had lapsed or that their collection had proved im- 
possible. The financial crisis of 1857 now began, and all hope of 
securing an endowment from popular subscription was at an end. 
The only hope of fulfilling the conditions upon which the charter was 
given was based on the national aid expected in the passage of the 
Morrill Bill. It is of interest to notice the provisions of the charter 
of the People's College. It was provided that the capital stock of 
the corporation of the college should consist of :|p250,000, that the 
stock should be in shares of one dollar each, and that ever}^ stockholder 
should be entitled to but one vote in the choice of trustees or in 
any other business to be determined by the votes of the stock- 
holders. Whenever the sum of $50,000 was subscribed and paid in to 
the trustees, it was their duty to call a meeting of said stockholders to 
elect commissioners, who should select the most advantageous location 
for the college, and report at a subsequent meeting. The dissemina- 
tion of practical science, including chemistry, mineralogy and those 
sciences most immediately and vitally essential to agriculture and the 



392 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

useful arts, also for instruction in the classics, was said to be the 
aim of the new collej^-c. Manual labor for five clays in the week in 
some branch of productive industry was required from every teacher 
and pupil, such labor in no case to exceed twenty nor to fall below 
ten hours; and each student was to be credited with and ultimately 
paid for the product of his labor, less the cost of qualifying him to 
perform it effectively. No student was to be permitted to graduate 
with honor rmtil he had passed a certain examination with regard to 
his proficiency in agriculture, or some branch of manufacturing or 
mechanical industry, and a free choice was accorded to the student to 
pursue such branches of learning as he might' select. The special line 
of work which the student had followed was to be specified in his 
diploma. 

The corner stone of the college was laid on September 2, 1858, 
when it is estimated that 15,000 people were present. The address on 
that occasion was delivered by President Mark Hopkins of Williams 
College. The enthusiasm and hopes manifested throughout the 
State in favor of the new college were very great. The failure of 
Congress to pass the Land Grant Act, upon which so much depended, 
followed by the sickness of Mr. Cook, practically put an end to the 
further progress and formal opening of the college. Mr. Cook had 
frequently stated that he purposed to endow the college with four hun- 
dred thousand dollars and to bequeath to it his entire fortune. After 
the erection of the college building, his interest ceased, possibly on 
account of serious illness. A faculty, eminent in their various depart- 
ments, had been appointed, a few of whom met at the time of the pro- 
posed opening of the college. 

By an act of the Legislature, passed April 24, 18G2, the sum of $10,- 
000 a year for two 3'ears was given by the Legislature to the college; 
but the comptroller refused to pay this sum, upon the grounds that 
the conditions of the grant had not been fulfilled. The Faculty, there- 
fore, disappointed in any prospect of recompense for their services, 
with the exception of four professors, resigned. . One further prospect 
of a successful existence arose after the passage by Congress of the 
Land Grant Act of July 2, 1862. After an exciting session of the Legis- 
lature, in which all the recognized ability of Mr. Cook as a lobbyist, 
and his remarkable power of managing men, were'required, the trans- 
fer of this noble national gift to the People's College was effected on 
May 14, 18G3. This gift was upon the condition the trustees shotdd 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 393 

show to the satisfaction of the Regents of the University within three 
years from the passage of the act that the college was provided with 
at least ten professors competent to give instruction in such branches 
of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, includ- 
ing military tactics, as required by the act of Congress, and that the 
said trustees owned and were possessed of suitable college grounds, 
and buildings properly arranged and furnished for the care and 
accommodation of at least 250 students, with a suitable library, 
philosophical and chemical apparatus and cabinets of natural history, 
and also a suitable farm, of at least 200 acres, for the proper teach- 
ing of agriculture, with suitable farm buildings, farming implements 
and stock, and also the necessary shops, tools, machinery and other 
arrangements for teaching mechanic arts, all of which property must 
be held by the said trustees absolutely and fully paid for. One 
striking feature of the act of the Legislature bestowing this land 
upon the People's College was the provision for the free education of 
students from each county of the State. The number of such students 
was to be designated from time to time by the Regents of the Univer- 
sity, and the students themselves to be selected or caused to be selected 
by the Chancellor of the University and the Superintendent of Public 
Instruction, who should jointly publish such rules and regulations in re- 
gard thereto as would in their opinion secure proper selections and stim- 
ulate competition in the academies and public and private schools in this 
State. Such students were to be exempt from any payment for board, 
tuition and room rent. Preference was to be given to the sons of 
those who had died in the military and naval service of the United 
States. The provision in the charter of Cornell University for free 
scholarships, by which it annually receives and educates free of charge 
128 students, making a total of 512 who receive the privileges of the 
university without charge, was thus based upon this provision in the 
act bestowing the Land Grant upon the People's College. In receiving, 
therefore, this gift from the State, Cornell University vokmtarily 
assumed, with the advantage of a more elaborate and definite specifica- 
tion of conditions, this provision of the People's College. It is also 
noticeable that in the charter of the People's College, as passed by the 
Legislature, the provision for coeducation and for the instruction of 
women students in various branches of female industry was omitted. 

One subject of instruction which had been advocated by the secre- 
tary in his various addresses in connection with the People's College, 

50 



394 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

was military science and tactics. In a note upon his lecture on this 
subject, he has this memorandum: "Handle the above carefully in 
country places ; only refer to West Point and the order that military 
duties produce." 

In drawing up the proposed plan of study in 1854, Mr. Greeley was 
opposed to having military science in the course. Mr. Howard and 
Professor Lindsley took the opposite view in the committee, and after 
long discussion, Mr. Greeley assented to the following statement : "The 
students of the college shall be instructed in the principles of the tactics 
provided for the discipline of the militia of the State of New York, and 
shall be familiarized with their practice at stated and regular drills; but 
the performance of military duty shall not conflict with the proper pros- 
ecution of academic or other studies, nor shall it be required of any 
whose convictions or principles are incompatible with the bearing of 
arms." Later, in 1862, Mr. Greeley thought it well to have a few well 
drilled men scattered about the country in case of war. 

The location of the People's College in Havana, may be regarded as 
its death warrant ; it fell by that act under the immediate domination of 
Mr. Cook, upon whom, as the largest contributor to its funds, it became 
absolutely dependent. The long duration of the struggle to raise funds 
had necessarily consumed in expenses most of what had been realized. 
The personal ascendancy of Mr. Cook was manifest in the choice of a 
location and in the election of a president. The weary subscribers, 
who had planned with enthusiasm a popular college, saw their influence 
weakened, and the future of the institution, for which they had sacri- 
ficed so much, imperiled in its fundamental character. The Hon. T. 
C. Peters, one of the first presidents of the Board of Trustees, who had 
espoused the cause among its earliest advocates and had labored for its 
interests in the Legislature, resigned his office on December 6, 1858, 
from distrust of the influences under which the college had fallen, and 
from a certain pretentious, extravagant and impractical character which 
the college building had assumed. 

The appropriation of the entire national gift to the People's College 
can only be regarded as a triumph of legislative manipulation. The 
college was not organized or equipped, while the State Agricultural 
College, only twenty miles away was the child of the State, and had 
been founded by a loan of State funds and in obedience to a popular 
demand. To pass by this institution, whose work had already begun, 
but been interrupted by the war, and bestow this splendid endowment 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 395 

upon a colleg-e not yet constituted, save prospectively, was an extra- 
ordinary proof of the power of a third house in legislation. 

As early as 182G, the Hon. James Talmadge, then lieutenant-governor 
of the State, in his report as chairman of the committee appointed to 
inquire into the condition of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 
New York, said: ^ " Notwithstanding the liberal endowments made by 
this State in the support of its various literary institutions, yet great 
deficiences exist in supplying the requirements of society, and in the 
adaptation of the sciences to actual practice in the pursuits of common 
life. The rapid growth of this State, its multiplied resources, and the 
industry and enterprise of its citizens, make large demands upon the 
sciences to aid and co-operate in advancing the general prosperity. It 
is not sufficient that the sciences connected with agriculture and the 
mechanic arts should be diligently studied and correctly understood by 
a few votaries in our literary institutions. It seems very necessar}^ that 
those sciences essential to the prosperity of manufacturing industry 
should be especially promoted." 

The report proposed that citizens to whom circumstances forbade 
the opportunities of an academic life, should have the opportunit}^ to 
study arts as applied to manufacturing industries. A system of lect- 
ures in the public schools, having this purpose, would have great ad- 
vantages. "The moral effect, justly to be anticipated, upon the youth 
and middle classes of society should also induce to the proposed object. 
It will diffuse intelligence among a portion of society whose condition 
has been hitherto almost inaccessible to improvement, and remove that 
state of ignorance and oppression usually incident to and often urged 
against mechanical pursuits and manufacturing industries." It was 
suggested that in the existing colleges, and possibly in certain acad- 
emies, courses of lectures should be established for the purpose of 
promoting instruction in agriculture, mechanics and the useful arts. 

After various memorials by the State Agricultural Society and re- 
ports by legislative committees, a charter was granted for an agricul- 
tural college on May 6, 1836. It was proposed to purchase a farm near 
the city of Albany and erect an agricultural college ; but as the funds 
for the support of such an institution were to be raised by shares in a 
stock company, the project failed. Later, commissioners from the eight 
Judicial Districts of the State met to mature a plan for an agricultural 
college and experimental farm, in obedience to a concurrent resolution 
of the Legislature, passed April 6, 1849. Their report was presented at 



396 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the session of the legislature of 1850. After various efforts, in which no 
result was reached, a charter was granted April 15, 1853, for the New 
York State Agricultural College. The passage of this act was largel)^ 
due to the labor of John Delafield and John A. King, afterwards gover- 
nor of the vState. It was proposed at first to locate the college, which 
was to be founded by popular subscription, upon the Oakland farm in 
Fayette, the home of Mr. Delafield. It is interesting to find among the 
names of the original trustees that of William Kelly, later one of the 
charter trustees and warmest friends and benefactors of Cornell Univer- 
sity. Owing to the death of Mr. Delafield, action in behalf of the new 
college ceased. After two years' delay, the citizens of Ovid, under the 
inspiring influence of the Rev. Amos Brown, (January 22, 1855) 
appointed a committee to petition the Legislature to locate the col- 
lege in their vicinity, instead of in Fayette. On August 1 of the 
same year, the citizens of this county met to dedicate the new Ovid 
Academv and to hear addresses on the proposal to establish the vState 
Agricultural College among them. The citizens pledged themselves 
to raise $40,000, and asked $200,000 of the Legislature for its endow- 
ment. Through the influence of this meeting, the Legislature passed 
an act March 31, 1856, authorizing a loan to the trustees of the Agri- 
cultural College of the sum of $40,000 from the income of the United 
States deposit fund for the payment of the land and the erection of 
buildings, a mortgage upon the same being given to secure the repay- 
ment without interest twenty 3^ears later, on January 1, 1877. It was 
provided that $40,000 should be raised and applied by the trustees, as a 
condition precedent to this loan. Later, by an amendment to this act 
passed Ma}' 6, 1863, the grant was made in money from an)^ funds in 
the treasur}^, as the deposit fund had failed to suppl}'- the sum. Amid 
all these proceedings we ma}', perhaps, properly regard the activity and 
enthusiasm of Principal Brown as the moving spring. In the Legisla- 
ture, the Hon. Erastus Brooks presented the matter before the Senate 
in a most vigorous and eloquent address. He begged that body to give 
practical vitality to the first agricultural college in the State and in the 
Union, adding that there were in this State between twelve and thirteen 
million acres of unimproved land, the value of which by intelligent and 
well directed efforts might be quadrupled. While Great Britain sup- 
ported seventy agricultural schools and colleges, France seventy-five, 
Prussia thirty-two, Austria thirty-three, and even despotic Russia sixty- 
eight, in New York there was not one, and in the United States not one. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. Sg-T 

He added, "I feel mortified for my own State and coimtry. " The inter- 
est in agricultural education which Mr. Brooks had thus manifested in 
the Senate of the State of New York was exhibited later in his connec- 
tion with Cornell University, of which he, in company with Mr. Kelly, 
became one of the charter members. The passage of the act establish- 
ing this college was received with great enthusiasm ainong the people 
of Central New York. The question of the location of the new college 
awakened equal interest. Desirable sites were offered on the west shore 
of Lake Cayuga, the choice of which was supported by the citizens 
of Ithaca. The people of Seneca county desired its location upon the 
shores of the lake of that name. The Ithaca people of that day urged 
as advantages in behalf of a site upon Lake Cayuga the greater variety 
of soil, finer shores, and the better railroad connections. The citizens 
of Geneva supported the interests of the rival site on Seneca Lake. 
Finally a farm of G70 acres was purchased, the cost of which, at sixty- 
five dollars an acre, amounted to $43,000, more than the entire amount 
of the State loan. The trustees took possession of the farm April 1, 
1857. The Hon. Samuel Cheever had been elected president of the col- 
lege. In December of this year plans were adopted for the college 
building. In May, 1858, the erection of the south wing was authorized 
at a cost not exceeding $30,000. The plan of the college contemplated 
a central building, ninety feet square, four stories high, surmounted by 
an observatory and towers, and having a north and south wing. The 
corner stone was not laid until July 7, 1859. The building progressed 
rapidly, but could not be completed until the autuinn of the following 
year. On the 14th of November, 1860, a notice was published in the 
issue of the local paper which contained the news of the election of 
Abraham Lincoln, that the colleg-e would be open December 5, 1860. 
Major M. R. Patrick was president of the faculty; William H. Brewer, 
now of the Sheffield vScientific vSchool, was professor of agricultural 
chemistry and botany; Rev. Dr. George Kerr, of Franklin, professor 
of philosophy and astronomy; and Messrs. Kimball and Mitchell pro- 
fessors of chemistry and mathematics respectively. In the three 3^ears' 
course of study proposed, the languages were omitted, and the students 
at graduation were expected to be familiar with all details of a farmer's 
work, embracing the scientific knowledge of agriculture, landscape gar- 
dening, veterinary science, stock breeding, garden husbandry, plants 
and grasses, soils, etc. The popular excitement, destined to culminate 
in the Civil War was so great that students entering the college were 



398 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

but few in number. Soon after the fall of Sumter, the president, a 
graduate of West Point and a soldier of the Mexican and Florida Wars, 
was summoned to Albany to assist in organizing the volunteers and 
preparing them for service. The Southern students who were members 
of the college returned home; others enlisted, and the college came to 
an end. It was expected that it would soon reopen, but in March, 
1802, it was officially announced that the college doors were closed for 
the present. Portions of the college domain, which were not covered 
by the mortgage to the State, were attached by the sheriff and sold. 
The unfortunate circumstances which had attended the opening of the 
college, together with its embarrassed financial condition, gave no hope 
of success in an effort to secure from the State a grant of the land be- 
stowed by Congress for technical and liberal education. In January, 
18GG, the Willard Asylum for the insane was established on the site of 
what it had been proposed should be the first agricultural college of 
the State. 



IV. 
THE CHARTER OF THE UNIVERSITY. 

It is interesting to inquire what were the causes which led Mr. Cor- 
nell to devote so large a part of his unexpected and constantly increas- 
ing wealth to the founding of a university. He had always been 
thoughtful upon questions affecting the interests of the people. 
Originally a farmer's son, and later a mechanic, and brought into the 
association of scientific men in the practical application of the telegraph, 
he saw the great need of thoroughly trained and practical scientists. 
He realized that individual and national wealth would be promoted 
even by an imperfect popular knowledge of the sciences which relate 
to life, and also the incalculable loss to individuals and the nation from 
unsystematic, unscientific and prodigal methods. 

It is probable that his purpose to devote his wealth to the benefit of 
his fellow-men was formed slowly in his mind. The unexpected in- 
crease in his fortune, beyond his hopes, suggested to him the possibil- 
ity of using some portion of it for the public good. Beyond the natural 
desire to provide for his family, Mr. Cornell had no personal ambition 
for vast accumulation. In private life he was genuinely and unosten- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 399 

tatiously generous. The desire that his gifts should assume a perma- 
nent form, blessing the future as well as the present, assumed shape 
silently and unspoken, like so many of his plans. In the summer of 
1863 he was seriously ill for several months As he recovered he said 
to his physician, " When I am able to go out, I want you to bring your 
carriage and take me upon the hill. Since I have been upon this sick 
bed, I have realized as never before by what a feeble tenure man holds 
on to life. I have accumulated money, and I am going to spend it 
while I live." They drove later upon the hill, to what was then Mr. 
Cornell's farm. He spoke with the greatest enthusiasm of his deter- 
mination to build an institution for poor young men ; he wished an 
institution different from the ordinary college, where poor boys could 
acquire an education. He did not desire an entrance examination, but 
that they should study whatever they were inclined to. Mr. Cornell 
described the buildings which should crown the hillside, and pointed 
out where they should stand. Mr. Cornell's immediate attention was 
engrossed by the Cornell Library, which was chartered a few months 
later, and presented to the city of his residence. 

It is probable that, even with this noble intention, m.uch was still 
vague in his mind as to the exact form which the institution should 
assume. He contemplated undoubtedly some form of industrial 
school. The immediate occasion which gave definiteness to his pur- 
pose was, as he himself stated, in answer to the inquiry whether he had 
purposed for many years to found a great university, or whether the 
plan had been presented to him by some fortuitous circumstance, that 
very much was due to his election as one of the trustees of the State 
Agricultural College at Ovid, and the discovery, which he had made at 
two meetings of the trustees of that institution, of the great need of 
some suitable provision in our own country for the education of young 
men in agriculture and the mechanic arts. 

Mr. Cornell had been for several years vice-president of the vState 
Agricultural Society. In 1862 he was its president, and in that capacity 
attended the great International Exposition in London as the official 
representative of the New York State Agricultural Society. He 
traveled extensively, and studied carefully the agriculture of the dif- 
ferent parts of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. He also 
studied with interest the methods of the famous school of agricultural 
science connected with the establishment of Lawes and Gilbert at 
Rothamstead. Upon his return, an opportunity presented itself to him 



400 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

to do for his native country what he had seen so successfully instituted 
abroad. The work of the vState Agricultural College in Ovid had ceased 
with the opening of the Civil War, after less than a half-year's exist- 
ence, and instruction had not been resumed. The college had enthusi- 
astic friends, among whom were many of the most advanced agricul- 
turists of the State. Its governing board was, however, composed of 
men with little experience as educators and unfitted to carry out the 
great schemes which they had at heart. The funds of the college had 
been largely consumed in the purchase of a beautiful site of six hu.n- 
dred and twenty-seven acres of land overlooking Seneca Lake. The 
funds subscribed by the farmers of the vicinity, under the lead of 
Principal Brown, had been wasted by unskillful management in the 
erection of a costly building left incomplete and unequipped for the 
purposes for which it was erected; and a mortgage of $40,000 upon 
the property was held by the State. Under these circumstances the 
trustees, under the presidency of Governor King, met in Rochester, 
September 20, 1864, to hear the report of the finance committee. The 
war still continued. The prospects for the future of the college were 
depressing; the outlook for the future was apparently hopeless; the 
college was in effect bankrupt. Mr. Cornell listened silently to the 
discussion of the various plans of relief which were proposed. He then 
rose and read the following proposition : 

I have listened patiently to this discussion, which has so fully developed the present 
helpless situation of the college, and shown so little encouragement in its future pros- 
perity, until I have come to the conclusion that the trustees would be justifiable in 
changing the location of the college, if it can be done with the approval of the citi- 
zens of Ovid, and an adequate endowment thereby secured for the college in some 
other proper locality. Therefore, 

I submit for your consideration, the following proposition. If you will locate the 
college at Ithaca, I will give you for that object a farm of three hundred acres of first 
cjuality of land, desirably located, overlooking" the village of Ithaca and Cayuga 
Lake, and withm ten minutes' walk of the Cornell Library, the churches, the railroad 
station and steamboat landing. I will also erect on the farm suitable buildings for 
the use of the college, and give' an additional sum of money to make up in the aggre- 
gate of three hundred thousand dollars, on condition that the Legislature will endow 
the college with at least thirty thousand dollars per annum from the Congressional 
Agricultural College Fund, and thus place the college upon a firm and substantial 
basis, which shall be a guarantee of its future prosperitj^ and usefulness, and give 
the farmers' sons of New York an institution worthy of the Empire State. 

This noble offer relieved the trustees from all embarrassment. An- 
other session was called to meet in Albanyj at which it was proposed 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 401 

to invite for consultation various friends of education who were not 
trustees. At this meeting, January 12, 1865, the sentiment among the 
inteHigent friends of education was strongly developed in favor of re- 
taining the national grant intact, and not to dissipate or divert it by 
distribution- among the various sinall colleges. 

The Hon. Victor Rice, superintendent of public instruction, in his 
report presented to the Legislature, January 1, 1863, announced the 
passage by Congress of the act donating land to private colleges for 
the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts. 

He then added that he was persuaded that true economy and prac- 
tical wisdom required that this fund should go to the endowment and 
support of one institution. "If an attempt shall be made to endow two 
or more colleges, the whole income may be comparatively useless. 
The division of it into two parts would be made the entering wedge for 
applications for another and another division, until the whole will be so 
divided among many, that not any one will be complete in its facilities 
for instruction. The State has at various times made grants of land 
and money to colleges and academies until the aggregate sum amounts 
to millions. In numerous instances the chief result of its bounty has 
been to enable many of these institutions to prolong a precarious exist- 
ence, too weak to be of real public utility." After speaking of the de- 
mand for a more learned class of intellectual leaders, who, furnished 
with the means and leisure necessary to the prosecution of philosophical 
investigation, may be induced to pursue science itself, irrespective of 
the immediate practical benefit, he said: " We need only direct our at- 
tention to the universities of Europe to show the advantages of the 
plan which there furnishes such numerous patterns of ripe scholarship 
and so many examples of successful research in enlarging the bound- 
aries of knowledge. What we need most emphatically, therefore, is the 
establishment of one institution adequately endowed, offering ample 
inducements to learned men to become its inmates, and supplied with 
every attainable facility for instruction in the highest departments of 
literary and philosophical learning, as well as in the various branches of 
knowledge pertaining to the industrial and professional pursuits. Its 
corps of teachers should be composed of men of vigorous mental en- 
dowments and the best culture, and in numbers sufficient to allow a 
complete division of labor. When thus appointed, the doors of the 
institution should be opened to all who are prepared to enter. It should 
be free, so that lads born in poverty and obscurity who may have 
51 



402 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

shown themselves to be meritorious in the primary schools shall not be 
excluded. . . . Let study and manual labor go hand in hand and 
then learning will dignify labor and labor will utilize learning." 

Governor John A. Andrews, of Massachusetts, in an eloquent ad- 
dress to the Legislature, in January, 1863, favored the same views. 

In looking back it becomes impossible to determine the considera- 
tions which guided the Legislature in bestowing the national grant 
upon the People's College. Senators and representatives who were 
later of national reputation, among them Chief -Justice Folger, after- 
wards secretary of the treasury, and the noble chancellor of the 
University of the vState of New York, Mr. Pruyn, supported this 
measure. On the other hand, the influential class interested in pro- 
moting agriculture and applied science, upon which the wealth of all 
other classes so largely depends, earnestly opposed this appropriation 
of the land grant fund. Remonstrances and memorials from the State 
Board of Agriculture and from numerous societies protested against 
this disposal of the fund, but in vain. Among the prominent sym- 
pathizers with the latter view was Mr. Cornell, who introduced a bill to 
divide the fund between the two institutions. Here a difficulty arose. 
The act of the Legislature bestowing the land grants upon the People's 
College allowed three years in which to fulfill the conditions imposed 
by the law,- — that is, a compliance with that law before May 14, 1866, 
was not required. The efforts to repeal the grant or to modify its 
provisions arose in the session of the Legislature of 1864, in which 
Mr. White first took his seat as senator. His views were opposed 
to those of Mr. Cornell. He insisted that the fund ought to be kept 
together at some one institution; that on no account should it be 
divided; that the endowment for higher education in the State of 
New York should be concentrated, which had already suffered suf- 
ficiently from scattering its resources. Mr. Cornell desired to have 
his bill referred to the Committee on Agriculture, of which he was 
chairman, and from which a report favorable to his own views might be 
expected. Mr. White desired its reference to the Committee on Litera- 
ture, of which he was chairman, and it was finally referred to a joint 
session of the two committees. Here he states: "On this double- 
headed committee I deliberately thwarted his purpose throughout the 
entire session, delaying action and preventing any report upon his bill, 
at the same time urging Mr. Cornell to adopt a view favorable to the 
concentration of the fund in one institution." 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 40B 

Danger of the failure of the national land grant was not at this time 
to be" feared, as the original act allowed five years within whi<^h anj- 
State could provide one college for instruction in agriculture, which 
New York had already done. 

At an adjourned meeting of the trustees of the State Agricultural 
College, held in Albany, January 12, 1865, Mr. Cornell offered to in- 
crease his gift tt) ^500,000, provided the Legislature would transfer the 
public lands donated by the general government to the institution that 
he proposed to found, which was to be organized and located in Ithaca. 
A committee was appointed to correspond with gentlemen connected 
with the management of the People's College, and with other persons 
prominent in the educational interests of this State, and to invite them 
to meet the gentlemen connected with the New York State Agricul- 
tural College to take into consideration and jointl)^ act on the proffer 
$500,000 for educational purposes b)^ the Hon. Ezra Cornell. Mr. 
Andrew D. White, Mr. William Kelly and Mr. B. P. Johnson were 
appointed a committee to arrange for a conference to be held at the 
State Agricultural Rooms in Albany, January 24. 1865. 

Mr. Cornell had been a meinber of the Assembly from 1862 to 1864; 
from 1864 to 1868 he was a member of the Senate, and it was at this 
time that he made his proposal to endow a new institution in Ithaca. 
At this time Mr. Cornell came into intimate personal relations with 
Mr. Andrew D. White, who entered the Legislature as senator from 
Onondaga county in 1864. Mr. White's earnest and aggressive nature, 
as well as his warm enthusiasm for education, made him active in all 
questions affecting the educational policy of the State. He was 
made chairman of the Senate Committee on Literature, and naturally 
occupied an influential position in the questions which arose in connec- 
tion with the foundation of the new university. Mr. Rice, whose views 
of the wisdom of preserving the land grant undivided were known, was 
still Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Mr. White vigorously 
espoused his views. Mr. Cornell adhered strenuously to his original 
proposal. His views were opposed, as has been stated, by Mr. White 
and by the Department of Education. In a letter written several 
years later to the Chancellor of the University of the State of Missouri, 
Mr. Cornell nobly admitted that the wiser view, in education, required 
the concentration of all funds bestowed by the national government in 
a single institution, and ascribed pre-eminently to Mr. White the credit 
of influencing him to adopt the same position. 



404 LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

In pursuance of the plan of securing the national grant for the proposed 
college, Mr. White introduced a resolution in the Senate, February 4, 
requesting the Board of Regents to communicate to it any informa- 
tion in their possession in regard to the People's College in Havana, 
and to state whether in their opinion said college is, within the time 
specified, likely to be in a condition to avail itself of the fund granted to 
this State by the act of Congress. A committee was appointed on Febru- 
ary 6 to visit the People's College and to determine whether its present 
condition, or the measures already undertaken, were likely to prove 
adecjuate to secure compliance with the act of the Legislature. The 
committee, after visiting Havana and exainining the authorities of the 
People's College, reported that the building was of substantial and 
excellent character and well calculated for the purposes for which it 
had been erected ; that it contained ample room for the accommodation 
of 150 students with the number of professors and teachers required by 
the act of I860, but that it was not sufficient for the accommodation of 
250 students and that up to the present time it had not complied with 
the conditions of the act. It appeared from the testimony that at 
that time no library had been purchased by the college, that it pos- 
sessed no philosophical or chemical apparatus, and that it was not yet 
provided with shops, tools, machinery or other arrangements for teach- 
ing the mechanic arts, or with farm buildings, implements or stock. 
The amount which had been expended upon the college was at that 
time $70,236; of this sum $56,095 had been contributed by Mr. Charles 
Cook and $14, 140 by others. It also appeared that the Hon. Charles 
Cook had paid out of his own fimds the sum of $31,700 (in addition to 
his subscription of $25,000) for the erection of the People's College, and 
had donated to it sixty-two acres of land. This sum of $31,700 had 
been expended in the erection of the college edifice, in return for which 
the trustees of the People's College agreed that, in consideration of the 
conveyance to the college of a fee simple of the college edifice and 
sixty-two acres of land, this grant should always be held inviolate for 
the purposes of the college, and that in case the trustees should fail to 
maintain the college, this property should revert to Mr. Cook or his 
heirs. In the mean time, action looking toward the establishment of 
Cornell University was carried on in the Legislature. On February 3, • 
Mr. White gave notice that at an early day he would ask leave to intro- 
duce a bill to establish the Cornell University and to appropriate to it 
the income from the sale of public lands, granted to this State by Con- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 405 

gress on the 2d of July, 1862. This bill was formally introduced on 
February 7 and referred to the Committees on Literature and Agri- 
culture. Mr. White, in his "Reminiscences of Ezra Cornell," thus de- 
scribes the origin of the charter: 

We held frequent conferences as to the leading features of the institution to be 
created ; in these I was more and more impressed by his sagacity and largeness of 
view, and when our sketch of the bill was fully developed, it was put into shape by 
Charles J. Folger, of Geneva, then chairman of the Judiciarj' Committee of the Sen- 
ate, afterwards Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. The provision forbidding any 
sectarian or partisan predominance in the Board of Trustees or Faculty was pro- 
posed by me, heartily acquiesced in by Mr. Cornell, and put into shape by Judge 
Folger. The State-scholarship feature and the system of alumni representation on 
the Board of Trustees were also accepted by Mr. Cornell at my suggestion. 

I refer to these things especially because they show one striking characteristic of 
the man, namely, his willingness to give the largest measure of confidence when he 
gave any confidence at all, and his readiness to be advised largely by others in 
matters which he felt to be outside his own province. 

On the other hand, the whole provision for the endowment, the part relating to 
the land-grant, and, above all, the supplementary bill allowing him to make a con- 
tract with the State for "locating" the lands, were thought out entirely by himself; 
and in all these matters he showed, not only a public spirit far beyond that displayed 
by any other benefactor of education in his time, but a foresight which seemed to me 
then, and seems to me now, almost miraculous. 

But, while he thus left the general educational features to me, he uttered, during 
one of our conversations, words which showed that he comprehended the true theory 
of a university: these words are now engraved upon the Cornell University seal: "I 
would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any studA ." 

Mr. White, on behalf of these committees, reported^ favorably on 
February 25 an amended act to establish Cornell University. After 
being considered in the Committee of the Whole, the bill received a 
second reference to the committees on the Judiciary and Literature. This 
bill was favorabl}^ reported with amendments, March 15, and passed. 
The reopening of the question of the disposal of the public lands 
brought representatives of various colleges to Albany to urge the claims 
of their institutions. Various efforts were made to divide the fund by 
providing for the establishment of professors of agriculture in several 
institutions. In one case the effort to secure a portion of the appropri- 
ation was so strong that in order to defeat the lobby which was working 
in its behalf, Mr. Cornell consented to incorporate a provision by which 
he bound himself to pay to the Genesee College, in Lima, ^25,000 for 
the support of a professorship, which should have in view the instruc- 
tion in agriculture required by the act of Congress. This, however. 



406 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

removed only one competitor from the field. The interests which had 
been represented by the State Agricultural College had been harmon- 
ized, but the friends of the People's College, under the powerful 
leadership of Mr. Cook, were alert and vigorous. Mr. White gives the 
following graphic account of the legislative struggle for a charter in 
the Assembly: 

The coalition of forces against the Cornell University bill soon became very for- 
midable, and the Committee on Education in the Assembly, to which the bill had 
been referred, seemed more and more controlled by it. To meet this difficulty, 
we resorted to means intended to enlighten the great body of the Senators and 
Assemblymen as to the purposes of the bill. To this end Mr. Cornell invited 
the members, sometimes to his rooms at Congress Hall, sometimes to mine at the 
Delavan House ; there he laid before them his general proposal and the financial 
side of the plan, while I dwelt upon the need of a university in the true sense of the 
^York, — upon the opportunity offered by this great fund, — upon the necessity of 
keeping it together, — upon the need of large means to carry out any scheme of 
technical and general education, such as was contemplated by the Congressional Act 
of 1862, — showed the proofs that the People's College would and could do nothing to 
meet this want, — that division of the fund among the existing colleges was simply 
the annihilation of it, — and, in general, did my best to enlighten the reason and 
arouse the patriotism of the members on the subject of a worthy universitj- in our 
State. In this waj^ we made several strong friends in both Houses. 

While we were thus laboring with the Legislature as a whole, serious work had to 
be doi^e with the Assembly committee, and Mr. Cornell employed a very eminent 
lawyer to present his case, while Mr. Cook employed one no less noted to take the 
opposite side. The session of the committee was held in the Assembly chamber, 
and there was a large attendance of spectators; but, unfortunately, the lawyer em- 
ployed by Mr. Cornell having taken little pains with the case, his speech was cold, 
labored, perfunctory, and fell fiat. The speech on the other side was much more 
effective ; it was thin and demagogical in the extreme, but the speaker knew well 
the best tricks for catching the "average man;" he indulged in eloquent tirades 
against the Cornell bill as a " monopoly," denounced Mr. Cornell roundly as " seek- 
ing to erect a monument to himself;" hinted that he was "planning to rob the 
State," and, before he had finished, had pictured Mr. Cornell as a swindler, and the 
rest of us as dupes or knaves. 

I can never forget the quiet dignity with which Mr. Cornell sat and took this 
abuse. Mrs. Cornell sat at his right, I at his left. In one of the worst tirades against 
him, he turned to me and said quietly, and without the slightest anger or excitement, 
" If I could think of any other way in which half a million of dollars would do as 
much good to the State, I would give the Legislature no more trouble." Shortly 
afterward, when the invective was again especially bitter, he turned to me and said, 
" I am not sure -but that it would be a good thing for me to give the half a million to 
old Harvard College in Massachusetts, to educate the descendants of the men who 
hanged my forefathers." 

There was more than his usual quaint humor in this, — there was that deep rever- 
ence which he always bore toward his Quaker ancestry, and which seemed to have 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 407 

become part of him. I admired Mr. Cornell on many occasions, but never more than 
during that hour when he sat, without the slightest anger, mildly taking the abuse 
of that prostituted pettifogger, the indifference of the committee, and the laughter of 
the audience. It was a scene for a painter, and I trust that some day it will be fitly 
pepetuated for the university. 

This struggle over, the committee could not be induced to report the bill ; it was 
easy, after such a speech, for its members to pose as protectors of the State against a 
swindler and a monopoly. The chairman made pretext after pretext without report- 
ing, until it became evident that we must have a struggle m the Assembly, and drag 
the bill out of the committee in spite of him. To do this required a two-thirds vote ; 
all our friends were set at .work, and some pains taken to scare the corporations 
which had allied themselves with the enemy, in regard to the fate of their own bills, 
by making them understand that unless they stopped their interested opposition to 
the university bill in the House, a feeling would be created in the Senate very unfor- 
tunate for them. In this way their clutch upon sundry members of the Assembly 
was somewhat relaxed, and these were allowed to vote according to their con- 
sciences. 

The Cornell bill was advocated most earnestly in the House by Hon. Henry B. 
Lord, afterwards for many years a valued trustee of the university, who marshaled 
the university forces, moved that the bill be taken from the committee and referred 
to the Committee of the Whole. Now came a struggle. Most of the best men in the 
Assembly stood nobl}' by us; but the waverers — men who feared local pressure or 
sectarian hostility — attempted, if not to oppose the Cornell bill, at least to evade a 
vote upon it. In order to give them a little tone and strength, Mr. Cornell went 
with me to various leading editors in the city of New York, and we explained the 
whole matter to them, securing editorial articles favorable to the university; promi- 
nent among these gentlemen were Horace Greeley of the Tribune, Erastus Brooks 
of the Express, and Manton Marble of the World. This undoubtedl)- did much for 
us, yet when the vote was taken, the old loss of courage was again shown; but sev- 
eral friends of the bill stood in the cloak-room, fairly shamed the waverers back into 
their places, and, as a result, to the surprise and disgust of the chairman of the 
Assembly committee, the bill was taken out of his control and referred to the Com- 
mittee of the Whole, where another long struggle now ensued, but the bill was 
finally passed, and received the approval of the Senate in the form in which it 
came from the House, and the signature of Governor Fenton. 

Through the influence of Mr. Cook, a provision, which we must re- 
gard as just in its nature, in view of the previous grant of land to the 
People's College, was inserted. It was further provided, in case the 
People's College could show within three months from the date of the 
passage of the charter of Cornell University, that it had upon deposit a 
sum of money, which, in addition to the amount already expended, 
should in the opinion of the Regents of the University of New York 
enable it to comply fully with the conditions of the act of the Legis- 
lature, the provisional grant to it should take effect. Within the three 
months which were allowed, the trustees were required to show to the 



408 LAND.AIARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

satisfaction (,)f the Rc<^ents that they possessed adequate college 
grounds, farm, work-shops, fixtures, machinery, apparatus, cabinets 
and library, nc^t encumljered. In case the trustees of the People's Col- 
lege failed to comply with these conditions, which were t(j be deter- 
mined by the Regents, the act conferring the land upon Cornell Uni- 
versity was to be of full effect. In accordance with this provision 
it was required that the trustees of the People's College .should pur- 
chase within the specified time one hundred and twenty additional 
acres of land, and have funds sufficient for the erection of a new build- 
ing to provide accommodations for two hundred and fifty students, 
also for the purchase of collections, apparatus and library, the erection 
of shops, tools, machinery, etc., a sum of money equal to $242,000, 
and to meet these purchases, it was provided that the trustees must 
deposit $185,000 in one of the State deposit banks at Albany, within 
the time specified. The estimates upon which this sum was based, 
were made by scholars able to judge of the cost of such collections and 
apparatus. As it appeared at the expiration of the period designated 
that the trustees of the People's College had failed to comply with the 
law, the entire grant lapsed to Cornell University, according to the 
conditions imposed by the Regents, which required the People's Col- 
lege to raise only one-half of the sum which Mr. Cornell had so gener- 
ously ofi^ered. Mr. Cook had promised to endow the People's College. 
He had failed to do this, and after a serious illness, his interest, so far 
as fulfilling the terms of his offer, ceased. The original friends of the 
college, who had labored so hopefully amid so manj^ discouragements, 
gradually abandoned all expectations of its final success and withdrew 
either from connection with it or from any active support. Among 
those who remained faithful to the original idea of the People's College 
to the last were Horace Greeley, Governor Morgan and Erastus 
Brooks. It was seen by many of its friends that the dominating in- 
fluence of the largest benefactor was already controlling disadvantage- 
ously the execution of the original plan, and so modifying it that its 
friends no longer felt an interest in the institution. It died before its 
birth, and only a feeble preparatory department came into existence. 
Later the college building and grounds passed into the possession of 
Mr. Cook and formed the foundation of the present Cook Academy. 

The Legislature of New York, by a simple act passed at its session of 
18G3, accepted the national Land Grant, thus binding itself and the State 
of New York to comply with all the conditions and provisions of that 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 409 

act. On May 5, 1863, the Legislature passed a law by which the comp- 
troller, with the advice of the attorney-general, the treasurer and the 
chancellor of the university, was authorized to receive the land scrip 
issued under the authority of the Land Grant A.ct and to sell the same 
and invest the proceeds in any safe stocks yielding not less than five per 
cent, upon the par value. The money so received was to be invested 
by the comptroller in stocks of the United States or of this State, or in 
an)^ other safe stocks jdelding not less per annum than the rate above 
mentioned, which amount was to remain a perpetual fund, a capital 
to be forever undiminished, except as provided for in the act of Con- 
gress. He was authorized to pay from the State treasury all expenses 
for the selection, management, supermtendence and taxes upon the 
lands, previous to their sale, and all expenses incurred in the management 
and disbursement of the money received therefrom, and of all inciden- 
tal matters connected with or arising out of the care, management and 
sale of the lands, so that the entire proceeds should be applied without 
any diminution whatever to the purposes mentioned in the the act of 
Congress. The act providing for the administration of the Land Grant 
fund was followed on May 14, 1863, by a law transferring the income of 
this fund under certain conditions to the trustees of the People's Col- 
lege. Upon the failure of the trustees of this college to fulfill the re- 
quirements of the grant, a charter was given to the trustees of Cornell 
University. As regards the name of the university, the Hon. Andrew 
D. White has said: " While Mr. Cornell urged Ithaca as the site of the 
proposed institution, he never showed any wish to give his own name 
to it; the suggestion to that effect was mine. He, at first, doubted the 
policy of it, but, on my insisting that it was in accordance with time- 
honored American usage, as shown by the names of Harvard, Yale, 
Bowdoin, Brown, Williams, and the like, he yielded." 

The first meeting of the trustees of Cornell University was held in 
the office of the secretary of the State Agricultural Society, in the 
State Geological Hall, in the city of Albany, on the 28th day of April, 
1865. Of the charter members there were present Ezra Cornell, Will- 
iam Kelly, Horace Greeley, Josiah B. Williams, George W. Schuyler, 
William Andrus, J. Meredith Read; and of the trustees, ex officio^ Gov- 
ernor Reuben E. Fenton, Victor M. Rice, Superintendendent of Public 
Instruction, and Francis M. Finch, librarian of the Cornell Library. 
In accordance wdth the charter, seven additional trustees were elected, 
viz. : Andrew D, White, Abram B. Weaver, Charles J. Folger, George 
53 



410 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

H, Andrews, Edwin B. Morgan and Edwin D. Morgan. Of the original 
charter members, Messrs. William Kelly and J. B. Williams had been 
trustees of the Agricultural College, and Messrs. Horace Greeley and 
Erastus Brooks, of the People's College. Mr. White had by his in- 
fluence prevented the division of the Land Grant fund and been one of 
Mr. Cornell's most trusted advisers and supporters in procuring the 
charter of Cornell University. Mr. Erastus Brooks had been active in 
securing the charter of the Agricultural College, and had promoted the 
interests of the university by public advocacy in the New York Ex- 
press, of which he was editor. Mr. George H. Andrews was selected 
from the Senate on account of his friendliness to the charter. Mr. 
Read had actively supported the charter outside of the Legislature. 
Mr. Charles J. Folger, afterwards secretary of the treasury, had like- 
wise used his able influence in behalf of securing the land grant to the 
university. Mr. Edwin D. Morgan, United States Senator from New 
York, had been active in Congress in promoting the passage of the 
Land Grant Act. Colonel Edwin B. Morgan, of Aurora, had been a 
member of Congress. Mr. Abram B. Weaver was for many years 
Superintendent of Public Instruction, and had exerted an honorable 
influence in behalf of popular education. At this meeting the condi- 
tions, privileges and powers of the act establishing the Cornell Univer- 
sity, also the terms of the act bestowing the land scrip, were accepted. 

The second meeting of the Board of Trustees was held on the 5th of 
September, 1865, and Mr. Cornell was elected president of the board, 
the Hon. Francis M. Finch secretary, the Hon. George W. Schuyler 
treasurer. A building committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. 
White, Cornell, Kelly, Weaver and Finch ; and an executive committee 
consisting of Messrs. Andrus, Williams, Schuyler, A. B. Cornell, E. B. 
Morgan, Parker, E. Cornell, Alvord and Greeley; and a finance com- 
mittee consisting of Messrs. E. D. Morgan, Williams, Kelly, McGraw 
and A. B. Cornell. 

The third meeting of the Board of Trustees was held in the Agricult- 
ural Rooms in Albany, March 14, 1866. A report was presented de- 
scribing the satisfactory condition of the affairs of the university, and 
making suggestions as to its future monetary policy. A report of the 
building committee was presented. Five hundred thousand dollars 
were put at the disposal of the building committee, and it was voted to 
commence at the earliest day consistent with the interests of the uni- 
versity the necessary building or buildings. The building committee 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 411 

and the executive committee were authorized jointly to procure by pur- 
chase or otherwise any building or buildings and land near the proposed 
location of Cornell University suitable for the purposes and uses of said 
universit}^ It is evident that the site of the university had been selected 
at this time, but no vote appears in an}^ records of proceedings, by 
which the present location was formally adopted. The late Judge 
Boardman stated that, in company with Mr. Cornell and eleven other 
gentlemen, he went over ' the land upon East Hill which might be re- 
garded as adapted to the proposed university. The opinion of these 
gentlemen was, with a single exception, unanimous in favor of locating 
the university buildings upon the plateau west of the present site. This 
location would have afforded ampler space for the erection of build- 
ings, and avoided a large expense in grading. It would have afforded 
beautiful views and brought the university in those early days into 
more immediate connection with the village, and thus the great need 
of suitable accommodations for the students in the vicinity of the univer- 
sity would have been more satisfactorily met. At the entrance of the 
the present university grounds stood the vast and impracticable struc- 
ture known as the " Cascadilla, " the source of whose mysterious archi- 
tecture history has kindly veiled in obscurity. This building had been 
erected by subscriptions of the citizens of Ithaca, aided by a State grant, 
for the purpose of a water cure establishment. At this time the interior 
was incomplete. Mr. Cornell was the largest stockholder in the Cascadilla 
Company. By finishing this edifice, it would be available for- a large 
number of the faculty who would arrive unprovided with residences, 
and for a considerable number of students. There were also several 
farm buildings at the north end of the present tiniversity campus, which 
might be used in connection with the proposed model farm. These 
considerations seem to have been decisive in deterinining the choice of 
the present site of the universit}^ 

At the fourth meeting of the trustees, held in the Cornell Library in 
Ithaca, October 21, 186(3, Mr. Cornell was authorized to sell, at his dis- 
cretion, 100,000 acres of land lately located by him in the interest of 
the university, at a price not less than five dollars per acre, and an 
able and elaborate report of the committee on organization was then 
read by its chairman, the Hon. Andrew D. White. In order to secure 
the expression of an impartial judgment in the choice of professors, 
and to avoid the risk of the introduction of a personal or prejudiced 
feeling in their election, it was voted that all officers of the university 



4l2 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

should be elected by ballot. A committee to select and report 
upon the names of suitable professors for the university, subject to the 
approval of the board, was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Brooks, 
White, and John Stanton Gould, whose name appears for the first time 
in connection with the proceedings of the board during this year as 
president of the State Agricultural Society and cx-officio trustee. Mr. 
Andrew D. White was unanimously elected president of the universit3\ 
Mr. White gives the following account of his election to the presidency: 

Mr. Cornell had asked me. from time to time, whether I could .suggest an^^ person 
for the presidency of the university. I mentioned various persons, and presented 
the arguments in their favor. One day he said to me quietly that he also had a 
candidate; I asked him who it was, and he said that he preferred to keep the matter 
to himself until the next meeting of the trustees. Nothing more passed between us 
on that subject; I had no inkling of his purpose, but thought it most likely that his 
candidate was a Western gentleman whose claims had been strongly pressed upon 
him. When the trustees came together, and the subject was brought up, I presented 
the merits of various gentlemen, especially of one already at the head of an impor- 
tant college^ in the State, who, I thought, would give us success. Upon this, Mr, 
Cornell rose, and, in a very simple but earnest speech, presented my name. It was 
entirely unexpected by me, and I endeavored to show the trustees that it was im- 
possible for me to take the place in view of other duties, — that it needed a man of 
more robust health, of greater age, and of wider reputation in the State. But Mr. 
Cornell quietly persisted, our colleagues declared themselves unanimously of his 
opinion, and, with many misgivings, I gave a provisional acceptance. 

The newspaper reports of this meeting state that provisions were 
made for the equipment of the university, so as to enable it to begin 
operations in the following summer of 1867, and for the erection of 
professors' residences. 

The fifth meeting of the board' was held in the Agricultural Rooms in 
Albany, February 13, 1867. At this meeting the first prof essors "were 
nominated. The committee on the selection of the faculty reported, 
nominating Professor E. W. Evans, A.M., to the chair of mathematics; 
Professor William C. Russell, A.M., to the chair of modern languages 
and as adjunct-professor of histor}^ The professorship of mathematics 
was to include civil engineering, and the professorship of modern 
languages associate instruction in history. 

At the following meeting of the board, held in Albany, September 
26, 1867, four additional professors were elected, viz. : Burt G. Wilder, 
M.D., as professor of natural history; Eli W. Blake, professor of 
physics; G. C. Caldwell, Ph.D., as professor of agricultural chemistr}"; 
and James M. Crafts, B.S., as professor of general chemistry. The 
salar)' of professors was fixed at twenty-five hundred dollars. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 413 

At the seventh meeting of the board, held also in Albany, February 
13, 1868, the following additional professors were elected: Joseph Har- 
ris, professor of agriculture; Major J. W. Whittlesey, professor of mili- 
tary science; L. H. Mitchell, professor of mining and metallurgy ; D. 
W. Fiske, professor of North European languages; and the following 
non-resident professors : Louis Agassiz, professor of natural history ; 
Governor Fred Holbrooke, of agriculture; James Hall, of general geol- 
ogy; James Russell Lowell, of English literature ; George William Cur- 
tiss, of recent literature; and Theodore W. Dwight, of constitutional 
law. The term of office of non-resident professors, when not otherwise 
specified, was fixed at two years. A committee on a university print- 
ing house was appointed. 

At the eighth meeting of the trustees, held at the opening of the 
universit)-, October G, 1808, the remaining vacancies in the faculty 
were filled by the election of Charles Fred. Hartt as professor of 
geology; Albert S. Wheeler as professor of ancient languages; Albert 
N. Prentiss as professor of botany; Homer B. Sprague as professor of 
rhetoric ; and John L. Morris as professor of mechanical engineering 
and director of the shops. 



V. 

THE MANAGEMENT OF THE LAND GRANT.— 
MR. CORNELL'S SERVICES. 

Mr. Cornell's noble offer to the trustees of the State Agricultural 
College relieved them from the impending bankruptcy which hung over 
that institution, when they met in Rochester. The proposition received 
the hearty and grateful approval of the board. A committee of five 
was appointed to confer with the citizens of Ovid and obtain from them, 
if practicable, an approval of the transfer of the college property to 
Ithaca and their co-operation in procuring the necessary legislation to 
render Mr. Cornell's offer effective, and to sell the present college farm 
and building to the State for a soldiers' home or for some other object 
of public benevolence. 

At the meeting in Albany, to which a large number of the friends of 
education were invited, the sentiment of all present was opposed to any 



414 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

division of the land grant, and they decided to petition the Legislature 
to make a gift of the whole 990,000 acres of land to one institution, 
rather than to divide it among the separate colleges of the State. 

In a letter to the Chancellor of the University of Missouri, to which 
reference has already been made, Mr. Cornell described the change in 
his views of this question: 

When the friends of the People's College at Havana and those of tlie State Agri-. 
cultural College at Ovid were each striving to secure a grant of the New York 
" College Land Scrip " for their respective colleges, I advised a compromise of the 
question by a division of the fund between them, by which means I supposed each col- 
lege would secure an endowment of a half million of dollars, a sum that I regarded 
at the time as ample for all purposes connected with a fully equipped college. My 
views, however, were wisely combatted by other friends of education (among whom 
President White was conspicuous), and the policy of concentration of resources was 
adopted by the Legislature, and the proceeds of the 990,000 acres allotted to 
New York were bestowed upon a single institution, conditioned upon the bestowal of 
half a million of dollars from other sources upon the same institution ; and with such 
resources, more is required to enable the trustees to place the faculty of the institu- 
tion in the possession of such facilities as the best interests of the students demand. 

The experience of the past five years has proved the error of my views then, and 
nobly vindicated the wisdom of those who said, "Let us concentrate our resources 
and unite our efforts, and build up a university that shall be worthy of the name 
University, and worthy of the noble gift that Congress has bestowed upon the 
State in the aid of practical education." 

I now say to you, my noble friend, as my friends then said to me, concentrate, 
concentrate; bring together all the resources the State can spare for a higher educa- 
tion, administer them wisely so as to produce the best results, and then what you 
lack, call on your rich men to give you, and go forward and build up such a Univer- 
sity as the growing wants of your great State demand. 

After the charter of Cornell University had been formally granted, 
the difficulty of realizing any sum commensurate with the magnificent 
amount of land received from the State, faced the trustees. It was 
then that the sagacity of Mr. Cornell and his great devotion to the 
cause which he had espoused were fully manifested. He surrendered 
himself and all his powers during the nine years 'of his life which re- 
remained, to the one grand thought of realizing the highest possible 
proceeds from the sale of this land. During the year 1865, most of 
the Northern States received their land scrip, which was practically 
a certificate authorizing the selection of the amount of land specified 
in the scrip from any of the public lands of the United States not 
mineral, and not otherwise disposed of. The act of Congress pro- 
vided that in no case should any State to which land scrip was issued 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. .415 

be allowed to locate the same within the limits of any other State or of 
any territory of the United States, but that their assignees might thus 
locate said land scrip upon an}' of the unappropriated government 
lands which were subject to sale by private entry. Most of the States, 
in order to realize immediately the value of the national grant, sold the 
land scrip issued to them in great blocks to speculators. In conse- 
quence of this, the public lands, whose nominal value was $1.25, could 
be obtained for the price at which the scrip w"as sold. The amount 
realized from this sale was in some cases as low as forty-one cents per 
acre, and the entire amount of the national land grant to all the States, 
amounting to 9,597,840 acres, realized only $15,860,371.39, an averag-e 
of $1.65 per acre ; of all the States, only California, Wisconsin, Ten- 
nessee, Kansas, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan and New York 
realized over $1.25 per acre. Had the vast grant bestowed upon the 
State of New York been thrown upon the market at once, embracing 
as it did one-tenth of the entire land grant, the sacrifice on the part of 
the various States, to which this legacy had been entrusted by the 
national government for educational purposes, would have been far 
greater. Mr. Cornell made a careful estimate of the amount of land 
acquired each year by actual settlers from the national government. 
He saw that if the States could retain their lands for the present until 
the demand for desirable government land had been exhausted, the 
price of the land must inevitably increase in value. With this object 
in view he prepared a circular letter, which he addressed to the various 
institutions which had received the grant, and in certain cases to State 
authorities, urging them to withhold their scrip from the market. 

In his report of 1864 the comptroller stated that he had received 
the land scrip of the State of New York, consisting of 6,187 pieces 
of 160 acres each, amounting to 999,000 acres of land. In 1865 he re- 
ported that, after consultation with the officers designated in the act of 
the Legislature, directing a sale of the scrip, the price was fixed at 
eighty-five cents per acre, and the scrip advertised for sale. In the 
course of a few months sales were made to the extent of 175 pieces, 
equal to 76,000 acres, at the rate of eighty -five cents per acre, except 
upon the first parcel of fifty pieces sold. A rebate of two cents per 
acre was allowed in consideration of certain advantages offered in the 
matter of advertising in the Northwestern States. The total amount 
received on all the sales was $61,440. He reported that the sales of the 
scrip had recently almost entirely ceased, in consequence of other 



416 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

States reducing- the price to a much lower rate than that at which it was 
held by this vState. Therefore it became an important question whether 
the price should also be reduced here and a sacrifice made to induce 
sales, or the land be held as the best security for the fund until the sales 
could be made at fair rates. The comptroller himself favored the latter 
course. Mr. Cornell said: "After the passage of the act chartering 
Cornell University, finding 5,712 pieces of scrip in the possession of the 
comptroller, representing 913,920 acres of land, I turned my attention to 
the question of converting this scrip into the largest sum of money prac- 
ticable in a reasonable time. My investigation of the subject led to the 
conviction that the best policy was for me to purchase the scrip of the 
State, and locate the land and sell the same as opportunity offered, for 
the interest of the imiversity. " In 1866 the comptroller reported upon 
the college land scrip: " No sales were made during the year ending 
September 30, 1865. Since that date, with the concurrence of all the 
officers named in the act providing for the sale, except the chancellor 
of the university, who is absent from the country, a sale of 100,000 
acres has been made to the Hon. Ezra Cornell for $50,000, for which 
sum he gave his bond properly secured, upon the condition that all the 
profits which should accrue from the sales of the land should be paid to 
Cornell University, which he had so munificently endowed." His con- 
tract for this purchase was dated November 24, 1865. Of the 625 
pieces of scrip thus purchased, twenty-five pieces were located in Kan- 
sas, fifty pieces in Minnesota, and the balance in Wisconsin, all, or 
nearly all, on good farming lands. 

On April 10, 1866, the Legislature passed an act to authorize and 
facilitate the early disposition by the comptroller of the land scrip do- 
nated to this State by the United States. Mr. Cornell thereupon opened 
negotiations with commissioners of the Land Office for the purchase of 
the balance of the scrip remaining in the possession of the comptroller, 
amounting to 5,087 pieces in July, 1866, which resulted in an agreement 
dated the 4th of August, 1866. 

In order that the gift to New York should not be wasted, Mr. Cor- 
nell made a contract with the people of the State of New York through 
their commissioners of the Land Office, which was sanctioned b}^ the 
Legislature, by which he agreed to purchase all of the agricultural land 
scrip then in the possession of the State of New York, consisting of 
5,087 certificates, each representing 160 acres, for which he promised 
to pay thirty cents per acre, and to deposit stocks or bonds for an 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 417 

amount equal to an additional thirty cents per acre, the estimated 
market value of the land scrip at that time. Mr. Cornell also entered 
into obligation at the same time and by the same instrument, with 
ample security, to locate the lands with the scrip thus purchased, 
in his own name, and to pay the taxes and all expenses of such 
location, and to sell the land in twenty years and to pay all the net 
proceeds over and above the expenses and the sixty cents an acre above 
referred to, into the treasury of the State of New York. The amount 
originally received for the land scrip was to constitute the College 
Land Scrip Fund, and the amount realized from the sale of lands, over 
and above sixty cents per acre and the expenses, was to constitute a 
separate fund to be called the Cornell Endowment Fund, the income of 
which should be devoted forever to Cornell University. Mr. Cornell ' 
offered to purchase at once 100,000 acres of land at the highest market 
price at that time, and to give bonds for the faithful execution of his 
trust and for the payment to the university of every dollar which, in 
the future, he might be able to obtain from the sale of the land. 

Mr. Cornell sought to induce other wealthy men to purchase 100,000 
acres of land at five dollars per acre for this benevolent purpose, and 
to wait for a return of their money until at some time in the future, 
when the lands would bring more than five dollars. This would have 
been a generous advance, with the land as security, and would have 
secured an immediate fund of half a million dollars for the university. 
He also organized and had incorporated the New York Lumber, Man- 
ufacturing and Improvement Company, the purpose of which was to 
purchase the most valuable unoccupied water power in the west, and 
a town site of a thousand acres, with a view to manufacture lumber, 
the sole object of which should be to enrich his beloved university. 
The proposed town was to be located at Brunett's Falls, the great water 
power of the Chippewa River in Wisconsin. 

When this arrangement was reached, by which Mr. Cornell assumed 
the vast task of locating the lands, the proceeds of which would consti- 
tute the future capital of the university, he felt a sense of relief that he 
was permitted by the State to carry out the views which commended 
themselves to his judgment, and which he fondly believed would secure 
forever the prosperity of the university that he loved. On the evening 
of that day he wrote: "I now feel for the first time that the destiny of 
the university is fixed, and that its ultimate endowment will be ample 
for the vast field of labor it embraces, and, if properly organized, for the 

53 



418 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

development of truth, industry and frugality. It will become a power 
in the land, which will C(jntrol and mould the future of this great State, 
and carry it onward and upward in its industrial development and sup- 
port of civil and religious liberty, and its guarantee of equal rights and 
equal laws to all men." The man who saw in the realization of his 
hopes no personal gain or glory, but only a contribution to truth and 
knowledge, and the support of civil and religious liberty and equal 
rights, had certainly a noble and prophetic vision of the highest ideals 
which society can reach. In a letter of tender reminiscence written a 
few years later, in which, serene in the consciousness of the future, he 
surveyed the struggles through which he had attained success, he 
said: "The trials and privations are past, and yet they are pleasant 
and profitable to look upon. Honors cheaply won are lightly estimated. 
Our honors were the price of long years of toil, patient persistence, 
scanty means, long absence from home and each other's society, anx- 
ious cares and'perplexities, such as swamp many stout hearts and send 
them wrecked down the stream of time to the ocean of oblivion. Hap- 
pily we have reached a nobler goal. " 

At this time, his highest estimate of the proceeds of the national land 
grant was less than three million of dollars, even assuming a large suc- 
cess in carrying out his plans. He proceeded with the location of the 
land, 4,000 acres of which were located in Kansas, 8,000 acres in Minne- 
sota, and the balance, about 513,920 acres, in Wisconsin. Of the amount 
located in Wisconsin, about 400,000 acres were selected as fine 'timber 
lands. The labor incurred in this vast undertaking for the good of 
the university which he had at heart, cannot be overestimated. It was 
necessary for him to spend a whole summer in the wilderness ; to em- 
ploy skillful and experienced assistants; to encounter great exposure 
and fatigue; and to spend large portions of his private fortune in sur- 
veying, locating and paying taxes upon these lands during a long 
series of years. The work was done as systematically as though the 
resultant gain were to be his own private possession. 

Mr. Corneirs faith would have led him to proceed further in the 
location of lands, and in enlarging his personal responsibility, for the 
cost of retaining them imtil they could be profitably disposed of. The 
trustees of the university, however, realized that Mr. Cornell's fortune, 
large as it was, would be inadequate to meet the demands of the task 
which he had undertaken. The act of Congress permitted the location 
of only one million acres of government land in any one State. The 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 419 

entries of land based upon the college scrip had been filled in three 
g-reat States, which afforded the promise of most immediate returns, 
viz. , in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. The balance of the scrip 
could not, therefore, be located in these States and it would benecessar}^ 
to select lands further west or in the southwest. Such a division of the 
university domain would render its efficient management difficult, and 
make it impossible to concentrate attention upon the administration of 
the lands which had already been located. College land scrip had been 
selling in the two preceding years for less than sixty cents per acre. 
In view of these facts, the trustees united in a request to the State 
Commissioners of the Land Office to authorize Mr. Cornell to sell the 
balance of the college scrip at not less than seventy-five cents per acre, 
or to locate it as he might deem best. This petition was signed De- 
cember 1, 18(37, and Mr. Cornell's agreement with the State was modi- 
fied in accordance therewith on the 18th of the same month. Mr. 
Cornell succeeded in inducing one of the largest dealers in college 
land scrip to co-operate with him in withholding the scrip from the 
market, and to dispose of it to customers only so fast as it should be 
needed for location. In this manner Mr. Cornell was enabled to dis- 
pose advantageously of 625 pieces of; scrip, representing 100,000 acres 
of land at ninety cents per acre, and 1,125 pieces or 180,000 acres of 
land at one dollar per acre, on April 13, 1868. On December 15, 1869, 
the remaining 637 pieces, representing 101,920 acres of land, were 
sold at eighty-six cents per acre. ^ Mr. Cornell was thus enabled to dis- 
pose of all the remaining land scrip for ^357,651, realizing about ninety- 
four cents per acre. For all his services in effecting these sales, he re- 
ceived no compensation, and was content to see these profits placed 
to the credit of the university. Minor sales were made at the earnest 
entreaty of all the trustees of the university, Mr. Cornell remaining 
inflexible in his opinion that the retention of the land would add still 
further to its value. But the trustees, realizing that the cost of main- 
taining the university, even upon the limited scale on which it was in- 
augurated, exceeded its income, expressed the belief that a moderate 
addition to the resources of the university at that time would be of 
greater utility than a much larger addition at a later period ; that it 
would enable the institution to grow in departments where immediate 
growth was extremely desirable; and that there would remain after 

1 Senate documents of the State of New York No. 103, January, 1874. 



420 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

stich sale, if reasonable expectations were fulfilled, an ample endow- 
ment from the profits of the land unsold, for all the future needs and 
requirements of the university. In this request the high officers of the 
State, who were ex-ojjicio trustees, including the governor and comptrol- 
ler, joined. About this time an article appeared in a leading paper in a 
city in the central part of the State, charging Mr. Cornell with a vast 
land speculation, in securing control of the university lands. His 
acquisition of the lands was said to be made with the prospect of ac- 
quiring from their sale from twenty-five to thirty millions of dollars. 
Mr. Cornell's statement was quoted, that the university will probably 
receive two millions of dollars from these lands, and the question asked 
what becomes of the twenty-three millions and over of the balance, 
which will be realized. An unwarranted item in a local newspaper, 
stating that the value of these lands was sixty dollars per acre, was the 
basis of this extraordinary estimate of profits to Mr. Cornell. Mr. 
Cornell's purpose in incorporating a company, the object of which was 
to administer these lands, with special facilities for manufacturing 
lumber, was stated to be to dispose of them to the company for a 
limited sum, and secure for his family the profits, amounting to twenty- 
three millions of dollars. Mr. Cornell's gift of half a million of dollars 
to endow the university was in effect fraudulent, as he had never paid 
the sum, but only deposited stock of the Western Union Telegraph 
Company to guarantee such payment. This effort to secure, by a per- 
manent article in the Constitution of the State, a provision which 
would render sacred these funds which the State had received from the 
national government, and which it had solemnly pledged itself to main- 
tain at their par value, making up all losses which might arise in its 
administration, was stated to be one of the most stupendous jobs ever 
originated against the rights of the agricultural and mechanical popu- 
lation of the State. Mr. Cornell, in a dignified letter, reviewed the 
charge and vindicated the nobility and purity of his motives, as well as 
his generosity. He showed that every negotiation for the sale of the 
land had been undertaken in the interests of the university, and that 
the sale had yielded for the university far more than it otherwise 
would have done ; that these sales had been authorized by the Land 
Office of the State, and all returns had been paid over to the State, in 
many cases without passing through his hands ; that all the land scrip 
had been sold or accounted for; and that, instead of making a charge 
against the State for locating the lands payable out of this fund. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 421 

he had incurred an expense of more than $200,000, in selecting 
ing- lands, fees for entering the same, taxes, interest, and the various 
expenses that were involved in such undertaking, and that the State 
was in no wise responsible for what he had expended. If repay- 
ment were ever made to him, it would come from the increased 
profits upon the sale of the land, but the actual ixLarket value of the 
land when donated to Cornell University was secured to the State by 
his bond. " Feeling a deep interest in the question of practical educa- 
tion in agriculture and the inechanic arts, for which this fund was voted 
by Congress, 1 volunteered to undertake to create a fund three or four 
times as large as that which the State could produce for the same object 
that Congress intended, and at my own request and expense, without 
charging a single dime to anybody for my services. And this I under- 
took for the Cornell University only after the friends and founders of 
other colleges declined to join a united effort, in which I proposed to be 
responsible for one-tenth of the risk and expense of creating this larger 
sum for the endowment of those colleges. This is all there is of it ; this 
is the sum total of my offending. Whether it will realize as much or 
more than I anticipated, whether it is three millions or thirty millions, 
it will be all paid over to the comptroller of the State of New York for 
the purposes specified in the agreement, and the State of New York 
will appropriate the proceeds of the fund as stipulated in the bond, 
whether the fund is protected by the organic law of the Constitution or 
not." Misconceptions of his motives and ingratitude for the services 
which he had rendered the State did not induce Mr. Cornell to swerve 
from his generous and self-sacrificing purpose. Of Mr. Cornell's answer 
to this charge, the Hon. William Kelly wrote: "I cannot refrain from 
expressing my gratification with the style and matter of your letter to 
the Rochester Union. It is so simple in st3de, so direct, so able, so 
conclusive, as to fully meet my hopes. I am delighted with it. No 
sensible man will again assail you as to your management of the finan- 
ces of the university or your motives of action. Your vindication from 
the slanderous charges is complete and final." 

The unselfishness of Mr. Cornell's services in behalf of the univer- 
sity had not attained a final vindication with this letter. In 1873 a bill 
was presented in the Legislature to facilitate a settlement between 
Ezra Cornell and the State with reference to the college land grant. 
Charges were made in the debate, by a political opponent of Mr. Cor- 
nell, of breach of trust in the execution of his contract with the State, 



432 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

of using the power entrusted to him to add to his own wealth, of not 
depositing- with the vState Comptroller adequate bonds and securities, 
and that the university as administered did not comply with the con- 
ditions of the law under which it was established. Mr. Cornell re- 
quested promptly that a committee be authorized by the Legislature, 
and appointed by the governor, the Hon. John A. Dix, a majority of 
which should consist of members of the party opposed to him in poli- 
tics, to investigate the whole question : whether the laws for the sale 
and disposition of the college lands had been complied with, whether 
the securities received for its sale were adequate, what contracts had 
been made and upon what terms, the value of the lands held by Mr. 
Cornell in behalf of the university, what charges had been made for 
his services, whether the law of Congress had been complied with by 
the university, and to report upon the present condition of the same. 
A commission of the highest character was appointed to conduct this 
inquiry, consisting of the Hon. Horatio Seymour, former governor of 
the State, the Hon. William A. Wheeler, later vice-president of the 
United States, and the Hon. John D. Van Buren. The report of this 
commission, which was presented after a most thorough and compre- 
hensive investigation, was a noble tribute to Mr. Cornell's integrity, 
his lofty purpose, his almost unparalleled generosity and sacrifice in 
behalf of the university, as well as to the sagacity which had reserved 
this part of the national land grant and made it possible to realize, as 
no other State had done, the objects of the law. Changes in detail of 
the form of the financial relations of the university to the State were 
suggested, with the view of the absolute protection of the land grant 
fund, and, at the same time, securing facility of administration in the sale 
of the land by Mr. Cornell. The commission was divided upon the 
cjuestion whether the State or the university was the owner of the 
proceeds of the sales of lands above the sum, at which it had been pur- 
chased by Mr. Cornell. The Hon. Horatio Seymour, the minority of 
the commission, held that all such proceeds constituted a personal gift 
of Mr. Cornell to the university, and were not subject to the conditions 
of the act of Congress, a view afterward sustained by the United States 
Supreme Court. 

Mr. Cornell's adherence to his conviction of the final value of the 
land to the university was often not received kindly by members of the 
Board of Trustees who desired to realize at once the whole of the en- 
dowment and did not share Mr. Cornell's faith. Even the president of 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 423 

the universit}' wrote, December 5, 1872 : '* Better a million added to our 
endowment now than three millions five or ten years hence. The only- 
way is to go on developing- rapidly, showing that we are strong and pro. 
gressive and do not ask favors before the favors come. Then men think 
it an honor to give. We must go ahead promptly. We must show that 
we are not standing still; that we are not looking forward vaguely; but 
that we know what we want and are marching straight toward it. Then 
gifts will come. Then it will be worthy of any man's ambition to aid in 
developing our plans. To push on vigorously now is to conquer. To 
work slowly until our active men get sleepy and easy-going is not what 
we ought to do. I want to see the Cornell University the foremost in 
the land during our lifetime ; it can be so, but only by prompt, vigorous 
strengthening and extension. Most earnestly, I say, if you can lopofi^ 
the lands at a million and a half or even less, I think it wise policy to 
do it. The simple reason why we do not call Tyndall and other distin- 
guished non-resident professors, is because we cannot afford it. Our 
other necessities have forced us to cut off to a large extent that part of 
our original scheme. Now is the time to go on promptly with our policy. 
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick. Cure us by allowing us to spring 
ahead and to go on vigorously and promptly and let our university soon 
stand beside the greatest universities of the world, and for the conflict 
in which we shall triumph." Mr. Cornell possessed that quality of 
mind that could wait for results, having faith that the future would 
realize his far-seeing plans. 



VI. 

• CONSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY. 

1. PLAN OF ORGANIZATION.— 2. THE MILITARY DEPARTMENT.— 3. 
MANUAL LABOR. —4. COEDUCATIO N. — 5. THE NON-REvSIDENT 
LECTURE SYSTEM.— 6. THE UNIVERSITY SENATE.— 7. ALUMNI 
REPRESENTATION IN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

At the second meeting of the trustees, held in Albany, September 5, 
1865, Mr. Andrew D. White was appointed a committee to draft by- 
laws. There is nothing to show that his election to the presidency 
was at this time contemplated, although it is possible, and under this 



424 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

modest title of Ijy-laws, the elaborate report on organization was 
included. At the fcnirth meeting of the trustees, held in the Cornell 
Library, ()ct(jber21, 1 SCO, this report was presented. As Mr. White 
was unanimously elected president of Cornell University at this meet- 
ing, his report has an authoritative value as embodying the fundamen- 
tal ideas, which, in his judgment, should determine the form and scope 
of the new university. While criticizing at times established views, it 
defended the plan of instruction which the new institution of learning- 
was to illustrate. In surveying these views after the lapse of a quarter 
of a centur)^ since the opening of the university, and in connection with 
the methods and subjects of instruction which prevailed at that time, 
we must recognize their freshness, their catholicity, their sympathy 
with all learning, and at the same time their powerful advocacy of 
the new education, which gave prominence to the natural sciences, 
the study of history and the fine arts, as well as of applied science. 
There was also an appreciation of past learning, such as we might 
expect from a scholar whose special study had been directed to the 
history of culture and the forces which constituted modern society. 
Much that was annou.nced as to be tested in the new university has 
since become characteristic of modern education. Much that was 
incorporated in the original plan had been the subject of solitary 
advocacy, and even of agitation. The success of the ideas which lay 
at the basis of the university was due to the sagacity with which the 
importance of the new branches of study, and the demands of modern 
life upon a new institution of learning were recognized. To embod}^ 
in a new university new views of education was far easier than to 
modify the conservative courses of study which were enthroned 
in the older institutions. Some features in the proposed university 
were personal to the author of the plan of organization, others had 
been tested successfully in institutions of narrower scope. The 
union and equality of various branches of study in classical and 
modern literature and science in one university and a recognition 
of the equal importance in society and modern life of applied science, 
were the striking features in the new university. In the national 
and State legislation which formed the charter of the imiversity, 
and in the views of the founder, two convictions were prominent:* first, 
the need of thorough education in various special departments, among 
them the science and practice of agriculture, of industrial mechanics 
and kindred departments of study, to realize which, institutions should 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 425 

be founded with every appliance for discovering- and diffusing truth, — 
that such instruction should not be subordinated to any other, and that 
the agricultural and industrial professions should be regarded as the 
peers of any other. At the same time, the liberal education of the in- 
dustrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life should be 
included. The second of these convictions was that the system of colle- 
giate instruction, now dominant, leaves unsatisfied the wants of a very 
large number, and perhaps the majority, of those who desire an advanced 
general education; that although there are great numbers of noble men 
doing noble work in the existing system, it has devoted its strength and 
machinery mainly to a single combination of studies, into which com- 
paratively few enter heartily; that, where more latitude in study has 
been provided for, all courses outside of the single traditional one 
have been considered to imply a lower caste in those taking them. 
General education has, therefore, lost its hold upon the majority of 
trusted leaders of society, and become imderestimated and distrusted 
by a majority of the people at large, and, therefore, neglected by 
a majority of our young men of energy and ability. To meet this 
need it was held that colleges of wider scope should be founded; 
that no single course should be insisted upon for all alike; that 
various combinations of studies should be provided to meet the need of 
various minds and different plans. It was proposed to divide the uni- 
versity into two great parts, the first of which should comprise depart- 
ments devoted to special sciences and arts. This was to include 
agriculture, the mechanic arts, civil engineering, commerce and trade, 
mining, medicine and surgery, law, jurisprudence, political science and 
history, and education. It is noticeable that the departments of law 
and medicine are included in the original plan, and that jurisprudence 
is not included tinder the department of law, but was evidently to be 
treated historically, and is, therefore, grouped with histor}^ and political 
science. The second division was to embrace science, literature and the 
arts in general, and was to include a "first general course," correspond- 
ing to the classical course in other colleges ; a "second general course, " in 
which Latin was to be retained and German substituted for Greek, corres- 
ponding to the course which bore later the name of the course in "phil- 
osophy. " The " third general course " embraced French and German 
instead of Latin and Greek. At this time few institutions exalted 
English literature and philology to rank as a study equal to foreign 
literatures, and no provision was made for it. To these courses a scien- 



426 • LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

tific course and an optional course were added. The latter course was 
practical, and permission was granted to properly qualified students to 
choose such courses of study as they were prepared to pursue, "in 
order to give to the student full and entire freedom in the selection of 
studies and freedom everywhere equal to that which prevails in the 
universities of continental Europe." 

Special students were those who desired to pursue a definite line of 
study, as mathematics or chemistry, under the direction of a professor 
having charge of a department. A student who had spent the requisite 
time at the university and passed the proper number of trimestrial 
examinations was to be permitted to apply for a degree, which should 
bear a relation to the character of the subjects which he had pursued. 
If his studies were, in the judgment of the faculty, equivalent to either 
of the general courses, he could receive one of the usual baccalaureate 
degrees. Soon after the opening of the university the general courses 
were arranged in the order of scientific, philosophical, and arts, and the 
third general course based upon the modern languages was dropped. 
Four special or technical courses were recommended, viz., agriculture, 
the mechanic arts, and civil and mining engineering. To these were 
added courses in chemistry and natural history, for all of which 
courses the degree of bachelor of science was to be given. 

Upon the question of the ability of students entering upon a 
course of study to choose wisely amid a multiplicity of courses those 
subjects best suited to his intellectual tastes and future needs, the re- 
port argues: The failure of college men of the highest standing in 
practical life is due to the existing system, but while the student may 
not be a perfect judge of the relative worth of the studies from which 
he may choose, or of their importance to him, his judgment still pos- 
sesses value; and an overwhelming majority of students are competent 
to choose between different courses of study carefully arranged. By 
the advice of older friends and the faculty of the university, a young 
man ought to be able to make a choice based upon his previous educa- 
tion and means of future education, upon his tastes, position and am- 
bition. No results could be more wretched than those of the existing 
system. 

The plan of organization here proposed would make possible a 
practically unlimited number of courses, based upon a choice of the 
student or the advice of some individual. The report assumes com- 
petency on the part of mere beginners in knowledge, whose powers are 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. ^1 

but imperfectly developed, who have as yet no vision of any other 
fields of knowledge, the goal of whose intellectual life is not clearly 
defined and whose future is in most cases undetermined, to select 
wisely and well among the variety of subjects presented in a great uni- 
versity. With adequate knowledge of the subjects necessary for their 
highest intellectual training and development, and for their future 
needs, men of the highest genius have frequentl}^ failed to recognize 
where they were strongest until late in life. The old education rested 
upon the harmonious development of all the powers of the youthful 
mind and the recognition of the varied value in life and culture of a 
s^^mpathetic acquaintance with the world's knowledge. The aim of 
education was, by the study of natural science, to teach observation, 
and to introduce the student to a knowledge of the world around him ; 
by language, to teach accuracy of thought and expression, and unlock 
the treasures of classical and modern literatures; by history, to enable 
him to know something of the world's intellectual, religious and polit- 
ical development; by the study of the science of the mind, to introduce 
the student to himself and to his immortal capacity and destiny ; by 
mathematics, to make accurate thinkers and to show something of the 
methods of investigation into the laws of the physical universe. Even 
if some students were silent and uninspired in the chambers of knowl- 
edge, they might have been equally blind and insensible had their 
choice been free, but limited to a narrower horizon, for in many cases 
they would be obliged to choose without a motive. A self-direction 
which is possible to all, indeed essential to all, in a certain stage of 
growth, presupposes a certain preliminary training and maturity, and 
is only possible when it is the flower of a thorough antecedent culture 
in which talent as well as taste has been developed. 

Upon the value of disciplinary studies the views of the committee are 
characteristic and siiggestive. They advise those who have time and 
taste for the study of the classics should continue that study, the Greek 
for its wonderful perfection, the Latin for its value as a key to the 
modern languages and to the nomenclature of modern science, and 
both Greek and Latin for their value in the cultivation of the judg- 
ment. The modern languages, as well as the sciences, -which, in 
in recent years, have attained such great importance, should be 
recognized at their full value in imparting instruction and in secur- 
ing mental discipline. The idea that the only mental discipline is that 
which promotes a certain keenness and precision of mind is regarded 



438 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

as fallacious; there is another kind of discipline quite as valuable — 
discipline for breadth of mind. For the former, such studies as mathe- 
matics and philology are urged; for the latter, such studies as history 
and literature. To say that the latter are not disciplinary is to ignore 
perhaps the most important part of discipline. In American life, there 
will always be enough keennesss and sharpness of mind; but the danger 
is that there will be neglect of those noble studies which enlarge the 
mental horizon and increase the mental powers, studies which give 
material and suggestions for thought upon the great field of the his- 
tory of civilization. " Discipline comes by studies which are loved, 
not by studies which are loathed. There is no discipline to be ob- 
tained in droning over studies. Vigorous, energetic study, prompted 
by enthusiasm or a high sense of the value of the subject, is the only 
study not positively hurtful to mental power; hence the great evil of 
insisting upon the same curriculum for students regardless of their 
tastes or plans." It is not clear what mental injury is anticipated 
where the foregoing conditions are not met, as it is suggested rather 
than stated. 

The report deals elaborately with the chairs of instruction which 
should be established, and concludes that twenty-six professorships 
would be needed at an earl 3^ day. These professorships were : of the theory 
and practice of agriculture, agricultural chemistry, veterinar}^ surgery 
and the breeding of animals, general and analytical chemistry, botan}^, 
zoology and comparative anatomy, geology, mineralogy, physics and 
industrial mechanics, mathematics, astronomy, civil engineering, phys- 
iology, hygiene and ph3'sical culture, moral and physical culture, his- 
tory, political economy, municipal law, constitutional law, rhetoric, 
oratory and vocal culture, the English language and literature, P'rench 
and the South European languages, German and the North European 
languages, the ancient languages (to be divided later into two or more 
professorships, when circumstances shall demand), aesthetics and history 
of the fine arts, architecture, military tactics and engineering, physical 
geography and meteorology. It was not, however, deemed necessar}- 
to fill all these professorships at once. The report elaborates at great 
length and defends a system of non-resident professors or lecturers 
and proposes that, of the preceding professorships, ten should be non- 
resident, viz. , those of veterinary surger)^ and the breeding of animals, 
physiology, hygiene and physical culture, political economy, municipal 
law, constitutional law, the English lano-uajafe and literature, aesthetics 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 429 

and the history of the fine arts, architecture, military tactics and. 
engineering, physical geography and meteorology. It is interesting to 
examine this list at the present time, if for no other reason than to see 
the stress laid upon certain branches, and to note others which have 
become of commanding importance, for which no provision was sug- 
gested. Of the professorships first enumerated, a haze rests upon the 
one entitled moral and ph)^sical culture, as physical culture had been 
included under the head of physiology and hygiene. Possibly one 
professorship of physical culture was to be associated with morality, 
and the other was not. Later we find among the resident professor- 
ships one established for moral and mental philosophy, which was 
perhaps designed to cover the same field as that of moral and physical 
culture, which was first proposed. It was thought that eight or ten 
professors would be sufficient for the work of the first year. 

The question of the character and qiialifications, the terms of office 
and the salaries of the professors to be appointed was also discussed. 
It was recominended that the salaries of resident professors, who 
should be of equal rank, should be arranged in three grades, and should 
be relatively $2,250, $2,000 and $1,700; the salaries of assistant pro- 
fessors should be arranged in four grades, the first of which should re- 
ceive $1,750, the second $1,500, the third $1,200, the fourth $1,000 per 
year. 

The scheme of appointing non-resident professors was presented and 
argued with g-reat earnestness. The universit}^ was to be fully equipped 
with regular professors, to whom it was proposed to add a class of non- 
resident, short-term professors, or universit}^ lecturers. For these it 
was proposed to select the most eminent men in various departments of 
literature and science who should present the "highest results or a 
summary of the main results of their labors." The advantages which 
were expected to come from this system would, in the first place, be 
favorable to the resident faculty, who, "remote from centers of thought 
and action, lose connection with the. world at large save through books, 
and become provincial in spirit ; they lose the enthusiasm which con- 
tact with other leading minds in the same pursuits would arouse." 
Under the new system "there would be a constant influx of light and 
life, the views of the resident professors would be enlarged, their eft'orts 
stimulated, their whole life quickened." There can be no question that 
the conception of a university faculty alert in the pursuit of truth, 
every member of which should be a master in some department of 



430 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINvS COUNTY. 

knowledge, a center of lig-ht, discovering and diffusing truth, and him- 
self an independent authority, is not here contemplated. The intimate 
communion of scholars, promoted by learned societies and scientific 
journals, by which fresh studies and investigations become at once the 
propert}^ of all, is overlooked in this somewhat cloistered conception of 
a university. The influence of non-resident lecturers upon students 
was especially extolled ; in the case of men of the greatest ability and 
eminence, an enthusiasm would be aroused among students in vari- 
ous departments of knowledge, which would direct their energies into 
channels of thought and study. The public in general, which under 
ordinary circumstances did not avail itself of the privileges of the uni- 
versity, would be benefited, by the influence upon the minds of men 
already in active life. Such a system would contribute to the reputa- 
tion of the university by associating with it in addition to a meritorious 
resident faculty a number of special professors or lecturers,, whose 
ability and research were acknowledged, " the institution would 
arrive in a short time at a height of reputation which other institu- 
tions have failed to achieve during long years of ordinary administra- 
tion." A resident faculty could in that case be chosen for its " energy 
and working ability," and not for resident professors — for the hard 
work of the university ■ — men ivJio have attained eminence and so 
outlived tlieir ivillingness to do hard zvork. 

The danger that scholars who have attained eminence might " have 
outlived the necessity of hard thought and work," and so be less valu- 
able as teachers, is expressed repeatedly in the report — certainl}', if 
true, a warning against eminence, and a frightful result to anticipate 
of a life devoted t'o true knowledge and the service of one's fellow-men. 

The plan of securing as professors young men " who have a name to 
make and can make it," was recommended. " We can thus secure en- 
thusiasm, energy, ambition, and willingness to work, without paying 
enormous salaries.'' Great and proper stress is laid in the report upon 
general culture in the professors to be appointed, apart from mere scien- 
tific attainments. " The university must not only make scholars, it has 
a higher duty; it must make meji — men manly, earnest and of good 
general culture." Young men were to receive the form and impress 
which they should bear through life. 

A noble ideal of the character of the university teacher was presented 
here, and one worthy of the author of the report, who in his own per- 
son so well illustrated the refining influences of letters and of associa- 
tion with men. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 431 

For teachers of modern languages, Americans were recommended 
instead of foreigners. " The slight advantage in correct accent pos- 
sessed by an instructor from a foreign country is always too dearly 
purchased by the sacrifice of qualities which ensure success in lectures 
or recitations." 

To make the personality of the professors effective in exerting an in- 
fluence upon the character of the students, the freest and most intimate 
intercourse between professors and students was advocated. The 
Athenian ideal of culture was to be realized by a frank, full and genial 
conversation between teacher and taught; for a manly sympathy in 
thought and learning between the pupil and teacher is worth more 
than all educational machiner}^ apart from it. To make possible and 
promote this intercourse, it was even proposed that additions to the 
salaries of professors be made to enable them to meet the cost of social 
entertainments to students. It is proper to say that the relations of 
students and professors in the university have been, from the first, of 
the most frank and cordial character. Harm^ony and co-operation in the 
faculty were insisted upon; in case of feuds and quarrels between pro- 
fessors it was recommended that all concerned be at once requested to 
resign, unless the disturbing person could be recognized beyond reason- 
able doubt. It was affirmed, "better to have science taught less bril- 
liantly, than to have it rendered contemptible." 

The relation which the faculty should sustain in the administration 
of the university was so conceived as to give great dignity and im- 
portance to their deliberations. That system of college government 
was criticized, in which the president appropriates the main functions 
of administration, originates action, and is responsible- to the trustees 
alone for whatever he may do, while the faculty have no share, or 
only a limited one, in determining the courses of study and the char- 
acter of the work that shall be done in the university. The faculty 
"are not merely advisors, but legislators," they should have stated 
meetings for the purpose of conducting the general administration 
of the institution and memorializing the trustees, discussing general 
questions of educational policy, and presenting papers upon special 
subjects in literature, science and the arts. The entire faculty should 
constitute an Academic Senate, in which all members of the teaching 
staff should have the right to speak, but the right of voting should be 
confined to resident and non-resident professors, and assistant profes- 
sors representing departments in which no full professor has been ap- 



433 LANDAIARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

pointed. The division of the faculty into groups according to depart- 
ments, each presided over by the president or a dean, was also recom- 
mended. 

There is no specification of the distinct province of the faculty and 
trustees, the latter of whom have certain duties provideci for in the 
charter, and a wide S2op3 of undefined powers attaching- by common 
academic law to their office. In order to avoid stagnation and lack 
of initiative which often prevails in bodies whose power is self -perpet- 
uating, it was distinctly recommended that the term of office of 
trustees should be fixed at five years, and that it should require a 
vote of two-thirds of the electing- body to re-elect a former trustee. 
The active interest and participation of the alumni in the government 
of the university, in accordance with the established usage at the Eng- 
lish universities, and as had been recently done at Harvard University, 
by which the alumni chose the members of the Board of Overseers in 
place of the Legislature, was to be secured by permitting the alumni 
of the university, whenever they reached the number of one hundred, 
to choose one trustee. 

From the formal discussion of the constitution of the new university, 
the report proceeded to discuss its equipment, and it was proposed that 
the agricultural department should include a model farm for the study 
and illustration of scientific agriculture, and that a museum of models 
of agricultural implements, products, etc., should be formed. The 
Department of Mechanic Arts should be equipped with collections of 
drawings, casts, sectional and working models, in general character 
■ like those in the Conservatory of Arts and Trades in Paris. The 
illustrative collection should be first, and the mcdel workshop sec- 
ond. For the experiments in agriculture one farm would be suf- 
ficient, as the main outlines of procedure in practical culture and ex- 
periments are simple: a small range of implements is sufficient for the 
whole work; in mechanics, as a rule, one workshop will answer only 
for the single branch to which it is devoted. " There is then no such 
need of experimental workshops in this department, as of experimental 
farms in the other. " 

The vast development of shops for practical work in forging, castings 
turning, and carpentry, was but diml}^ foreseen twenty-eight years ago. 

For mathematics and engineering, drawings, engravings, models and 
casts were recommended; for natural history, collections in geol- 
og)^, mineralogy, zoology, comparative anatomy and botany; also the 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 433 

acquisition of the best apparatus for physical and chemical investi- 
gation, especially that which would illustrate the solidification of 
carbonic acid gas; apparatus for the direct generation on a large scale of 
electricity from steam, the Boston modification of Ruhmkorf's coil, for 
presenting the effects of electricity induced by the galvanic current, 
and the new French apparatus for experimenting upon light. The 
author of the report regarded this apparatus as especially brilliant 
and most worthy of acquisition, as best illustrating the progress of 
science in the departments of chemistry and physics at that time. Mr. 
White's love of art, and interest in it as illustrating the history of cul- 
ture, is shown by the proposal to found as soon as practicable a museum 
of casts, of which there were then few in the United States, and these 
of very limited extent. 

Provision should be soon made for a library as the culmination of all 
— touching all departments, and meeting the needs of teachers and 
taught. From the first, the building up of alibrar)'- suited to the wants 
of the institution and worthy of its aims should be steadil}'- kept in 
view. A large library is absolutely necessary to the efficiency of the 
various departments; without it, men of the highest ability will fre- 
quently be plodding in old circles and stumbling into old errors. The 
history of the progress of modern science is the history of a develop- 
ment and accretion — development out of previous thought and work — 
accretion upon previous thought and work. The discovery of truth 
and the diffusion of truth — the two. great functions of a university — 
will be impossible without a liberal library. 

The government of the university in its relation to students, the 
manual labor system, the cost of tuition, physical culture, the dormitory 
system, the relation of the university to other institutions of learning 
and to the school system of the State, and the final general test of uni- 
versity education were then discussed. What was to be the theory of 
discipline in the new university? Should it be military, or the ordi- 
nary collegiate discipline, or an adaptation of the free university 
system of continental Europe? " The military system has imdoubted 
advantages. It puts all students upon an equality in mere outward 
advantages of dress, style and living; it subjects students to a more 
perfect control ; it gives from among the students officers to aid in en- 
forcing rigid military discipline." On the other hand, uniformity in 
dress would lessen the individuality of students. The professor would 
be deprived of one of the best means of judging those who are before 

55 



434 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

him in his lecture room, and of knowing how to deal with the individ- 
ual. A student loses nothing in the estimation of the university world 
by a dress which indicates frugality or econom5^ In no commnnit}^ 
on earth is man estimated so exactly by what is supposed to be his real 
worth, as in a community of college students. It was not believed 
possible to appl}^ a rigid military system to the w^hole university. By 
the fundamental theory of the university, there would be students of 
various ages and grades, some attending courses of instruction for a 
longer, some for a shorter time, some residing in the university build- 
ings, some in the town itself. Military science should alwa3's form a 
part of the instruction, but it was not recommended that the govern- 
ment be military except perhaps in some single departments, where 
efficiency would be promoted by military forms. The ordinary col- 
legiate plan of government, although necessary from a partial adoption 
of the dormitory system, was not regarded as final by the committee. 

It was believed that a system of university freedom would promote 
the best government. "In this system, laws are few but speedily 
executed, and the university is regarded neither as an asylum nor a 
reform school. Much is trusted to the inanliness of the students. 
An attempt will be made to teach the students to govern themselves, 
also to cultivate acquaintance and confidence between the faculty and 
students. By the rigid execution of a few laws of discipline, by the 
promotion of extra-official intercourse between teachers and taught, by 
placing professors over students not as police but as a body of friends, 
a government would be secured better than any other." 

A system of manual labor in connection with the departments of 
agriculture and the mechanic arts, by which students could defray a 
portion of their expenses, was recommended. While experiments of 
this kind had been made unsuccessfully in certain cases, it was thought 
that they had not been fully or fairly tried, or with such ample means 
as the university would afford. It was not proposed to make, as in most 
agricultural colleges, labor obligator}^ upon all students. One practical 
objection would be conclusive against it, if theoretical objections were 
not, it would be impossible to provide labor for all. It might, how- 
ever, be necessary to require manual labor from all the students in 
certain departments. Labor corps would be organized and every in- 
ducement held out to students to join them. Such a system would be 
of mutual advantage to the students and to the university; it would 
promote the muscular development of students and give substantial 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 435 

pecuniary aid to many. It was not, however, thought that physical 
labor could take the place of athletic sports and gymnastic exercises, in 
giving restoration after mental labor. The mind could not be kept 
fresh, elastic and energetic, when the onl}^ relief from tension was the 
change from one form of labor to another. It was therefore recom- 
mended that a fully equipped gymnasium be erected, and that gym- 
nastic exercises under the direction of an instructor, or equivalent 
training in manual labor or exercises in the open air, be required of 
all. Boating, base ball and other recreations were to be encouraged, 
and deterioration in physical culture was to be held in the same categor}^ 
as want of progress in mental culture, and subject a delinquent 
to deprivation of university privileges. Attendance upon a course of 
lectures upon anatomy, physiology and hygiene was to be required. 

The only additional reference to military drill was contained in the 
recommendation that provision be made for teaching military engi- 
neering and tactics, and that some plan for encouraging military 
tactics or making it obligator}^ be adopted. 

In estimating the proper cost of tuition a comparison was made of 
the charges at various colleges ; tuition at Yale was given as forty- 
five dollars per year; at Harvard as one hundred dollars; at the 
Institute of Technology in Boston as about one hundred and thirty 
dollars; at the Lawrence Scientific School, from two hundred and fifty 
to three hundred dollars. In the University of Michigan, students 
from without the State paid a matriculation fee of twenty dollars and 
five dollars per year thereafter; in the Agricultural College similar 
students paid twenty dollars, while in. Dartmouth College and the 
Scientific School the fees were from thirty to fifty dollars. The com- 
mittee recommended therefore a matriculation fee of fifteen dollars, 
and an annual tuition fee of twenty dollars. The matriculation fee 
was, however, never charged, and the tuition fixed at ten dollars per 
term or thirty dollars per year. Room rent in the university dormi- 
tories was charged at from sixt}^ cents to one dollar per week, accord- 
ing as tw^o or three students occupied one room. 

While the dormitory system became thus a part of the organization 
of the university, its extension and permanent existence were regarded 
as undesirable. The residence of a large number of students in colleges 
had been the scource of fruitful evils; it made a certain oversight and 
surveillance necessary; it transformed the college officer into an agent 
of discipline and destroyed the friendly relations which existed between 



436 LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

teacher and taught. It was. however, deemed necessary at the open- 
ing of the university; the town was still remote, and its immediate 
capacity to afford adequate accommodations was doubtful. It was 
besides necessary that students should find homes upon the university 
grounds in order to conduct the experiments and carry out the labor 
system which was proposed. 

MILITARY INSTRUCTION. 

During the war, the need of thoroughly trained officers to assume 
commands in the army was strongly felt. The number of cadets 
graduating each year from West Point was too small to supply vacan- 
cies in the regular army. The existence of military schools through- 
out the South, in which a considerable portion of the young men were 
educated in military science and tactics, had given the Southern armies 
an especial advantage at the opening of the war. On April 4, 18G7, 
Major J. W. Whittlesey, of the regular army, an experienced and skill- 
ful officer, was ordered by the Secretary of War to proceed to West 
Point and other colleges, and report a suitable method of instruction 
in military science for such colleges in the United States as might 
desire it, direct reference being made to the provision in the National 
Land Grant Act requiring military instruction in the new colleges. On 
November 25, 1867, Major Whittlesey presented an elaborate report to 
the secretary of war recommending the form of organization and in- 
struction in militar}^ science in these various colleges. By a law 
passed July 28, 1866, it had been provided that, under certain 
circumstances, the secretary of war should be authorized to detail an 
officer of the regular army to instruct in military science and tactics 
in the colleges established under the Land Grant Act. This plan 
for national militar}^ education was not presented to Congress, but 
came before the House Military Committee. General Garfield was, 
at the time, chairman of this committee and .deeply interested in the 
proposed bill for military education, which, it was expected, would re- 
ceive the authority of Congress early in the year 1868. This report was 
referred to General Grant for his favorable recommendation to Con- 
gress. It was proposed to establish a bureau of the War Department 
in charge of a director-general of military education, whose duty it 
should be to inspect and supervise military academies, secure uniform- 
ity of instruction, and enforce faithful compliance with the laws and 
regulations on those subjects. Whenever such an institution should 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 437 

have capacity sufficient to educate one hundred male students in a 
complete course of liberal studies, with grounds for military exercises, 
there should be detailed a competent officer of the army to act as mili- 
tary professor, with an assistant. The president of the United States 
was to have the rig-ht to prescribe the course of military exercises to be 
taught, and establish general regulations for the government of the 
officers so detailed, but without infringement of the rights of the in- 
stitution to self-government. In case any college established such a 
course of instruction in inilitary science, it was proposed that the neces- 
sary text books, ordnance and ordnance stores, camp and garrison 
equipage, with a detail of one ordnance sergeant and two musicians, 
should be provided at the expense of the United States. In order to 
create enthusiasm in these studies, it was provided that the faculty of 
arts of the college might recommend to the president of the United 
States each year one-tenth of the graduates distinguished for general 
proficiency in the college course, special attainments in military science 
and skill in military exercises, of good moral character and sound 
health, whose names should be published in the army register, of whom 
one frorn each college should receive a commission in the army, as in 
the case of graduates from West Point. It was thus designed to bring 
the colleges of our countr}^ into immediate relation to the army, and 
make them indirect aids in contributing to the training of officers. It 
was still further proposed that each college thus constituted should re- 
ceive $2,000 from the United States treasury, to be expended under 
the charge of the director of military education, in the purchase of the 
necessary books of reference, maps, models and text books, and also 
$10,000 to be expended in constructing a suitable building for the pur- 
pose of an armory. The report presented an elaborate scheme of in- 
struction in military engineering, the theory of ordnance and gunnery, 
the art of war, military history, the purpose of court-martials and the 
school of the soldier. The text books and mode of instruction were to 
be the same as those employed at West Point. The students were to 
be divided into companies of from fifty to sixty strong. The battalion 
staff and the company officers were to be taken from the Senior Class, 
the staff sergeants and the company sergeants from the Junior Class, 
the corporals from the Sophomore Class, with such modifications as 
may suit the case of students in shorter or longer courses. It was 
proposed that a uniform should be adopted to be worn by all students. 
It was thought that b)^ this, economy would be promoted, since it 



438 LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

would save the expense of variety and change of fashion. It would 
secure personal neatness, and place all students upon a footing of re- 
publican equality; sons of the rich and the poor, meeting upon a com- 
mon level, would have nothing in the apparel to stimulate the pride of 
the one or wound the self-respect of the obher. It was believed that 
by wearing this badge, an honorable ambition to excel, refinement of 
manners, and a manly tone of character would be created, favorable to 
the reputation of the class to which the student belonged and to the 
honor of the institution which was in his keeping. Daily martial exer- 
cises were to be rigidly enforced, and only to be remitted by reason of 
conscientious scruples or physical debility. The discipline of the insti- 
tution was to be placed under the care of the professor of the military 
department under the direction of the university authorities. The 
usual regulations of the camp as to exercise, recreation, sleep, the re- 
veille, the roll call, the call to and from duty, the tattoo, all in their 
regular order, were to aid and direct the observance of college duties 
and discipline. Later, artillery and cavalry drill was to be added to 
that of infantry study and drill, and it was proposed to fix a high 
standard at the outset. 

It is evident that so general an introduction of military studies could 
onl}^ have been recommended when the remembrance of the recent 
war, its perils and glorious achievements, were still vivid. The dom- 
ination of a military system in literary institutions did not at that time 
seem impracticable. Many of the students of the university will 
recognize in this report some of the regulations of their early days. 

The trustees at their seventh meeting resolved : 

That while we would not require all students in the special courses to undergo 
military instruction, since this would be to do violence to the fundamental prin- 
ciples of the university, yet we believe that all general courses of study in the 
university should include rudimentary knowledge of military science and a good deal 
of proficiency? in military exercises. 

The trustees also approved the draft of the bill before Congress 
for the promotion of military instruction in the leading colleges, uni- 
versities and institutions of learning established under the Land Grant 
Act, and expressed a willingness to co-operate earnestly in any plan to 
promote the most thorough special military instruction whenever such 
means should be placed at their disposal so as to enable them to do it. 

At a subsequent meeting, held in Ithaca, October 6, 1868, a formal 
regulation, relating to the military department of the university, was 
passed : 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 439 

Resolved, That the students of the university who reside in the university buildings, 
for discipline, police, or administration, shall be placed on a military basis, under 
the immediate direction of the professor of military science, who shall be recognized 
as the military commandant of the students. That the military commandant shall 
enforce the necessary regulations which may from time to time be established by 
university authority, to insure good order in the quarters and mess-halls, with pre- 
cision, and regular attendance upon stated duties; and that all regulations so estab- 
lished shall be of binding obligation upon students, under such sanctions as the pres- 
ident, by and with the advice of the faculty, may determine. That an appropriate and 
economical uniform shall be fixed upon, which, after the current academic 3^ear, shall 
be the habitual costume for all students pursuing regular courses of study; and that 
thereafter attention to the instruction in military tactics provided for in the Con- 
gressional Land Grant endowment of 1862, shall be obligatory upon all such students, 
the president having authority, at his discretion, to grant special exemptions there- 
from, for good cause shown. 

These resolutions, with the exception of that portion relating to the 
uniform, were adopted. Later, this was also proscribed. It is evident 
that the trustees construed the obligation to require military service 
in the strictest manner. Under the terms of the law, it was neces- 
sary that provision should be made for instruction in military science 
and tactics, without prescribing that it should be binding' upon all 
students. The irksomeness of these pett}" military requirements was 
soon felt. Students to whom military instruction was but an incident 
in a broad course of literary and scientific studies, did not submit will- 
ingly to these restrictions upon their personal liberty. The extent to 
which these regulations was enforced is shown b}^ the first general 
order from the military commandant. 

Students rose and retired at the beat of the drum ; they marched to 
meals in military file; their officers kept watch and ward over their 
conduct at table; breaches of decorum or failure to comply with all the 
requirements regarding dress were reported and punished. Punish- 
ment consisted of arrest, confinement to one's room and other restric- 
tions. The officers of the corps were made responsible for the enforce- 
ment of these laws and for a general oversight of the order in the 
different dormitories. One captain, who so far forgot his rank as to 
join some of comrades in hazing mildly an obnoxious student, was ex- 
pelled from the university, and marched away amid vehement protests 
from the student world, and escorted by a procession of his fellow stu- 
dents. This minute oversight of student life was, after the departure of 
the first military commandant, greatly relaxed. The uniform was still 
continued, and stirring debates were held in the faculty upon the style 



440 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and fashion of various parts of the student's dress, which were brought 
before that body for approval. 

Asthe remembrance of the war grew more indistinct, it was difficult 
to awaken or continue enthusiasm in militar}^ drill. Plad military exer- 
cises been placed up.\)n the basis of modern athletics, with the purpose 
of securing the health of the student and the benefits of military disci- 
pline in producing a manly bearing, less objection would have arisen 
and fewer petitions for exemption from what seemed a needless exac- 
tion on the part of the authorities of the university. The requirement 
that all classes should drill was lessened, military exercises on the part 
of the upper classes being reduced in number, or made voluntary in 
the case of officers, for which credit was given as for other university 
work. Drill was finally required only of the members of the freshman 
and sophomore classes during the fall and spring terms. The habitual 
wearing of the university uniform was dispensed with, and military 
costume was only required during the actual exercises of the student. 
One feature of the original report of Major Whittlesey is still carried 
out. The names of students who have shown special aptitude for mil- 
itary service are reported to the adjutant-general of the arm 3^ and to the 
adjutant-general of the State of New York, and the names of the three 
most distinguished students in military science and tactics are, when 
graduated, inserted in the United States Army Register and published 
in general orders from the headquarters of the army. vSuch students 
are, under certain circumstances, allowed to present themselves for 
examination as commissioned officers in the United States Army, an 
opportunit}^ of which several have availed themselves. 

MANUAL LABOR. 

One favorite theory of Mr. Cornell, which was prominent in the 
early history of the university, was that of manual labor, by which 
students during their studies could support themselves by working 
from three to four hours per day. He believed that the activity which 
is usually devoted to recreation and athletic pursuits might be directed 
to some systematic employment; and students who possessed skill 
in some trade would be able to find occupation as mechanics and 
laborers upon the farm, that the agricultural and mechanical depart- 
ments would furnish opportunity for unskilled students to acquire 
a proficiency in some craft. No purpose lay nearer to Mr. Cornell's 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 441 

heart in founding" the university than this, viz., that poor boys and 
girls might, by devoting a somewhat longer period to their course of 
study, support themselves and graduate, possessed of an education 
and of some trade or profession, which would secure their future 
support. The remembrance of his own early struggles with limited 
opportunities gave a tender feeling to him regarding all young men 
similarly situated. He gave much thought not only to systemat- 
izing the opportunities for work upon the university buildings and 
the university grounds, but also to introducing in the vicinity of the 
university new and profitable industries, which should be operated in 
connection with it. He loved his native city; he desired its prosperity; 
he was willing to use his large resources to build up industries which 
should add to its wealth; but most of all, during the last 5'ears of his 
life, he loved the university which bore his name and which was des- 
tined, as he fondly hoped, to be the most practical means of blessing his 
fellow-men. In those early days, many students of very limited means 
flocked to the university, with the anticipation that their support would 
be secured by scholarships, and that they would be enabled by extra 
labor to obtain whatever else might be necessary to acquire an educa- 
tion. The labor of janitors in the care of the university buildings, of 
assistants in tlie museums and libraries, of workmen on the university 
grounds, was to be given to students. Mr. Cornell hoped much from 
the establishment of the University Press, by which students might 
learn the printer's trade, and which would afford means for the issue of 
university publications. It is probable that Mr. White, while sympa- 
thizing with these views, did not have equal hopes of the success of this 
experiment. . The most useful labor, he believed, would be of a scien- 
tific character, by which the student acquired a knowledge of mechan- 
ical processes. There are two problems intimately associated with a 
plan like that proposed. The first, and most important one, is whether 
a student is able, in connection with his university work, to carry 
on an additional daily task sufficient for his support. The feature of 
teaching during the winter in country schools, which existed in New 
England colleges, facility for which was afforded by a long vacation, 
was here to be made continuous. Work was to be carried on inces- 
santly and in connection with study, and the c{uestion naturally arose, 
how far the physical health would be sufficient to meet this double 
demand; how far study could be profitable when the strength upon 
which it depended for success was equally devoted to mechanical pur- 
se 



442 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

suits. The second, and more practical question is, how far it is pos- 
sible to prosecute any industry profitably while relying upon student 
labor, which must necessarily be afforded in limited amount, and at 
intervals accommodated to the intellectual work of the student. If 
the opportunity for manual labor was furnished at a pecuniary 
loss, and at the possible sacrifice of the physical health of the student, 
why not make it a gift outright? These two factors have practically 
decided the possibility of success in this experiment. Competition is 
so keen, even with skilled labor, working with the entire time and 
under the most favorable opportunities on the part of the operative, 
that when brought into comparison with work relying upon labor at 
irregular intervals, the latter must necessarily suffer defeat, from the 
standpoint of mere business success. Looking back upon those early 
years, we see that many students who belonged to the labor corps, as it 
was called, were successful to an eminent degree in maintaining them- 
selves during their university life, and in .attaining a distinguished 
rank among their fellow students. It would be possible to enumerate 
many now occupying leading positions in the educational and scientific 
world, whose eduication was obtained by heroic sacrifice, by willing 
limitation of pleasure, and by lofty devotion to an ideal of learning. 
But, as a rule, we must confess that the limitations inherent in the 
system itself have been too great to be set aside. Many students who 
came here with exaggerated hopes of maintaining themselves were 
disappointed. The amount of work which the university could furnish, 
even at a loss, was not sufficient to support all students who came rely- 
ing upon it. The plan, too, gave the impression that self-support, so 
far from being an .incident in the university life, constituted an essen- 
tial feature ; and for many years, in spite of specific statements sent 
out calculated to avoid holding out undue hopes, the impression pre- 
vailed in educational circles throughout the country that the university 
was in large part a manual labor or trade school. 

COEDUCATION. 

It was a part of Mr. Cornell's original plan that the university 
should be open for the instruction of both young men and women. It 
was in accordance with his natural training and mode of thought ; he 
was of Quaker ancestry, and was familiar with the traditions of that 
body in which an equal prominence is given to women in public meet- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 443 

ings. To the eloquence and pure moral sense of women who have ad- 
vocated moral reform, education, and the abolition of slavery, the ad- 
vance of our country has been largely due. It was, therefore, natural 
that in any conception of the university, he should include coeducation 
of the sexes. In a letter written from Albany to his only grand- 
daughter, February 17, 18G7, nearly two years before the .opening of 
the university, he said: "I want to have girls educated in the 
university as well as boys, so that they may have the same oppor- 
tunity to become wise and useful to society that the boys have." 
He even asked that his letter riiig-ht be preserved, so as to show to 
the university authorities in the future what his wishes were. In 
his address at the opening of the university, he had distinctly stated : 
" I believe we have made the beginning of an institution which will 
prove highly beneficial to the poor young men and poor young wo- 
men of our country." In a letter written a few months later to his 
wife, in which he paid a beautiful tribute to her sacrifices in his 
behalf, he expressed a hope that she may found a system of industry in 
connection with the university, by which girls through labor can secure 
the means of obtaining the highest and most useful education. He 
urged some plan through which this may be possible. President White 
in his inaugural address met the question with great frankness, when 
he said : ' 'As to the question of sex, I have little doubt that within a very 
few years the experiment desired will be tried in some of our largest 
universities. There are many reasons for expecting its success. It has 
succeeded not only in the common schools, but what is much more to 
the point, in the normal schools and academies of the State. It has 
succeeded so far in some of the lecture rooms in some of our leading- 
colleges, that it is very difficult to see why it should not succeed in 
all their lecture rooms; and if the experiment succeeds, as regards lect- 
ures, it is very difficult to see why it should not succeed as regards reci- 
tations. Speaking entirely for myself, I would say that I am perfectly 
willing to undertake the experiment as soon as it shall be possible to 
do so, but no fair-minded man or woman can ask us to undertake it 
now, as it is with the utmost difficulty that we are ready to receive 
young men. It has cost years of hard thought and labor to get ready 
to carry out the first intentions of the national and State authorities 
which had reference to young men. I trust the time will soon come 
when we can do more." 



444 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

At the opening of the universit}^, coeducation had already received a 
successfnl trial of more than thirty years in Oberlin, by the noble 
and devoted citizens of New England who settled the Western Reserve 
in Ohio. Horace Mann and his equally enthusiastic supporters had set 
on foot a similar experiment in 1853. Mr. Mann had declined the nomi- 
nation to be governor of Massachusetts, in order to accept the presidency 
of the Antioch College, and to pass through the pathetic struggles which 
accompanied the foundation of that institution. Other institutions in 
the east had adopted the Oberlin plan, but the movement had occurred 
on so small a scale that its presence as a decisive factor in educational 
life had not been widely felt. Michigan, which possessed the largest 
State university, had felt the powerful demand among the people, and 
even in the Legislature, for the admission of women. In the years 18(j7 
and 1S68 the Legislature passed recommendations urging the regents 
to admit women to all the facilities of instruction in the State tmiver- 
sity. President White, while accepting theoretically the justice of the 
demand for the higher education of women, felt the limitations, both 
financial and otherwise, which would make immediate favorable action 
in that direction impossible. Upon the day on which the university was 
formally opened, the Hon. Henry W. Sage went to President White and 
said: " When you are ready to carry out the idea of educating young 
women as thoroughly as young men, I will provide the endowment to 
enable you to do so." With Mr. Sage, the higher education of women 
had become a thorough conviction, and the wisdom and naturalness of 
educating both young men and women in the same institution admitted 
of no question. He was not at that time a member of the Board of 
Trustees, to which he was elected two years later on June 30, 1870. 
During the first year of his connection with the university, he offered to 
erect and endow a college or hall for the residence of young women, 
and at the meeting of the Board of Trustees held in Ithaca, June 21, 
1871, President White, in presenting his annual report, discussed and 
favored the admission of women to the university. His recommenda- 
tions were referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. White, Weaver, 
Sage, Andrews, and Finch. The formal report of this committee was 
presented at the meeting of the Board of Tiustees, which was held in 
Albany, February 13, 1872. The report was adopted unanimously, 
one member alone withholding his vote. The gift of Mr. Sage was 
formally accepted, and a special committee was appointed to decide 
upon the plans for the proposed building. In the mean time one soli- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 445 

tary woman student, Miss Emma Sheffield Eastman, who had attended 
lectures in the university, was formally admitted, constituting- the first 
female student, although Mrs. Jennie wSpencer had presented herself 
as early as vSeptember, 1870, with a certificate entitling her to a State 
scholarship, and passed with credit the additional examinations re- 
quired. 

The committee to which had been referred the investig'ation of the 
question, visited the leading- institutions which had already admitted 
women students. They conducted an extended correspondence with 
eminent educators, seeking- to obtain their views upon the principle in- 
volved. The majority of the responses to the committee were over- 
whehiiing-ly against the admission of women. Some regarded it as con- 
trary to nature, as likely to produce confusion, dangerous, at variance 
with the ordinances of God; on the other hand, several principals of 
norm. 1 schools reported in favor of the success of the experiment 
in those institutions. The testimony was most positive from those 
who had seen the experiment of coeducation tried. Some of the 
oldest and most venerated educators of the country, men whose 
temper would cause them to be ranked with conservative educational 
forces, favored the experiment. President Hopkins of Williams Col- 
lege believed that a continuation of the association in study which had 
begun in the common schools would present many advantages, and he 
hoped that the experiment would be tried. President Nott, in a letter 
to a committee of the Board of Regents, had said: " I would like to see 
the experiment tried under proper regulations, and were I at the head 
of the university in Michigan, and public opinion called for the trial of 
the experiment, I should not oppose obedience to the call. Corpora- 
tions are conservative; it is their nature not to lead, but to follow pub- 
lic opinion, and often far in the rear. That it [coeducation] will not be 
approved by college corporations generally may be taken for granted." 
The testimony was, however, decisive from such institutions as Ober- 
lin, the State University of Michigan, the Northwestern University at 
Evanston, the vState Industrial University in Illinois, and Antioch Col- 
lege. The testimony as to the influence of the young women in con- 
tributing to a higher tone in universit}" life, to the abolition of certain 
rudeness and uncouthness in student manners, was abundant and con- 
clusive. 

It was deemed best that a separate home on the university grounds 
should be provided for the young ladies, and there seemed to be a pecul- 
iar fitness in connecting the departments of botany and horticulture 



446 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

with it. The coinmittee, therefore, recommended that in connection 
with the new college there should be associated a botanical lecture 
room, conservatory, greenhouse and botanical garden. The question 
which has been variousl}^ settled in different colleges for women, whether 
the "cottage" system, by which separate attractive homes are erected 
upon the college grounds for a limited number of yotmg ladies, or the 
system by which all are accommodated in one large building, was dis- 
cussed. It was decided to erect on the university grounds a large col- 
lege building, complete in all respects with lecture rooms, special reci- 
tation rooms, infirmary, gymnasium, bathing rooms, study and lodging 
rooms for from 150 to 200 lady students, a building which would form 
a striking architectural feature in connection with the university. Tlie 
gift of Mr. Sage was formally accepted under the conditions named by 
him, and the establishment created under it designated as the Sage 
College of Cornell University. The corner-stone of this institution 
was laid on March 15, 1873. Among those who participated in this 
occasion were the Hon. Henr)^ W. vSage, the Hon. Ezra Cornell, Presi- 
dent Angell, of the University of Michigan; Chancellor Winchell of 
Syracuse University, Dr. Moses Coit Tyler, Professor Goldwin Smith, 
and Col. Homer B Sprague who had been the first professor of rhetoric 
and oratory in the university. The address of the Hon. Henry W. Sage 
upon this occasion is noteworthy, as it illustrates the noble purpose 
which he had in view in making his gift. He said: "We meet to-day 
upon this beautiful hillside to inaugurate an enterprise which cannot, I 
think, but have an important influence upon the future of this Com- 
monwealth and of our race. It has been wisely said that ' who educates 
a woman educates a generation, ' and the structure which is to be erected 
over this corner-stone will be especially devoted to the education of 
women, and will carry with it a pledge of all the power and resources 
of Cornell University, to provide and forever maintain facilities for the 
education of women as broadly as for men. " He closed with the words : 
"When this structure shall be completed and ready for its use, let us 
look up and forward for results ; and if woman be true to herself, if 
woman be true to woman, and both be true to God, there ought to be 
from the work inaugurated here this day an outflow which shall bless 
and elevate all mankind." The corner-stone was laid b}?- Mrs. Sage 
with these words : 

I lay this corner-stone, in faith 

That structure fair and good 

Shall from it rise, and thenceforth come 

True Christian womanhood. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 447 

Among the articles deposited beneath the corner-stone was a letter 
addressed by Mr. Cornell to the coming man and woman, the contents 
of which were unknown save to the author. In closing his remarks 
he said: "The letter, of which I have kept no copy, will relate to 
future generations the cause of the failure of this experiment, if it ever 
does fail, as I trust in God it never will." The mysterious contents of 
this letter are reserved for the information of some distant generation. 
The college was formally opened for the admission of women at the 
opening of the fall term of 1874. From that date, women have been 
admitted freel}^ to the universit3^ They have attended recitations and 
lectures, and engaged in laboratory work in all departments. Some 
have entered in agriculture, and in architecture, and one or more even 
in mechanical engineering. The proportion of lady students during 
the first years of the university was about one-tenth of the entire 
number of students. Since then it has somewhat increased. The 
character of the scholarship which the}^ have sustained, the scientific 
investigations which have been embodied in the theses submitted for 
graduation, and the high merit which has attached to their work as a 
whole, all bear witness to the wisdom of the policy by which young 
women were originally admitted to the university. 

THE NON-RESIDENT LECTURE SYSTEM. 

The non-resident lecture system which had been emphasized in the 
plan of organization was a characteristic part of the proposed university. 
At the meeting of the Board of Trustees held in Albany, September 26, 
1867, six lecturers or non-resident professors were appointed. The 
most prominent of these were Louis Agassiz, in Natural History; 
James Russell Lowell, in English Literature ; George William Curtis, 
in Recent Literature ; Theodore W. Dwight, in Constitutional Law ; 
James Hall, in General Geology; and Governor Frederick Holbrook, 
of Vermont, in Agriculture. Most of these lecturers had exhibited a 
general interest in the new university and had co-operated by counsel 
and suggestion as to the form which it should assume. Lectures of 
the character proposed, so far as they were substituted for systematic 
instruction in a given department, were necessarily unsatisfactory.- 
They were either popular and general in character, or, if scientific, they 
stood alone, not supplementing, save indirectly, any given course of 
study. Of such general lectures, treating of detached authors or periods 
in literature, or presenting a popular outline of science but constituting 



448 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

no distinct chapter in tlie curriculum of a g-iven course, the number 
mii^ht be increased indefinitely. These lectures were delivered first 
in the spring" of 1870. It is interesting to note the subjects. George 
William Curtis presented a Review of Modern Literatnre, the Novel, 
Dickens, Thackeray, Women in Literature, George Eliot, Carlyle, 
Robert Browning, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Tennyson, Amer- 
ican Literature, Nathaniel Hawthorne. Mr. Lowell discussed the Ele- 
ments of Literature in three lectures, a Review of Literature, the 
Liiaginative in Expression, Wit and Humor, the Troubadours and Trou- 
veres. Piers Plowman's Vision, Dante, Chaucer, the authors between 
the time of Chaucer and Spenser, early English ballads. Pope and 
higher culture. Professor Dwight's course upon Constitutional Law 
embraced twelve lectures the subjects of which included a defini- 
tion and explanation of terms ; the sources of the constitution ; mode of 
generating governments ; difference between the State and general gov- 
ernment ; structiire of the United States government, and powers of Con- 
gress and restrictions upon Congress. There is no doubt that the 
names of these accomplished lecturers were a brilliant contribution to 
the university at its opening, as they would have been at any subsequent 
time. The personality of Professor Agassiz and his enthusiasm for 
Science not only interested the general students of the university, but 
incited some to an enthusiastic pursuit of science. His lectures were 
confined to a single course, as his engagements did not permit him to 
continue them. Professor Lowell's subjects, while more critical and 
remote than those of Mr. Curtis, possessed all that charm of composi- 
tion, that ample knowledge, that grace and delicacy of humor which 
have made him one of the prominent figures in American literature- 
Mr. Curtis, whose graceful style and pleasant discursive criticism 
charmed for so many years the readers of Harper's Monthly, won an 
enthusiastic reception from the student world. The lectures of Gover- 
nor Holbrook, who had a popular interest in agriculture, and of Pro- 
fessor Hall were never delivered. Professor Curtis delivered his lec- 
tures a second time during the spring of 1871. Mr. Bayard Taylor 
delivered a course of lectures upon German literature, first in the 
spring of 1870, and repeated them in 1875 and 1877. These lectures 
were held in Library Hall, which enabled the citizens of Ithaca to at- 
tend them, as well as the students. Mr. Taylor who was widely known 
for his books of travels, and later for his translation of Faust, although 
not in a technical sense an authority upon German, was a master work- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 449 

man in literature, and the lectures which he delivered, though popular, 
in character and prepared expressly for the occasion, were suggestive 
from the interesting comparisons introduced, covering a wide range of 
reading, and from his sympathy with the writers whom he selected for 
treatment. The translations with which he illustrated his lectures Avere 
often very felicitous. Few American writers have possessed so remark- 
able a power to reproduce the words and metre, and to imitate the style 
of earlier and contemporary writers. The "Echo Club," which he 
wrote for the Atlantic Monthly, illustrates in a remarkable degree this 
peculiar gift. 

Professor George W. Greene, the author of the elaborate life of Gen- 
eral Greene, of the Revolutionary army, delivered several extended 
courses of lectures upon American History in the years from 1872-4. 
A bust of this distinguished scholar and delightful man, presented by 
his friend, the poet Longfellow, was placed in the library in 1879. Mr. 
John Fiske also delivered seven lectures upon the same subject in 
April, 1881. Mr. Froude, the English historian, delivered six lectures on 
the History of English Rule in Ireland, in October and November, 1872. 
Professor Von Hoist, of the University of Freiburg, the eminent au- 
thor of the great work on American Constitutional History, delivered 
ten lectures on that subject, May 19-30, 1879. Mr. Edward A. Free- 
man, the historian, also delivered several lectures, in November, 1881, 
in which he discussed the political institutions of Greece, Rome and 
Modern Europe, which, however, as the)^ had been in part previously 
published, won but limited recognition. 

The system of non-resident lectureships has proved a valuable feature 
in Sibley College, tmder the skillful guidance of the Director, Dr. 
Robert H. Thurston. Eminent specialists have been invited to discuss 
some subject in technical or theoretical science of which they are the 
acknowledged masters. These subjects have constituted brilliant 
illustrations of certain investigations, which have already formed a part 
of the instruction of the students, who had thus been qualified to 
understand the latest discoveries in applied science. Many of the most 
eminent scholars in America have during the last eight years lectured 
before the students of Sibley College, among them Professor Bell, the 
inventor of the telephone; Horace See, on modern marine construction ; 
George H. Babcock, on the steam engine; Elihu Thompson, on electric 
distribution; Henry Metcalfe, U. S. A., on costs and manufactures; 
Thomas C. Clarke, on the construction of large railroad bridges; 
57 



450 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Lieutenant Zalinski, on the pneumatic dynamite gun: R. W. Hunt, on 
the manufacture of Bessemer steel ; B. F. Thurston, on the theory of 
patent law; C. J. Woodbury, on the modern mill ; Charles E. Emery, 
on the governing proportions of steam boilers, etc. , etc. 

The first demand of a universit}' lecturer is that he should be didactic. 
Other gifts, of philosophical generalization and description have also 
their place, and the ability to interest and inspire, even where the 
content of the lecture is less, is a quality of high value in a university 
teacher. Professor Dwight was a great teacher. He had the power to 
group his material and present it in the most effective manner. His 
lectures had unity in themselves, and the course which he delivered 
here in successive years, while not supplemented by the study of text 
books and recitations, constituted a valuable series, upon a subject of 
importance to every citizen, when the resources of the university were 
insufficient to equip the necessary chairs of instruction. 

A university in which adequate provision has been made for instruc- 
tion by eminent scholars in all departments of learning which form a 
part of its curriculum, will not need external assistance. If its means 
are not ample, and its teaching force inadaquate, the use of its resources 
for costly attractions from without is not justifiable. The province of 
all courses of extra lectures should be to supplement the established 
curriculum, and not in any sense a substitute for it. vSuperficial and 
merely popular knowledge cannot take the place of the accurate and scien- 
tific training required in a university. The most illustrioiis professors 
lecturing to minds unprepared would be a waste of intellectual power. 
Where students are specially prepared, the work of eminent scholars 
may be added to present brilliantly some phase of knowledge. Modern 
courses of study are, however, so crowded that the introduction of ad- 
ditional subjects can only divert, or be done at the expense of essential 
and systematic work. 

UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION. 

The plan of organization presented to the trustees two years before 
the opening of the university must be regarded as an expression of the 
views of a single trustee. It is signed by Mr. Andrew D. White in 
behalf of the committee on organization. There is no reference in the 
records of the trustees to the appointment of such a committee, and 
Mr. White himself states that the plan of organization as presented was 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 451 

prepared at the sng-g-estion of Mr. Cornell. Mr. Cornell studied it care- 
fnlly, o-ave it his approval, and a copy with the notes in his own hand is 
still preserved. There is no evidence that at the time this report was 
prepared, Mr. White was even a prospective candidate for the presidency. 
He states that he did not know the purpose of Mr. Cornell to present 
his name for such an appointment until he was formally nominated for 
election on October 21, 186G, by Mr. Cornell. The report, however, 
was published under the authorit}^ of the trustees and may be regarded, 
in connection with the election of Mr. White as president at the same 
meeting, as receiving the endorsement of the board and as an expression 
of its views regarding the proposed form of the university. The charter 
was bestowed upon a corporation of ten persons, viz., Ezra Cornell, 
William Kelly, Horace Greeley, Josiah B. Williams, William Andrus, 
John McGraw, George W. Schuyler, Hiram Sibley, J, Meredith Read 
and John M. Parker, who were to constitute a body politic and corporate 
to be known as the Cornell University, having the rights and privileges 
necessary to the accomplishment of the object of its creation, and sub- 
ject to the provisions, and with the powers enumerated in the revised 
statutes of the State of New York as regards college corporations. This 
is a general grant or bestowal of power, without the specification of 
details, such as is made in the charter of other tmiversities in the State 
and elsewhere in the country. Similarly, there is no specification of 
the duties or province of the faculty in regard to the consideration and 
determination of important questions in the educational policy of the 
university. The question of the establishment and approval of courses, 
the requirements for admission and graduation, the settlement of 
questions of discipline, or any specification of the important functions, 
which, by common university law and tradition, are possessed by the 
faculties of other institutions of learning, were not specified in the 
charter. A delimitation of the respective powers and prerogatives of 
the two bodies was not made until a formal codification of the Univer- 
sity statutes by a committee of the trustees, of which Judge Douglass 
Boardman was chairman, was adopted on May 19, 1891. We find in 
the early history of the university the executive committee exercising 
functions, which later, and naturally, were assigned to the faculty; 
such as changing the standard of requirements for admission, pre- 
scribing the uniform to be worn by the university students and even 
inflicting discipline. An amusing, but not serious, difference of opinion 
arose at one time between these two bodies as to the expediency of re- 



452 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINvS COUNTY. 

quiring all students of the university to wear a military uniform. The 
faculty were by no means imitecl in the belief that the university 
should be transformed into a military school. They saw that in the very 
nature of the university, it would be impossible, as well as undesir- 
able in its future growth and development as a seat of advanced study, 
to enforce the universal obligation of military drill and dress. The 
expense of such a costume, as well as a reluctance on the part of 
students to invest themselves permanently in a costume which was 
without beauty or variety, raised serious opposition on their part. 
Finally, as a compromise, it was enacted that as a distinguishing 
badge, all students should wear a military cap. The facult}' seems to 
have raised some objection to even this compulsory badge, but the 
trustees claimed authority to dictate and determine a general policy, and 
directed that the rule should be enforced. 

THE UNIVERSITY SENATE. 

At a meeting of the executive committee held October 30, 1889, it 
was provided that in the case of the appointment of a full professor of 
the university, no election shall be made except upon the nomination 
of the candidate b}" a committee composed of the president and all the 
full professors of the university. On November 4, 1889, it was pro- 
vided that the professors thus organized should constitute a body to be 
known as the Academic vSenate. On November 12, the name Academic 
Senate was changed to University Senate. On December 2, a formal 
statute was enacted, as follows: 

"1. The University Senate shall consist of the president of the uni- 
versity and all the full professors. 

" 2. It shall be the duty of the senate to counsel and advise in regard 
to all nominations for professorships; to consider and make recom- 
mendations in regard to such courses of study as may pertain to more 
than one faculty of the university; and, in general, to consider and 
make recommendations upon any question of university policy that 
may be submitted to this body by the trustees, or the president, or 
either of the faculties. 

" 3. The meetings of the senate may be called by the president, or by 
the secretary upon the written application of any five members ; and 
at such meetings the president, or in his absence the dean of the 
general faculty, shall preside. The senate shall have a secretary 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 453 

whose dut}^ it shall be to keep a record of proceeding's, and call all 
meetings under the direction of the proper authority." 

It was also ordered that on the reception from the president of 
any nomination for a full professorship, "the senate, after proper de- 
liberation, shall vote by ballot yea or nay upon the recommendation; 
and their action, with any reasons for it which the senate may see fit 
to submit, shall be certified to the Board of Trustees." 

On June 18, 1890, the statute regarding- the senate was further 
modified by making it the duty of the president whenever a full profes- 
sorship was to be filled to nominate to the senate the person whom he 
shall consider most worthy to occupy the vacancy The change thus 
made provided simply that the president should take the initiative in 
all nominations, such action in the original form of the statute having 
been overlooked. 

On October 32, 1890, the constitution of the Senate was changed by 
the following statute of the Board of Trustees: 

Resolved, That whenever any full professorship is to be filled, the president of 
the university shall, upon request of the Board of Trustees or of the executive 
committee, seek diligently and to the best of his ability, bearing in mind the pro- 
vision of the fundamental charter of this university, which forbids him to take 
cognizance in any political or religious views which any candidate may or may not 
hold, nominate to the senate the person whom he shall consider most worthy to 
occupy the vacancy to be filled; thereupon the senate, after proper deliberation, 
shall vote by ballot yea or nay upon the recommendation ; and their action with any 
reasons for it which the senate may see fit to submit, shall be certified to the Board 
of Trustees, who shall then confirm or reject such nomination. Said confirmation or 
rejection shall be by ballot, said ballot to be not by a single open vote cast by any 
one person, but by the ballots of all present and voting. 

The reasons which determined this action are obvious. It was felt 
that in these important questions there should exist a responsible ad- 
visory body, which should take cognizance of the needs of the university 
as a whole and preserve a certain symmetry in its development. The 
pressure of individual departments for recognition and enlargement 
was a constant factor tending often to an undue expansion of any single 
field of instruction, at the expense of more important departments 
which demanded recognition. In the increasing field of the world's 
knowledge, it was necessary to take cognizance of new subjects, and a 
earful and deliberate judgment on the part of the senior prof essors was 
deemed of highest value as an aid in the deliberations of the trustees. 
Action, in itself admirable, might otherwise be taken without full con- 



454 • LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

sideration of all the interests involved. The question which naturally 
arose was, how shall the university policy be directed to secure that 
intelligent and uniform administration, which shall enable it to develop 
in accordance with the advance of science? There could "be but one 
answer to this question, and that was that all questions relating- to 
courses of study, to the bestowal of degrees as well as the nomination 
of professors, should be entrusted to the appropriate faculty for 
decision. To entrust the decision of important legal questions to a 
body of artists, would be as unwarranted as to confer the control of 
questions of art upon a corresponding body of lawyers. Education is a 
science and has a history coincident with the growth of knowledge and 
the development of the human mind. It is, therefore, in itself a 
historical question as well as one of philosophy. The history of every 
particular science must be investigated in order to choose wisel}^ the 
methods of study in that science. There was on the part of the trustees 
a profound conviction that the faculty of the university should be the 
active and responsible governing body, and that it should determine 
the character of the instruction and advise in the appointment of all 
instructors and professors. The trustees should form the permanent 
corporation, holding in trust the property, and confirm or reject all 
nominations and, in conjunction with the faculty, make all regular 
appropriations. It was felt that the faculty was alone competent to 
estimate the amount and variety of instruction required, preliminary to 
a degree, the number of departments and instructors, and the needs of 
the library, museums and laboratories. It might properly express an 
opinion of the expediency and character of all buildings which were to 
be erected. As regards the establishment or enlargement of depart- 
ments, the resident instructors, who devote all their attention to an 
institution of learning are best fitted to judge of the wisdom of any 
change. A multiplication of departments rnay cause the regular and 
most essential courses of instruction to be neglected or deprived of the 
means of enlargement. The institution of a senate such as was con. 
templated exists in some of the most progressive institutions of our 
country, and is the established and historic mode of administration in 
Germany and in most other countries of Europe. In ignoring a system 
approved by the results of a thousand years, American colleges have 
made an experiment fraught with immeasurable loss to the efficienc}^ 
of their development and to the progress of education. Two methods 
have been proposed for accomplishing this purpose: 1st, by authorizing 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 405 

the faculty to elect annually two or more delegates to sit with the 
corporation, participating freel}' into its deliberations and expressing 
their views on all questions, becoming thus the medium of communi- 
cation between the faculty and the trustees, or by establishing a 
university senate which may represent the authoritative voice of the 
faculty to the trustees upon such educational questions. The provision 
in the statutes of several States, which forbids professors in a college 
from becoming members of the corporation, is so framed as to exclude 
those who have devoted a lifetime to the study of educational questions 
from having any voice in settling the most important interests con. 
nected with academic culture. It is too often the case that the voice of 
the faculty is not heard in all questions affecting the welfare of the 
university, so that while sitting apparently in the place of authority, 
they are powerless to correct abuses and carry out important reforms. 
The law of this State, which formerly forbade professors in colleges 
from being members of the corporation, was repealed when the Hon. 
Samuel J. Tilden was governor; representatives of some one of the 
faculty of Harvard have served in the corporation and in the Board of 
Overseers repeatedly during the present century. The second method 
of attaining the end desired, by the establishment of the university 
senate, was that which was adopted by the trustees of this university. 
A profound and far-reaching wisdom was manifest in this action. It 
added dignity at once to the position of a professor and created an 
esprit du corps and sense of responsibility which were in the highest 
degree a contribution to the advancement of the educational interests of 
the universit}^ A system so valuable in its results, winning at once 
the co-operation and enthusiastic participation of the faculty in sup- 
porting the executive of the universit}", and in promoting all interests 
which advance its welfare, could not have been otherwise obtained. 

The expediency of the establishment of a senate was abundantly 
verified in practice. Previousl)^, there had been no common organization 
by which the members of both faculties, viz., the Academic and that 
of the Law School, could meet together for mutual counsel or authori- 
tative action. Many questions affecting the inter-relation of the Law 
School and other departments of the university demand such con- 
sideration in common. The provision establishing the Law School, 
which permits students in the Academic department to elect work in 
the Law School to a limited extent during the last two years of their 
course, as well as the qualifications and terms upon which such liberty 



456 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

shall be allowed, as well as tne question of a common calendar for the 
two faculties, demand an organization such as the senate. In practical 
operation, it abundantly vindicated its appointment. A conscientious 
effort on the part of professors constituting ai?y group within the senate 
to secure candidates of the highest reputation and personal standing 
for the chairs which were to be filled, was manifested. All appointments 
during the period of the existence of the senate were made after a 
careful deliberation and comparison of the qualifications of all candi- 
dates named, and all appointments received the cordial support and 
endorsement of the faculty. Professors so elected came to the uni- 
versity with the consciousness of the approval of their appointment 
and a welcome to their new field of labor. The senate ceased to exist 
by action of the trustees October 6, 1893. 

ALUMNI REPRESENTATION ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

A new element in university administration has been introduced, in 
giving to the alumni the right of representation upon the Board of 
Overseers or Trustees. It was expected that a double object would be 
attained by this measure, that new men having a personal interest in 
the university and a recent knowledge of its needs, would become a part 
of the government, and that the alumni would sustain a permanent 
relation to the institution, when directly associated in its management. 
This may be regarded as an adaptation of the English university system 
by which masters, in residence for a part of the year, at Cambridge 
Eorm the senate, and at Oxforrl the convocation, legislative bodies to 
which all regulations are submitted for discussion and approval. Grad- 
uates who retain connection with the university are thus enabled to 
contribute the results of their learning to the decision of all matters 
affecting chairs of instruction, degrees and government. The contrast 
which exists in the scholarship of English and American students upon 
graduation makes the experiment in the two cases far from identical. 
The class to which authority is entrusted in the English universities is, 
in extent of study and experience, far in advance of our own graduates 
and is composed in most cases of professors, and resident masters 
pursuing liberal studies still further. In some colleges in this country, 
the right to participate in these elections is limited to graduates of five 
years standing, but if it is important to continue the relation of the 
alumni to their university, this delay in conferring the right of suffrage 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 457 

until after a considerable period of separation from the college, has 
certain disadvantages. The fact that so large a portion of the alnmni 
of our colleges are scattered throughout the land, and thus removed 
from an opportunit}^ of voting in person at Commencement is obviated 
in some cases by a provision enabling a ballot for alumni trustees to be 
sent by mail, which is counted as if delivered in person. Any method 
which will retain the active interest of the alumni in their alma niatcr 
is worthy of examination, and possibly of trial. The first university 
in this country to introduce the principle of alumni representation in 
the choice of trustees was Harvard University. It was proposed as 
early as 1854, and a bill was introduced in the Senate of Massachusetts 
in that year which passed through most of the preliminary stages, but 
failed to be enacted owing, it is said, to the pressure of business at the 
close of the session. 

On April 28, 1805, an act was passed by which the right to choose the 
overseers of Harvard College was transferred from the General Court 
or Legislature to graduates of five years standing, who should vote by 
ballot on Commencement day, in the city of Cambridge. The choice of 
overseers was at first limited to citizens of Massachusetts, but by a 
supplementary act passed March 5, 1880, persons who were not 
inhabitants of the Commonwealth, but otherwise qualified, were made 
eligible as overseers of Harvard College. In the act establishing Cornell 
University, no mention is made of the election of trustees by the 
alumni, but in an amendment to the charter, passed April 24, 1867, it 
was provided that whenever the alumni of the university should reach 
the number of one hundred, they were empowered to elect one trustee. 
By an amendment to the charter passed May 15, 1883, it was provided 
that members of the alumni who were not present at Commencement 
might send in their ballots in writing. The difference between the 
Harvard provision and that of Cornell consists in the fact that at 
Harvard there are two governing bodies, the fellows or corporation, 
and the overseers who exercise the right of veto upon all action of the 
corporation. The graduates of Harvard have the right to elect the 
entire board of overseers consisting of thirt}^ members. Their influence 
may thus be exerted at once effectively, in determining all questions of 
policy, through the overseers. At Cornell there are fifteen elective 
trustees, five of whom may be chosen by the alumni. The power thus 
conferred is limited, when compared with that of the alumni of Harvard. 
In further distinction from the Harvard system, all Cornell alumni, 
58 



458 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

wherever resident, may participate in the election of trustees. The 
system may now be tested by its results as nearly thirty -years have 
passed since its introduction. It may be premised, that where there is 
a large and intelligent body of the alumni residing in the vicinity of a 
college, attendance upon the meetings of the trustees and active partic- 
ipation in the decision of all university, questions are possible, and the 
results attained of a different order, from what occurs when the alumni 
are widely scattered. A choice of the ablest and mo^^t influential 
scholars and educators may be made whose residence will permit them 
to give the most careful attention to the interests of the university ; but 
it may be questioned whether the results under the present system 
have fully equaled the expectations which had been formed. The 
character of the trustees or overseers elected by the alumni has not 
greatly differed from those previously chosen. In most colleges, a 
majority of the trustees have always been graduates of the college and 
the fact of an election by the alumni did not change their essential 
character. Where alumni trustees have been substituted for a long 
list of ex-ofQcio members as at Yale or Harvard or elsewhere, there has 
been a real gain. At Harvard, however, the substantial power still 
rests with the corporation, which is in the main a self-perpetuating 
body, while the overseers have only the right of confirmation of its 
nominations, and do not originate action. An alumnus is chosen for 
prominence in social or political life, or for eminence as a lawyer or 
clergyman and not because he has any intelligent acquaintance with 
the history of education, or is qualified to judge of the demands of 
higher learning at the present time. Local considerations often 
influence the selection of candidates, and party interests are not 
always forgotten. Men are elected, who can snatch but a hasty moment 
from the pressing demands of professional life to decide upon questions 
afi:ecting the permanent educational interests of the nation, and to judge 
of the standing and qualifications of professors in all departments of 
learning. The election is often determined by a small proportion of 
the alumni who are able to be present, or have an interest in voting. 
In such cases an active local interest or an aggressive partisanship may 
prevail, and a choice occur based upon some remote college or society 
popularity. The attendance of trustees so chosen has not always been 
secured, and only a measure of success under favorable circumstances 
may at present be considered as attained by the system. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 459 

On several occasions the influence of the alumni has been very ad- 
vantageously felt in presenting their views in regard to questions of uni- 
versity policy. One of the most notable instances of this kind was in 
connection with the subject of honorary degrees. It had been the settled 
policy of the university from the beginning to bestow no honorary 
degrees. Soon after the beginning of the administration of President 
Adams, he recommended the bestowal of honorary degrees, believing 
that a time had been reached in the history of the tmiversity when 
such degrees might be properly conferred in recognition of distin- 
guished attainments by our own graduates or others. At the second 
Commencement of the university, President White had stated publicly 
and explicitly that it was the policy of the university to bestow no 
honorary degrees. The University of the State of New York had be- 
stowed upon Professor Goldwin Smith the degree of Doctor of Letters, 
in recognition of his high scholarship, and distinguished services to 
education both in England and America, and above all, of his generous 
identification of himself with the various educational interests of the 
State. This degree was formally presented at Commencement, 1870 
Upon this occasion, President White stated that the trustees had deci- 
ded to confer no honorar}^ degrees, but he was gratified to have the 
honor of announcing that the Regents of the State of New York had 
delegated to him the pleasure of conferring the degree of Doctor of 
Letters on one whose, labors in the field of letters the world is proud 
to acknowledge, Goldwin Smith. The trustees, under the impression 
that the faculty of the university favored the proposed change in policy, 
passed a resolution in favor of granting such degrees. This resolution 
was opposed by the alumni representative in the Board of Trustees, 
who, however, decided that the provision requiring the concurrence of 
two-thirds of the members of the faculty, would g'uard against any dan- 
ger which might arise from an indiscriminate and unguarded bestowal 
of such degrees. Immediately after this action, four names were pre- 
sented to the faculty for honorar}^ degrees, whose merits the faculty 
would have been glad to recognize, had they not felt a pride in the 
honor of the university, which enabled them to say that every degree 
conferred had always been earned and established by satisfactory 
courses of study and confirmed by the requisite examinations and 
theses. Of the names presented to the faculty, one received twenty 
votes out of twenty-two cast, and one eighteen, in each case less than 
half the faculty. The question having been raised whether the resolu- 



460 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

tion of the trustees contemplated the approval of any nomination by 
two-thirds of the resident members of the faculty, or by two -thirds of 
those voting-, the question was referred to the trustees for decisicni, and 
the remaining- names which had been presented were withdrawn. In 
reporting the action of the faculty to the trustees, the question of the 
interpretation of the law which had been raised, was not presented, and 
these two degrees were voted by the trustees, and stand alone as the 
only honorary degrees ever conferred by the university. Under these 
circumstances, a majority of the alumni presented a memorial to the 
trustees and faculty of the university, protesting against the adoption of 
the policy of bestowing such degrees as injurious to the university. 
It was shown that in eighteen years 1,122 first degrees and 82 second 
degrees had been conferred, and that for every advanced degree a cer- 
tain specified amount of work under careful supervision, with residence, 
together with the presentation of the proper thesis and examination 
had been required ; that if the polic}^ of conferring advanced degrees 
without study and residence were pursued, the value of all degrees 
would be impaired and graduate students would have less incentive to 
pursue their studies in course for degrees which might be obtained 
honoris causa. It was believed that such a policy, involving- as it did 
a distinction between different members of the alumni, would result in 
final harm and in an appreciable loosening of the bonds of loyalty. The 
various departments of the university were so numerous that it would 
be difficult to determine between the merit of students distinguished in 
different branches. To attempt to weigh, for example, the claims of an 
alumnus who has written a successful novel against the claims of one 
who has built a great bridge or made an important scientific discovery, 
or achieved marked success in an}^ profession, was manifestly absurd. 
"You cannot," says D'Quincy, "affirm imparity, where the ground 
is occupied by disparity." Where there is no parity of principles, there 
is no basis for comparison. How, then, can any body of men determine 
the conflicting claims of the graduates of various and widely divergent 
departments? It was shown that in the year 1884, sixteen obscure col- 
leges in this country had conferred ninety-nine degrees in course, and 
sevent3^-two honorary degrees; and that in the year 1883, five hundred 
honorary were conferred in the United States. President Barnard at 
Columbia College had recommended a most stringent policy " in conse- 
quence of the constant and annoying pressure upon the board b}" out- 
siders, by whom every form of social and even occasionally political 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 461 

influence was brought to bear to induce them to confer academic honors 
upon persons doubtfully deserving." President Gilman had stated: 
"The whole system as at present maintained is full of fraud towards 
the public, unfairness towards men of letters and dishonor to the name 
of learning and to the thought of academic honor." Boston University 
had boldly adopted the policy and announced it in its catalogue. " The 
university confers no honorary degrees of any kind." The claims 
which might be brought to bear upon the university by successful poli- 
ticians, who have rissn to high positions in the State and National gov- 
ernments might not be easy to be resisted. This significant appeal to 
the faculty was signed by the presidents of all the alumni associations 
of Ithaca, New York, Central New York, Western New York, New 
England, North-Eastern Pennsylvania, Washington, Chicago, Minne- 
sota and Ohio. Upon its presentation in the faculty, the faculty re- 
ferred it to the trtlstees with a unanimous approval, where a resolution 
was likewise passed without a dissenting voice rescinding the vote con- 
cerning honorary degrees. On other occasions when the opinion of the 
alumni upon questions of university policy has been presented it 
has always received full and respectful consideration. Such occasions 
have occurred in connection with the choice of a president, with the 
questions of professors' salaries and the erection of buildings. 

At the annual meeting of the alumni held on June 18, 1884, it was 

Resol^ied, That the Trustee last elected by the alumni shall, at the end of the first 
year of his office, make a written report on the conditions and needs of the univer- 
sity, to the associate alumni at their annual meeting in Ithaca, said report to be sub- 
mitted in writing to the other alumni trustees, and their dissent or approval to be 
endorsed thereon before presentation. 

It was also 

Resolved, That such report be printed by the alumni, bt:t that the as'^ociation 
shall not be considered as adopting the views presented. 

Since 1885 the alumni trustee last elected has presented to the as- 
sembled body of the alumni at their annual meeting in Commencement 
week, a report upon the condition of the university, with a review of 
its condition and policy, accompanied by such recommendations as he 
deemed best. At the meeting of the alinnni held in June, 1890, a reso- 
lution was passed establishing an alumni bureau, the object of which 
should be to promote the interests of graduates of the university. It 
was proposed to establish a central bureau where the names of all stu- 
dents desiring educational or other positions should be preserved, and 



462 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

to which application might be made and information of vacancies in 
educational and professional positions given. This bureau has been in 
operation four years, during which time assistance has been freely given 
to all applicants, and every year a large number of students, upon 
graduation, and older alumni, have received positions through its in- 
strumentality. A fuller co-operation on the part of the alumni is alone 
needed to enable this bureau to exert a beneficent and extended influ- 
ence in behalf of graduates of the university. As it is, its influence 
has been widely felt. 

At the meeting of the alumni June 19, 1889, the question of what 
constituted an alumnus of the university was raised. The trustees had 
adopted at their meeting on October 24. 1888, in accordance with a sec- 
tion of the charter of the universit}^, which required them to interpret 
who shall constitute the alumni of the university and be entitled to vote 
for alumni trustees, a resolution that all graduates in any department 
with the first degree, and all persons who have been admitted to any 
degree higher than the first in the university shall be alumni, and as 
such entitled to vote for alumni trustee. The executive committee of 
the Alumni Association issued a circular asking for an expression of the 
views of the alumni, whether they favored the ordinance as it stood, or 
an appeal to the trustees to raise immediately the standard of ad- 
mission and lengthen the course of instruction in the Law School 
until it should be equivalent to a four years course. In reply, answers 
were received from 660 graduates, of these 594 favored an appeal to 
the trustees to raise the standard of admission and lengthen the 
course of instruction in the Law School, 44 favored the ordinance as it 
stood, and 26 held conflicting views as to the course to be pursued. At 
the meeting in the following yesiT, no favorable action having been 
taken by the trustees, the subject of the resolution was taken up and 
referred to the representatives of the alumni in the Board of Trustees 
to advocate and support the above views. 

At the meeting of- the alumni in 1888, a resolution was offered in fa- 
vor of raising funds to erect an alumni hall. This committee reported 
at the above meeting on June 18, 1890, in favor of organizing a Cornell 
Central Club, the object of which should be to raise the sum of $50,000 
for an alumni hall to be erected on the university grounds. Ex-Presi- 
dent White had offered to add $10,000 to the above sum, in case the 
amount should be raised within five or six years. It was proposed to 
erect a building, the main hall of which should be utilized for the great 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 463 

g-athering"s and entertainments of the club, and as a repository for 
memorials of former professors and sttidents of the university. The 
eifort to secure this fund is still in progress. 



VII. 

THE RELATION OF THE UNIVERSITY TO THE STATE : 
1. SCHOLARSHIPS. — 2. THE CHURCH. 

SCHOLARSHIPS. 

The question of providing State Scholarships in colleges founded 
under the National Land Grant Act was agitated very early. The 
State of Connecticut in the act establishing an agricultural and 
mechanical college in connection with the Sheffield Scientific School 
provided for gratuitous instruction to students especiall}^ selected under 
certain regulations to enjo}^ this privilege. ''The number of pupils to 
be so received gratuitously into said school shall be in each year such a 
number as would expend a sum equal to one-half of the said interest 
(on the income of the National Land Grant) for the same year in 
paying for their instruction in said school, if they were required to pa}^ 
for it at the regular rates charged to their pupils. " The State of Rhode 
Island in bestowing the Land Scrip upon Brown University provided 
that it should educate scholars each at the rate of one hundred dollars 
per annum, to the extent of the entire annual income from such proceeds, 
subject only to the provision permitting one-tenth part of the income to 
be expended in the purchase of lands. The senators and representatives 
from the several towns in the State were constituted a Board of Com- 
missioners to present to the governor and secretary of state the names 
of worthy young men to be educated as State beneficiaries, and the 
commissioners were instructed after one candidate had been presented 
from each town in the State, to select the candidates, as far as may be, 
from the several towns in the ratio of their representation in the House 
of Representatives and from that class of persons who otherwise would 
not have the means of providing themselves with the like benefits. 

In New Jersey, students of agriculture and the mechanic arts were to 
be admitted to the proposed college upon the recommendation of the 



464 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

l:)oard of chosen freeholders of their representative counties; and the 
number of students which a county should, at any one time, be entitled 
to have in the college, was to be equal to the number of representatives 
in the Legislature to which the county was entitled, or, in proportion 
to the same, and the triistees were required to furnish gratuitous 
instruction to pupils, the number of which each year should be such 
as would expend a sum equal to one-half of the said interest (on the 
National Grant) for the same year, in paying for their instruction, if 
they were required to pay for it at the regular rates. Some of the 
States in which agricultural colleges already existed provided for free 
instruction for all students from the State, as in the case of Iowa and 
Michigan. Others, like New Hampshire, provided for free tuition to 
indigent students. The provision which most nearly affected the 
charter of Cornell University was a section in the act assigning the 
Land Scrip to the People's College, passed May 14, 1863, which 
ante-dated all others, providing that, from the year 1868, or whenever 
in the opinion of the Regents of the University the income arising from 
the investments provided for in the act should warrant the same, the 
People's College should receive students from every county in the State, 
and "give and furnish to them instruction in any or all the prescribed 
branches of stud}^ pursued in any department of said institution, free 
from any tuition fee or any additional charges to be paid to said college ; 
and the Regents of the University shall from time to time designate the 
number of students to be so educated ; but they shall be selected or 
caused to be selected by the chancellor of the university and the super- 
intendent of public instruction, who shall jointly publish such rules and 
regulations in regard thereto as will in their opinion secure proper 
selections and stimulate competition in the academies, public or other 
schools in this State." It was also provided that the Regents should 
determine from year to year in accordance with the income of the 
college the number of youth who should be exempt from any pa3''ment 
of board, tuition or room rent; but in the selection of students prefer- 
ence should be given to the sons of those who have died in the military 
or naval service of the United States. This provision regarding prefer- 
ence to be shown to the sons of those who have ' died during the war 
appears also in the charter of other institutions, as in the case of the 
States of Connecticut and Wisconsin, which provisions were adopted 
subsequent to this date. Cornell University, in receiving from the 
State the Land Grant Fund, assumed the obligation which had been 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 465 

imposed upon the People's College, but with a more definite specifica- 
tion of the number of those who should receive gratuitous instruction, 
it being provided that it should receive annually students, one from 
each assembly district of the State, that such free instruction should be 
accorded to students in consideration of their superior ability as a 
reward for superior scholarship in the academies and public schools of 
this State. It differed further from the act appropriating the proceeds 
of the Land Grant Act to the People's College by providing that the 
school commissioners of each county, or the Boards of Education in 
each city should select annually the best scholar from each academy 
and each public school of their respective counties or cities as candidates 
for the university scholarship, which candidates should meet, and after 
a special examination, the best scholars, one from each assembly 
district in said county or city should be selected and receive certificates 
entitling the students to admission to the university, subject to the 
examination and approval of the faculty, which selection in the previous 
act was to be made by the chancellor of the university and the super- 
intendent of public instruction or under their direction. Under this 
provision Cornell University entered into a direct obligation with the 
State by which it was bound to educate contemporaneously four students 
from each assembly district, should that number apply for admission, 
making a total of 512 students, who should be drawn from the public 
schools and academies of the State. The free instrt;ction, thus provided, 
secured the education of a larger number of students than the entire num- 
ber upon the catalogues of several colleges. This act placed an advanced 
liberal and technical education at the disposal of the most meritorious 
scholars from all parts of the State. It also brought the imiversity into 
direct relationship to the courses of study in the high schools and acade- 
mies of the State, and it has become indirectly, through its powerful advo- 
cacy, and directly by its standard of requirement, an important factor 
in elevating and directing the entire system of public instruction 
throughout the State. All parts of the State did not share at once and 
equally in the advantages thus presented. Owing to the indifference 
of educational boards, in many cases examinations were not provided 
for students who desired to avail themselves of the benefits of the 
State law. Some of the most populous cities of the State took no ac- 
tion for years to admit the pupils of their public schools to this im- 
portant advantage. By an act amending the charter of the university, 
the immediate responsibility for the execution of this law was entrusted 

59 



466 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

to the superintendent of public instruction, by which it was further 
provided that, in case any county was unrepresented in the university, 
or the scholarship was not claimed by a student of that county, the 
State superintendent might, after notice had been served on the super- 
intendent or commissioner of schools of said county, appoint a candi- 
date from some other county, whose rank entitled him to such recog- 
nition. The superintendent was required also to prepare the examin- 
ation papers upon which appointments were based, and also to retain 
the papers presented b}^ the different candidates, and to keep a record 
of the standing of candidates, and to notify them of their rights under 
this act. He was also charged with the general supervision and di- 
rection of all matters in connection with the falling of such scholar- 
ships. Under the wise provisions of this act, the full quota of scholar- 
ships allotted to the State was lilled, and the number of students avail- 
ing themselves of the privileges of the university increased rapidly, 
the number admitted rising from 375 in 1886-7 to 442 in the following 
year, and 562 in the succeeding year. To these public provisions for 
scholarships should be added the fact that free tuition has been ac- 
corded to students who pursued the full coarse in agriculture, and also 
to graduate students, so that the number receiving free tuition at the 
present time is not far from 700 students. 

On October 27, 1884, the trustees of the university set apart the income 
of a fund of one hundred and fifty-five thousand dollars for the establish- 
ment of scholarships and fellowships. The origin of this ftmd illustrates 
one of the noblest acts of generosity in the history of the university. 
The cost of administration and equipment had exhausted the income for 
successive years ; a debt of more than one hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars threatened the serious embarrassment, if not the abridgment, 
of the work of the university ; the large plan outlined in its establish- 
ment had been proved to involve an expense far in excess of the avail- 
able funds. At a meeting of the Executive Committee, after serious 
debate respecting the financial difficulties in which the university was 
placed, President White made a proposal to pay a proportion of the 
university debt according to his property, provided the whole debt 
could be paid in the same manner by individual members of the Board 
of Trustees. Mr. Cornell offered to give fifty thousand dollars to dis- 
charge the debt, and finally increased his gift to seventy-five thousand 
dollars, provided the balance could be raised. The proposition awoke 
much enthusiasm, and confidence was expressed that the difficulties 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 467 

which beset the university could in this manner be overcome. Messrs. 
John McGraw, Henry W. Sage, Hiram Sibley and Andrew D. White 
gave each twenty thousand dollars, which, with Mr. Cornell's generous 
gift, enabled the university to discharge its liabilities. There seems to 
have been an understanding at this time, or subsequently, that in case 
the university revenue should ever be sufficien,t, to devote the income 
of this sum to found scholarships and fellowships for meritorious stu- 
dents. It seemed possible, at the meeting of the Board of Trustees 
on October 27, 1884, to carry out the proposition which had been formed 
so long before, and it was voted to establish twenty-four scholarships, 
six to be awarded each year, of the value of two hundred dollars each, 
to be assigned to the students passing the best examination for admis- 
sion, after special examination. Three scholarships were also estab- 
lished from the Sage fund, which were to be increased to twelve after 
the year 1887, three of which were to be open to each class upon en- 
tering. These scholarships were to be awarded to women, one of 
which was to be bestowed upon the woman passing the best examina- 
tion for entrance to the Course in Arts, and two to women students en- 
tering the freshman class in any other course. It was provided that 
these scholarships should be tenable for one year, and at the end of the 
first year the faculty should decide who should retain or receive the 
scholarships for the remaining three years of the course, either by the 
record made by the students through the first year or by competitive 
examination, or in whatever manner it should be deemed best. There 
were also established at the same meeting seven fellowships of the 
value of four hundred dollars each, to be awarded to graduate students 
of Cornell University, or of some institution of equal rank, who had 
distinguished themselves in some special department of study. Since 
this time one additional general imiversity fellowship has been estab- 
lished; also three Susan Linn Sage fellowships in philosophy and 
ethics, and six graduate scholarships in the School of Philosophy, ac- 
cording to the terms of Mr. Sage's endowment, and also two President 
White scholarships in History and Political Science, two fellowships in 
Political Economy and Finance, two fellowships in Latin and Greek, 
and one fellowship in American History. At the meeting of the trus- 
tees held October 8, 1893, ten additional graduate scholarships were es- 
tablished of the annual value of three hundred dollars each, and five 
additional fellowships of the annual value of five hundred dollars each 
were established. At the same time the value of each of the existing 



468 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

graduate scholarships and fellowships was increased by one hundred 
dollars per year. 

thp: relation of the university to the church. 

In the act passed May 1, 1784, at the close of the Revolutionary War, 
changing the name of King's College in New York to that of Columbia 
College, and erecting a university within the vState, it was provided that 
no professor should in any wise whatsoever be accounted ineligible for, 
or by reason of any religious tenet or tenets that he ma}^ or shall pos- 
sess, or be compelled by any b3^-law or otherwise to take any religious 
oath. In the act of May 13, 1787, in the famous r.eport recommending 
a revision of the charter of Columbia College presented b}^ Alexander 
Hamilton, it was stated that the erection of public schools is an object 
of very great importance, which ought not to be left to the discretion 
of private men, but be promoted by public authority. On April 13, 
1787, a law embodying the views of the Board of Regents was passed 
establishing a State university, the general provisions of which still re- 
mained in force, and which has formed the basis of the present system 
of collegiate and academic instruction in the State. This act repeated 
the provision of the original law in different words, stating that no presi- 
dent or professor shall be ineligible for, or by reason of, any religious 
tenet that he may or shall profess, or be compelled by any law or other- 
wise to take any test oath whatever. Under this clause it was held that 
it was impossible for a college to be converted to sectarian purposes. 
The men who formed the Constitution of the United States were reso- 
lute in upholding the separation of Church and State, and in making the 
educational system of this country as free as its political. In the peti- 
tion for a charter for Union College presented December 18, 1794, the 
second provision of the proposed charter provided that a majority of the 
Board of Trustees shall never be composed of persons of the same re- 
ligious sect or denomination. In the formal charter of the college this 
principle was fully incorporated. The first principle of religious equal- 
ity contained in any college charter in this country is perhaps that in 
the charter of Brown University, which was adopted on the last Mon- 
day in February, 1704: " Provided^ and furthermore it is hereby enacted 
and declared, that into this liberal and catholic institution shall never 
be admitted an}^ religious tests; but on the contrary, all the members 
hereof shall forever enjoy full, free, absolute and uninterrupted libert}^ 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 469 

of conscience, and that the pLaces of professors, tutors and all other 
officers, the president alone excepted, shall be free and open for all de- 
nominations of Protestants, and that 3^outh of all religious denomina- 
tions shall and may be freely admitted to equal advantages in the 
emoluments and honors of the university, . . . and that the sec- 
tarian difference of opinion shall not make any part of the public and 
classical instruction." Views like these constituted hereafter a part of 
the educational system of the State of New York. Similar views re- 
ceived recognition in the University of Michigan, where the policy in 
matters of religion was declared to 'be identical with that of the com- 
mon schools. Persons of every religious denomination were capable of 
being elected trustees, and no person, president, professor, instructor, 
or pupil, was to be refused admission for his conscientious persuasion 
in matters of religion. In the charter of Cornell University the prin- 
ciple contained in the charter of Union College was stated, with the ad- 
ditional limitation: " But at no time shall a majority of the board be of 
one religious or of no religious sect." This principle, therefore, cor- 
responded to the enlightened provisions of the charter of our State Uni- 
versity and to the broad and liberal spirit in matters of religion which 
pervaded the founder of the university. In the inaugural address of 
President White it was stated: " Into these foundation principles — that 
is, the union of the scientific and the aesthetic with the practical — was 
now wrought another at which every earnest man should rejoice: the 
principle of unsectarian education." Higher education in America had 
been begun and fostered in all institutions by Christian men, and had it 
not been for such support, no provision would perhaps have been made 
for many years for higher education in the United States. To education 
as a factor in social order was joined the desire to train men for 
the ministry and to Christianize the savages. A second provision was 
that persons of every religious denomination or of no religious denomi- 
nation should be equally eligible to all offices or appointments. And 
further, President White in his inaugural address said: "We shall not 
discard the idea of worship. This has never been dreamed of in our 
plans. The first plan of buildings and the last embraces the University 
Chapel. We might, indeed, find little encouragement in college chapel 
services as they are often conducted,— prayers dogmatic or ceremonial, 
praise with doggerel hymns, thin music and feeble choir; the great 
body of students utterly listless or worse. From yonder chapel shall 
daily ascend prayer and praise. Day after day it shall recognize in man 



470 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

not only mental and moral, but religious want. We will labor to make 
this a Christian institution; a sectarian institution may it never be." 

This limitation upon the choice of trustees has probably never been 
seriously considered in the election of any member of the board ; and 
doubtless at no time has it been possible for any one to state the pro- 
portion of tru.stees who were members of any particular religious de- 
nomination or of no denomination. 

At the opening of the university, the large lecture room on the fourth 
floor of the south university building, now Morrill Hall, inconvenient 
as it was of access, was called the Chapel and religious exercises, to 
which attendance was voluntary, were held every morning at eight 
o'clock. vServices were conducted by Reverend Professor W. D. Wil- 
son, consisting of the reading of a passage of scripture, the Lord's 
Prayer and certain collects from the Prayer Book. These exercises 
were conducted with great faithfulness by Dr. Wilson for five years. 
As few of the students were accommodated in the university buildings, 
and many had no recitations upon the hill at the first hour, attendance 
upon morning prayers was very limited. The veteran chaplain, after 
continuing them for several years, stated with assurance that he had 
always had one present. Inquiry did not elicit the fact whether that 
one constituted the reader or a solitary worshiper. 

In the erection of the Sage College, it was proposed that the present 
large botanical lecture room should constitute the University Chapel. 
The erection of the present chapel is immediately due to the pure and 
beautiful suggestion of Mrs. Henry W. Sage. As the plans for the 
new college were hastily examined in Brooklyn one evening, she in- 
quired : "Is that the only provision in that great university which is 
made for religious services?" On the following morning Mr. Sage 
called upon President White and stated that, if he would go with him 
and select the site of a chapel, he would give the same to the univer- 
sity. This occurred in 1872. Professor Babcock was the architect of 
the new chapel, which was erected during the year 1874-5. It was de- 
signed to accommodate 500 students, the number of students then in 
the university being about that number. The small chapel was de- 
signed to be occupied for morning prayers, but prayers were only held 
there a few times if at all. The number of students who resided upon 
the hill had gradually become smaller, as the needs of the university 
made it necessary to use rooms in the two dormitories for purposes of 
instruction. The University Chapel was formally dedicated by the 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 471 

Rev. Phillips Brooks, of Trinity Church, Boston, who preached from 
the text; "What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light," on 
June 13, 1875, in a memorable discourse. But after the' erection of 
the Chapel, no funds were available for the support of preaching- or of 
a university pastor. Under these circumstances, Mr. Dean Sage, of 
Albany, made possible the realization of the noble purpose of his 
father in the erection of the Chapel, by the gift of thirty thousand dol- 
lars, the income of which should be spent in paying the salary of a 
university pastor, or the expense of university preachers. The ques- 
tion of how the best results were to be obtained in the use of this fund 
was one which received serious consideration. President White was 
familiar in his own college experience with the institution of a college 
pastor, with obligatory attendance upon religious services. He op- 
posed energetically the idea of compulsory attendance at morning prayers 
and at chapel services, believing that worship, to be acceptable and 
successful when associated with a universit}'', must be voluntary. His 
own visits to the services connected with the English universities and 
his fondness for music led him to desire that the musical feature of the 
chapel service should be made prominent, and he has always advocated 
the establishment of a musical professorship in connection with the 
university, the holder of which should be miusical director of the uni- 
versity. During the years past the most eloquent representatives of 
the various denominations have preached in the Chapel, and whatever 
eloquence and ability could contribute to make the present plan a suc- 
cess has been realized. The absence of a church organization in con- 
nection with the Chapel constantly leads large numbers of students to 
connect themselves with the churches in town, the services of which 
they attend. It is obviously necessary that preachers who are called to 
the university chapel should be gifted as pulpit orators, but above all 
that, that they possess the power to appeal to young men. Mere theo- 
logians who have appeared in the university chapel have, as a rule, 
failed to secure the attention of the students or produce a lasting im- 
pression. It is also necessary that the preachers should be known, men 
of recognized ability and reputation ; for in no organization, perhaps, 
does the reputation of the individual preacher exercise so important an 
influence upon his audience as in the voluntary system of chapel ser- 
vices. Men of great excellence and ability, but imknown, have con- 
stantly failed to attract an audience. It must be admitted that a pulpit 
thus conducted, without a church, has the character of a religious lee- 



472 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

tureship, and students arc prone to regard attendance upon it as, in 
part, a matter of indifference. A chapel which will seat five hundred 
people has proved adequate, as a rule, to accommodate a university 
population which numbers at least two thousand. It may well be 
queried, after an experiment extending over twenty years, whether 
the system in vogue has been so successful that the Chapel has become, 
as it properly should, the center of the religious life of the university, 
and has acquired a constantly increasing hold upon the students? 
Preachers come, 'fulfill their engagement, and disappear; they are often 
unknown, and after a few hours return to the local eminence from 
which they came, leaving httle or no impression upon the university 
world. On the contrary, preachers who are well known, and who pos- 
sess a genuine sympathy with young men, seldom fail to meet a re- 
sponsive audience and to receive cordial recognition. Peculiar gifts 
are demanded of those called upon to address students. The question 
has been solved of late in different ways. Harvard has probably at- 
tained the most satisfactory solution, with a resident college pastor of 
recognized ability as a preacher, who possesses an interest in all ques- 
tions which concern thoughtful students. He is in permanent resi- 
dence, to whom all students may go for counsel. To him are joined 
clergymen of different denominations, who are in residence for four 
weeks at a time. These are men of marked eminence, and chosen dis- 
tinctly for their power to influence young men. These five preachers, 
in conjunction with the professor of Christian Morals, arrange and 
conduct the religious services of the university. Each one conducts 
daily morning pra3^ers for about three weeks in the first half of the 
y-ear and about three weeks in the second half of the year, and preaches 
on four successive Sunday evenings. The preacher who conducts 
morning prayers is in attendance every morning during his term of 
duty, and is at the immediate service of any student who may desire to 
consult hiin. This arrangement places at the disposal of the students 
a greater amount of pastoral service than most ministers can give to 
their own parishes. On Thursday afternoons, from November until 
May, vesper services are held in the University Chapel, largely musical, 
with full male choir of forty members and with an address from one of 
the staff of preachers. College conferences are also held, at which ad- 
dresses are delivered b}^ the professors upon the Bible, in its literary, 
ethical and religious aspects. Under this system there is a permanent 
pastor, and, at the same time, the pulpit services are conducted by 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 473 

clergymen whom the students come to know, and who alike know their 
audience and can adapt their service to them. Its success has been so 
great that in many colleges where there is a permanent pastor the es- 
sential features of this plan have been more or less fully adopted. The 
University of Virginia, also an imdenominational institution, has a col- 
lege resident for a fixed number of years, and chosen in turn from sev- 
eral of the leading denominations of the State. Either system prom- 
ises more success than a series of disconnected preachers, with var3nng 
subjects, arranged without consultation, and acquiring during the few 
hours of their residence in Ithaca slight acquaintance with the needs 
of the student world. 

The absence of a dormitory system, through which students find a 
home upon the university grounds, has been a serious obstacle in the 
development of systematic attendance upon chapel services. An over- 
whelming majority of the students reside in the city, at a distance from 
the university, and thus are not favorably situated to attend daily 
services, and are nearer to the churches of the city whose able preachers 
prove a stronger attraction to them than unknown preachers in the 
Chapel. 

The Christian Association was one of the earliest societies formed in 
connection with the university. The first number of the Cornellian, in 
a list of five hundred and seventy-one students, contains the names of 
forty members of the association. For many years, a devoted body of 
students met on Sunday, and for a Bible class or prayer meeting on 
week days, in the Society Hall in the north building, now White Hall. 
Later, under energetic leadership, it undertook the elaborate enterprise 
of raising funds to erect on the university campus a building for the 
use of the Christian Association. It had proceeded a certain distance 
in this enterprise, when Mr. Alfred S. Barnes of New York offered to 
give a sum sufficient to complete the proposed building. This building 
was designed to contain lecture rooms, Bible class rooms, reception 
rooms, parlors, library, and rooms for a permanent secretary and 
others. This beautiful structure, which was erected in 1889, has proved 
the center of the religious life of the university. Its rooms are freely 
at the disposal of all the religious societies. One recent feature of the 
religious life of the university has been the formation into societies, or 
circles, or unions, as the}' are variously called, of the students of the 
several denominations. Thus the Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, 
Unitarian, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic and other students have been 
60 



474 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

united into guilds or organizations, the main purpose of which is to 
cultivate mutual sympathy, and to perpetuate the associations with 
which they are familiar at home. The greatest catholicity exists in the 
relation of these various organizations to one another, and they frequently 
participate in receptions, lectures and excursions in common. The 
religious activity of the students manifests itself in very beneficial ways : 
in the reception and care of new students arriving at the university ; in 
a watchful interest over sick students, and in holding religious meet- 
ings in various communities at a distance from Ithaca, where no other 
religious services are held. Systematic and classified schemes for Bible 
study are presented each year, and numerous classes for the study of 
different portions of the Bible, its antiquities, literature, history, and of 
practical ethics, are arranged. vSpecial lectures and addresses from 
clergymen, and often from members of the faculty, are held during the 
winter term when there is no preaching service in the chapel. The 
number of members at the present time is about five hundred, making 
the association as it is said the largest university Christian Association 
in the country, possibly in the world. The association has supported 
for several years a graduate of the university in Japan, who is at work 
in that country in founding similar organizations in connection with the 
young men of the cities and universities of that country. 



VIII. 

THE OPENING OF THE UNIVERSITY. 

THE CAMPUS AND BUILDINGS. 

The university campus was originally bounded on the north by the 
Fall Creek road and on the south by President's Avenue. The square, 
lying between this avenue and Cascadilla Creek, and between East and 
West Avenues, containing fifty acres, forming now the most beautiful 
part of the university grounds, and having upon it Boardman Hall, the 
Chapel, the Sage College, the Armory, the Society Halls, and the pro- 
fessors' cottages along Central avenue, was obtained by purchase in 
1872. By later purchases the university land was extended on the 
north to Fall Creek, and the territory on the south side of Cascadilla 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 475 

Creek, on which Cascadilla is situated, was acquired. The original 
gift embraced two hundred and seven acres. Tlie university domain 
now contains about two hundred and seventy acres. The university 
possessed only a right of way over the newl}^ constructed road which 
now constitutes Central Avenue. 

At the second meeting of the Board of Trustees, held in Ithaca on 
the oth of September, 1865, various committees of trustees were ap- 
pointed; among them was an executive committee, a building com- 
mittee, and a finance committee. The committee on buildings was 
authorized to select a site for the university. The location chosen was 
at that time an uneven shelf of the hill which rose to the east of the 
city. Upon the level ground, where the Armory now stands, and on 
both sides of what is now Central Avenue, was an extensive orchard, and 
a second orchard, in the vicinity of a small farm house, existed on the 
northern portion of the grounds, south of the Sibley College. A consid- 
erable depression existed between Morrill and McGraw Halls, and also 
between McGraw and White Halls. To the north of White Hall the 
ground rose abruptly, almost to the height of the present second story. 
This land constituted the Hon. Ezra Cornell's farm at the opening of 
the university. F'rom it a view extends following the winding lines of 
the valle}^ to the southwest, and over the shores and waters of Lake 
Cayuga for many miles to the north. Westward across the valley rises 
a lofty line of hills covered with orchards and vineyards, beautiful in 
spring time with showers of blossoms, and at all times exhibiting an 
endless play of light and shade. Its square fields of forty acres are 
remnants of the early military survey of the State. 

At the meeting of the trustees, held March 14, 1866, $500,000 were 
placed at the service of the building committee, a sum equal to Mr. 
Cornell's entire gift in money, which certainly was not available from 
the endowment fund nor from the proceeds of the government grant, 
the use of which was to be "inviolably appropriated to the endowment, 
support and maintenance" of the university, and "no portion of which 
fund nor of the interest thereof was to be applied directly or indirectly 
tinder any pretence whatever to the purchase, erection, preservation 
or repair of any building or buildings." In the original law of Congress 
it was enacted that every State, within five years from the date of the 
passage of the act, should provide for at least one college ; and in the 
charter of the university, it was required that within two years provi- 
sion should be made satisfactory to the Regents in respect to buildings, 



476 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

fixtures and arrang-ements. Few universities have had a fairer op- 
portunity to make all their buildings models of an intelligent taste in 
art. The future of the university was from the first assured. Un- 
fortunately, the architecture of the new university in its initial and 
most important features was entrusted to a local architect in a 
neighboring" city, unfamiliar with the finest results of collegiate archi- 
tecture, and apparently unconscious of the new direction of art in the 
United States. A picturesque grouping of buildings under a skillful 
landscape gardener was possible, instead of the traditional arrangement of 
three buildings in a row, where, as in this case, the architectural front 
differed from the actual. The eminent landscape gardener whose 
genius has been manifested in the finest work in his department in 
America, and has been the admiration of foreign visitors in two inter- 
national exhibitions, Mr. Frederick Law Olmsted, was so impressed with 
the influence which the national system of colleges should exert upon 
our entire industrial population and upon our educational life, that he 
published several papers upon how such institutions might ifieet, not 
onl}^ practical demands, but those of a genuine and refined art taste. In 
emphasizing this side of the proposed national scientific schools, he 
stated: " A similar scheme of education was never before proposed to 
the mind of man in this country or any other. AVhy not set ourselves 
about it like men, and institute such means, and only such means as are 
adapted to our ends?" 

Owing to the limited time in which all preparations for the accom- 
modation and inauguration of the new university had to be made, 
measures were at once taken to erect the necessary buildings. At the 
third meeting of the Board of Trustees, held in Albany, March 4, 1866, 
a report of the building committee was presented, and it was voted to 
commence the necessary building or buildings at the earliest day con- 
sistent with the interests of the university. The committee was author- 
ized to procure by purchase or otherwise any building or buildings or 
land needed near the proposed location of Cornell University suitable 
for the purposes and uses of the university. Work seems to have been 
begun at once, for at the following meeting of the trustees, held in 
Ithaca, October 21, 1866, a contract for the building under construc- 
tion was mentioned. In the records of the time we find the architec- 
ture of the new building described as Italian Renaissance. The bold- 
ness of this euphemism will be the admiration of future students of art. 
This building was designed mainly for a dormitory for the accommo- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 477 

dation of students, which the city could not at that time furnish. The 
dormitory system seems to have been from the first regarded with 
disapprobation and only adopted reluctantly, to provide for the needs 
of the university at its opening. It appears from the records that at 
this time a building four stories high and 165 feet long by 50 feet 
wide, with a basement, which had been begun in August, was now so 
far advanced as to insure the immediate roofing- of one-third of the 
building, and the probable covering of one-third more, possibly of the 
whole before winter, thereby enabling the work of finishing- the interior 
to go on, and insure completion for use in the coming summer. It is 
apparent that a purpose existed at this time to open the university in 
the fall of 1867. On February 13, 1867, the authority was given to 
erect a second building which should be a duplicate of the first, with 
rooms in the central division for the use of the faculty. This seems to 
have been the first provision made to meet the most essential feature of 
a university, a building mainly for lecture rooms, museums and labo- 
ratories. The construction of this building was delayed, for a vote 
passed November 11, 1869, provided that it be opened, as soon as 
students from the town should be found to fill it. About this time a 
building to be devoted mainl}^ to the needs of the chemical and phys- 
ical departments was begun, although there is no record of its early 
history. This was the original chemical building which stood west of 
the present building for dairy husbandry. It was intended to be 
temporary and was of wood, but admirably designed to meet the needs 
for which it was erected, and it remained standing until within a few 
years. 

At the opening of the University, Morrill Hall stood alone upon the 
brow of a hill in an open field. There was no street across the university 
grounds, where Central Avenue now runs, and no bridge spanning 
Cascadilla Creek. At the exercises upon the university grounds, when 
the chimes were presented, the crowds of people ascended the hill 
through the cemetery or wound along the dusty way which passed the 
grounds of the present McGraw-P'iske house; or the bolder followed the 
bank of the creek beyond Cascadilla, to a place just north of the site of 
the present iron bridge, where by climbing half-way down the bank, 
they reached the top of a ladder which they descended ; they then crossed 
the stream upon two or three boards supjDorted loosely upon timbers, 
and climbing the opposite bank b)' a similar ladder, scrambled to the 
top through brushwood and forest until they reached the open orchard 



478 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

north of the present lodge of the Psi Upsilon fraternit}'-. They then 
followed the line of a rambling stone wall which marked the boundary 
of the university property to the west, along the crest of the ridge in 
front of the present row of professors' cottages on Central Avenue. 
Two ravines of considerable depth had to be crossed to reach the 
eminence where the Library building now stands, and where the bells 
had been mounted on a rough frame work of timber. 

We have been permitted to use the accompanying contemporary 
account of the inauguration of the university, by George William 
Curtis, which, however, veils his own graceful participation in that 
event. 

"In the very height of the presidential campaign, one bright autumn 
morning was hailed in the pleasant town of Ithaca, in New York, with 
ringing bells and thundering cannon, but for no political celebration 
whatever. Had the little town, dreaming upon the shore of the-lake so 
long, suddenly resolved that it would justify the classic name with 
which vSurve3'-or- General De Witt blessed its beginning, and as old Ithaca 
produced a wise man so the new should produce wise men ? The sur- 
veyor who so liberally diffused so Greek and Roman a system of names 
through the hapless wilderness of Central New York half a century ago, 
would have smiled with delight to see the town decorated through all 
its broad and cheerful streets with the yellow and red of autuinn, and 
ringing its bells of joy because a universit}^ was to open its gates that 
day. But old Paris, Salamanca and Bologna, Salerno and Padua, 
Gottingen and Oxford and Cambridge would surely have failed to 
recognize a sister could they have looked into Ithaca. Indeed they 
would have felt plucked by the beard, and 5^et they would have seen 
only their fair, legitimate descendant. 

The hotels and the streets and the private houses were evidently full 
of strangers. Around the solid brick building, over the entrance of 
which was written "The Cornell Library," there was a moving crowd, 
and a throng of j^oung men poured in and out at the door, and loitered, 
vaguely expectant, upon the steps. By ten o'clock in the morning 
there were two or three hundred young men answering to a roll-call at 
a side door, and the hall above was filled with the citizens. Presentl}^ 
the young men pressed in, and a procession entered the hall and 
ascended the platform. Prayer and music followed, and then a tall 
man, spare, yet of a rugged frame and slightly stooping, his whole 
aspect marking an indomitable will, stood up and read a brief, simple, 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 479 

clear, and noble address. It said modestly that this was but the begin- 
ning' of an institution of learning for those upon whom fortune had 
omitted to smile; an institution in which any person could acquire any 
instruction in any branch of knowledge, and in which every branch 
should be equally honorable. Every word hit the mark, and the long 
and sincere applause that followed the close of the little speech showed 
how fully every word had been weighed and how truly interpreted. 
But the face and A^oice of the speaker were unchanged throughotit. 
Those who best know what he had done and what he was doing, knew 
with what sublitne but wholly silent enthusiasm he had devoted his life 
and all his powers to the work. But the stranger saw only a sad, 
reserved earnestness, and gazed with interest at a man whose story will 
long be told with gratitude and admiration. 

After a graceful and felicitous speech from the lieutenant-governor 
of the State, an ex-o£ficio trustee, the president of the new university 
arose to deliver his inaugural address. Of a most winning presence, 
modest, candid, refined, he proceeded to sketch the whole design and 
hope of the university wath an intelligence and fervor that were cap- 
tivating. It was the discourse of a practical thinker, of a man remark- 
ably gifted for his responsible and difficult duty, who plainly saw the 
demand of the country and of the time in education, and who with 
sincere reverence for the fathers was still wise enough to know that 
wisdom did not die with them. But when he came to speak to the man 
who had begun the work and who had just spoken, when he paused to 
deny the false charges that had been busily and widely made, the pause 
was long, the heart could not stay for the measured delay of words, 
and the eloquent emotion consumed the slander as a white heat touches 
a withered leaf. It was a noble culmination to a noble discourse ; and 
again those who were most familiar with the men and the facts, knew 
best how peculiarly fitted to each other and to their common work the 
two men were. Ithaca had devoted this day to the opening festival of 
her university, and after dinner, through a warm and boisterous 
southerly gale, the whole town seemed to pour out and climb the bold 
high hill that overhangs it. The autumn haze was so thick that nothing- 
distant could be seen. Only the edge of the lake was visible, and the 
houses and brilliant trees in the streets. Upon the hill there is one 
large building, and another rapidly rising. At a little distance from 
the finished building was a temporary tower, against which a platform 
was built. In front of the platform was gathered a great multitude, 



480 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and in the tower hnn,^ a chime of bells. The wild wind blew, but the 
presiding officer made a pleasant speech of welcome, and then the chime 
of bells was presented to the university in an address of great 
beaut}^ and fitness. After a few words of reception from the lieutenant- 
governor the chimes rang out Old Hundred far over the silent lake 
and among the autumn hills. For the first time that strange and ex- 
quisite music was heard by the little town, "Ring out wild bells to the 
wild sky," and the heavy gale caught the sound and whirled it away. 
"Ring in the valiant man and free," and the wind was whist, and the 
heart of the multitude unconsciously responded Amen. Then Professor 
Agassiz — Louis, the well-beloved — -fresh from the Rocky Mountains, 
magnetized the crowd with his presence and his wise and hearty words; 
and with two or three more addresses, and another peal of the chimes, 
the Cornell University was formally dedicated. The sun was sinking, 
a fire-ball in the haze, as the people dispersed. The hour and the 
occasion were alike solemn ; and with meditative feet, his fancy peering 
into the future, the latest loiterer descended 

Professor Caldwell has thus described the inauguration of studies: 
"On the twenty-second day of September, twenty-five years ago, about 
a dozen men, of whom but three are now in the Faculty, assembled in 
a small room of the Cornell Library building down in the town, where 
the light was almost as scanty as in a photographer's dark room, and 
held the first meeting of the facult)' of Cornell University. A little 
later other appointments were made, so that the first Register gave a 
list of twenty-three professors, of whom six, are now here. On the 
sixth of October, the first entrance examinations were held in a large 
basement room of the same building, where the supply of light and air 
was not much more liberal than in the temporary faculty room, under 
the general direction of the first registrar, Dr. Wilson. 

"The English examinations were held in one corner of the room, the 
examination in mathematics in another corner, the geography in another, 
and, when all the corners were filled, where there was light enough to 
write by, the lesser examinations were sandwiched in between. In 
these examinations all helped; a professor of chemistry had charge of 
the orthography. It might have been wise to have first examined the 
professor himself in that branch of English ; indeed, the earliest records 
of the faculty present incontrovertible evidence that the spelling of at 
least one of its members was not altogether be3^ond criticism. But 
there w^as no time for any such test of the ability of the examiners to 



CORNELL UNIVERvSITY. 481 

do the work assigned to them, and the}^ had to be taken on trust. A 
professor appointed to teach in one of the departments of natural his- 
tory had, I believe, to look after the examination in algebra; and so one 
and another of us was temporarily drafted into this unanticipated 
service. 

"The crudity of this arrangement for the entrance examinations, as 
compared with the present methods was no greater than the crudity of 
everything else in those days. Rickety barns, and slovenly barn-yards 
offended the senses where the extension of Sibley College is now going 
up; the second university building, now called White Hall, simply pro- 
truded out of an excavation, the top of which reached nearly to the 
second-story windows at one end. The ventilation of the chemical 
laboratory, in the basement of Morrill Hall, was partly into the library 
and reading room above it ; readers there, not being chemists, did not 
iind the chemical odors agreeable. An ancient Virginia rail fence 
traversed the site of this building and its neighbor, Boardman Hall; the 
minutes of the facult}^ show that before the end of the first year the 
modest request was made of the founder of the university, that he per- 
mit said fence to be moved 150 feet further to the south, in order that 
there might be a sufficiently large piece of level ground adjoining the 
campus for the military evolutions and for ball games. 

"Bridges, side walks, and even a road between the one university 
building and Cascadilla, the one home where almost everybody con- 
nected with the university lived, either did not exist at all, or were only 
partially completed. It was a long time before the multitude of foot- 
tracks was obliterated, made by the passing of teachers and students 
down and up the banks of the ravine north of the site of the gymnasium ; 
when snow, slush, and mtLd alternated with each other in November, 
even a professor sometimes forgot his dignity and slid down the bank, 
and by inadvertence not always all the way down on his feet either ; 
the hearty sympathy bestowed upon such an unfortunate by student 
spectators can be imagined, if not believed in. 

"What those teachers and students would have done without Casca- 
dilla for shelter it would be hard to say ; for the people of the town had 
apparently not then learned that there was money in taking boarders; 
nor were there hardly more than a dozen dwelling houses nearer the 
university than half-way up East Hill. So Cascadilla was full from 
basement to attic ; and a professor who had not lived there at all was, 

61 



482 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in later times, hardly considered Ijy his colleagues as having fully 
earned his right to be a professor in the university." 

THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY. 

The formal opening of the universit}^ may fitly be taken by the anna- 
list as the beginning of the Library's independent existence ; but the 
principles which were to guide its formation and growth had been 
clearly laid down in the "report of the committee on organization," 
and, of necessity, much had to done in the way of collecting books 
before the Library could be said to have an existence. At the sixth 
meeting of the Board of Trustees, held September 26, 1867, an appro- 
priation of $7,500 for the purchase of books was made, which" was in- 
creased to $11,000 at the meeting of February 13, 1868. To all who 
were engaged in the preparations for establishing a fully equipped uni- 
versity on what had been till then a mere hillside farm, the summer of 
1868 was an exceedingly busy season. One of the first purchases 
for the new university — the classical library of Charles Anthon, num- 
bering over six thousand volumes — had alreadj' been made. In the 
spring. President White had gone to Europe, armed with formidable 
lists of books and apparatus to be collected, and made large purchases 
of scientific and literary works, one of the most important of his acquisi- 
tions being the librar}^ of Franz Bopp, the famous philologist. Thus 
cases of books and apparatus began to arrive long before any place 
was prepared to receive them. A temporary shelter, however, was 
found for the books in the halls and attic rooms of the Cornell Library 
in this city. 

At the opening da}^ in October, the onl}'- university building under 
cover was Morrill Hall, better known to old Cornellians as the South 
Building. Of this building the middle section alone was available 
for library, lecture rooms and laboratories, both wings being wholly 
occupied as dormitories. 

To the Library were assigned the two rooms on the ground floor, the 
present faculty room and the registrar's office. The walls of these 
rooms were lined with tall book-cases, extending to the ceiling. Some 
of these book-cases, it may be noted, had already done service in the 
library of the short-lived State Agricultural College at Ovid. These 
wall book-cases, however, were by no means adequate to contain all the 
books even then received, and when the universit}" opened, thousands 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 483 

of volumes were still stored away in boxes. Nor was there immediate 
prospect of obtaining more shelf-room. Indeed, so great and so urgent 
was the demand for more class rooms, it was found necessarj^ to hold 
lectures and recitations in the rooms occupied by the Library, much to 
the inconvenience of readers, who were thus, during the greater part 
of the day, deprived of the'use of the books. This state of things con- 
tinued throughout the first two terms, and the greater part of the third. 
For though it was promised in January, 1869, that within a few weeks, 
at most, the new laboratory building would be completed, to which 
the lectures held in the library rooms would then be transferred, yet in 
this case, as in so many others, hopes proved delusive, and it was not until 
April that the laboratory building was ready for occupancy, and Maj^ was 
well advanced before the books were full in order on the shelves. 
Comparatively little use was made of the Library by the students in the 
first year. 

In December, 1868, the librarian. Professor Fiske, arrived and took 
charge of the Library, which was under his direction from that time 
until his resignation in 1883. In the latter part of 1868, the British 
government presented to the Library a complete set of Patent Specifi- 
cations, and estimates were obtained of the cost of binding them ; but 
as it was found that the binding would cost about $6,000, a sum which 
could not well be spared just then, they were ordered to be stored 
in London until a more convenient season. There they remained until 
1880, when a special appropriation was made for binding them, and 
finally, in 1881, this great set, numbering over two thousand seven 
hundred volumes, was received and shelved in the tower of the McGraw 
building. From a memorandum of a count of the Library made about 
the first of January, 1869, including, evidently, only the books then 
upon the shelves in Morrill Hall, it appears that the number of volumes 
in the two rooms was fifteen thousand four hundred. 

About this time Goldwin Smith generousl}^ offered to give to the 
university his valuable private library, comprising some three thousand 
four hundred volumes. It is needless to say that the offer was joyfully 
accepted, and instructions were at once sent to the Library's agent in 
London to remove the collection from Mortimer House, near Reading, 
where it then was, and forward it to Ithaca. Towards the end of 
March the books arrived, but the task of arranging them upon the 
shelves, was deferred until the summer vacation. This, it may be ob- 
served, was but the beginning of Goldwin Smith's benefactions to the 



484: LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Library. Later he gave two thousand five hundred dollars, and in 
June of l.STO one thousand dollars, to be spent in the purchase of 
books; in 1871 he gave a valuable collection of works on Canadian his- 
tory, and from time to time since then has presented many important 
works. 

Meantime, in February, 1869, John McGraw, seeing how urgent was 
the need of more room for library purposes, had offered to erect a library 
building to cost fifty thousand dollars. Archimedes Russell, a vSyracuse 
architect, was commissioned to prepare the plans, and in the spring the 
excavations for the foundations of the McGraw building were begun. 
At the first Commencement of the university, in June, 1869, th-e corner 
stone of the building was laid with Masonic ceremonies, and addresses 
were given by Stewart L. Woodford and John Stanton Gould. 

At the opening of the second year, in September, 1869, the Librar}" 
still occupied its first cpiarters in Morrill Hall. The present faculty 
room was then the reading room, to which the public entrance was at 
the west end of the central hall. Upon entering, the student found 
himself in a room about lift}' feet in length b}-' twenty-five in breadth, 
lighted by three windows at each end, the walls lined from floor to 
ceiling with books. The central portion of this room, a space about 
thirty- six feet long and twelve wide, was surrounded by pine tables, 
painted a dark chocolote color, and surmounted by a low railing. In 
front of these tables stood benches of the sort then used in all the 
lecture rooms, a few specimens of which ma}^ still be seen in sorae of 
the smaller class rooms in White Hall. These benches afforded seats 
for not more than forty readers at the most. It is therefore not sur- 
prising that frequent complaints were heard of lack of accommodations 
for readers. 

In this room the encyclopaedias, periodicals, and the works on arts 
and sciences, philosophy, theology and law were placed. In the cor- 
responding room on the south side of the hall were the books relating 
to philology, literature, history and geography. When, in 1870, Presi- 
dent White gave to the university his valuable collection of architect- 
ural works, with a sum of money for its increase, as there was no space 
available for its reception in either of these two rooms, the collection 
was placed in the small room at the southwest corner of Morrill Hall, 
now the treasurer's office. In this j^ear, too, the pamphlets and 
unbound periodicals had become so numerous that the room now occu- 
pied by the business office was also taken possession of for librar}' 
purposes. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 485 

In the spring" of this 3'ear an effort, which was all but successful, was 
made to obtain for Cornell the mathematical library of W. Hillhouse 
of Hartford, but, owing to an unfortunate dela}^ in transmitting the 
decision of our trustees to purchase the collection, it was secured b_v 
the Sheffield Scientific School. President White generously offered to 
subscribe for the acquisition of this librar}^, and to give, in addition, his 
entire architectural library— at that time richer than the entire corre- 
sponding collections in the Astor, Yale and Harvard libraries. A little 
later in the )^ear, however, William Kelly, of Rhinebeck, one of the 
trustees of the university, gave $2,250 for the purchase of mathematical 
works to make good this loss. With this fund over fifteen hundred 
volumes were obtained, to which the naine of the Kelly Mathematical 
Collection was given. For this collection a place was found in the room 
now used as the ladies' waiting room. In December, 1870, the Rever- 
end S. J. May, of Syracuse, an early and devoted champion of the 
abolition movement, presented to the university his collection of books 
and pamphlets relating to slaver}^ This was the beginning of what is 
now known as the May Anti-slavery Collection. A few months later, 
it was largely increased by gifts from R. D. W^ebb, of Dublin, and Mrs. 
Elizabeth Pease Nichols, of Edinburgh, both well-known supporters of 
the anti-slavery cause in the mother country. vSince then the collection 
has received many additions from persons who took active part in the 
great struggle against slavery in this country, and to-da}' it is one of 
the largest and most complete collections on the subject. For this, 
and the rapidly growing newspaper collection, temporary accommoda- 
tion was provided in the room now occupied by the Horticultural 
department, in the northwest corner of Morrill Hall. 

In Jtme, 1871, according to the report of the librarian, the number of 
volumes in the Library was twenty-seven thousand five hundred, and, 
notwithstanding the increased number of rooms which were occupied, 
the evils of overcrowding were keenly felt. Meanwhile the walls of the 
McGraw Building had been steadily rising, and by November it was so 
far advanced toward completion, that it became necessary to decide 
just what portion of it should be occupied by the Library, in order that 
the needful fittings might be prepared. The original intention seems 
to have been to lodge the Library on the second floor, in the space now 
occupied b)^ the museum, but wiser counsels prevailed, and it was 
finally decided that the large room on the ground floor, which had at 
first been intended for a great lecture hall, should be made the home 



486 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

of the Library, leaving the second floor with its galleries free for museum 
purposes. 

At the beginning of 1872, thanks to the timely aid of Henry W. wSage, 
who advanced money for its purchase, the university fortunately suc- 
ceeded in securing the Spark's collection of American history, number- 
ing over five thousand volumes. In April the books began to arrive, 
but as the new quarters were not yet ready and there was no room to 
spare in the old, cheap accommodation was found in the south attic 
room of the new building and there the collection found temporary 
shelter. It is evident that the Library at this time was most inconven- 
iently situated, occupying, as it did, six widely separated and unsuit- 
able rooms in Morrill Hall, and one room in the upper stor)^ of the 
McGraw Building. It was hoped that the summer of 1872 would see 
these disjecta meinhra brought together, and the whole Library made 
readily accessible to students. But again our hopes were disappointed ; 
the summer passed and autumn was well advanced before the new 
quarters were ready for occupancy. At last, on the 5th of October, 
the task of moving the books was begun, and for several weeks the 
Library was closed to readers while the books were being transported 
from the old building to the new. The work was mainly performed by 
students, who carried the books in boxes from the various rooms in 
Morrill Hall to the new quarters, where they were speedily arranged 
and placed on the shelves in substantiall}^ the same order as at present. 
On Monday, November 18, the Library was opened to students in its 
second home, a large room, with alcoves on either side and reading 
tables in the central space. A memorandum of a count of the books 
made in June, 1873, shows that the number of volumes on the shelves 
was then thirty-four thousand and one hundred, exclusive of eight 
thousand pamphlets. 

Up to this point in its history, the growth of the Library, though 
somewhat irregular and spasmodic, had been rajoid, and its career pros- 
perous. But not long after its removal to the McGraw Building, the 
university entered upon a period of financial distress, and one of the 
first departments to feel the pinch of povert}^ was the Library. One 
after another, important periodicals and transactions were perforce 
suffered to fall into arrears, and purchases of new books became fewer 
and fewer. In 1873, the librarian made an appeal for a large appro- 
priation for immediate use, pointing out that though the acquisition of 
several collections had made the Library comparatively rich in some 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 487 

departments, it was deplorably weak in others, and urg-ed the necessity 
of an annual appropriation of at least $10,000. In view of all the cir- 
cumstances, it is not surprising- that the appeal was made in vain. Nor 
is it surprising that the Library should continue to fall behind, when 
we find that, from this time until 1880, the regular annual appropria- 
tion for the increase and maintenance of the Library was only $1,500. 
In 1877 the librarian reported that, during the past year, no orders for 
new books had been sent abroad; that the total number of volumes 
added during the year was only four hundred and forty-eight; that 
three hundred and seventy-six of these had been presented, so that 
only seventy-two volumes had been purchased ; that of these seventy- 
two volumes, fifty-six were continuations of serial works, leaving six- 
teen as the number of new works purchased within the year. In 1878 
and 1879 the same story is repeated with very slight variations in the 
numbers. 

At last, in the autumn of 1880, a full and forcible statement of the 
lamentable condition of the Library, accompanied by an urgent appeal 
for relief, was presented to the trustees, and, coming at a more favor- 
able time than the former one, it met with greater success. In Decem- 
ber a special appropriation of twenty thousand dollars was made for 
the increase of the library, of which five thousand dollars were avail- 
able for immediate use. Large orders for books were at once dis- 
patched, and in the annual report of June, 1881, it is stated that eight 
hundred volumes of new books had already been received, and many 
arrears canceled. 

By the untimely and lamented death of Mrs. Jennie McGraw-Fiske, 
in September, 1881, the university became the recipient of a fund, 
which, it was estimated, would prove to be not less than a million dol- 
lars, the income of which, by the terms of Mrs. Fiske's will, was to be 
devoted to the support, increase, and maintenance of the University 
Library. With such an endowment the future of the Library seemed se- 
cure, and the hardships of the past few years were almost forgotten in 
glowing anticipations of the rapid development which was now to be- 
gin. In 1882 the first instalment of the fund, some seven hundred 
thousand dollars, was received, and for six months the Library enjoyed 
the income of this fund. In July, 1883, however, a suit contesting 
the will was begun, and pending the issue of the contest, the Library, 
deprived of all income from this source, had to rely upon annual ap- 
propriations from the general funds of the university. Happily these 



488 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

appropriations proved to be more nearly commensurate with its needs 
than those of former years had been. 

Meantime, however, the bequest had ah-eady be^un to bear fruit. 
One of the greatest defects of the Library had always been the lack of 
any satisfactory catalogue. Early in 1882 it was decided to begin at 
once a general card catalogue of the books, and after careful consider- 
ation of the various forms of catalogues in vogue, the dictionary S3's- 
tem was chosen as being, on the whole, better adapted to the use of 
our students than a systematically classified catalogue, which would be 
chiefly of service to trained specialists. 

In Januar}^, 1883, a statute was passed establishing a Library Coun- 
cil, composed of the president and the librarian, one member of the 
Board of Trustees, and four members of the faculty. To this council 
was entrusted the general supervision of the Library and the apportion- 
ment of the funds. ■ 

The removal of the architectural department to. Morrill Hall, in 1883, 
left vacant several rooms in the north wing of the McGraw building, 
and these were taken possession of by the Library. The former 
draughting room was fitted up as a seminary room and room for special 
study for members of the senior class. The two smaller rooms on the 
west side of the hall were given to the cataloguing department and the 
bibliographical collection. The increasing growth of the library, how- 
ever, called for still further extension of its quarters, and in 1881 plans 
were prepared and estimates obtained for the conversion of the present 
geological lecture room into a general reading room, and for the erec- 
tion of bookcases in the lighter portions of the existing reading room. 
In this way it would have been possible, at slight cost, to provide suit- 
ably for the accessions of the next ten years. At that time, however, 
it was firmly hoped that within two or three years the contest over Mrs. 
Fiske's will would be concluded, and that the Library would again be 
placed in the possession of its endowment. In that event it was de- 
signed to erect at once a fire-proof library building, and it was there- 
fore thought best to make no further changes in the present building. 
But once more our hopes were dupes. The three years reached seven 
before the final decision came, and for the last five years of this period 
the overcrowded condition of the Library was a source of constant in- 
convenience and discomfort to all who used it. Thousands of volumes 
had to be stored away in an attic room where they were almost inac- 
cessible; on many shelves the books were ranged in double rows; many 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 489 

of the larger volumes were piled upon the floor; and the attempt to 
preserve anything like a systematic arrangement of the books by sub- 
jects became almost hopeless. 

In the autumn of 1884, Eugene Schuyler gave to the library a valu- 
able collection, numbering some six hundred volumes, chiefly relating 
to folklore, Russian literature and history. In January, 1886, the elec- 
tric light was introduced, and the library hours which, until then, had 
been from 8 a. jm. to 5 p. m., were greatly lengthened. Since then the 
hours have been from 8 a. jni. to 9:30 p. .m. in term time. In 1886 the 
purchase of the law library of Merritt King, numbering some four thou- 
sand volumes, made an admirable beginning of a library for the School 
of Law which was soon after established. In January, 1887, President 
White formally presented to the university his great historical library, 
containing over twenty thousand volumes, upon condition that a fire- 
proof room in the proposed library building should be provided for it, 
and suitable provision made for its increase. At that time the will suit 
was still undecided, and though it was determined to procure plans for 
a fire-proof library building, its erection seemed likely to be delayed 
for several 5^ears. In 1888, however, Henry W. Sage, recognizing the 
need for immediate action, generously offered to provide the funds for 
the construction of the building, on the single condition that should the 
final decision in the will suit be favorable to the university, the money 
advanced for this purpose should be repaid. Should, however, the de- 
cision be adverse, the building was to become the gift of Mr. Sage, 
who also declared his intention, in that event, to endow the library 
with a fund of three hundred thousand dollars for its increase. From 
the designs submitted to the trustees, that of W. H. Miller, an old 
Cornellian, was selected, and in the summer of 1888 work was begun 
upon the foundations. The first stone of the foundation walls was laid 
in place on September 27, 1888. The corner stone of the building was 
laid with public and formal ceremonies on October 30, 1889. 

In May, 1890, a final decision in the will contest was given by the 
Supreme Court of the United States, and by it the Library was entirely 
deprived of the endowment bequeathed to it by Mrs. Fiske. Happily 
Mr. Sage's generosity had provided for this contingency, and the Li- 
brary was henceforth indebted to him for its new building and the en- 
dowment for the purchase of books. 

The general outlines of the library building are somewhat in the form 
of a cross, the bookstacks occupying the south and west arms, the 

62 



490 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

reading rooms the central space and eastern arm, while the northern 
provides accommodation for the offices of administration, the White 
Library and seven seminary rooms. In August, 1891, the removal of 
the books from McGraw Hall to the new building was safely accom- 
plished. In September the books of the White Library were transferred 
to the actual custody of the university and shelved in the room provided 
for them. On October 7, the building and the endowment fund of 
three hundred thousand dollars were formally presented to the univer- 
sity by the donor, the Hon. Henry W, Sage, and at the same time 
President White made the formal presentation of his library. At this 
time the number of volumes in the library was over 105,000. 

In December, 1891, the Library received from Willard Fiske the gift 
of a remarkable collection of Rhaeto-Romanic literature numbering 
about one thousand volumes. In the spring of 1892, President White 
presented to the Library an interesting collection of Mormon literature. 
With the greater facilities for study afforded by the new reading room 
with its well equipped reference library, came a corresponding increase 
in the use of the library by students, it being estimated to be four 
times greater than in the previous year, while the seminary rooms 
offered every inducement for the prosecution of advanced study and 
research. 

The year 1893, the twenty-fifth of the library's existence, was made 
noteworthy by three remarkable gifts. First came in February the 
generous gift of the comprehensive and carefully selected law library 
of about twelve thousand volumes, collected by the late N. C. Moak of 
Albany. This collection, which had long been known to lawyers as the 
finest private law library in America, was purchased and presented to 
the Law School of Cornell University as a memorial of the first dean of 
the school, Douglass Boardman, by his widow and daughter. By this 
gift the law library was more than doubled in numbers and at once took 
rank among the leading law libraries of the country. 

Next came in June the noble gift of the extensive library of the late 
Friedrich Zarncke of Leipzig, an unusually complete working library in 
the fields of Germanic philolog}^ and German literature, which was 
purchased and presented to the university by William H. Sage, a 
member of the Board of Trustees. This library, which numbers about 
thirteen thousand volumes, is especially rich in German literature 
before the time of Luther, and contains three remarkably full special 
collections devoted to Lessing, Goethe and Christian Renter. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 491 

The third great gift of this year was an astonishingly complete col- 
lection of Dante literature, numbering about three thousand volumes, 
presented b}^ Willard Fiske. This is imdoubtedl)^ the finest and largest 
collection of Dante literature to be foiuid outside of Italy. 

Following-, close upon these, came the gift of an interesting collection 
of Spinoza literature, containing about four hundred and fifty volumes, 
presented to the Library by President White. 

At the present time the total extent of the University Library is in 
round numbers about 160,000 volumes and 30,000 pamphlets. To 
attempt any description of the contents of the Library is out of the 
question in a sketch like this. It may be said, however, that the 
Library is especially strong in collections of scientific periodicals and 
transactions of learned societies. The more important of the special 
collections have alread}^ been mentioned, but it may be noted that the 
White Historical Library contains large and valuable special collections 
on the following subjects: Reformation, Torture, Witchcraft, Thirty 
Years War, and the French Revolution, also a goodl}^ number of 
incunabula and manuscripts. Another interesting collection consists of 
the works on telegraph and electro-magnetism, formerly owned by 
S. F. B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph, which were purchased 
and presented to the library by Ezra Cornell in 1873. 

THE GREAT SUIT. 

Mr. John McGraw had been closely identified with the history of 
the university from the beginning, having been one of the trustees men- 
tioned in the a:ct of incorporation. His active interest continued until 
his death. In the early history of the university he had presented the 
McGraw Hall, a building designed primarily to contain the library, and 
the collections of natural history, and to furnish lecture rooms and labora- 
tories for these departments. He did not regard his beneficence to 
the university at an end with this gift ; he had considered other plans, 
but had left them to be executed by his only daughter in accordance 
with her own judgment and tastes. 

Miss Jennie McGraw was born in Dryden in September, 1849. She 
was educated in Canandaigua and at Pelham Priory, an Episcopal 
school in New Rochelle. Miss McGraw had a native enthusiasm for 
foreign travel, and a genuine unaffected literary taste. She spent the 
year 1859-60 in travel in Europe, and resided for a considerable time in 



493 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Berlin for the purpose of study. In 1875 and 3 876, she again visited 
Europe, and made an extended trip through England and Scotland, 
visiting also France, Italy and Spain. After the death of her father, she 
sailed for Europe and extended her travels to vSweden and Norway, 
going as far as the North Cape, and enjoying keenly the grand scenery 
of the mountains and fiords. vShe also visited Russia and Italy. vShe 
loved to spend days among the famous paintings of the Louvre and the 
Vatican. All foreign life possessed a charm for her. She visited Nor- 
mandy and Brittany, where she found delight in the picturesque archi- 
tecture and in the life of the peasantry. vShe shared full}^ her father's 
interest in the university. The large wealth which she had inherited 
was spent in the purchase of paintings and statuary, with which she in- 
tended to fill the beautiful mansion which she was erecting on a site 
where, for man)^ years, she had dreamed of having a home. It was her 
purpose that the numerous art treasures which she acquired should be- 
come the foundation of a gallery which was to be connected with the uni- 
versity. At the opening of the university her fine taste was manifested 
in the presentation of the chimes, which were her personal gift, and 
called forth that exquisite poem from Judge Finch, which will be sung 
by so many generations of students. vShrinking as regards the public, 
she revealed to those who knew her intimately a loyal and beautiful 
spirit, which won the deepest regard of those who shared her friend- 
ship ; generous, it was her wish that her noble fortune should be a 
source of joy and blessing to others. Her strength was not equal to 
the fatigue and excitement of constant travel. Her health failed. The 
year before her death she was m.arried, and visited Egypt in the hope 
of being benefited; but the trip failed to restore her, and she desired to 
return to her native land. She died a few days after her arrival. Her 
generous spirit was shown by her will. After giving to her husband 
and friends, and to objects of benevolence more than a million dollars, 
the residue of her large fortune was left to the university to found a 
library which should equal her hopes for its future. 

Her marriage to Professor Willard Fiske took place at the American 
Legation at Berlin on July 14, 1880. Soon after the death of her father 
she made a will, in which, after certain specific bequests, she bequeathed to 
the university the sum of fifteen thousand dollars for a Student's Hos- 
pital and twenty-five thousand dollars to maintain it; fifty thousand dol- 
lars for the completion of the McGraw Hall and for a fund to sustain 
it; two hundred thousand dollars to constitute the McGraw Library 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 493 

Fund, the income of which was to be spent in the svipport of the 
Library. She also made the imiversity the legatee of her residuary 
estate. 

She had purchased a beautiful site adjacent to the university 
grounds and overlooking lake and valle)^, upon which, at the time of 
her death, she was erecting a fine residence of stone. The numerous 
paintings, statues and other works of art and books, which she had 
purchased abroad, became by the terms of her will the propert}' of 
Cornell University. She died at her husband's residence upon the 
campus, September 30, 1881. 

On January 8, 1883, after due citation of the parties interested, there 
was a judicial settlement of her estate. On the 6th of September, 1883, 
a petition was presented by her husband, Willard Fiske, opening the 
decree of settlement, to which, on the 24:th day of October following, 
her kinsmen, being heirs at law or legatees under her father's or her 
own will, were admitted as participants in the contest which now arose. 
The value of the estate which she had received from her father was 
estimated to be worth about $1,600,000. Her fortune at her death 
amounted to about $2,025,000, the property which she had inherited 
having increased rapidly in value during the prosperous years from 
1877 to 1881, in addition to which there was a trust fund of $250,000 in 
her favor, from her father's estate, which she was to receive ten j^ears 
later. This will was now contested on various grounds, the principal 
being, first, the provision in the charter of Cornell University which 
limited the property which it might hold, to $3,000,000; secondly, the 
provision of the statute which forbade a wife having a husband living 
to bequeath more than one-half of her property to religious or benev- 
olent purposes. The ablest counsel appeared to discuss the difficult 
and intricate questions of law which were involved. Great interest was 
felt, not only in the university, but abroad; especially aiuong educational 
institutions. It was felt that the creation of a great university librar}^ 
which would become possible by the realization of this gift, was a 
State and National blessing and would enable the university within a 
short time to gather about it facilities for study, as regards its literary 
collections, not surpassed by any university in the country. The 
question of greatest importance connected with this case, and upon 
which the other conclusions depended, was as to the value of the estate 
devised, and the amount of propert}' which the university actually 
possessed. The National Land Grant had been bestowed upon the State 



494 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

of New York in trust for a specific purpose. It had received land scrip or 
promises of land, which might be subsequently selected, nt)t land itself. 
The value of this land scrip when the university was chartered was 
sixty cents per acre. The entire amount which the vState then held, 
would have yielded at the market price about half a million dollars. 
In this emergency Mr. Cornell had offered to purchase the remaining 
scrip, about eight hundred thousand acres, to locate the same on selected 
lands and pay all costs of surveys, taxes, etc., and when the market 
was favorable, to sell the land and pay all the proceeds into the State 
treasury, less the actual expenses which he had incurred, the same to 
constitute the "Cornell Endowment Fund," the income of which should 
be paid forever for the support of the university. The condition of the 
sale or conveyance of the land to him was that he should bind himself 
to pay all the profits to the State treasury for the university. He was 
to do for the vState what it could not do for itself, for one State could not 
locate land in another State without producing a confusion of jurisdiction, 
which was, moreover, distinctly prohibited by the Land Grand Act. It 
would also have it in its power to affect the market value of property in 
another State by its action. The question was: Are these additional 
proceeds apart of the consideration which Mr. Cornell agreed to pay for 
the land; and if so, do they constitute a separate fund, not subject to the 
special provisions of act of Congress, but form a personal gift of Mr. Cor- 
nell to the university, a gift possible only through years of labor and 
through the risk of his personal fortune ? Was the State a trustee for the 
entire sum realized from the sale of the national land, responsible for its 
reception and administration, as it was for previous sales which con- 
stituted the ' ' College Land Scrip Fund, " or was the university the owner? 
Had not the State of New York limited or modified the act of Con- 
gress? And if it apparentl}^ did so, would such action be sustained b}^ 
the United States Supreme Court? These were some of the questions 
which w^ere required to be passed upon by the highest State and National 
judicatories. The trustees of the university regarded the execution 
of the trust which they had received as of so binding a character that 
it was incumbent upon them to maintain the obligation imposed upon 
them b}^ Mrs. Fiske's legacy. A decision in the Probate Court was not 
reached until May 25, 1886. From this decision an appeal was taken 
to the General Term of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, 
which rendered a decision on the 20th of August, 1887, reversing the 
judgment pronounced by the surrogate, and deciding that Cornell Uni- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 495 

versity had already reached the limit of property prescribed by its 
charter, at the time of the death of Mrs. Jennie McGraw-Fiske, and 
was not entitled to and could not take or hold any of the property or 
funds devised or bequeathed to it by her last will and testament. 

From this judgment of the court an appeal was then taken by 
the counsel of the university to the Court of Appeals, by which 
a decision was rendered on November 27, 1888. This decision sus- 
tained the position assumed by the contestants of the will. In an 
elaborate opinion pronounced by Judge Peckham, in which the remain- 
ing justices, with the exception of Justice Finch, who took no part, 
concurred, it was held that a corporation has the right to hold, pur- 
chase, and convey stich real and personal estate as the purposes of the 
corporation shall require, not exceeding the amount specified in the 
charter; that no corporation possesses or can exercise any corporate 
powers, except such as shall be necessary to the exercise of the powers 
enumerated and given in its charter, or in the act imder which it is in- 
corporated; that no devise to the corporation shall be valid unless such 
corporation be expressl}^ authorized by its charter, or b}^ statute, to re- 
ceive it by devise; that the college, being a corporation, has power to 
take and hold by a gift, grant, or devise, any real or personal property, 
the yearly income or revenue of which shall not exceed the value of 
twenty-five thousand dollars. 

The decision was based on the following statement of facts, and of 
law : 

In the act of Congress donating the public lands to the several 
States and Territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of 
agriculture and the mechanic arts, a certain appropriation of the pub- 
lic lands was donated to the different States for the purposes above ex- 
pressed, but to such donation there were several conditions attached : 

(a). The land should be selected from the National lands in the State 
to which the grant was made, if there were public lands enough within 
it to permit it; if not, the Secretary of the Interior was directed to 
issue to each of the States land scrip to the amount in acres to which 
the State was entitled, which scrip was to be sold by the State and the 
proceeds thereof applied to the uses and purposes prescribed in the act, 
and for no other use or purpose whatever. 

(/;). In no case should a State to which land scrip was issued, be 
allowed to locate the same within the limits of any other vState or Terri- 
tory, but their assignees might locate it on any of the unappropriated 



496 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

lands of the United vStates which were subject to sale af private entry 
at $1.25 or less per acre. 

(c). All expenses of management, superintendence and taxes from 
the date of the selection of lands previous to their sale, and all ex- 
penses for the management and disbursement of the moneys received 
from such sales were to be paid by the State, so that the entire proceeds 
of the lands should be applied to the purposes named, 

(d). All moneys derived from the sale of the lands by the States to 
which they were apportioned, and from the sales of land scrip, were to 
be invested by the States in stocks of the United vStates or of the 
States or some other safe stocks yielding not less than five per cent, 
upon the par value of such stocks, and the moneys so invested were to 
constitute a perpetual fund, the interest of which should be inviolably 
appropriated to the endowment and maintenance of at least one col- 
lege, where, among other subjects, agriculture and the mechanic arts 
should be taught. 

(e). If any portion of the invested fund, or any portion of the in- 
terest was lost, it was to be replaced by the State, so that the capital of 
the fund should remain forever undiminished and the annual interest 
should be regularly applied without diminution to the purposes men- 
tioned in the act. 

To these conditions the State was required to give its assent by legis- 
lative act, and the grant was only authorized upon the acceptance of 
them by the State. This gift was bestowed upon Cornell University 
upon condition that the Hon. Ezra Cornell should give five hundred 
thousand dollars in money to the university, and twenty-five thousand 
dollars to the trustees of the Genesee College at Lima, in this State. 
The university having received this sum the question arose: How can 
it dispose of the scrip in the best possible manner so that the income of 
the university shall be increased to the greatest possible extent? The 
result of throwing upon the market such enormous amounts of the 
public land as had been donated by Congress to the several States was 
a fall in the market value of the land and, of course, of the scrip which 
it represented, to a sum far less than the established price for govern- 
ment lands. In the fall of 1865, Mr. Cornell purchased of the comp- 
troller one hundred thousand acres of land-scrip for fifty thousand 
dollars, and gave his bond for that sum, upon the condition that all the 
profits which should accrue from the sale of the land should be paid to 
Cornell University. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 497 

On April 10, 1866, the Legislature authorized the comptroller to fix 
the price at which he wofld sell and dispose of any or of all the lands 
or land scrips donated to this State, such price not to be less than 
thirty cents per acre for said lands. He might contract for the sale 
thereof to the trustees of Cornell University. If the trustees should 
not agree to purchase the same, then the commissioners of the Land 
Office might receive from any persons an application for the purchase 
of the whole or any part thereof at the price so fixed by the comp- 
troller. The trustees or such persons as should purchase the land scrip 
were required to make an agreement and give security for the per- 
formance thereof to the effect that the whole net avails and profits 
from the sale of the scrip or the location and use by said trustees, per- 
son or persons of the said land, should be paid over and devoted to the 
purposes of such institution or institutions as have been or shall be 
created in accordance with the provisions of the act of Congress. 

On June 9, 1866, Mr Cornell in behalf of the trustees informed the 
comptroller that they would be unable to purchase and locate the land 
scrip as they had no funds belonging to the institution that could be 
appropriated to that purpose. On the same day Mr. Cornell made to 
the comptroller the proposition, by the acceptance of which a contract 
was made with him, by which he agreed to place the entire profits to be 
derived from the sale of the lands to be located with the college land- 
scrip in the treasury of the State, if the State would receive the same, as 
a separate fund from that which might be derived from the sale of scrip, 
and would keep it permanently invested, and appropriate the proceeds 
from the income thereof annually to the Cornell University for the 
general purposes of said institution, and not to hold it subject to the re- 
strictions which the act of Congress placed upon the fund derivable 
from the sale of the college land-scrip, or as a donation from the gov- 
ernment of the United States; but as a donation from Ezra Cornell to 
Cornell University. 

The comptroller had fixed the price of the scrip at fifty cents per 
acre which was somewhat less than the market price for small parcels, 
but which, in consideration of the large quantity which was to be dis- 
posed of, and the fact that the prospective profits to be derived from 
the sale and location of the lands were to go into the State treasury, 
he considered fair as well for the purchaser as for the State. ' 'Acting 
upon the above basis, I propose to purchase said land scrip as fast as I 
can advantageously locate the same, paying therefor at the rate of 

63 



498 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

thirty cents per acre in good seven per cent, bonds and securities and 
obligating myself to paying the profits into the treasury of the vState 
as follows: Thirty cents per acre of said profits to be added to the 
college land scrip fund and the balance of said profits to be placed m a 
separate fund to be known as the Cornell University fund and to be 
preserved and invested for the benefit of said institution, and the income 
to be derived therefrom to be paid over annually to the trustees of said 
university for the general purposes of said institution." 

The question upon which the Court of Appeals decided this celebrated 
suit rested upon the interpretation of the agreement which is here 
cited. The counsel of the university urged that the conditions imposed 
upon Mr. Cornell in acquiring the land scrip by which he was obliged 
to return to the treasury of the State all profits from the same, consti- 
tuted a part of the contract and that it was a distinctly specified condi- 
tion, constituting a part of the agreement under which the land was 
sold to him, and under which condition it would have had to have been 
sold to any other person; in fact, it was an obligation imposed by the 
Legislature upon any sale of the land by the comptroller acting with 
the Land Commissioners of the State. Mr. Cornell was in that case 
fulfilling a contract made with the State. As interpreted by the Court 
of Appeals, this condition did not constitute a contract, but the title to 
the land passed to Mr. Cornell, and he thus became the absolute owner 
of the land scrip. His profits were to be paid into the treasury of the 
State, but they were to be paid therein as profits and not as any portion 
of the purchase price of the scrip ; and they were paid as profits of Mr. 
Cornell and received under that agreement as the property of Cornell 
University, the income of which was to be paid to it for its general pur- 
poses and the principal was to constitute the Cornell Endowment Fund. 
It was, in the view of the court, other than an agency created in behalf 
of the State; the profits which he had hoped to be able to realize in 
the future were entirely speculative in character and amount, and were 
dependent largely upon the judgment with which the lands were 
located and the times and manner of the sale. The proceeds of the 
sale of these were, therefore, Mr. Cornell's own gift to the university. 
All the compensation he sought for his services, his trouble and his 
responsibilities, great and onerous as they were, was the fact that all 
this should go to the university. 

In 1874, just before Mr. Cornell's death, he transferred to the tmiver- 
sity all his right, title and interest in this vast property and the univer- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 499 

sit}' assumed in his place the execution of all oblig-ations and contracts 
which Mr. Cornell had undertaken in carrying out his noble and far- 
seeing- purpose. 

The construction placed on Mr. Cornell's agreement by the counsel 
of the university made it a debtor to the State for the entire amount 
realized from the sale of the lands. An additional point, presented 
with g-reat learning by the counsel of the university, maintained a dis- 
tinction in law between the right to "take " and to "hold" property by 
devise. It was claimed that by the law of mortmain, corporations 
without special license might "take" the title to real property aliened, 
subject only to the right of the superior lord, in this case the State, to 
enter and take the land under the power of forfeiture. The charter of 
the university provided "that it might hold real and personal property 
to the value of three million dollars." This position received apparent 
support from the decisions of the courts of other States and from cer- 
tain decisions of the United States Supreme Court. It was held, how- 
ever, by the Court of Appeals, that the early mortmain acts in England 
bear no resemblance to the tenure by which a citizen of this State holds 
lands. Here there is no vassal and superior, but the title is absolute in 
the owner and subject only to the liability to escheat. Although some 
portions of the mortmain laws of England ma}^ have been enforced in 
other States, no such laws have been enforced in this State. As a large 
portion of the real estate bequeathed to the university by Mrs. Fiske 
was situated in other States, it was urged that such real estate could not 
in its descent be subject to the law of this State, but that the title to 
real estate is governed by the laws of the State where the real prop- 
erty is situated. But the court held that the direction in Mrs. Fiske's 
will to convert her estate into money or available securities operated 
as an equitable conversion of the estate, and hence no real estate in 
other States had been devised by her to the university. As the inter- 
pretation of an act of Congress was involved in the decision of this 
c^uestion, an appeal was taken to the Supreme Court of the United 
States where Senator George F. Edmunds, one of the ablest constitu- 
tional lawyers of this country, presented in a plea of great force the 
position of the university. He claimed that the whole of the moneys 
derived from the sale of the lands were trust moneys, and belong to a 
trust fund, and had no connection or relation to the limitation of the 
amount of propert}^ that the universit}' might hold as provided in its 
charter. The fact that the State provided for other modes of invest- 



500 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ment than those mentioned in the law of Congress had no bearing upon 
the intrinsic nature of the trust itself. To hold that it could, would be 
to hold that a trustee may change the nature and responsibility of his 
duties under a trust by mis-investment. The opinion of the court, which 
was pronounced by Mr. Justice Blatchford, followed that pronounced by 
the New York Court of Appeals. A dissenting opinion was presented 
by Mr, Justice Brewer, in which Mr. Justice Gray concurred. This 
opinion held that the act of the Legislature of New York, under 
which the land scrip was bestowed upon Cornell University was the 
legislation of a sovereign state prescribing the duties and powers of one 
of its officials, and also a declaration of the duties cast by a trustee 
upon his agent in respect to trust property. In either aspect its voice 
was potential in respect to that which was, under the authority, thereafter 
done by official or agent. In this view, the land commissioners had no 
authority to make a limitation in the contract, by which thirty cents an 
acre and the net proceeds were to pass to the national fund. No sub- 
sequent legislation on the part of the State of New York, and "no 
agreement between it and Cornell University as to the possession of 
these funds can have the effect to relieve the State from its liability as 
trustee, or place the title to those funds elsewhere than in the State." 
The use of the proceeds of the land scrip fund are stamped with the 
limitation imposed by the original act of Congress. Under the decision 
of the highest court of the State of New York and of the United States, 
the Cornell endowment fund was the gift of Mr. Cornell to the univer- 
sity. It was not, therefore, subject to any limitation which might 
apply to the land scrip fund, and can be used for any of the purposes 
of the university which the trustees deem proper. 

BUILDINGS, COLLECTIONS AND MUSEUMS. 

The attention of the trustees was early directed to the acquisition of 
collections of natural history and of art. One of the first collections 
obtained before the opening of the university was the Jewett collection 
in paleontology and geology, which was purchased by Mr. Cornell at a 
cost of ten thousand dollars and presented to the university. This col- 
lection, which had been made by a scientist in Albany, was regarded at 
the time as extremely complete. Soon after the charter of the uni- 
versity, the Legislature passed an act giving to the university a collection 
of duplicates in the same department from the State museum in Albany. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 501 

A larger and more important acquisition was that of the Newcomb 
collectionof shells which was purchased by the trustees in Februar}'-, 1808. 
Dr. Newcomb had spent many years in the Sandwich Islands and in 
Central America, in which he had made an extensive, and almost une- 
qualed, collection of shells illustrating the conchology of that region. 
Many of these shells were of the highest value and some were absolutely 
unique, the only collections at the time which could be compared with it 
was the type-collection made by Professor Adams of Amherst and a simi- 
lar collection at Yale. The university also authorized the purchase of 
the mineralogical cabinet of Professor Benjamin Silliman, jr., of Yale 
College. Smaller, but valuable, additions were made, among others a 
collection of four hundred birds, presented by Greene Smith, esq., the 
son of Gerrit Smith. Valuable gifts of books were also received which 
are mentioned in connection with the Library. The Museum of 
Archaeology is a recent, but most valuable, addition to classical study 
and to the histor}^ of art. This beautiful collection is the gift of the 
Honorable Henry W. Sage. When the Library was moved from the 
McGraw Building, the rooms which it had occupied were devoted to a 
Museum of Archaeology. This was fitted up for its purpose during 
the year 1893 and it was formally dedicated in February, 1894. President 
White had early insisted that a museum of casts would be one of the 
most valuable acquisitions for the study of the history of art which could 
be made in this countr3^ The acquisition of original works of art was 
impossible, but in place of them the exact models almost equally valu- 
able for purposes of study could be obtained. Mr. Henry W. Sage, 
whose large interest in the development of the university was not con- 
fined to an}^ one department, made this beautiful gift to the stud}^ of 
the humanities. 

The museum is an outgrowth of the system of instruction followed in the arts 
course and of the needs of graduate work in the classical departments at Cornell. 
The leading ideal in its formation is to furnish the best illustration of the develop- 
ment of antique sculpture. It therefore consists principally of a collection of full-size 
plaster casts, numbering nearly 500, of notable examples of Greek and Roman bronzes 
and marbles. These have been furnished or made to order, for the most part, under 
the direction of the foreign museums possessing the original. Some specimens of 
Egyptian, Chaldean, Assyrian, Persian and Etruscan sculpture have been added for 
purposes of comparison. The principal groups, distributed in eight sections over 
5,300 square feet of floor area, illustrate Oriental and early Greek sculpture, classical 
mythology, Greek athletic statuary, architectural sculpture, the school of Praxiteles, 
later Greek, Pompeiian and Graeco-Roman sculpture. No attempt has been made to 
illustrate Christian sculpture. 



502 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

As a museum of classical sculpture, the collection is actually excelled by no other 
university museum in the United States, and among other foundations only by the 
Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. The total cost of the collection and equipment is 
about $20,000. 

On the :jOth of June, 18G8, Mr. John McGraw proposed the erection 
of a fire-proof building- suitable for the needs of the university. This 
building (the present McGraw Hall) was begun soon after, and was de- 
signed to accommodate the library, the collections of natural history 
and to afford lecture rooms for the departments of geology, anatomy 
and physiology. 

No provision had yet been provided for suitable accommodations for 
the department of mechanic arts, when, in the summer of 18T0, the 
Hon. Hiram Sibley offered to erect a building for that purpose. On 
the 9th of August a contract was inade for its erection. The Sibley 
building as originally planned was designed to be one story in height 
with a French roof. Mr. Sibley consented to increase the height of 
the building b}^ one story on a pledge from President White to expend 
a sum ec[tial to the cost of the extra story, in apparatus, models, etc., 
for the departments of civil and mechanical engineering. 

At the same time the need of residences for professors was being seri- 
ously felt. Most of the students and faculty were accommodated within 
the gloom}'' and disagreeable walls of Cascadilla. The city itself at this 
time contained no more residences than were needed for its own popu- 
lation. On January 24, 1870, the lease of land to professors, which would 
enable them to build upon the universit)^ ground, was authorized. 
This important action has contributed more than anything else, perhaps, 
to give the University a unique character by establishing upon its 
grounds a university colony. It was proposed at this time to erect a 
residence for Professor Goldwin Smith on the half lot additional as- 
signed to Professor Fiske and connected with his residence. The 
erection of the president's house by President White was originally 
proposed at the time of the offer of Mr. McGraw to erect the hall which 
bears his name. The first residences for professors upon the univer- 
sity grounds were those of Professors Law and Fiske. President White 
proposed on June 21, 1871, to erect a. president's house for his own 
occupation, which, upon his resignation, should become the propert}^ of 
the university for the use of the president. The house thus begun was 
planned by one of the earliest students of the university interested in 
architecture, Mr. W. H. Miller, who has since been the architect of the 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 503 

Sage Library and the School of Law. The president's house was not 
completed until the summer of 1873, President White retaining- his resi- 
dence in Syracuse for the first five years after the opening of the uni- 
versity, and occupying rooms in Cascadilla Place during the occasion of 
his visits to Ithaca. 

Upon the acceptance of the report of the committee appointed to 
consider the subject of female education in the university February 13, 
1872, a committee was appointed to prepare plans for the Sage College. 
These were drawn up by Professor Charles Babcock, and the building- 
remains one of the most simple and dignified in architecture and one 
of the most satisfactory of all structures on the university grounds. 
This building was erected during the year 1872-73 and formally opened 
for the use of students at the opening of the fall term, 1874. 

On May 7, 1872, the contract for the erection of the Sage Chapel, in 
accordance with the offer of the Hon. Henry W. Sage, was authorized 
and on the following morning the executive committee went in a body 
upon the grounds of the university and formally selected its present 
location. The plans originally contemplated a stone chapel, which 
were afterwards changed to one of brick. The chapel as proposed was 
designed to accommodate an audience of five hundred. The contract 
for its erection was made on June 22, 1873. 

Provision was made in the summer of 1874 for la3ang out the grounds 
of the Sage College by a skillful landscape gardener, and about the 
same time the wooden bridge across Cascadilla was replaced by the 
present structure of iron. 

At the meeting of the trustees upon June 1(3, 1880, the Hon. Henry 
W. Sage offered to erect at his own expense a conservatory for the 
botanical department at a cost not to exceed $15,000. 

On September 3, 1880, the erection of a physical laboratory was 
authorized, and it was directed that plans and estimates for it should 
be prepared at once, and on December 18, 1880, an appropriation was 
made to erect and equip the same. 

The erection of an armory was authorized April 29, 1882, and a new 
building for the departments of chemistry and physics on June 9 of the 
same year. 

On June 14, 1883, the erection of a memorial chapel, to serve as a 
mausoleum for the benefactors and officers of the university, was 
ordered. 

In the summer of 1887, Mr. Alfred S. Barnes offered to give $45,000 
in addition to the amount already subscribed by the members of the 



504 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Christian Association, to erect a building- to be used for the purposes 
of the association. The plans of this building- were authorized Sep- 
tember 27. 1SS7, and the construction was immediately entered upon, 
the building- being formally opened for public use at Commencement, 
1888. 

The erection of a building for the civil engineering department was 
ordered by the trustees at their meeting October 26, 1887. On June 
20, 1888, it was provided that this building should be made of stone, in 
order to correspond with the other buildings of the quadrangle. On 
June 19, 1889, the name Lincoln Hall was bestowed upon it in honor of 
President Lincoln, by whose approval the act of Congress, donating 
public lands for agricultural and mechanical education, became a law. 
Work upon the same was begun in April, 1888. 

On September 19, 1888, the Hon. Henry W. Sage, feeling deeply the 
immediate need of a library building while litigation regarding the 
realization of Mrs. Fiske's will was still pending, proposed to advance 
to the university the necessary funds for the erection of the building. 
By a letter July 15, 1889, Mr. Sage proposed that this library building 
should be a free gift, if by the decision of the United vStates vSupreme 
Court the bequest of Jennie McGraw should fail. 

The erection of a new chemical laboratory was ordered at the meeting 
of the Board of Trustees October 24, 1888, the plans for which as 
prepared by Professor Osborne were formally adopted, and a site 
chosen. The erection of the building was begun in July, 1889. 

On February 18, 1891, an appropriation was made for the erection of 
a law school building, plans for which were, on April 25, 1891, accepted 
and the contract was made on vSeptember 21, 1891. 

On March 13, 1883, Mr. Hiram vSibley, of Rochester, presented 
$50,000 to the university to be spent in the erection of additions to the 
present buildings of Sibley College to provide additional accommo- 
dations for the growing classes. 



IX. 

THE UNIVERSITY AS ESTABLISHED. 

The university may be regarded as especially fortunate in the choice 
of the first professors elected. They were, in general, young men 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 505 

whose reputation and scholarship were such as to promise high success 
in the administration of the departments of instruction to which they 
were called. Professor Evan W. Evans, the first professor nominated, 
was born in Wales. He had graduated with high honor at Yale, and 
been instructor in mathematics in that institution, and afterward a pro- 
fessor in Marietta College, Ohio. He had contributed to Silliman's 
Journal, and was the author of a text book in mathematics. His in- 
terest in the language of his native country led him to pursue studies 
in the Cymric literature and philology, in which he had no superior in 
the United States. The editor of the leading foreign review of Welsh 
literature has stated that Professor Evans was the only American 
scholar, whose researches in that language had received distinguished 
recognition abroad. Students of those early days will bear him in 
grateful memory. His instruction was marked by admirable clearness, 
and left the impression that the form in which it had been presented 
was almost the final form of definite and precise statement. Although 
a silent man, his judgment upon all questions of organization in those 
early days of the university, was of great value; that loyalty to con- 
viction and to friendship, which is characteristic of his nation, made 
Professor Evans's association valued b}^ all his colleagues. 

Dr. George C. Caldwell had been an early student of scientific agri- 
culture, whose works upon agricultural chemistry had already won 
recognition. He had studied the methods of agricultural instruction 
abroad, especially at the famous Agricultural College of Cirencester, 
England, and had afterward received his degree at the Universit}^ of 
Gottingen. A scholar of excellent judgment, careful and exact in all 
his work, his studies have contributed to the reputation of the university 
in his department. 

Professor Eli W. Blake had graduated both in the academic and 
scientific departments of Yale University, and later, studied at the 
University of Heidelberg. He had been professor of physics in the 
University of Vermont and, at the time of his election, was acting pro- 
fessor in Columbia College. While his residence here was confined to 
two years, his work bore the impression of a versatile and enthusiastic 
scholar. 

Professor James M. Crafts, professor of general and analytical chem- 
istry, was a graduate of the Harvard Scientific School, and had studied 
afterward in France and Germany. Some of his original investigations 
had already been published in the Proceedings of the French Academy 

6i 



506 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

of vSciences, and in vSilliman's Journal. At the time of his election he 
was an assistant in the Lawrence Scientific School. Although his con- 
nection with the university was limited on account of ill health, the 
private investigations which he has since pursued in France and in this 
country, have made him one of the most eminent chemists that 
America has produced. He is at the present time a professor in the 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

Dr. Burt G. Wilder was a graduate of the Lawrence Scientific School 
and a favorite pupil of Professor Agassiz. He had already won reputa- 
tion as a contributor to various scientific and popular journals, and had 
published some extremely, curious and interesting investigations upon 
the silk-spinning spiders of the south which had attracted attention. 
He had also served as an assistant surgeon in the army. During his 
residence in the university he has trained some of the ablest and most 
devoted scientists of this country. In investigations in the structure 
of the brain and the nervous structure of men and animals, and in the 
effort to promote a uniform system of nomenclature in anatomy, he 
has been one of the most active and influential representatives. 

Professor Albert N. Prentiss was one of the first graduates of the 
Michigan Agricultural College — the first institution of the kind in the 
United vStates. His scientific investigations had been of high merit, 
and he possessed unusual ability as an organizer. To his taste and 
skill as a landscape gardener much of the beauty of the university 
grounds is due. Few botanists in this country have trained so many 
eminent scholars. 

Mr. Lebbeus H. Mitchell, whose name appears in the early announce- 
ments as professor of mining and metallurgy, never entered upon his 
duties. His life has since bden prominent for his explorations in 
Abyssinia, and later, for service as Vice Consul-General in London. 

Professor Law had already become eminent by his writings; Pro- 
fessor Wheeler was known as an admirable classical teacher, and 
Professor Morris's training had fitted him to organize instruction in 
the new field of practical mechanics. 

The university thus inaugurated, and accompanied by the enthusiastic 
hopes of the friends of modern education, entered a period of stern 
limitation and embarrassment, from its restricted resources. Its wealth 
was in the future, in the national lands, the value of which would rise 
with the development of the industrial prosperity of the States in 
which they were located. An attempt to realize at once the proceeds 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. .lOT 

of these lands would have destroyed the benefits which were to spring- 
from Mr. Cornell's far-reaching- purpose. The support of the univer- 
sity was based on the income of Mr. Cornell's gift of $500,000 and of 
the college land scrip fund and the Cornell endowment fund. The sep- 
arate funds last mentioned amounted to about $405,000. Funds for the 
erection of buildings had to be derived from the interest on the endow- 
ment. Thus the universit}^, embod3nng- so vast a scheme of universal edu- 
cation, was limited from the beginning" in carrying out the scheme of its 
founders. The university grounds were those of a country farm and 
rough in the extreme. Cattle roved over the campus and were sup- 
plied with water from a spring in front of the site of McGraw Hall. 
Anything like landscape gardening was almost beyond the wildest 
dream of any friend of order and beauty. From the funds wh'ch had 
accumulated in three years all the necessary buildings had to be erected, 
and chemical and physical apparatus, collections and books acquired. 
The funds of the university were all needed for its current expenses 
without this additional cost, while it aimed to embody great departments 
of instruction and courses of study which did not exist in other institu- 
tions, and obliged at the same time to make provision for recognized and 
established branches of study. The faculty, from whom everything was 
expected, did not at first exceed in numbers that of smaller institutions 
with a limited course of study. Growth seemed impossible, and to 
maintain upon the original scale that for which provision had already 
been made, doubtful. In addition to this, the cost of non-resident 
lecturers impaired still further the available funds for regular depart- 
ments of work. A single building had been erected mainly for a dormi- 
tor3^ No provision had been made for a university building with 
lecture rooms, museums and general offices. At the same time, the 
cost of new buildings had to be taken from the regular annual income, 
all of which was needed for the support of an organized institution in 
full operation. The limitations and discourag-ements of those first 
years can scarcely be overestimated. The only hope of relief was in 
sacrificing the land upon which the future of the university depended. 
To have done so would have reduced the university at once to the scale 
of one of the smaller colleges. Mr. Cornell maintained with a tenacity 
begotten of a lofty purpose his position that the lands must be retained. 
In the mean time, the financial difficulties increased. Generous friends 
gave McGraw Hall and Sibley College at a most opportune time. The 
execution of the national trust thus became in a degree possible ; but 



508 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

financial bankruptcy seemed impending. At the same time the country 
was slowly approaching the crisis of 1873. Credit and currency, which 
had been inflated during the war, had to assume a normal standard and 
relation to business necessities. Twice the trustees intervened to meet 
a deficit of about $150,000. The ni;mber of students which had reached 
412 the first year, and rose in the third year to slightly above (JOO, de- 
clined from that point. From 1873 to 1878 the numbers remained about 
the same; from 1878 to 1883 the numbers declined still further and in 
one term of this year the number of students in attendance in a single 
term reached only 312. 

President White had been absent for five years in Europe, with the 
exception of an interval of seven months, in which he was in residence 
frorn September to May in 1878-9. The friends of the university felt 
that his presence was necessary. The alumni passed passed resolutions 
at their meeting in June, 1880, asking the trustees to request his return. 
In obedience to this action, the trustees themselves passed resolutions 
expressing their sense of the urgent need of a personal and responsible 
head of the university and desiring President White's return if consist- 
ent with his plans. Mr. White, therefore, resigned his position as 
minister to the court of Berlin and, in the fall of 1881, resumed his posi- 
tion at the head of the university. This was the year of greatest decline 
in the history of the university. In the following year the number of 
students slightly increased, but it was not until 1884-5 that the number 
of students equaled that recorded thirteen years before. Since this 
time the growth of the university has been very rapid. The increase 
in the number of students has been simply the index of the interior 
development. By favorable sales of land the endowment of the univer- 
sity had been greatly increased, the salaries of professors advanced 
and large appropriations made for fuller equipment and the erection 
of additional buildings. 

On June 17, 1885, President White tendered his resignation of the 
office of president of the university, it being nearly nineteen years from 
the date of his original election to that position. He withdrew in 
obedience to a purpose which he had long since formed. In presenting 
his resignation, President White said: "The present meeting com- 
pletes twenty years since with our dear and venerated friend, Ezra 
Cornell, I took part in securing the charter of the university, submitted 
its plan of organization and entered this noble board. And now, in 
accordance with a purpose long since formed, I hereby present my 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 509 

resignation as president and professor of history. The universit}- is at 
last in such condition that its future ma}' well be considered secure, 
thanks to your wise administration; its endownent has been developed 
beyond our expectations ; its debt extinguished ; its equipment made 
ainple; its faculty increased until it is one of the largest and most 
eifective in our country, and an undergraduate body brought together, 
which b}' its numbers and spirit promises all that we can ask for the 
future." After reviewing the fundamental principles of the university 
and expressing his satisfaction in their triumph after twenty j^ears, he 
said: " At two different periods when about to leave the country for a 
time, I have placed my resignation in your hands and you have thought 
best not to accept it. I now contemplate another absence from the 
country in obedience to what seems to me a duty, aiid must respectfully 
insist that I be now permanently relieved and my resignation finally 
accepted. Although I have but reached what is generally known as 
the middle period of life, I feel entitled to ask that the duties hitherto 
laid upon me be now transferred upon another, and that I be left free 
to take measures for the restoration of my health, to which I have for 
several years looked forward with longing, and which I hope can be 
made eventually useful to the university and possibly to the public at 
large." The trustees in accepting his resignation which was presented 
with so much urgenc)^, adopted a preamble and resolutions. " The 
resignation by Andrew D. White of the presidency of Cornell Univer- 
sity becomes an era in its history. For twenty years he had devoted his 
best exertions, energy and industry, his large intellect and lo3^al zeal to 
the organization and growth of this institution. The project once con- 
ceived, he, hand in hand with its benefactor and founder, pressed it to 
a successful issue. Their dreams have been realized and their efforts 
crowned with noble and generous results. How great have been the 
cares and anxieties during those t\venty years, few, if any, can realize. 
How large and generous his benefactions equally bestowed upon the 
university and its friends, few will ever know. How beautifully he has 
created for us friends by his social and personal character; how great 
has been his influence in our behalf is to become a part of our history. 
During these twenty years the respect and affection of all connected 
with the university towards him has grown and strengthened. The 
purity of his character, the blamelessness of his life, his noble ambition, 
his generous and self-sacrificing devotion to the cause of education, his 
wisdom and kindness of heart have made his name and person very 
near and dear to all of his associates." 



510 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

In accepting his resignation the board expressed the hope that after a 
period of needed change and rest Mr. White might renew his relations 
to the university in a more congenial and less exacting position and 
o-ive it the prestige of his high character and attainments. They there- 
fore requested that he would accept the nomination to act as honorary 
president of the university, and 

Resolved, That the Legislature be requested to amend the charter so as to make 
the first president of the university a member of the Board of Trustees for hfe. 

The position of honorary president he declined in a letter from Paris 
dated December 22, 1885. While recognizing the confidence and kind- 
ness shown to him by the trustees in unanimously offering to him the 
honorary presidency of the university, he stated that he felt obliged to 
decline this especial honor on various grounds, "the most important 
being the consideration that there should not seem to be any division in 
the executive responsibility." After expressing his grateful apprecia- 
tion of the proffer of the board to secure legislation making him a 
trustee for life, he declined this honor from a dislike to special legisla- 
tion of the sort required and distrust regarding the precedent which 
would be established and requested that the resolution be allowed to 
rest simply as a most striking expression of confidence. The faculty 
of the university at a meeting to be held on the same day expressed its 
sorrow at the severing of the relation which had lasted since the earliest 
existence of the university, and formed an essential part in the official 
life of every one of its members, and which on his side had been sus- 
tained with great wisdom and great labor, with inexhaustible enthu- 
siasm, with constant self-sacrifice and with increasing anxiety for the 
sound growth and welfare of the university. It also expressed its sense 
of the generous attitude which he had maintained toward the faculty 
in all manners of administration, and of the strong and inspiring influ- 
ence which he had exerted upon the body of undergraduates and upon 
the alumni, and the hope that he would continue a member of the 
teaching body of the university, giving to its deliberations the benefit 
of his ripe experience and to future classes of students the same instruc- 
tion and stimulation in historical work that had been previously enjoyed. 
The alumni also passed resolutions of appreciation and regret. 

The selection of a successor to President White was a subject of ear- 
nest consideration. vSeveral names of men eminent as scholars and ad- 
ministrators were mentioned for the position, whose work would, it was 
believed, promote the prosperity of the universit}^ President White's 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 511 

choice fell upon a former pupil, Professor Charles Kendall Adams, of 
the University of Michigan, Mr. White's successor in the department 
of history in that institution. In an elaborate discussion of the quali- 
ties required, presented at the request of the trustees. Dr. White ex- 
pressed his views upon the choice of a successor. At a special meeting 
of the board, held on July 13, Dr. Charles Kendall Adams was elected 
president of the imiversity, and was formally inaugurated on the 10th 
of November of the same year. President Adams's inaugural address 
was entitled "The Development of Higher Education in America." 
President Adams brought to the university an experience of great value 
as an educator. He had been an attentive student of the various ques- 
tions discussed in connection with higher learning, to the solution of 
which he had himself contributed. A man of great industry and method 
in his work, he brought to the duties of his position qualities which were 
of high value. A president's office was established in one of the uni- 
versit}" buildings, where the president was accessible both by faculty 
and students at certain definite times, a feature of administration add- 
ing greatly to the efficiency of the office. Under President Adams's wise 
direction the whole arrangement of the bureau of administration con- 
nected with the executive- office was remodeled and improved. Presi- 
dent Adams was a most laborious and conscientious executive officer, 
giving careful attention to every interest which affected the university, 
of practical and experienced judgment, and it was at once felt that every 
detail of business received at once immediate and adequate attention. 
Several extremely valuable features were introduced soon after his ac- 
cession in university administration, which made the faculty feel that 
there was an intelligent and sympathetic interest on the part of the pre- 
siding officer, not only with all questions of higher learning, but also 
with the individual interest of every professor. The system of grant- 
ing a leave of absence to members of the facility after six years of serv- 
ice for purposes of travel and investigation was a valuable feature of the 
new administration. The salaries of professors were raised, so that they 
were more worthy of a university of high standing and influence. All 
these measures commended themselves to the faculty and contributed 
to give confidence in the new administration. The period which fol- 
lowed since 1885 has been one of uniform prosperity and growth. The 
presence at all times of a responsible presiding officer, and confidence in 
a uniform and judicious administration of affairs contributed to give 
stability and unity to the progress of the university. Among the im- 



512 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

portant events connected with President Adams's administration from 
1885 to 1892 may be mentioned the establishment of the Law wSchool, 
the erection of the Chemical Laboratory and of the Sage Library, of 
Lincoln Hall for the Departments of Architecture and Civil Engineer- 
ing, the erection of Barnes Hall and the enlargement of the Armory, 
the establishment of the new President White School of History and 
Political vScience, and also of the State Meteorological vStation. Presi- 
dent Adams resigned in May, 1892, and was elected soon after president 
of the University of Wisconsin. Professor Jacob Gould Schurman, dean 
of the Sage School of Philosophy, was elected as his successor. Profes- 
sor Schurman during the period of his connection with the university 
had established a reputation as a brilliant lecturer upon philosophical 
subjects, whose private lectures as well as his public and more popular 
lectures had been largely attended. Dr. Schurman possesses especially 
the gift of lucid exposition and analysis of philosophical systems. A 
series of lectures upon theism, which were delivered later before the 
students of Andover Theological vSeminary and published in a volume, 
exhibited great acuteness in stating and criticizing from a scientific and 
philosophical standpoint the current arguments by which this doctrine 
is defended. An earlier volume upon "The Ethical Import of Dar- 
winism " was also the product of Dr. Schurman's work while occupying 
his professorship here. Dr. Schurman entered upon his duties with 
great energy, and with a desire to carry forward the work which had 
already been begun. He has endeavored to unite the university more 
intimately with the State, and, since his accession, two grants have 
been made by the Legislature, partially fulfilling the duty assumed by 
the State in accepting the land grant, which pledged it to erect a build- 
ing for the accotnmodation of the college established by the Congres- 
sional gift. 



X. 

STUDENT LIFE. 

The university opened with four classes. Students who came from 
other colleges brought with them naturally the traditions of the life 
which they had left. The system here, however, was altogether new. 
The demand for lecture rooms in the two buildings which had been 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 513 

erected limited the number of students who could find accommodation 
in those buildings. Cascadilla, on the contrary, was crowded, not only 
with students but with professors. The corner rooms, affording some- 
what larger accommodations for professors and their families, were 
usually occupied by some married member of the faculty. The others 
found quarters in the less desirable rooms, and the students were scat- 
tered in the inner rooms, which were often poorly lighted and worse 
ventilated. There was an enthusiastic, tumultuous life among the students 
of those early days. They espoused most thoroughly the principles 
upon which the university was founded ; they were exposed to criticism 
in common with the university itself, and they defended themselves 
vigorously; they loved the freedom which they enjoyed; they had faith 
in their university and in its future, and happily cherished no doubt of 
the position which the university had already attained. One student is 
reported to have asked Professor Goldwin Smith how long he thought 
it would take before this university would equal Oxford, who is said 
to have answered with grim truthfulness, realizing as he did that his- 
tory and tradition are necessary to constitute a true university life, that 
he thought about five hundred years. 

The military system which overhung, we might say overshadowed, 
everything in those early days, though defended as necessary froin the 
charter, was cordially disliked. The martinet discipline of the first few 
years, so contrary to a university atmosphere, is a persistent memory in 
the minds of the students of those early days. The attempt was early 
made to abolish the class system, to classify students without reference 
to the familiar terms of Senior, Junior, Sophomore and Freshman. It 
was fondly believed that this illusion would cause students to forget the 
academic class to which they belonged and that class rivalries would be 
forgotten in a scholarly union. 

The large liberty in elective studies which was allowed to all students 
caused ambitious freshmen to select courses for which they were un- 
prepared. It was generally believed in the university world without, 
that the German university system prevailed here, that all instruction 
was by lectures, and that absolute freedom was the prerogative of every 
student. This loyalty to the university on the part of the students soon 
developed a genuine university life. Songs were written in which they 
proudly commemorated their alma mater. The first university song 
was ''The Chimes," written by the Hon. Francis M. Finch, one of the 
trustees of the university, who had enriched the song book of his own 

65 



514 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

college, Yale, and whose poem, " The Blue and the Gray," has become 
more widely known than perhaps any other poem which was the pro- 
duct of our Civil War. The remark has been credited to President 
Woolsey that Judge Finch is the only poet whom Yale College ever 
graduated. 

*At the second anniversary of the Cornell Library Association held in 
Library Hall, Ithaca, on the 21st of January, 1869, the Orpheus Glee 
Club sang this first college song to which Cornell University can lay 
claim, which was received with great enthusiasm, and which will be re- 
garded with constantly increasing interest as it is sung by successive 
classes. The next song which has obtained permanent acceptance was 
written by George K. Birge and was entitled "Cornell," with the re- 
frain : 

We honor thee, Cornell, 
We honor thee, Cornell, 

While breezes blow, 

Or waters flow, 
We'll honor thee, Cornell. 

The song, however, which has perhaps become the true university 
song is what is now called "Alma Mater," beginning "Far above 
Cayuga's waters, " and having a joint authorship. The circumstances 
under which it was composed are thus given in substance by one of 
the authors: 

"We were seated together one evening in our room, when some one 
mentioned the lack of university songs at Cornell. It was proposed 
that we should undertake to compose one. One suggested : 

Far above Cayuga's waters, 
The second added : 

With its waves of blue, 

and so the composition proceeded to the end, the two contributing, but 
not always in the same order. 

Thus this favorite song arose. 

The entire number of students enrolled during the first year of the 
university was 412. In the following year this number was increased 
by a little more than 150, to 563; but in the third year the number 
reached its maximum, and from that time the decline was continuous 
to the year 1881-2, when the number of students was only 384, 
and in one term fell as low as 315. It was not until the year 1885-6, 
that the number of students of fifteen years before was again attained 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 515 

and surpassed. The decline m the number of students after the open- 
ing of the university may be attributed to various reasons, first among- 
which is the financial crisis which followed in 1873, and secondly, per- 
haps, to a gradual readjustment of numbers according to the fixed 
and permanent relations which the imiversity assumed, and the actual 
advantages which it offered. Many students flocked to it in the early 
days with inadequate preparation, and under the mistaken iinpression 
that they would be enabled to support themselves while completing 
their education. These were necessarily disappointed. 

SOCIETIES. 

The new university was not merely to be a university in name, but 
it was to embody all the features that were distinctive of other institu- 
tions of learnings, and as the young American is, by birth, a public or- 
ator, societies for literary culture and oratory were at once organized. 
The first society to be organized, soon after the opening of the univer- 
sity, was the Philalathean, and soon afterwards, on October 22, 1868, 
the Irving. The former society held public literary exercises two 
months later, on December 18, in the friendly shelter of the Aurora 
Street Methodist Episcopal Church. The aesthetic spirit was also rife, 
and one of the early numbers of the Era contains a record of the Or- 
pheus Club. 

The first place of meeting of the Philalathean was in a room in Cas- 
cadilla, while the Irving met in the university ; but as the university 
opened with four classes, many of the new students had been members 
of secret societies at other institutions, chapters of which were soon 
formed among the students here. The first secret societies to be insti- 
tuted were the Zeta Psi and Chi Phi fraternities. A spirit, however, 
opposed to secret societies was also immediately developed and, as 
early as December 11, a meeting of students calling themselves Inde- 
pendents, who were opposed to all secret societies, was held in the par- 
lor of Cascadilla Place. Soon after an association of independents was 
formally organized who regarded secret societies as aristocratic, as 
introducing a distinction between students of the same university, and 
between members of the same class, and often as possessing no claim 
to existence from the literary culture imparted, being merely societies 
for dissipation. The college press of those days, which seems to have 
been under the control of members of the secret societies, ridiculed 



516 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

vig-orously the new anti-secret organization. On May 28th of the fol- 
lowing- year, the Delta Upsilon was founded, composed mainly of the 
independents and those who sympathized with them. This organiza- 
tion, although opposed to secret societies, was never regarded as a pub- 
lic society, attendance upon whose exercises, literary or otherwise, was 
open to all students. The Christian students of the university also 
united to form an association, which sems to have been organized 
formally on January 23, 1869. The meetings were at first held in the 
university buildings, but often in connection with the churches in town. 

The Classical Association, which has had a continued existence and 
has formed an important feature in connection with classical study, was, 
organized on February 2, 1809. A month later, one of the largest and 
most influential of all the scientific societies connected with the uni- 
versity, the Natural History Society, was organized on March 7. The 
Kappa Alpha fraternity appears third on the list of secret societies, 
having been founded about November 27, 1868. Upon April 3 three 
other societies claimed recognition, viz. ; the Alpha Delta Phi, Chi Psi, 
and Phi Kappa Psi, since which date the establishment of other secret 
societies has been quite rapid until the present time, when there are 
about twenty-six such organizations. 

A distinguishing feature of university life in its later development 
has been the growth of chapter houses. From the very earliest date 
it was natural that the members of the different secret societies should 
arrange to secure rooms together, and many chapters rented private 
houses, which were used for fraternity purposes. This practice gave 
way subsequently to the erection of beautiful buildings for fraternity 
purposes. These buildings contain lodge room, library, parlors, recep- 
tion rooms and studies, and bed rooms for the members. In some 
cases board is also provided by a steward within the chapter house. 
The fraternity which first possessed an independent chapter house 
was the Alpha Delta Phi fraternit)^, which was erected in 1878, 
when a large portion of the students still roomed in the city. Its con- 
venient site on Buffalo Street, half way up the hill, was favorably 
situated for the needs of that time. Later, the authorities granted lots 
to societies which should wish to build upon the university grounds. 
The first fraternity to avail itself of this privilege was the Psi Upsilon 
fraternity which chose the site at the entrance of the university 
grounds on the borders of Cascadilla ravine. It was followed by the 
Kappa Alpha fraternity, which erected a chapter house directly north, 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 517 

on the opposite side of the bank, in 1886-7. Since then, fraternity 
hoiises have been erected by the Sigma Phi, Delta Upsilon and Delta 
Kappa Epsilon fraternities on the university grounds. Other frater- 
nities have chosen to erect lodges off the university grounds, and the 
Chi Phi fraternity has erected a picturesque chapterhouse in Craigielea 
Place, while the Zeta Psi has erected a large and very fine building 
upon Stewart Avenue, and the Chi Psi fraternity has purchased and 
refitted a large building on Buffalo street. The attitude of the univer- 
sity to secret societies has, perhaps, been different from that of other 
institutions. The secret societies as established here have received 
students during the freshman year, who have retained their connection 
with their societ}^ through the four years' course. In some other 
institutions full membership practically exists for only one or two 
years at the most. Here no arguments or influence has been used 
against their establishment. The faculty has insisted that all cere- 
monies connected with the admission should be without practical jokes, 
or anything like hazing. In many cases members of the faculty have 
been members of some one of these societies during the period of their 
own student da3^s. In a few cases professors have accepted an honor- 
ary membership in societies with which they had not been previously 
associated. The frankest relations have always been sustained between 
members of the faculty and members of the various societies, while to 
the uninitiate a certain awe attaches to their mysterious names 
and mottoes. In the university world they are regarded rather as 
private clubs. The character of the influence of a secret society de- 
pends entirel}^ upon its membership, and societies whose standing is 
high in other universities, and who have a long list of illustrious 
graduates, possess naturally an ambition to maintain the reputation 
which they have inherited. It cannot be denied that occasionall}^ 
through the influence of a few bad members, a society may exert upon 
its membership an influence that is positively disastrous, and such 
influence may continue for more than a single year. Similarly, when 
the tone of scholarship in a chapter is low, and when its leading mem- 
bers are devoted to society, a low standard of scholarship may prevail. 
On the other hand, many societies have preserved uniforml}' for a series 
of years a reputation for distinguished scholarship. Membership in 
such societies is a badge of character and ability. It must be premised 
that a student upon entering an institution of learning, must have some 
companionship. He cannot, and it is not to be desired that he should, 



518 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

live alone. Indeed, the most effective, perhaps the most influential 
part of a student's education is obtained from contact with his fellows. 
Through association, he acquires a knowledge of men, and becomes 
courteous and friendly in his dealings with them. His ambition is 
quickened by contact with brilliant scholars, and the social side of his 
nature is developed in connection with the intellectual. Assuming these 
facts, if a student can join a society of high standing early in his 
course, he is kept from the dangers and accidents which are associated 
with the promiscuous fellowship of the university world. His reputa- 
tion and scholarship become a part of the reputation of his society, 
and care is excercised over his life and studies The influence of the 
faculty, which is felt by the members of a secret society in its public 
receptions, tends to preserve them from decline, and the more fully the 
influence of the faculty is felt in the various chapters, the more per- 
fect is the guarantee of the character of their members. It has often 
been found that where official influence was powerless, the personal in- 
fluence of an instructor could be exerted advantageously to effect the 
reform of a student. It has not been of isolated occurrence that chap- 
ters themselves, for the sake of their own reputation, have severed the 
connection of undesirable members, and relieved the university indi- 
rectly from the incubus of unworthy students. Every year at Com- 
mencement and at other times, receptions are given by various societies 
to their alumni, members of the faculty, visitors and friends. Such in- 
vitations are gratefully responded to by members of the faculty, and 
their influence upon the student world can only be favorable. 

Another fact in connection with the establishment of chapter houses 
is not unworthy of notice. Early in the history of the university, 
President White expressed himself very decidedly against the dormitor);^ 
system. Many educators have regarded the dormitory system, by which 
large numbers of students were gathered together in one building, as 
a fruitful source of disorder. The introduction of society halls, which 
are owned and governed by the students themselves, guarantees a cer- 
tain self government in their own interest. It may perhaps be stated 
that one-fourth of the students of the university find homes in the va- 
rious chapter houses at the present time. The evils which are usually 
ascribed to secret societies are found in the clannish and exclusive 
spirit which is fostered by them. They have been held to be opposed 
to a broad republican spirit, to the association of students on a footing 
of perfect equality, and to an enthusiastic and common participation in 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 519 

the public and literary interests of the university. Such evils cannot 
perhaps, be absolutely disavowed. But in this university, where so 
large a portion of the work in laboratories, shops and seminaries brings 
students into intimate personal relations' with one another, apart from 
mere association at lectures and recitations, a spirit of utter separation 
is iinpossible. 

Of late years the feeling in favor of attractive, well arranged and 
well lighted dormitories has increased among the faculty. A university 
spirit is cultivated, when the students reside upon the university 
grounds. The friendships of students constitute one of the most beau- 
tiful features associated with their lives, and are remembered with ardor 
and gratitude, when the mere acquiaK;ions of the four years of study 
have been lost in later professional life. Such friendships among 
students are certainly fostered more when they are associated in a hall, 
and, weighing the advantages and the disadvantages, it seems unques- 
tionable that such a life is far preferable to the isolated existence and 
dreary lodgings and possibilities of temptation, which are associated 
with boarding houses scattered throughout the city. In the first report 
of President Adams, the attention of the trustees was called to the ex- 
pediency of the erection of dormitories, who presented in a very able 
manner the reasons for their introduction from an educational as well 
as a financial standpoint. President Schurman in his inaugural address 
speaks in favor of the dormitory system, and it is hoped that at no 
distant day dormitories erected by friends of the university will con- 
stitute an important feature in university life. 

Among student organizations, the Students' Guild requires mention. 
Professor Hewett published an article in the Era of December 1, 
1876, entitled " Students' Relief Association," in which he called atten- 
tion to the numerous cases of illness among students and the need of 
some systematic effort on the part of the university as a whole to pro- 
vide assistance. He said: " The university has appealed from the first 
to students of limited means, who are in part dependent upon their 
own efforts to secure an education. Such students, in case their health 
is preserved amid the arduous task of self-support and study, may 
succeed with many sacrifices in accomplishing their noble purpose ; but 
in case of illness, many occupy rooms remote from the university, with 
no one to whom they can appeal for skillful nursing or care, and have to 
trust to the friendly and often accidental offices of some room mate or 
fellow student ; such kindly services are not always possible, and the 



520 ■ LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

student's recovery is often hazarded or postponed by the lack of suffi- 
cient care. In case of recovery, the student is burdened not only with 
the cost of his maintenance, but also with that of his sickness. 
Some students come from families whose circumstances are not ade- 
quate to meet the extra expense of an illness away from home. 
Students of larger means are also exposed to the dangers of sickness, 
without the comforts of home or scientific care. It was proposed in 
the article that the students should form a relief association or guild, 
and each contribute a limited sum, which could cause no burden 
to any one, to constitute a fund which could be used in behalf of invalid 
students. It was hoped that all students would unite cheerfully in the 
enterprise of relieving distress among their number, and that this 
organization would be recognized as a students' institution for the relief 
of those in need. It was proposed that the faculty should form, in 
union with representatives from different classes, an executive commit- 
tee to whom should be referred all cases of need and all applications 
for aid, whose duty it should be to investigate any cases of sickness 
or distress which might come to the attention of any member of the 
university. 

The suggestion for an organization like this came from the system in 
vogue in the German universities, by which every student is assessed a 
limited amount every semester for hospital dues, and in case of illness 
has the right to demand medical attendance and care in a special ward 
of the hospital. Such a system was impracticable here, and the method 
proposed was deemed Ihe best for meeting the existing need. A gen- 
erous co-operation attended this appeal. A large and representative 
meeting of the entire university was held in the chapel February 16, 
1877, at which a permanent organization was effected. A general in- 
terest was felt outside the university world in the purposes of this or- 
ganization, and among those who sent letters promising co-operation 
was Miss Jennie McGraw, who requested that in case of any special 
demand being made upon the guild she might have an opportimity to 
contribute to meet it. It is probable that her attention was first called 
definitely at this time to the need of a university hospital, and a few 
months later, in drawing up her will, she made provision for the erec- 
tion of such a building by a gift of forty thousand dollars for that pur- 
pose. 

vSince its foundation the Cornell University Guild has constituted a 
permanent factor in university life. It has appealed to a generous in- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 521 

terest on the part of students in behalf of one another, and has exer- 
cised a wide and beneficent influence. No year lias passed when cases 
of distress have not occurred which have been relieved by its kindly 
ministrations. In some cases the entire expenses attending the sick- 
ness and funeral of students have been met from its funds. The ladies 
of the faculty have united to furnish and defray the cost of maintain- 
ing- a student ward in the City Hospital, which has been recently es- 
tablished; but the need of a university hospital, well lighted, with am- 
ple accommodations, with operating rooms, wards, libraries and pleas- 
ant parlors, where students can relieve the tedium of slow recovery, is 
constantly felt. The proposition of Miss McGraw to found a universit}^ 
hospital was, perhaps, the first which was made in this country. Sev- 
eral universities now have such institutions admirably equipped, such 
as Yale and Princeton Universities. 

Scientific and literary societies have been formed by professors, the 
purpose of which has been to enable the members to become familiar 
with the various investigations which are being carried on by their 
colleagues in different fields of study. The most notable organization 
of this kind was a Philosophical Society composed of all members of 
the faculty, of which Professor Wilson was president, which met regu- 
larly for the reading and discussion of papers in all fields of knowledge. 
In the autumn of 1892 a Modern Language Conference was established 
by the professors in the departments of French, English and German, 
whose membership embraces all the instructors in those departments, 
and graduate students. It meets regularly six times a year, when 
papers presenting original investigations, and reviews of current litera- 
ture and criticism are read. 

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS. 

The establishment of a University Press, after the example of the 
English universities, took place early in the history of Cornell. One 
of the earl}^ gifts was a Hoe printing press. It was expected that all 
the university publications, and works by the various professors, would 
be printed here, and that the university would become a center of pub- 
lication. A related purpose, cherished more warmly by some, was that 
it would open to students a valuable means of self-support who would, 
at the same time, acquire a valuable craft. Professor Fiske's experi- 
ence in journalism led to his appointment as "Director of the Univer- 

66 



533 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

sity Press." The University Press was installed first in the basement 
of Morrill Hall, and the motive power was supplied by a small engine 
placed to the north. When the first building- erected in connection 
with Sibley College was completed, the printing establishment found 
ample accommodations in a large room on the first floor. A stereotype 
foundry was added in the rear. For many years students found profit- 
able employment at the expense of the university. Many books were 
printed here for publishers in the large cities, also the college papers, 
examination papers, etc. This experiment demonstrated, however, 
that material profit was impossible in philanthropy, for a deficit occurred 
ever}^ year which the university treasury had to make good. The 
hope of success in maintaining a University Press was only abandoned 
reluctantly. In one of the extensions of Sibley College, as late as 
1884, provision was made for rooms for printing and stereotyping. 

Soon after the opening of the university, a prospectus was issued 
for the establishment of a weekly paper to be devoted to the interests 
of the university, and to represent the voice of the students in all 
questions of educational polic5^ At the hour of midnight on Decem- 
ber 1, 1868, "just as the clocks were striking twelve, just at the dim 
witching hour of midnight, a new Era came into existence," and 
the Cornell Era, representative of the spirit of the young univer- 
sity, was issued. By three o'clock in the morning the seven hun- 
dredth copy had been printed and folded and laid away, and the 
editors were on their way to their rest. The first Era, however, bears 
the date of November 38. The Era was first published by members of 
the secret societies. The volume for 1874-5 was issued by editors 
chosen from the senior and junior classes. The paper thus issued has 
maintained a continuous existence to the present time. For several 
years, it was the sole organ for the publication of university news. At no 
period of its existence has it manifested more enterprise than during 
those early years. There was a pervading atmosphere of enthusiasm 
in the universit}^ and in the ideas which it represented, in those early 
days. The ills and discomforts of the student world in a universit}" 
insufficiently equipped, the hardships consequent upon a pioneer 
educational life were borne easily, and dismissed humorousl)'', in the 
columns of the Era. The limited number of chairs of instruction which 
had been established gave a unity and common interest to university 
matters, which has never since been surpassed. All questions of 
university policy were frankly presented and discussed. Co-education 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 523 

as a phantom to be feared was criticized in advance; the wisdom of a 
non-resident lecture system praised and disparaged; the interests of the 
university were stoudly defended against foreign attack, and the 
students proved themselves vigorous champions of the principles upon 
which the university rested. One noticeable feature of those first 
years was the active participation of the faculty in the support of the 
Era. We find a review of current "Events in Europe," by Professor 
Goldwin Smith; "Concerning Food," by Professor Wilder; "The 
Relations of High Civilization to Poetry," and "Children's Books," by 
Professor Corson ; " A Day's Ride in vSpain, " by Professor Crane ; ' ' The 
University of Edinburgh," by Professor Law; "The Land of Fire," by 
Professor Fiske; "Canoe Life on the Tapajos," by Professor Prentiss; 
" Etymological Reveries," "Universities and Colleges in Japan" and 
"Buddistic Morality," by Professor Roehrig; " The Nature and Method 
of Teaching Mathematics," by Professor Wilson ; "Modern Athens, "by 
Professor Hewett; "A Chair of Didactics," by Professor Sprague; 
"Eton," by Professor Smith; "My Studies in the University of Cairo, " 
by Professor Fiske; several translations of articles on "Academic Study 
and its Mission," by Professor J-. M. Hart; also translations and 
original articles, by Professors MacKoon, W^ait and Russel and others. 
Professor Goldwin Smith contributed translations from his favorite 
Latin poets. Some of these have recently been included in his recently 
published volumes of translations from the classics. 

One of the most interesting features of the Era for many years 
was a series of Cornellian notes by Professor Fiske. These notes dis- 
cussed almost every question connected with university policy ; often- 
times they presented the first announcement of appointments and gifts. 
Many interesting sketches of foreign university life and experience are 
contained in these notes. The Cornell colors, the Cornell adjective and 
the Latinized name of the university were all treated by his versatile pen. 
He sought to rouse the university muse to write college songs and he 
himself led the way. These articles were published under a convenient 
and harmless anonymity. The}'' furnish everywhere evidence of a 
skillful journalist, interesting in his individuality, and gifted in his 
power of description. The Eras of that day did not confine their 
attention primarily to local university news. A wide range of in- 
formation, and comment upon university life, and educational questions 
in other colleges, was also manifested. Discussions of popular questions 
were frequently quoted, and formed the basis of interesting comment. 



524 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The enthusiasm of the students for their studies found expression in 
frequent translations from the German poets, and occasionally from 
the French and the Swedish. Professor Charles Fred Hartt contributed 
fascinating- accounts of explorations in Brazil, and interesting trans- 
lations from the Portuguese poets. The Era, in short, mirrored at that 
time the whole life of the university world, its interests, enthusiasms, 
sports, jokes, as well as the wider educational life around. But the 
Era was not destined to pursue an entirely even tenor. Questions 
regarding its control, or the representation of the different classes 
upon the Era board came to disturb its supremacy, and one day the 
Cornell Times appeared, published to sustain one side in a university 
contest regarding the constitution of the Era. It was not long-lived, 
and few copies are in existence. A compromise, or readjustment of 
the method of choosing the editors, secured the objects for which it 
was founded and it quietly ceased to exist. During the first years of 
the university, a large body of Brazilian students were attracted hither, 
mainly through the personality of Professor Charles Fred Hartt. 
These published in the Portuguese language the Aurora Brasiliera 
for a short time in 1873-4. The Cornellian was the recognized organ 
of the secret societies and appeared first in 1870. Since that time its 
scope has been greatl}^ enlarged, and the artistic element in it increased, 
while retaining all those features which are so representative of the 
life of the student world, classes, secret and literary societies, clubs, 
contests, victories and obituaries. 

In October, 1873, a new publication appeared, the Cornell Review, 
designed to be the repository of original articles, essa3^s, stories, 
Woodford orations, elaborate discussions and poems. It was published 
first by representatives of the literary societies, the Irving, Curtis and 
Philalathean, for which latter there was substituted in 1880 an editor 
from the Debating Club. From 1883, editors from the Irving and the 
Debating Club, and three appointed by the retiring board froin each of 
the upper classes, conducted the Review. It was issued first as a 
quarterly, but after the first year as a monthly. It existed from October 
1873 to June 1886. One of the most interesting features of this 
Review, as well as of its successor, the Cornell Magazine, has been 
a series of interesting notes by Professor Corson upon "English 
Literature," containing felicitous notes and interpretations of Shak- 
sperian verse and thought, which have appeared for many years, and 
form an extremely valuable collection of " Shaksperiana. " 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 52o 

In 1880, a daily paper was issued the first number of which appeared 
on September 16, 1880, the Cornell Sun, containing a daily resume of 
university news. 

The increased development of the Department of Mechanical and 
Electrical Engineering- led the students pursuing those studies to issue 
in March, 1887, The Crank, the brevity of whose title as well as its 
ambiguous character has been since changed into the Sibley College 
Journal of Engineering. It has afforded a valuable medium for pre- 
senting the history of this important department of the university, and 
has contained original investigations, and often full reports of lectures 
which have been delivered before the Sibley College, a record of 
various scientific excursions instituted by the college, and interesting 
discoveries and inventions in the technical departments. The Cornell 
Magazine, which was issued as the successor of the Cornell Review, 
appeared first April 13, 1888, and has been issued regularly ever since, 
has maintained the character of its original. The editorial direction 
of the Review has devols^ed upon instructors in the department of 
English, and students, who have constituted a joint editorial board. 
A single illustrated paper is worthy of mention as being the only effort 
to issue and sustain a comic weekly. This was published first 
April 1, 1878, and though it continued but a term, it exhibited during 
its brief existence great artistic skill and humor which was the delight 
of the university world. The cost and labor of issuing a paper of 
this kind led, however, to its early abandonment. 

Publication in connection with investigation constitutes an essential 
feature of the life of a universit}^ In addition to the Philosophical 
Review, which has been mentioned in the description of the department 
of philosophy, a RevieAv was founded to be the organ of the secondar)^ 
schools called the School Review. This was published at the univer- 
sity under the general editorship of President Schurman from 1891 to 
1893, when its publication was transferred to Colgate University, follow- 
ing the appointment of Instructor Thurber, who had been its managing- 
editor, to that institution. President Schurman, however, still appears 
as editor-in-chief. The fact that no Review existed in this coimtr}" 
devoted to the investigation of questions in ph5^sics led the universit}^ 
to establish the Physical Review, under the editorship of Professor 
Nichols and his colleagues in the department of physics. This Review 
has been issued bi-monthly and has appeared both in England and 
America and is recognized as a valuable organ for disseminating a 



526 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

knowledge of investig-ations in physics. The department of classics has 
issued several important philological papers under the title of Cornell 
University vStudies in Classical Philology. The latest university pub- 
lication is The Cornell Law Review, which appeared June 1, 1894. 

INTERCOLLEGIATE LITERARY CONTESTS. 

On February 19, 1874, the delegates of fourteen colleges met in 
Hartford, Conn., to form an intercollegiate literary association. Of 
these colleges, Amherst, Bowdoin, Brown, Wesleyan and Williams were 
in New England, while the others were from the Middle vStates. Yale 
was not represented on account of the small interest which was mani- 
fested there. It was decided to form an association to be called the In- 
tercollegiate Association of the United States, the object of which 
should be to hold annual competitive exercises and examinations. 
Col. T. W. Higginson, who participated actively in the proceedings, 
said: "At present the esprit dii corps of the college is confined to 
athletic sports. No one hears of the smart men, the best orators, law- 
yers, writers, and thinkers in our colleges, but if this movement suc- 
ceeds, the better minds will be developed because there will be a strife 
to gain laurels for their representative colleges. We must show that 
oratory is not a mere outside show. In some colleges oratory is made 
a matter of training, others believe it to be a thing that cannot be 
taught. So long as the present state of affairs lasts, so long will each 
college think its own system the best ; but an immediate test, that will 
bring graduates together in actual trial, will inevitably open up the mat- 
ter and show which is the best method. " The representatives of Cor- 
nell at this meeting were Messrs. R. H. Wiles, G. R. Vandewater, and 
G. H. Fitch, all of whom, both in college and since, have won distin- 
guished honor. Mr. Wiles, while favoring an oratorical contest, re- 
garded the true culture of colleges as the main object, and hoped that 
in due time written examinations in Greek, Latin, literature, mathe- 
matics and science would be held. He opposed the introduction of 
declamations as school-boyish. The first contests for which provision 
was made were in essays and oratory, and the public exercises were ap- 
pointed for January 7, 1875, in New York. The contest in oratory was 
held in the Academy of Music, which was filled on this occasion. Ten 
colleges were represented in this contest. Mr. James Frazer Gluck de- 
livered his successful Woodford oration of the preceding year. Repre- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 527 

sentative men had been chosen as the judges in both contests. Cor- 
nell University was successful in the literary contest, receiving two out 
of the four prizes which were awarded. Two subjects for essays had 
been announced, viz., the "Utilitarian System of Morals," and the 
"Clowns in Shakspere." Princeton won the first prize for the best 
essay on the former subject, while George H. Fitch won the first, and 
James F. Gluck the second prize for essays on the second subject. The 
judges were Thomas Wentworth Higginson, James T. Fields and Rich- 
ard Grant White. The value of the first prize was one hundred and 
fifty dollars. For the following year the competition was extended to 
include not only oratory and essays but Greek and mathematics, and a 
special prize was offered for the best essay on "Arbitration as a Sub- 
stitute for War." The prizes had been increased in value for this oc- 
casion. Eleven colleges competed for the prize in oratory. Hamilton 
College received the first prize, and D. J. Tompkins, of Cornell, the 
second prize of one hundred and fifty dollars. The two subjects an- 
nounced for the regular prize essays were "Dickens and Thackeray 
Compared," and the "Advantages and Disadvantages of Universal 
Suffrage." Seven colleges competed for these prizes, and Mr. Frank 
E. Heath of Cornell University received the first prize of two hundred 
dollars for the best essay on the first subject announced. Eleven col- 
leges had been represented in the contest for the mathematical prize 
which had been held in New York, the committee being Admiral C. H. 
Davis, Professor Simon Newcomb and Professor Peter Michie. 

The first prize of three hundred dollars was awarded to E. H. Pal- 
mer of Cornell; Princeton received the second prize. The committee 
upon oratory were William Cullen Bryant, George William Curtis and 
Whitelaw Reid. Eight colleges were represented in the contest in 
Greek. The examiners were Dr. T. W. Chambers, Dr. William R. 
Dimmock and Charlton T. Lewis. The first prize was awarded to Miss 
Julia J. Thomas of Cornell University. Great enthusiasm was mani- 
fested in Ithaca upon the reception of the news of the success of the 
university. A public meeting was held in Library Hall, participated 
in by the citizens and students, at which the successful oration was de- 
livered and the successfu.1 essay read, and special gifts bestowed upon 
the competitors by the enthusiastic citizens. 

For the third intercollegiate literary contest, which was held in the 
Academy of Music on January 3, 1877, one additional subject had been 
announced for competition, viz.: "Natural Science." The committee 



538 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in oratory consisted of Bayard Taylor, Gen. J. R. Hawley and the 
Rev. Dr. E. H. Cliapin. Cornell University was not represented in 
the oratorical contest, Mr. C. H. Esty, who had been announced to ap- 
pear, being' -unable to be present. 

The committee on essays awarded honorable mention to N. A. Ran- 
dolph and S. H. Coon, both of Cornell, for essays upon the first subject 
announced, "Hawthorne's Place in Literature, " and the first pjrize for an 
essay on the "Federalist Party in the United States," toC. J. Brewer, also 
of Cornell. In the competition in Latin, the first prize was awarded to 
Emil Schwerdtfeger of Cornell, and the first prize in Greek to Eugene 
Prayer of Cornell. In mathematics the two papers were found to be 
so nearly equal that the prize was divided, C. A. Van Velzer, of Cor- 
nell, being mentioned first in the award. For the competition in Greek 
five colleges sent representatives; in mathematics, only two; in mental 
science, five; in oratory, ten; in Latin, five; in essays, five. 

At the fourth annual contest held in New York, January 18, 1878, 
Cornell University was represented in the oratorical contest by Joseph 
Ness, who had changed his subject from "The Power of Ideas," the 
subject of his Woodford oration, to "The Catholic Church a Blessing 
to Civilization," which was regarded as less effective. The first prize 
for the best essay on "The Growth of Political Parties in the United 
States," was awarded to Charles W. Ames of Cornell University. The 
second prize in mathematics was awarded to A. S. Hathaway of Cornell 
University. 

The fifth annual intercollegiate oratorical contest was held in Stein- 
way Hall, New York, Friday evening, January 10, 1879. In the oratori- 
cal contest Mr. A. C. Wakeley represented Cornell University. The 
second prize in Greek was divided between Mr. J. A. Haight of Cor- 
nell, and M. W. Nourse of Wesleyan. A. S. Hathaway, of Cornell, 
received the first prize in mathematics. 

Several wealthy persons in New York had contributed during' the 
first years to pa}^ for the prizes which were awarded. When this sup- 
port of the Intercollegiate Association ceased, it was proposed to make 
the organization a college affair, to be supported by a tax of fifty dollars 
from each college which sent competitors, which was later lessened to 
twenty-five dollars. This change introduced an element of uncertainty 
m the support of the organization. The large number of colleges 
which had become members lessened the interest, and created uncer- 
tainty as to its future, and led to its final abandonment. Its judges 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 529 

from the first had been men of the highest reputation, whose decision 
upon the merit of any question would be universally recognized as of 
authorit}^ Had the support of the society been more skillfully 
arranged, and participation in the various contests limited, it is proba- 
ble that it would still have a useful existence. The success of the uni- 
versity in purely literary and scientific contests emphasized the solid 
character of the instruction which was given in its various departments. 
In Greek, Latin, mathematics and essays, it had won distinguished 
recognition; in oratory, Hamilton College; in mental science, Prince- 
ton ; in Latin, Rutgers ; in mathematics, the University of the City of 
New York attained especial honor. 

ATHLETICS. 

As soon as the enthusiastic students of the university had familiar- 
ized themselves with their new home, they undertook the^ organization 
of the various athletic interests. During the summer of 18(39, Har- 
vard had gallantly sent a crew to England to contest with Oxford the 
dominion of the seas, and during the same year the Undine Boat Club 
was formed here, which was more a prophecy of future success than 
an achievement, for it did little to promote practical boating. During 
the visit of Mr. Thomas Hughes to Ithaca in the autumn of 1870, he 
gave a personal narration of his own experiences as an oarsman, with 
which the students were in part familiar in " Tom Brown at Oxford." 
Discussion at once became rife, which, on April 17, 1871, resulted in 
the formation of the University Boat Club, composed of all classes of 
undergraduates. In May following, the name Cornell Navy was 
adopted as the final name for the boating interests of the university. 
A boathouse was erected on the inlet near the steamboat landing, and 
a clumsy eight-oared barge, the "Cornell," built in Ithaca, and a four- 
oared outrigger, "Buffalo," constituted the university fleet. A little 
later a six-oared lapstreak barge with blue and white stripes, called the 
" Striped Pig," was purchased. Tradition says that at the first meet- 
ing, the chairman's request that those gentlemen present who had ever 
used the spoon oar would rise, was answered by one individual, rising 
modestly and remotely, and also that upon the first trip in the "Buf- 
falo " the crew was covered with disgrace and water in about equal 
proportions, by capsizing in the inlet at the order "oars a-peak. " The 
responsibilit}^ for this difficult and intricate manoeuvre was long dis- 

67 



530 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

pitted; some maintaining that, the commodore being present, the com- 
mand was given in his honor, the captain maintaining that the disas- 
trous command was given by the commodore himself. On June 1st 
this redoubtable craft, the "Buffalo," encountered a tow-boat and 
sunk, which ended the naval experience of the first year. 

Just before the organization of the Cornell Navy, a University Boat 
Club had been formed, somewhat exclusive in its membership, but, sus- 
tained by vigorous supporters, it became formidable to the regular or- 
ganization. In the middle of May a six-oared outrigger, known as the 
"Green Barge," also from an Ithaca shipyard, was launched, the home 
of which was a barn at the corner of the lake. In honor of Mr. 
Hughes this club received the name of the "Tom Hughes Boat Club.' 
Mr. Hughes acknowledged the honor by sending a silver challenge cup, 
to be known as the "Tom Hughes" cup. On May 12, 1872, Cornell 
joined the Rowing Association of American Colleges, a step promoted 
by that most enthusiastic Cornellian, Mr. J. B. Edgerley, whose early 
death has a pathos which will alwa3^s appeal to those who knew him. 
On May 2, the Toin Hughes Boat Club became part of the Navy, and 
a six-oared cedar shell was purchased from Yale and a professional 
trainer secured. The first regatta was held on Cayuga Lake on May 
10 and 11, 1872. It was proposed to send a crew to Springfield, but the 
necessary funds were lacking, and at Commencement the crew dis- 
banded, after several months of vigorous training. 

The university first entered a college race, at vSpringfield, Mass., on 
June 17, 1873, with a new cedar six-oared boat, the gift of President 
White. The crew had been carefully trained by the oarsman, Henry 
Coulter, and was composed of excellent oarsmen. It drew a position 
in an eddy with an up-stream current, behind an island, around which 
it was forced to row. It, however, won fourth place beside Yale, Wes- 
leyan and Harvard, in a competition with eleven colleges. At the first 
contest in Saratoga, held on July 16, 1874, the crew won only fifth 
place among nine competitors. The arrangements for the race had 
been imperfect, the condition of the crew wretched, and their training- 
pro bably crude. 

Four class clubs had been formed in the university which united 
September 18, 1874, to form the Sprague Boat Club, the two organi- 
zations together constituting the Navy. Mr. J. B. Sprague of Ithaca 
presented a challenge cup to be awarded to the successful crew. Under 
Captain Ostrom in' the spring of 1875, boating in the university began 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 531 

to be a science. Training- throughout the winter in the gymnasium 
was continued, and as soon as the ice left the inlet, practice upon the 
lake began. A new paper shell, built according to the directions of 
Captain Ostrom, was obtained. The crew consisted of Gillis, Jarvis, 
Gardiner, Barto and Waterman. The freshmen determined also to 
send a crew to Saratoga, and Jack Lewis, later a familiar name in 
Cornell annals in boating, was elected captain, with Carpenter, Graves, 
Smith, Camp and Palmer as associates. The victory which the university 
crew won over Courtney and his crew of Union Springs gave them 
great confidence. On July 13, 1875, the freshmen race was rowed on 
Saratoga Lake in which crews from Harvard, Brown and Princeton were 
defeated. Here, it is said, the Cornell yell was first invented. On an 
omnibus crowded with Cornellians driving from the city to the lake, 
Charley Raymond sug-gested trying a version of the Yale refrain — "eli, 
eli, eli, ell"; and an inverted form of it was attempted, Cornell! i-ell, 
i-ell, ell, ell. When, however, the Cornell crew passed that of Harvard, 
pressing on swift and straight to victor}^, a 5^ell burst forth, caught up 
by the groups of students throughout the vast company of spectators 
and by the spectators themselves : "Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! Cornell! 
I yell, yell, yell, Cornell! " which has since been adopted as a battle cry 
of the university on many closely contested fields. No university race 
has perhaps ever surpassed that which occurred on Saratoga Lake on 
July 14, 1875. Thirteen college crews were in line, each with a narrow 
lane marked out through the water before it. Three crews led from 
the beginning, Cornell on the left, Columbia in the center and Harvard 
on the right. When the goal was first reached, four thousand specta- 
tors rose from their seats, lifted the crew from their boat, and bore them 
on their shoulders in triumph. A palace car was placed at their dis- 
posal on their return and the crew was greeted by enthusiastic throngs 
at every station through which they passed. They were met at the rail- 
way station in Ithaca by processions of students and citizens, and rode 
upon a platform, proudly bearing the shell with which their victory had 
been won, amid fire works and beneath a triumphal arch, through 
the streets to the university. On July 17, 1876, a second race at Sara- 
toga between Cornell, Harvard, Columbia, Union^ Wesleyan and 
Princeton was won by Cornell. In a single scull race which im- 
mediately followed, Charles S. Francis, now a chosen trustee of the 
alumni, was victorious over Harvard, Columbia and Princeton in a 
two-mile race, and on the following day the Cornell freshmen defeated 



532 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

both Harvard and Columbia. This triple victory was received with 
enthusiasm equal to that of the preceding year. With the regatta of 
1876, the Rowing Association of American Colleges dissolved. Yale 
withdrew early, Harvard remained to contest once more the supremacy 
of the waters. Cornell's friends raised in New York in a few days five 
thousand dollars to send the crew to England to row a four-oared race 
with cockswain, with Oxford and Cambridge. The crew would have 
consisted of Ostrom, King, Mason and Lewis with Fred. White as 
cockswain, but neither Oxford or Cambridge would accept the challenge. 
A challenge was sent to Harvard and Yale for an eight-oared race, 
which was, however, refused. In the fall of 1877 a freshman race was 
arranged with Harvard, which challenged Cornell. This race was rowed 
on Owasco Lake on July 17, with Harvard alone, and the universit}^ 
again won. In 1870, the university sent a crew to the national regatta 
in Saratoga where, however, it had no competitors and rowed over the 
course alone. The single scull race was won by Lewis without com- 
petition. A race on Lake George during the same year with Columbia 
and Wesleyan, entered upon hastily, was lost. In 1879, a crew was again 
organized to contest supremacy with Columbia and the University of 
Pennsylvania on Lake George, and Cornell again won. During the 
summer of 1881, a race was arranged in England to be rowed on June 
31, 1881 for the Steward's Cup at Henley. The crews with which they 
contested on this occasion were veteran oarsmen of the Thaines Row- 
ing Club and the London Rowing Club. The position of the Cornell 
boat was bad and they were less familiar with the course, which was 
exposed to adverse currents and wind, and they were defeated by 
both opposing crews. On July 2, a second race was rowed with the Hert- 
ford College Boat Club of Oxford over the Henley course. Cornell led 
until it approached unexpectedly a shallow, when its boat grounded 
where the boat of the Thames Rowing Club had stopped on the preced- 
ing day, and again victor3Mvas lost. A third race for the Thames Chal- 
lenge Cup in the Metropolitan Regatta on July 14, with two leading- 
London clubs was lost by bad steering. A fourth effort for success was 
made upon the Danube at Vienna. Cornell led until victory seemed 
assured, when the sudden illness of one of the crew checked the speed 
of their boat and the race was lost. These England races were accoin- 
panied by charges of treacher}^ and unprofessional conduct on the part 
of one member of the crew. Whatever the truth ma^^ have been, the 
charges made, though they could not be demonstrated, were generally 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 533 

believed, and left a painful iixipression in connection with this experience 
of our crew abroad. In 1890, a new boat house with excellent accom- 
modations was erected by funds raised by the students, on ground 
generously leased to the navy by the Delaware and Lackawanna 
Railway. 

Mr. Charles S. Francis, the accomplished oarsman of 1876, thus 
writes of later boating: 

Passing over the various successes and reverses of several years we come to 1885, 
which marked a new era m boating at Cornell. Tlie services of Charles E. Court- 
ney, the professional oarsman, were engaged in that year, and have been continu- 
oush' retained ever since, as coach and trainer, and from then until now not a single 
defeat has been recorded against the Cornell Navy. While I would not take from 
the gallant oarsmen themselves one jot or tittle of their hard-earned laurels, and 
while I certainly appreciate at their proper value the advantages of good water and 
the big hill which does so much toward developing the leg muscles and lung power, 
I must be permitted to publicly express the opinion that to the intelligent and care- 
ful coaching of Mr. Courtney' the Cornell Navy is more indebted for its phenomenal 
and unbroken record of victories during the last eight years than to all other causes 
combined. And it is an undeniable fact that Courtnej^'s influence upon oarsmen, the 
freshmen particularly, has always been excellent. He not only frowns upon intem- 
perance, but will not tolerate immorality in any form. He is impressed with the 
belief that mental and physical training go well together, and the chief object of a 
young man's residence at college is to improve his mind — in other words, .study first, 
play afterward. Courtney will not, knowingly, permit a man to occupy a seat in 
either the 'Varsity or freshman crews who is behind in his university work, and he 
recently remarked to me that he had observed that the rowing men who stood well in 
their classes invariably proved conscientious, faithful oarsmen, and could always be 
depended upon "when the pinch came." "Give me good students," he added, 
" and I will make you fast crews. They have ambition, and that is a quality win- 
ning oarsmen must possess." The lo^^alty to, and unbounded confidence in their 
Mentor, shown bj'- the boating men generally, clearly indicates the hold Courtney has 
on the supporters of the Cornell Navy and augurs well for its continued prosperitj^ 

Recollections of later-day victories are so fresh in mind that they hardly need re- 
cital in this article, to emphasize the fact that victory has been emblazoned on Cor- 
nell's aquatic banners for the last eight years and there never has been any occasion 
to substitute for it the word, defeat. Records have been broken by our crews with 
pleasing frequency. In 1889 the 'varsitj' crewwon the Shai-pless cup at Philadelphia 
and made the world's record for one and one half miles, time 6 min. 40 sec. The 
freshmen in '90, at New London, under the very noses of the New England Univer- 
sities — in fact defeating the best Yale freshmen crew ever organized — scored the 
best freshmen time on record — 11 min. 16 1-4 sec. Another world's record, that for 
three miles, was established b}' the Cornell 'varsity crew in the intercollegiate race 
over the same course in 1891, time 14 min. 17^ sec, while the following season the 
record for the Passaic River was lowered by the 'varsity to 7 min. 21 sec. — one and 
one half miles. 



534 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

When one considers the unvarying aquatic successes of Cornell during these later 
years it seeins almost incredible that such pre-eminence in boating could be acquired 
in so short a time and from the disheartening environments of the little rickety 
student-made boat house at the steamboat landing. The oarsmen of to-day can 
hardly realize the discouraging conditions that confronted sturdy John Ostrom and 
"Jack " Lewis and the other crewmen back in " the seventies," nor can they readily 
understand how much effort it required then to evoke the enthusiasm demanded for 
successful training and development of speed. With Courtney as "coach," with 
improvement in boats and sweeps and with convenient boat house accommodations, 
it is not surprising that the Cornell crews of to-day row in better form and faster 
than their predecessors and are better qualified to defend the aquatic honor of the 
university against all comers. In this connection, however, I trust I will be par- 
doned if I express the hope that the crews, present and future, will not allow over- 
confidence in their ability to defeat opponents to beget listlessness and loose train- 
ing. Neither Courtney nor any other "coach" can teach crews to row fast unless 
the men themselves are willing to make the personal sacrifices demanded in strict 
training and are desirous of being taught. Nine times out of ten an exaggerated 
opinion of abilitj^ is fatal to success in any outdoor .sport, and especiallj- is this 
true in boating. Past victories will not win future races. 

With such a long list of victories to its credit, Cornell is naturally desirous of en- 
larging the circle of her races. Persistent effort for years to arrange a 'varsity race 
with Yale and Harvard has proved unavailing. Occasionally Harvard and Yale have 
offered to row Cornell in Freshmen " eights '' — and these events have always been 
won by the latter — but, for reasons known to themselves, although general^ under- 
stood by all men, the New England universities have never been willing to meet 
Cornell on the water since the Saratoga regattas of '75 and '76. While the bars of 
exclusiveness have been taken down sufficiently to allow Columbia to compete with 
them, they have not been opened wide enough to permit Cornell's entry. Last sum- 
mer Cornell, in a friendly spirit, challenged Yale and Harvard to row on any course, 
for an}' distance and at any time. The invitation was not accepted. Casper W. 
Whitney, athletic editor of Harper's Weekly, thereupon published the following : 

" It is greatl^'-to be regretted that Yale and Harvard should not have opened the 
freshmen race at New London to Cornell; the same reason given for refusing a 'var- 
sity race does not apply since the event has been thrown open to Columbia. It is 
really much of a loss to college aquatics that a university so pre-eminently qualified 
to test its strength on the water with the best in the country should be confined to 
events that are more or less walk-overs for its crews. Cornell's freshmen crew should 
unquestionably be admitted to the New London Harvard- Yale-Columbia race, pro- 
vided, of course, its members are governed by the same general university regula- 
tions as the freshmen of other colleges, and to bar it seems hardly sportsmanlike. 

"The best interests of college boating likewise demand a race between the 'var- 
sity crews of Harvard, Yale and Cornell. The 'varsity rivalry between Harvard 
and Yale is recognized, and that they should be indifferent to rowing any other crew 
is readily appreciated. The marked success Cornell has had on the water, and the 
wonderfully fast time her crews have made, seem to demand a test of the two sys- 
tems of rowing, which are totally at variance one with the other. To persist in a re. 
fusal is prejudicial to our national school of rowing. Cornell is willing to row either 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. hd5 

Harvard or Yale, at any place, at any time, and for any distance ; it seems to me as 
though such sportsmanship should receive some recognition other than continual re- 
buff." 

Friends of the Cornell Navy have earnestly hoped that a race might be arranged 
either in this country or on the other side of the Atlantic, between the Oxford and 
Cornell 'varsity crews, but there does not seem at present to be any likelihood of 
such a contest between English and American aquatic skill and brawn. The Oxford- 
Cambridge race occurs early in the spring, At such a time it would be manifestly 
impossible for our crew to cross the ocean and meet the Englishmen on the Thames, 
and it could hardly be expected that the winners at Henley would be willing to re- 
main in training without a let-up until July to row Cornell in England. It is barely 
possible that another year, through early correspondence, a four mile race between 
Oxford and Cornell might be arranged to take place on the Thames in August. This 
would give the Cornell oarsmen sufficient time in England to become thoroughly ac- 
climated and to return home before the beginning of the university year. Such an 
event would be of absorbing interest ; it would attract international attention and 
show the relative merits of the English and American university rowing as well as 
give the boating world an opportunity to ascertain the comparative values of wooden 
and paper racing shells, and old country and Yankee style of boat rigging. If Cor- 
nell could win such a contest and return home the acknowledged college champions 
of the world, it is believed the old New England college " exclusiveness-in-rowing" 
would receive a shock which, Avhile it might result later in self -created, humiliating 
embarrassment, would be regarded with entire composure by the American college 
world at large — a just and discriminating public which always admires pluck and 
manliness wherever it may be found, on the broad waters of Cayuga Lake, the 
Charles River or the sinuous Connecticut. However, under the free institutions of 
this glorious country with its untrammeled liberty in speech and action. Harvard and 
Yale, if they so elected, might even then preserve their self-sufficient prestige in 
boating by continuing for an indefinite period to dwell in all the glory of their soli- 
tary grandeur ! 

Below is appended a list of victories won by Cornell on the water, and which, 
while it may be incomplete, is sufficiently formidable to be regarded with genuine 
pride by eveiy friend of the Cornell Navy, and to claim for the red and white the 
respect of every fair-minded and manly boating man in America, in and out of col- 
lege: 

Intercollegiate regatta, Saratoga Lake, July 13, 1875. — Freshman six-oared race. 
Time, 17 min. 32 1-4 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta, Saratoga Lake, July 14, 1875. — University six-oared race. 
Time, 16 min. 53 1-4 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta, Saratoga Lake, July 19, 1876. — LTniversity six-oared race. 
Time, 17 min. 1 1-2 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta, Saratoga Lake, July 19, 1876. — For Cornell University, 
Charles S. Francis, single scull race. Best intercollegiate time on record, two miles, 
13 min. 42 3-4 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta, Saratoga Lake, July 19, 1876. — Freshman six-oared race. 
Time, 17 min. 23 1-2 sec. 

Freshman eight-oared race, Owasco Lake, July 17, 1878. — Time, 17 min. 13 3-4 sec. 



536- LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

National regatta, Saratoga Lake, July 9, 1879. — Four-oared race, one mile and one- 
half. Time, 9 min. 15 sec. 

North Hector regatta. Lake George, July, 1879, four-oared race. 

Lake George regatta. Lake George, July 17, 1880. — Four-oared race, one mile and 
half. Time, 9 min. 13 sec. 

Cazenovia regatta, four-oared race. May 25, 1888. Time, 11 min. 57 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta. Lake George, July 4, 1883. — University four-oared race. 
Time, 11 min. 57 sec. 

For Childs championship cup, Philadelphia, July 19, 1887. — Four-oared race. 

Amateur Rowing Association, Newark, N. J., Passaic River, July 11, 1887. Four- 
oared race. 

Intercollegiate regatta, Worcester, Mass., July 5, 1887. — Four-oared race, one mile 
and one-half. Time, 9 min. 38 3-4 sec. 

Childs championship cujd, Philadelphia, July 19, 1887. — Four-oared race. 

People's regatta for Downing cup, Philadelphia, July 4, 1888. — University eight- 
oared race. 

Intercollegiate regatta. New London, June, 1889. — University eight-oared race. 
Time, 16 min. 4 sec. 

Philadelphia regatta, eight-oared race, July 4, 1889. — Time, 7 min. 3 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta, for Sharpless cup, Philadelphia, July 5, 1889. — University 
eight-oared race. (World's record for one and one-half miles). Time, 6 min. 40 sec. 

Ithaca Intercollegiate regatta, Ithaca, June 18, 1890. — University eight-oared race. 
Time, 17 min. 30 1-5 sec. 

Intercollegiate freshman race, New London, June 24, 1890. — Eight-oared race. 
Time, 11 min. 16 1-4 sec. Best freshman time on record. 

Intercollegiate regatta, New London, June 26, 1890. — University eight-oared race. 
Time, 14 min. 43 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta. New London, June 37, 1891. — University eight-oared race. 
(World's record for three miles). Time, 14 min. 27 1-2 sec. 

Amateur Rowing Association regatta, Passaic River, May 30, 1892. — Eight-oared 
race. Time, 7 min. 21 sec. Record for that course. 

Intercollegiate regatta, Ithaca, June 9, 1892. — Freshman eight-oared race. Time, 
10 min. 56 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta, Ithaca, June 15, 1892. — University eight-oared race. Three 
miles. Time, 17 min. 26 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta, Lake Minnetonka, July 8, 1893, vs. the University of Penn- 
sylvania. — University eight-oared race. Cornell 23 min. 40 sec. Pennsylvania 23 
min. 52 sec. Four miles. 

Freshman eight-oared race, two miles. New London, July, 1893. — Cornell 10 min. 
8 sec. Columbia 10 min. 42 sec. 

Intercollegiate regatta, eight-oared race, Delaware River, near Philadelphia, June 
6, 1894, vs. the University of Pennsylvania. — Cornell 21 min. 12i sec. Pennsylva- 
nia 21 min. 34| sec. Four miles. 

Freshman eight-oared race, two miles, Lake Cayuga, Ithaca, June 19, 1894, vs. 
Dauntless Crew of New York. Freshman 11 min. 15| sec. Dauntless 12 min. 11 sec. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 537 

The Cornell 'varsity crews have won twenty-four races, lost six, and. 
had one foul. The freshmen have won seven and lost >ioiic, while our 
single scullers have won nine and lost two. Among these we have 
world's records for one and one-half miles in 6.40, three miles in 14.27>^, 
besides the two mile intercolleg-iate record of 13.42^. 

Baseball and football have been cultivated at the university, and as 
these contests have now become a part of the calendar of every univer- 
sity year, it is impossible to chronicle their progress. The proposition 
to form a baseball club was made as early as February 27, 1800, and 
upon May S, a petition was presented to the Executive Committee for 
a baseball ground. During this month the first games with rival clubs 
were reported. 

The first efficient impulse to start a gymnasium is due to Professor 
Byerly whose enthusiasm in athletic sports led him to undertake the 
difficult task of erecting a gymnasium by soliciting funds among the 
students and citizens. This enterprise was begun in the autumn of 
1873, and the erection of the original gymnasium, just east of the present 
Sigma Phi chapter house on Central avenue, commenced in December 
of that year. This modest structure whose entire cost with ec[uipment 
did not exceed '$1,000 contained the essential apparatus for the best 
physical development. Parallel bars, rings, trapezes, ladders, horses, 
lifting machines, lifting weights, rowing machine, etc., etc.; also 
apparatus for expanding the chest and increasing the capacity of the 
lungs. The apparatus was selected by Professor Byerly in New York, 
who was thoroughly familiar with the best modern equipments of a 
gymnasium. The gymnasium was finished and ready for use on Feb- 
ruary 21, 1874, and it formed for a long time a useful, almost indispen- 
sable element in the physical training of the students. The erection of 
the present Armory was authorized on April 29, 1882, and it was 
erected during the same year but was not finished so as to be open for 
use until the spring of the following year, when Dr. Edward Hitchcock, 
jr., was appointed acting professor of physical culture and director of 
the gymnasium. Under his inspiration the equipment of the g3mina- 
sium took place rapidly and it was used not only for gymnastic exer- 
cises, but for an armory and drill hall, under the efficient administration 
of the Commandant, Major J. B. Burbank. Later additions to the 
gymnasium in the year 1892 furnished greatly increased facilities, swim 
ming tank, bath rooms, running course, etc., etc, 



538 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The development of university athletics received a new impulse in 
the gift of an athletic field, of the value of three thousand dollars, in 
June, 1880, from William H. Sage, esq., situated just north of Fall creek. 
Mr. vSage has been the constant patron and promoter of all the athletic 
interests of the university. This field consists of about seven acres, 
enclosed by a high fence, with a grand stand, cinder course, dressing 
rooms, etc. By two gifts of J. J. Hagerman, esq., of Colorado vSprings, 
amounting in all to seven thousand dollars, the necessary preparation 
of the field was secured. The field was named " Percy Field " in honor 
of a son of the donor of its equipment, who with his brother have 
shown an enthusiastic and generous interest in athletics. Mr. Robert 
H. Treman has contributed a valuable and active support to university 
athletics. The Athletic Council was succeeded by the Athletic Associ- 
ation of Cornell University, consisting of alumni and student represent- 
atives of the various athletic organizations. 

The Cornell Athletic Association was incorporated June 5, 1889, 
under the laws of 1865, State of New York, chap. 368, p. 363. The 
incorporators were W. H. Sage, B. I Wheeler, H. S. White, J. F. 
Kemp, E. Hitchcock, jr., F. D. Davis, and H. S. Bronson. The pur- 
pose of the Association was: (1) To centralize the various athletic 
interests of the university. The four athletic organizations — the Nav)^, 
"Baseball club. Football club, and the Athletic club — had heretofore 
existed in entire independence of each other, and had conducted their 
affairs, such as the raising of money, arrangement of games, etc. , each 
in disregard or ignorance of the plans of the others. The gift of the 
athletic field (Percy Field) in 1889, made it necessary that there should 
exist an organization not only to own and manage the field, but to co- 
ordinate the interests of the different clubs in its use. 

(2) To act as an advisory board for the managers of the athletic 
teams. Under the old system there had existed no check upon the 
powers of the managers. The)' expended money as they saw fit, and 
made no accounting. Shortly after the organization of the Association 
the power of choosing all managers, including the commodore, was 
delegated to it by the different clubs. 

(3) To assume control of propert}'- that might be donated to it in the 
interest of athletics. In accordance with this purpose it has assumed 
the ownership of the Percy Field and of the boat house, with the boats 
and equipments therein. It now keeps the field in order, attends to re- 
pairs of fence and buildings, and regulates the assignment of its use 



Cornell university. 539 

among the different teams, deducting' from the gate receipts at all the 
universit)^ games fifteen per cent, for the benefit of the field. The 
steam launch now building for the use of the navy will become, when 
completed, the property of the Association. 

(4) To exercise oversight over the collection and expenditure of 
moneys on the part of the various organizations. The treasurer of the 
Association, svho is a graduate, keeps a separate account with each or- 
ganization, as well as also an account with the field. He receives all 
mone}^ collected by each organization, whether in the form of gate re- 
ceipts or subscriptions, and pays all bills when approved by the man- 
agers who contracted them. The different accounts are published an- 
nually in the college papers b}^ the treasurer, thus affording the uni- 
versity public a reliable means of knowing how the athletic funds are 
expended. 

The trustees of the association consisted originally of fourteen per- 
sons, viz., two representatives from the Nav}'', including the commo- 
dore; two from the Baseball club, including the manager; two from 
the Football club, including the manager; two from the Athletic 
club, including its president (/. e., manager); four members of the 
faculty, including the professor of Physical Culture; one representa- 
tive from the Executive Committee of the trustees of the university; 
and one member chosen at large. As amended in 1894, the constitu- 
tion added one representative from the La Crosse Club, namely, its man- 
ager, and provided that the eight other undergraduate members should 
consist of the coinmodore of the Navy and the captain of the crew, 
and the managers and captains of the three other organizations. 

The Faculty Committee on Athletics, which has, by vote of the fac- 
ulty, entire charge of the leaves of absence for the athletic teams, has 
thus far included the four faculty trustees of the association. This 
circumstance has contributed greatly to the solidarity of the whole 
athletic management, and provided a most efficient means for the regu- 
lation of athletics and the prevention of abuses. The influence of the 
faculty is thus exercised from within, and not from without, the central 
management itself. The faculty members of the Board of Trustees 
are at present (1894) Professors Dennis, Hitchcock, Wheeler and White, 
the representative from the university trustees is Mr. W. H. vSage, 
who is also president of the board; the member at large is Mr. Robert 
H. Treman, who has been the treasurer from the beginning. 



540 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS. 
XI. 

LANGUAGES. 

1. THE CLASSICAL AND ORIENTAL LANGUAGES.— 2. THE GERMANIC 
AND ROMANCE LANGUAGES. 

At the opening" of the university provision was made for instruction 
in the classics by the election of Professor Albert S. Wheeler as profes- 
sor of both Latin and Greek. Professor Wheeler was a graduate of 
Hobart College, in which he had been tutor from 185;] to ISoo, and as- 
sistant professor of Greek and Latin in 1855 and 1850. During the 
years 1857 to 1859 he held the professorship of rhetoric and elocution. 
From 1800 to 1808, the date of his call to Cornell Universit}', he was 
professor of the Greek language and literature. All students of those 
early days will recall this admirable teacher. Having received a legal 
training for practice at the bar, he manifested the results of this train- 
ing in all that he did. An excellent and accurate scholar, with a judi- 
cial mind, he manifested in his training of students similar qualities. 
They were expected to be thorough, S3^stematic, logical, to take nothing 
for granted, to search for the foundations of all that was taught. For 
three years he filled the double chair of Latin and Greek. All students 
who graduated under him felt the impress of his personality as much as 
of his learning. While the philological side of classical study was not 
disregarded, he appreciated classical study from its humane side for the 
value of its literature. Especially in the award of prizes Professor 
Wheeler pursued a characteristic inethod. He did not believe that 
prizes should be awarded simply for excellence in the ordinary curricu- 
lum of the class room, but that in addition to class room work, certain 
work should be set which would test the independence of the student by 
private study. Thus at an examination in Horace, the prize paper wotdd 
embrace the entire writings of the poet, and the student would be ex- 
pected to discuss thoroughly from independent research whatever ques- 
tions might arise in connection with the life and times of the poet, his 
verse and his theories of poetry. On one occasion of this kind one com- 
petitor committed to memor}^ three books of the "Odes of Horace" 
and the " Ars Poetica;" and a second student was only slightly behind 
the first. Professor Goldwin Smith, with whom the poet had been a 
favorite study and who had translated a considerable portion of his versie 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 541 

which has since been published, prepared the paper set for examination, 
and such as would have been given in a similar case in an English uni- 
versity, and awarded the prizes. Professor Wheeler resigned after three 
3'ears' service and accepted a position in the vShelfield Scientific School, 
where the same distinguished abilit}^ as a scholar has won for him de- 
served recognition. Upon the resignation of Professor Wheeler the de- 
partment was divided as had been originally contemplated whenever 
the resources of the university should permit, and Tracy Peck, a teacher 
in the High School of Cincinnati and former tutor in Yale, was elected 
to the professorship of the Latin language and literature, and Mr. Isaac 
Flagg, an assistant professor in Harvard, was chosen professor of the 
Greek language and literature. Professor Peck, who contributed to en- 
large the field of Latin study, remained connected with the depart- 
ment until 18S0. He was an advocate of the Roman method of 
pronunciation, which he here introduced, and teaching Latin conversa- 
tion was a favorite branch of instruction with him. Professor Flagg 
was a teacher of fine literary taste, with an intimate knowledge of Greek 
literature, who, in his published writings, has devoted especial atten- 
tion to the dramatists. He remained associated with the university 
until 1888, when he resigned and accepted a position in the University 
of California. Professor Peck resigned in order to become the succes- 
sor of his former teacher. Professor Thatcher, in Yale LTniversity. 
Upon the resignation of Professor Peck, William Gardiner Hale, now of 
the University of Chicago, was chosen his successor. Professor Hale 
had won deserved recognition as instructor in Latin in Harvard Univer- 
sity, a reputation which has constantly increased. Under his leader- 
ship and under the fostering care of the trustees of the university, 
whose means at that time permitted a larger development, instruc- 
tion in Roman life and art became prominent. Professor Hale's per- 
sonal studies were, in addition to Roman life and art, directed to the 
scientific discussion of questions of Latin grammar, especially of those 
associated with the Moods. The department increased rapidly in num- 
bers during the period of Professor Hale's connection with the univer- 
sity. Professor Hale's large interest in all cjuestions that concerned 
university administration made his participation in the deliberations of 
the faculty of great value. Upon the resignation of Professor Hale, 
Professor Charles E. Bennett of Brown University, who had held pro- 
fessorships in both the University of Nebraska and the University of 
Wisconsin, was elected his successor. . Dr. Benjamin Ide Wheeler, a 



542 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

graduate of Brown University and an instructor in Harvard University, 
was elected acting professor of classical philology and instructor in 
Latin and Greek, and entered upon his duties beginning with the year 
18SG. Professor Wheeler's work upon receiving his degree at the Uni- 
versity of Heidelberg had won immediate recognition as a- most valua- 
ble contributor to the study of the Indo-European languages. He had 
devoted especial attention to the science of language as well as to the 
comparative grammar of the Indo-European languages. With his 
accession, a department was filled, the needs of which had been long 
recognized by all professors in the department of languages. vS3^ste- 
matic courses of lectures upon the science of language, together with 
instruction in Sanskrit and phonetics, with increased work in the depart- 
ment of Greek, to which Professor Bristol was elected from Hamilton 
College, gave an enlarged impulse to classical study in the university. 
At this time seminary instruction was introduced in all departments, 
facilities having been afforded by the purchase of special libraries for 
consultation by advanced students, and by the fitting up of seminary 
rooms. 

The extension, and reorganization of the work in Greek since the con- 
nection of Professor B. I. Wheeler with that department include (1) a 
rearrangement of the courses of instruction, (2) the introduction of 
the study of historical grammar and the science of language, (8) the 
introduction of systematic instruction in ancient life and institutions, 
(4) the organization of seminary instruction and the formation of a 
seminary library, (5) the collection of illustrative materials including 
a museum of casts. 

(1. ) The courses of instruction were remodeled with a view to sharply 
differentiate between the required work of the freshman and sophomore 
years, and the elective work of those who looked forward to specializa- 
tion in the subject. To the work of the freshman 3xar was assigned 
especially training in the accuracies of the language upon the basis 
of Lysias, Plato, and the Odyssey of Homer. The work of sophomore 
year was devoted almost exclusively to literary training, based upon the 
reading of Demosthenes, vSophocles and Aristophanes. Supplementary 
reading outside the regular requirements of the class exercises was 
assigned and required. In the belief that these earlier years demand 
the most experienced instruction, the work of the sophomore class was 
conducted by Professor Wheeler himself, and that of the freshman 
class supervised, and, for at least half the class, conducted b}' Professor 
Bristol. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 543 

The variety and scope of the advanced work was greatly enlarged. 
Regular advanced courses have been provided in (a) the tragedians, 
(/?) Aristophanes, (c) the orators and historians, (d) the lyric and epic 
poets, (c) Plato, (/) Aristotle, (g-) New Testament Greek, [/i) mod- 
ern Greek, (z) Greek composition, (j) history of Greek literature, (/') 
Greek antiquities, private and legal, (/) Greek historical grammar. 
Beside these the seminary has offered opportunities of studying the 
Greek inscription or, on alternate years, some selected author. 

(2.) In historical grammar, courses have been given in general phi- 
lology, Indo-European comparative grammar, elementary Sanskrit, 
advanced Sanskrit including reading of the Vedas, Gothic grammar, 
and old Bulgarian grammar. The purpose has been to provide the 
teacher of language with a fundamental equipment for understanding 
the phenomena of speech, and at the same time to prepare the way for 
specialization for those who should choose it. 

(3.) The course in Greek life and institutions has been given in alter- 
nate years since Professor Wheeler came to Cornell in 1886, and was the 
first course of the kind given in the university. Illustration by means of 
the lantern and the various illustrative objects which have been col- 
lected has proved highly serviceable in making ancient life real and the 
literature living. 

(4.) Since 1887 a seminary library of great value has been in use. 
The nucleus of it was procured through the bounty of Mr. H. W. Sage, 
who gave !^],000 for this purpose. It was the first seminary library 
foiinded at Cornell. The seminary which is doing an important work 
in training teachers and specialists has at present seventeen members. 

(5. ) The outfit of the Greek lecture rooms was purchased from 
university funds in 1887 and 1888; and the Museum of Arts, purchas- 
ed and equipped at a cost of over fifteen thousand dollars, was 
opened to the public on the eightieth birthday of its donor, Mr. Sage 
(January 31, 1894.) This museum is the completest of its kind con- 
nected directly with any educational institution in the country. In con- 
nection with the formation of this museum and the opportunities of 
instruction afforded by it, the chair of archaeology and art was 
erected in 1891. Professor Alfred Emerson was called to fill it. The 
selection of the casts and their successful installation was largely his 
work. He has given lectures in archaeology, the history of sculpture 
and the history of painting, and has conducted a seminary for the 
training of specialists in archaeology. 



544 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The instruction in Greek in its various branches is now (1S!)4) shared 
among four professors and an instructor; Professors Wheeler, Bristol, 
Emerson, Hammond and Dr. Laird. Professor Hammcjnd is connected 
with the Sage School of Philosophy, but conducts all the work of the 
Greek department in the reading and interpretation of Plato and Aris- 
totle. Dr. Laird has been instructor in Greek since 1892, having been 
called from a similar position at the Leland Stanford University. 

DEPARTMENT OF LATIN. 

The work of the Department of Latin may be grouped under the 
the following heads: 

(1). Reading Courses. Besides the customary required work of the 
sophomore year (Cicero, Livy, Horace, Terence, Tacitus) elective 
courses are offered. in alternate years in the literature of the Republic 
(Plautus, Terence, Lucretius, Catullus), and of the Empire (Pliny's 
Letters, Juvenal, Tacitus's Annals). A special elective for sophomores 
(in addition to the required Latin of that year ), is offered in Cicero's 
Letters and the de Orator e ; while for freshmen an elective course in 
sight reading is provided (Nepos, Ovid and Gelleus). 

(2). To afford a more thorough and sympathetic knowledge of 
Roman life than the courses in literature alone would give, a syste- 
matic course of lectures on private antiquities is given in alternate 
years. These lectures are abundantly illustrated, mainly by lantern 
views and photographs prepared from the remains of ancient Roman 
civilization preserved in Pompeii, Herculaneum, Rome and elsewhere. 

(3). To students whose interest extends to the scientific aspect of 
the language (and especially to those who are preparing to be teachers) 
ample provision is made by the Teachers' Training Course and by the 
Latin Seminary. The Teachers' Training Course embraces a study of 
the evidences of the pronunciation of Latin, hidden quantity, pecul- 
iarities of orthography, original force and historical development of 
the cases; the subjunctive mood, with special reference to its primitive 
meaning and the history of its development in subordinate clauses. 
The Latin Seminary is designed primarily for graduate students and 
aims to familiarize its members with the habit and methods of independ- 
ent study and investigation. Two subjects of study are pursued in 
alternate years, viz: The Italic dialects (Latin, Oscan, Umbrian) and 
Latin Syntax, 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 545 

Further provision for advanced students is made in a special course 
in Latin writing-. 

(•4). In order to give a general view of the entire field of Latin 
study, a course of lectures is given in alternate years on the history of 
Latin studies, the Latin language, Latin literature, Roman histor3^ 
philosophy, law, religion, architecture, art, epigraphy, palaeography, 
lexicography, military and naval antiquities, etc. In this course a 
brief resume is given under each topic of the present state of our 
knowledge in that department, the methods of investigation, along 
with the statement of the more, important problems still awaiting solu- 
tion. 

(5) Besides the above courses offered by the Latin department, the 
related departments of comparative philology, ancient histor}^ and clas- 
sical archaeology provide instruction in the study of historical Latin 
grammar, Roman art, architecture and topography, and in Lalin 
palaeograph3^ 

THE ORIENTAL LANGUAGES. 

No mention was made of the study of vSanskrit or comparative philol- 
ogy in the original plan of organization. Even a prospective place in 
the course of studies for which provision was made in the universit)^ 
curriculum does not appear. 

In the early years Dr. Wilson had occasionally, for a limited time, a 
student in Hebrew, who purposed to enter the ministry. Dr. Roehrig 
enlarged his field of instruction in French by giving lectures in Chinese 
and Japanese. 

These were frequently attended by large classes who enjoyed the 
skill and ease with which these difficult subjects were taught by the 
professor whose marvelous memory enabled him to dispense with text 
books. Seldom has an equal acquisition been obtained with so little 
effort. Students who knew no Latin or Greek, and to whom French 
and German proved insurmountable, acquired with the greatest ease a 
certain knowledge of the bewildering characters on a tea chest, and 
even read simple tales and fables from the blackboard. These exercises 
seem to have been a recreation to the learned professor, and to have 
occupied at first only one hour a week. 

The first mention of Oriental instruction occurs in the Register for 
18(30, where instruction in Hebrew by Professor Wilson, and in Sanskrit 
69 



546 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

by Profe.ssor J. M. Hart was anncninced. In the following year 
instruction in Chinese by Professor Roehri^-, and in Persian by Professor 
Fiske, and in the science of lang'uage, for classical students, by Professor 
A. vS. Wheeler. In the Register of 1874-5, under the title "Liv- 
ing Asiatic and Oriental Languages," courses in Persian, Turkish, 
Chinese, Japanese, vSanskrit, Hebrew and other Semitic languages were 
mentioned. The conservative statement appears: "For a thorough 
appreciation of any literature a knowledge of the language in which it is 
written is indispensable." It was hoped that interest in these studies 
would warrant the establishment of classes in Arabic, Syriac and other 
languages, cognate with Hebrew, and that vSemitic philology in its 
widest sense might find a home in the university. The enthusiastic 
professor announced in the Register for 1877-8, an elementary course 
of two years in Chinese, and lectures on Mantchoos, Turkish, the Tartar 
languages and Turanian philology. vSome instruction in Sanskrit was 
given, and we find Chaldee and Syriac added to Hebrew under the 
charge of Professor Wilson. The Register for the following year 
contained sj^stematic courses in Sanskrit, Arabic grammar, modern 
Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Malayan. 

The existence of this department was due to the eminence of Professor 
Roehrig who early won distinction in these studies and who found 
pleasure in continuing them. The instruction was not co-ordinated 
with the courses in classics and did not contribute to genuine philological 
study. Few students had the requisite preparation for their successful 
pursuit, and, upon the resignation of the professor, the department came 
to an end. 

In March, 1874, Mr. Joseph Seligmann of New York offered to endow 
a professorship of Hebrew and Oriental literature and history in the 
university, for three years, on condition that he should nominate the 
incumbent. The offer was accepted, the appointment being rather in 
nature of a lectureship, the duties of which required residence at the 
university, while a course of ten, twelve or twenty lectures were given. 
It was expected that this appointinent would fill an important deficiency 
in the univei'sity curriculum, as scientific instruction m Hebrew was desir- 
ed. Dr. Felix Adler, who was nominated to this chair, was a graduate 
of Columbia College and of the University of Heidelberg, a man of fresh 
scholarship, and of pronounced opinions on the histor}^ of religion, phil- 
osophy and ethics. Dr. Adler possessed great ability as a lecturer. He 
was an independent thinker and possessed the power of clear and eloquent 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 547 

statement, and attracted for a time many hearers. The expectation of 
systeanatic instrnctit)n in the wSemitic languages was not realized, as 
Dr. Adler's lectures were devoted rather to the origin and histor}' of 
the various religions of the East to modern philosophy in its relation to 
religion and to Hebrew religion and literature from a critical standpoint. 
Dr. Adler's lectures were given in the ^^eai's 1874-7G. 

THE STUDY OF RHETORIC, ENGLISH LITERATURE AND ENGLISH 

PHILOLOGY. 

Among the professors whose names appear in the first catalogue of 
the university is that of Homer B. vSprague as Professor of Rhetoric, 
Orat<ny and Vocal Culture. There is no mention of this title of Eng- 
lish literature, although instruction in it was assumed by the professor. 
Professor vSprague had had a brilliant career in Yale, where he had won 
many of the highest honors of the college. Later, with characteristic 
ardor, he entered the army and attained the rank of colonel. LTpon 
his return from the war he abandoned the career at the bar, for which 
he studied upon leaving college, and became principal of the Oread 
Institute in Worcester, Mass. Colonel Sprague was a man of brilliant 
gifts, and an attractive, popular lecturer. The stud}^ of Eng-lish liter- 
ature as arranged by him was as follows : "The leading authors will be 
studied in their historical order during the first year. In the second 
year, the authors will be studied by groups, in periods and departments. 
The origin, structure, growth, and peculiarities of the languages will 
be explained and illustrated. In the third year there will be a critical 
examination and study of masterpieces of the great authors." In the 
fcnirth 3'ear there were to be lectures by the professor on special topics. 
In rhetoric there were to be exercises in writing, the analysis of sen- 
tences, the principles of composition, original essays, the scientific 
stud}' of rhetoric based upon the analysis of the masterpieces of the 
best authors. This was to be accompanied by specimen orations or es- 
says. In oratory the elements of expression by voice and gesture were 
to be taught, and much time devoted to vocal culture. Declamations 
were rec{uired. Speeches were studied and analyzed to ascertain the 
ideas, sentiments and emotions, and apply the principles of expression, 
and finally the delivery of extemporaneous orations and lectures upon 
orator}' and orators. The labor accompan}'ing any adecpiate fulfillment 
of such a (course, in a department where ever}' student required indi- 
vidual attention, was enormous. This was especiall}' true when the 



548 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

requirements for admission were so imsatisfactory as in those early days.' 
No provision was made for instruction in Early English or in English 
philology. Professor Sprague resigned at the end of two years, to ac- 
cept the presidency of the Adelphi Academy, and Professor Hiram Corson 
was elected on June 30, 1870, as professor of rhetoric. Professor Corson 
had been for many years a devoted student of English literature. His 
contributions to the study of Anglo-Saxon, and individual texts in early 
English which he had edited, had already won for him deserved recog- 
nition both in this country and abroad. With his coming, the S3''stematic 
study of Anglo-Saxon was introduced. In 1871 the department was still 
further enlarged by the appointment of Charles Chauncey Shackf(jrd, 
whose work lay more in the field of rhetoric and general literature. 
Professor Corson was thus enabled to devote more immediate attention 
to English literature, while the work in rhetoric, and lectures in general 
literature, including the philosophy of literature, with a discussion of 
the various forms of the literary product in various nations, fell to Pro- 
fessor Shackford. Of Professor Corson we may say, there has been a 
unity in the aim of his department and of the work embraced under it 
from the beginning to the present time. He values the study of litera- 
ture for the spiritual activity which it may be made to induce, and for 
the resulting refining influences. Through his books upon Shakspere 
and Browning he is recognized as one of the greatest interpreters of 
literature which our country has produced. To him is due in a large 
degree the intelligent study of Browning in various centers, most of 
which have received his special aid. His elective classes, and special 
extra readings which he has given are always numerously attended. His 
work has received high recognition abroad from the most eminent 
scholars, from Tennyson himself, Browning and Dowden and Furnival. 
He has been invited to present papers before the Chaucer, the New 
vShakspere and the Browning Societies. 

Professor Corson's method of instruction in literature is as follows: 
"Lectures are given on English literature, poetical and prose, from 
the fourteenth to the nineteenth century inclusive, in eight groups, 
of which Chaucer, Spenser, Shakespeare, Miltou, Dryden, Pope, 
Wordsworth, Browning and Tennyson are made the central fig- 
ures. The lectures are given daily, except Saturday, and to the same 
class, so that there are about two hundred lectures given during the 
academic year. A large portion of the class are special students who 
have come to devote most of their time to English literature. The}^ 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 54!t 

accordingly, do a great deal of reading in connection with the lectures. 
It is made a special object of the lectures to bring the students into di- 
rect relationship with the authors treated, and hence much reading is 
introduced. The literature is presented mainly in its essential char- 
acter, rather than in its historical, though the latter receives attention, 
but not such as to set the minds of students in that direction. It is 
considered of prime importance that they should first attain to a sym- 
pathetic appreciation of what is essential and intrinsic, before the ad- 
ventitious features of literature — features due to time and place — be 
considered. What is regarded as of great, of chief importance, indeed, 
in literary study, in some of our institutions of learning, namely, the 
relations of works of genius to their several times and places (miscalled 
the philosophy of literature), is of the least importance, so far as cul- 
ture in its truest sense is concerned. Literature is thus made chiefly 
an intellectual and philosophical study; its true function, narael}^ to 
quicken the spiritual faculties, is quite shut off. An exclusively intel- 
lectual attitude is taken toward wha^ is a production of the whole man, 
as a thinking, emotional, imaginative, moral and religious being, — a 
production which can be adequately responded to only b}^ one in whom 
these several attributes are, in some degree, active; and literar}^ edu- 
cation should especially aim after their activity; should aim to bring 
the student into sympathetic relationship with the permanent and the 
eternal — with that which is independent of time and place. 

There is danger, too, in presenting literature to young people in its 
historical relations, and in "philosophizing" about it, of turning out 
cheap and premature philosophers. A work of genius renders the best 
service when it is assimilated in its absolute character. All great works 
of genius are intimately related to the several times and places in 
which they were produced ; and it is important to know these relations, 
in the proper time — when the " years that bring the philosophic mind " 
have been reached, not before. But it is far more important to know 
the relations of these works to the universal, to the absolute, to that 
which is alive forevermore, by virtue of which alone they continue to 
live. Mrs. Browning, in her "Aurora Leigh," speaks of great poets 
as " the only truth tellers now left to God — the only speakers of essen- 
tial truth, opposed to relative, comparative, and temporal truths; the 
only holders by His sun-skirts, through conventional grey glooms." 

The mode in which genius manifests itself, at certain times, in certain 
places, and under certain circumstances, may be explained to some 



550 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

extent; but the genius itself cannot be explained. Environments 
stimulate or suppress, they do not and cannot make genius. The 
causes which bring it nearer to the essential world than men in general 
are brought, we cannot know. The explanation which can be given of 
its mode of manifestation should be called the physiology, not the 
philosophy, of literature. 

And how is the best response to the essential life of a poem to be 
secured by the teacher from the pupil? I answer, by the fullest inter- 
pretative vocal rendering of it. On the part of the teacher, two 
things are indispensable, first, that he sympatheticalh^ assimilate what 
constitutes the real life of the poem; second, that he have that vocal 
cultivation demanded for an effective rendering of what he has assimi- 
lated. Lecturing about poetry does not, of itself, avail any more for 
poetical cultivation than lecturing about music avails, of itself, for 
musical cultivation. Both may be valuable, in the way of giving shape 
to, or organizing, what has previously been felt to some extent; but 
they cannot take the place of inward experience. Vocal interpretation, 
too, is the most effective mode of cultivating in students a susceptibility 
to form — that unification of matter and manner upon which so much 
of the vitality and effectiveness of expressed spiritualized thought 
depend. 

There, is no true estimate, among the leaders in the educational 
world, of what vocal culture, worthy of the name, costs ; and the kind 
of encouragement which it receives from them is in keeping with their 
estimate. A system of vocal training should be instituted in the lower 
schools which would give pupils complete command of the muscles of 
articulation, extend the compass of the voice, and render it smooth, 
powerful and melodious. A power of varied intonation should be 
especially cultivated, as // is tJirougJi intonation that the reader's sym- 
pathies are conducted, and the hearer's sympathies are secured. 

The reading voice demands as much, and as systematic and scien- 
tific, cultivation, for the interpretation of the masterpieces of poetical 
and dramatic literature, as the singing voice demands for the rendering 
of the masterpieces of music. But what a ridiculous contrast is pre- 
sented by the methods usual!}' emplo3^ed for the training of the read- 
ing voice, and those emplo3^ed, as in conservatories of music, for the 
training of the singing voice ! 

Readings are given ever)' Saturday morning throughout the aca- 
demic year, from English and Aiherican prose writers. These are 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 551 

open to all students and to any visitors who may wish to avail them- 
selves of them. The selections read are chiefly such as bear upon life 
and character, literature and art. The present year they have been, 
thus far. from essays of Geor^fe Eliot, Professor Dowden, Mr. Ruskin, 
Mr. Leslie Stephen, Matthew Arnold, Emerson, Lowell, Frances Power 
Cobbe and some other essayists. The regular members of the class 
afterwards read for themselves the compositions entire from which the 
selections are made, and many are inspired to read further from the 
same authors. 

There are four English literature seminaries, devoted, severally, to 
nineteenth century prose'not including novels, seventeenth and eight- 
eenth century prose not including novels, novelists of the nineteenth 
century, and novelists of the eighteenth century. The seminaries are 
open to graduates, special students and to undergraduates who have 
maintained a high rank in the lecture courses. A work is assigned to 
each member of a seminary, of which he or she makes a careful study, 
and embodies the result in a paper which is read in the seminary and 
afterward discussed by the members, each member having been re- 
quired to read in advance the work in hand. The papers bear chiefl}^, 
almost exclusively, on what is understood by their authors to consti- 
tute the life, the informing spirit, the moral proportion, the motives^ of 
the works treated. The merely technical is only incidentally, if at all, 
treated. The present year, essays have been read on all the novels of 
George Eliot, and her poem, " The Spanish Gypsy, "the seminary con- 
sisting of twenty-seven members. .All the essays have been of high 
merit, showing much insight into George Eliot's "interpretation of life. " 

It should be added that twelve plays of Shakespeare are read by me 
during the present academic year, so cut down as to occupy two hours 
each in the reading. It is purposed so to read, in a separate course, 
next year, the thirty-seven plays, two hours a week to be devoted to 
each play. I would also add that by the end of the present year I shall 
have read entire, with requisite comment, to an outside class composed 
of graduate and special students, Browning's " The Ring and the Book. " 
The educating value of this great poem is of the highest character, 
embodying, as it does, the poet's ideal of a sanctified intellect." 

In 1800, the University Senate recommended a division of the depart- 
ment of English literature and rhetoric. It was proposed to establish 
two professorships, to one of which the chair of English literature 
should be assigned and to the other that of English philology and 



552 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

rhetoric. The department of elocution and oratory was attaclied to 
the latter chair. 

After the resignation of Professor Shackford in 188(5, the duties of 
both departments again devolved upon Professor Corson, until the 
election of Dr. James Morgan Hart as professor of rhetoric and English 
philology in 1890. Professor James Morgan Hart was the son of 
Dr. John S. Hart, the well-known educator, formerly a professor in 
Princeton College. Professor Hart graduated at Princeton and after- 
ward received his degree of Doctor of Laws at the University of 
Gottingen. During his first residence abroad, between 1860-65, he 
resided in Geneva, Gottingen and Berlin. Upon his return to this 
country he entered upon the practice of law, but was soon called to 
Cornell University as assistant professor of French and German. He 
remained here until 1873. From 1874-8, he was engaged in literary work 
in New York and in editing a series of German classics. During this 
time he published his very interesting work upon German universities. 
After residing for a second time abroad in which he devoted himself 
especially to the study of English philology, he was called to the Uni- 
versity of Cincinnati where he filled the chair of English and German 
from 1876-90, from which he was summoned again to Cornell Univer- 
sity, with which he had been associated in the early years of its history. 
Since the creation of a special chair for English philology, the work 
has been systematically arranged and received a large development and 
growth. Profe ssor Hart has set himself vigorously to elevate the instruc- 
tion in rhetoric and especially in elementary English, in which he found 
the prevailing instruction in the secondary schools of the State very 
deficient. His services in this direction, both within the university 
and in the public schools, have effected a revolution in the character of 
the instruction in this study. 

The instruction of the first year in English is practical rather than 
literary. It consists chiefly of reading and interpreting good nineteenth 
century- prose, De Quincy, Macaulay and Carlyle, and writing copiously 
upon the subjects embodied in or directly connected with the readings. 
The aim of the instruction is to widen the student's range of ideas and 
to enlarge his vocabulary and to quicken and guide his powers of ex- 
pression The work of the second year is more literary. The readings 
are in Johnson, Goldsmith, Gibbon and Burke, all writers of the 
eighteenth century. The essays are longer than in the previous year, 
and stress is laid upon the outline and general treatment of them ; also 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. o^r^ 

Upon collateral reading. In the advanced elective work, the aim of the. 
junior and senior years is to train teachers of English and persons of 
evident literary aptitude. Only such persons are admitted to the 
junior class as have received distinction in the lower classes. The 
readings in the senior year may be assigned to Bacon, Milton, Dry den 
and Swift, and the essays become more elaborate and represent studies 
in the lives, writings and opinions of the authors read. Attention is 
also paid to the historical treatment of certain features in the formation 
of prose style and in the special study of the Elizabethan English. 
Senior rhetoric is professedly a seminary for the training of teachers of 
English. The instruction is adapted throughout to the needs of 
teachers. The general theory of composition is reviewed. The books 
prescribed for entrance examinations in English by the New England 
Association of Colleges are studied. Select passages are examined 
which illustrate the principles of invention and style, and model sub- 
jects are drawn up for the practical use of high-school classes. The 
study of English philology is entirely elective. There is one popular 
course, all the others are professional. The former course is open to all 
members of the university and is not designed for persons wishing to 
make a special study of philology. The work consists of lectures upon 
the development of the language down to the present day, illustrated 
by the reading of very brief specimens from the successive periods. 
For the systematic stud}^ of English philology a knowledge of the 
classics is also required and apt accpiaintance with modern German. 
One term is devoted to the study of Gothic, and two terms to reading 
a very moderate amount of Anglo-Saxon prose and verse and to mas- 
tering the grammar; a good deal of comparative Indo-European 
grammar is introduced. The advanced course consists in reading long 
texts both prose and verse and in reviewing the more difficult points of 
grammar and in noting dialectic peculiarities. A course in Middle En- 
glish, the general modificaton of the language from the Norman con- 
quest to Chaucer, is arranged, in which especial attention is paid to the 
Midland dialect. Courses also in English phonetics, in Old Saxon, in 
Icelandic and in general Germanic philology are given, but not in ever}' 
year. The students making special study of English philology for the 
doctor's degree also pursue courses in Sanskrit or in Indo-European 
philology under Professor Wheeler. 
70 



554 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

THE ROMANCE AND (xERMANIC LANGUAGEvS. 

The first professor of languages in this department chosen was one of 
the two professors first elected in the university. William C. Russel 
was elected at the fifth meeting of the Board of Trustees held in Albany, 
February 13, 18(37. He was elected to the chair of modern languages 
and adjunct-professor of history. It is not clear whether it was the 
original purpose to combine the two chairs originally proposed, viz., 
that of the South European languages and of the North European 
languages, which were provided for in the plan of organization in one 
chair by this designation or not. Professor William C. Russel was a 
nephew of the famous William Channing whose name he bore. He was 
a graduate of Columbia College in the class of 1832. After graduation 
he was admitted to the bar and engaged in the practice of his profession 
in New York until 1863. At that time there came a sudden and painful 
interruption in the practice of his profession, occasioned by the death 
of a beloved son, who had entered the army as an officer in Col. Shaw's 
regiment of colored troops and had been killed in battle. In order to 
recover his body, he went south. Later his philanthropic spirit led him 
to take service in the Freedman's Bureau, and, for a brief period, he 
gave instruction in the department of metaphysical, moral and political 
science in Antioch College. After his election to the chair of modern 
languages in Cornell University he went abroad to familiarize himself 
with the present state of modern literature in the department to which 
he had been elected. 

The first assistant professor in the department was James iVIorgan 
Hart, who was transferred in 1870 to the department of German. 
Then followed W. M. Howland, retired in 1870; F. L. O. Roehrig, 
retired in 1884; Alfred Stebbins, retired in 1882, and T. F. Crane, as- 
sistant from 1870 to 1873, when he was appointed professor of Spanish 
and Italian, while retaining his duties as assistant professor of French. 
In 1881, upon the retirement of Professor Russel, Professor Crane was 
placed at the head of the department, the title of which was, in 1882, 
changed to that of Romance Languages and Literature. 

Instructors have, since the re.tirement of Professors Stebbins and 
Roehrig, taken the place of the earlier assistant professors. Italian and 
Spanish were not taught regularly until the return from Europe of 
Professor Crane in the fall of 1870. Since that time classes in French, 
Spanish and Italian have been taught regularly, and in addition to 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 555 

these the earlier dialects of French, including old Proven(,^al and Ital- 
ian, have been tanght to advanced students from time to time. Besides 
the usual courses in the lang-uage and literature of France, Spain and 
Italy, the philology of the Romance languages in general, and of the 
several languages in particular, have been taught in the Romance 
Seminary. 

The general library is well supplied with works on the languages 
and literature of the Romance people, and the vSeminary Room con- 
tains the most important philological journals and special treatises 
needed for the most advanced study in this department, as well as 
palseographical material for the study of early texts, etc. 

As at present organized the department consists of a full professor 
and four instructors, among whom the following work is divided: 
Nine sections of freshmen French ; six sections of sophomore French ; 
six sections of advanced French ; two sections each of Spanish and 
Italian, and two seminaries, one dealing with philolog}', the other with 
advanced literar}'' history. 

Much attention is paid to the study of modern French, and instruction 
in conversation and reading, under the charge of a native Frenchman, 
is constantly offered. 

About 450 students are usually pursuing studies in this department. 
Although no fellowships have been attached to the department, a num- 
ber, usualty in connection with the German department, have received 
special training in the department, of these Mr. C. R. Wilson is now 
professor of modern languages at Iowa State Universit}', and Mr. 
Schmidt- Wartenberg is an associate professor of German in the Uni- 
versity of Chicago. Two other fellows, Mr. Ruyter (died in 1890) and 
Mr. Lapham have filled the position of instructor. 

In February, 1868. Mr. Willard Fiske was elected professor of the 
North European Languages, and we may assume that by this action the 
chair of modern languages was definitely divided as originally contem- 
plated. Professor Fiske was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., and removed in 
early boyhood to. Syracuse, where he formed a life-long friendship with 
Andrew D. White, later president of the university. Professor Fiske 
spent a short time in Hamilton College. Here he conceived a passion 
for the study of Icelandic, and, though a mere undergraduate, visited 
Vermont in order to see George P. Marsh, the famous scholar and 
later diplomatist. Filled with a boyish enthusiasm, young Fiske under- 
took a journej'to the north of Europe, and next appears as a student in 



556 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the University of Upsala in Sweden. Here he spent two years partici- 
pating thoroughly in that Norse life which had such a fascination for 
him, interest in which he has retained until the present day. He visited 
Germany on his return to America, and soon after received an appoint- 
ment as assistant-librarian in the Astor Librar5^ Here he remained 
for several years, but failing of promotion as he anticipated, he resigned 
and accepted the appointment of secretary of the American Geographi- 
cal Society. Later he became a journalist, and was for a time one of the 
editors of the vSyracuse Journal in his native city. A man of great 
enthusiasm, a charming conversationalist, with the power of winning and 
retaining friends, he has had at different times various enthusiasms. He 
collected the largest chess librarv in America, and organized the first 
chess congress at which Paul Morphy, the greatest name in modern 
chess, won such distinction. He also established the Chess Monthl}'. 
His experience as a librarian and his familiarity with the languages of 
Northern Europe suggested him as a suitable man for librarian of the 
universit}^ and as professor of the Norse Languages, but he assumed for 
a time the professorship of German as well. He entered upon his 
duties in January, LS60. At the opening of the universitj' he was 
traveling in Europe and acting as correspondent of one or more news- 
papers. 

The work in German was organized at the opening of the universit)' 
by Mr. T. Frederick Crane, at that time a young lawyer in Ithaca, who 
was engaged temporarily, in the absence of Professor Fiske, during the 
fall term. Mr. Crane on returning from Europe where he had prose- 
cuted studies in the Romance languages in Berlin, Florence, Madrid and 
Pari*^, was elected assistant professor of Modern Languages bh 
June 30, 1870. On September 10, of the same year, Waterman T. 
Hewett was elected first assistant-professor of North European Lan- 
guages, and Bela P. McKoon second assistant-professor of North 
European Languages, and Alfred Stebbins assistant-professor of the 
vSouth European Languages. Both departments \yere then full}^ con- 
stituted with one full professor and three assistant-professors. Professor 
Crane appearing as assistant-professor of Spanish and Italian. In 18T3 
(upon the resignation of James Morgan Hart), Hjalmar H. Boyeson 
was appointed assistant-professor of the North European Languages, 
and three years later professor of German Literature. The depart- 
ment was thus constituted until the' year 1877, when, during the ab- 
sence of Assistant-Professor Hewett in Europe, Assistant-Professor 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 557 

Horatio White of the classical department took much of his work and 
on January 25, 1879, owing to the continued ill health of Professor 
Fiske, he was elected assistant-professor of German for one year. 
During the first decade in the history of the university, the field of 
instruction in modern languages was somewhat enlarged. Professor 
Bo3''eson delivered a course of lectures upon the history of German 
literature which had not been previously given, and Professor Crane 
offered new courses of instruction in Spanish and Italian. After this 
period, the field of instruction both in German literature and the related 
languages was enlarged. Instruction was given by Professor Hewett 
in Dutch and later in Gothic, Old German and Middle High German. 
Additional electives were offered by Professor White in the modern 
literature. Upon the resignation by Professor Fiske of the chair of 
North European Languages in 1883, two professorships of German were 
established to which Assistant-Professors Hewett and White were 
promoted. The department has collected a valuable material to illustrate 
the study of German literature, in lantern slides containing views of 
old German life and art, manuscripts, pictures of authors, texts and of 
characters and scenes in literature and history. 



XII. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY. 

The earliest instruction in Philosoph}- devolved upon Dr. William D. 
Wilson, who had held a similar professorship in Hobart College from 
1850 to 1868, the date of his election to a chair in this university. Dr. 
Wilson's instruction embraced courses in Mental Science, Logic, the 
History of Philosophy, the Philosophy of History, and at times in Po- 
litical Economy. All students will recall the venerable professor whose 
appearance of age belied his genuine physical vigor. As registrar of 
the university he came in contact with all students for at least seven- 
teen years. Dr. Wilson seemed to possess an untiring capacity for the 
laborious clerical work associated with the registrar's office. The nu- 
merous details, the multitudinous reports from various departments, 
it devolved upon the doctor to receive and enter. If, occasionally, a 
student incautiously stepped int(j his presence with his hat on, a re- 



558 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

minder from the punctilious registrar did not lessen the genuine esteem 
with which he was regarded. As a scholar, Doctor Wilson was an in- 
defatigable reader upon all questions of philosoph}^, theology, ecclesi- 
astical history, science and political economy. Several works which 
he published exhibited the acuteness of his mind, as well as a fresh 
and vigorous grasp of the new points presented for solution. Doctor 
Wilson's long educational experience, and his interest in the general 
educational policy of the State, as well as his attendance at the meet- 
ing of the University Convocation during many years, made him an in- 
fluential and esteemed character in the university life of our vState. 
His theological interests caused him to be chosen for man}' years to the 
national triennial conventions of the church with which he was con- 
nected, where he filled important positions upon some of the most im- 
portant committees. The class of caused his portrait to be 

painted, and presented it as its memorial upon graduation to the uni- 
versity. Since his resignation here. Doctor Wilson has been active in 
theological instruction and advice in connection with the Divinity 
School of Syracuse, and in lectures before educational institutions in the 
State. 

At the meeting of the Board of Trustees held November 30, 1885, a 
proposition was presented from the Hon. Henry W. Sage to endow a 
professorship of Ethics and Philosphy in memor}^ of his wife, which 
should tear her name. In nominating as he did, on Januar}' 0, 1886, 
Dr. J. G. Schurman as the first incumbent of this chair, he states : " ' Be- 
fore closing this report, I desire to put upon record for permanent remem- 
brance this statement: that my chief object in founding this professor- 
ship is to secure to Cornell Universit)^ for all coming time the services 
of a teacher who shall instruct students in mental philosophy and 
ethics from a definitely Christian standpoint, and while the title which 
I gave in my former communication comprehends in a general way 
just what I inean, I think it best to ask that the following more exact 
wording of it be the one adopted for actual use, viz., Susan E. Linn 
Sage Professorship of Christian Ethics and Mental Philosophy." He 
added: "I was happy to find not only through the correspondence 
held with Doctor vSchurman, but also through the personal interview 
above referred to, that his habits of teaching and thinking are quite in 
harmony with the desires I entertain in founding the chair. While 
Doctor vSchurman attaches no importance to denominational distinc- 
tions, there is ^abundant evidence that all his teaching is from a dis- 
tinctively Christian point of view. " 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 559 

The young- profeSvSor to whom this important department was en- 
trusted was, as his name shows, the descendant of a Dutch family 
which came to New York and settled near New Rochelle more than two 
hundred years ago. The family, not S3aiipathizing with the popular 
cause, removed to Prince Edward's Island, where Jacob Gould vSchur- 
man was born in May, 1854. He studied at the Prince of Wales Col- 
lege, Georgetown, in 1870, where he won a government scholarship, 
which enabled him to pursue his education for two years more. Dur- 
ing the years 1873-4, he was a student at Arcadia College, where he also 
won first class honors in English and in classics.- In 1875 he gained 
the Gilchrist scholarship for the Dominion of Canada, which enabled 
him to continue his studies in the University of London, where he re- 
ceived the degTee of Bachelor of Arts after two years' residence, and 
obtained a scholarship in philosophy, tenable for three years, and also 
the Hume scholarship in political economy at University College, Lon- 
don, tenable for three years. In 1878 he received the degree of Master 
of Arts, mainly by studies in logic and psychology. Later, he received 
the degree of Doctor of Science at the University of Edinburgh, and 
obtained the Hibbert traveling scholarship for Great Britian and Ire- 
land, which enabled him to study in Germany and Italy for two years, 
from 1878-80. During this period he spent one year under the instruction 
of Professor Kuno Fischer at the University of Heidelberg. He also 
spent a semester at the Universit}^ of Berlin, and also at the University 
of Gottingen. He had thus passed through an admirable preliminar}" 
training under the most advanced teachers, a course in English, Scotch 
and German philosophy. Upon his return to Nova Scotia, in 1880, he 
was appointed professor of English Literature in Acadia College. In 
1882 he accepted the chair of Metaphysics and English Literature in 
Dalhousie College. 

At the meeting of the Board of Trustees held October 22, 1890, Mr. 
Sage announced his intention of adding to the endowment of the pro- 
fessorship which he had established in 1886 in memory of his wife, by 
a further gift of two hundred thousand dollars to the Department of 
Philosoph3^ His object was to provide permanently at Cornell Uni- 
versity philosophical instruction and investigation of the most varied 
kind and of the highest order. To this end he stipulated that the 
trustees should for all time supplement the proceeds of his endow- 
ments with generous annual appropriations from the general fimds of 
the L^niversity. The trustees accepted the gift with the condition at- 



560 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

tached and to commemorate the munificence of Mr. vSa^je, and his pro- 
fotmd interest in the subject of philosophy at Cornell University, they 
gave the name of the Susan Linn Sage School of Philosophy to the 
department thus enlarged. 

Mr. Sage announced his purpose to extend the Department of Phil- 
osophy into a complete school for the study of ethics and philosophy. 
His main purpose may be inferred from the words which he used in 
closing his letter announcing this gift to the university : 

" Heretofore Cornell has done little at her own proper cost to uplift 
the moral and religious element in her students. True, we have had 
this department of ethics several years ; and we have had the chapel 
and its preachership eighteen years, but these have been carried on with 
very little expenditure from the funds of the university. We have 
done much, very much, for the foundations in science, in technical 
work, in agriculture, the classics, and modern languages, in history 
and economic studies, in ornamentation of our campus, and noble build- 
ings for all purposes; but for the top work of man's structure and de- 
velopment, the crown of his character and achievement, through his 
moral and religious nature — little, very little! Our function here is to 
educate man, and through education to provide foundation of char- 
acter, based on moral principle, which shall underlie the whole man, 
and give impulse, tone and color to all the work of his life. We can 
not do that without facilities for cultivating and developing every side 
of his nature. Increase of knowledge addressed solely to the intellect 
does not produce full-rounded men ; quite too often it makes stronger 
and more dangerous animals, living moral quality dormant, and the 
whole power of cultivated intellect the servant of man's selfish, animal 
nature. No education can be complete which does not carry forward, 
with the acquisition of knowledge for his intellectual side and physical 
wants, a broad and thorough cultivation of his moral and religious side, 
developing Christian virtues, veneration, benevolence, conscience, a 
sense of duty to God and man, purity and right living in the largest 
sense. . In short, wise and broad education should and will ally man's 
intellect to his moral and religious, more completely than to his animal 
nature, and from that alliance results all the real dignity there is in 
mankind, making moral and intellectual qualities regnant, all others 
subject! I am so fully impressed with the vital importance of this 
subject, and the purpose of the proposed gift, that as trustee of Cornell 
university (with greater love for its policies and functions than I can 



CORNELL UNIVERvSITY. .jfil 

express), I think vou can afford to accept this g'ift with its attendant, 
liabilities, and that you cannot afford to decline it. It is my i'ree and 
voluntary offering- for a purpose, the highest, the noblest and the best 
ever promoted by this noble universit}'. " 

His purpose to found a chair of Christian ethics and philosophy. had 
been cherished by him for several years before its realization was pos- 
sible. Later he desired to enlarge the department which he had thus 
founded, and he requested Professor Schurman to go to Europe for the 
purpose of carefull}" investigating the best methods of teaching ethics 
and philosophy and to formulate from them and from his own experi- 
ence and judgment a plan of organization for a broad school embracing 
these subjects. Professor vSchurman accepted with pleasure this op- 
portunity to enlarge the field of instruction in America in his favorite 
department of stud}', and upon his return submitted a plan of organ- 
ization which would satisfy the demands of modern science and scholar- 
ship and place the department abreast of philosophical schools in 
Europe. He proposed a chair of psychology to be filled by a professor 
versed in physiology and anatomy, especiall}^ of the brain and nervous 
system and skilled in the methods of experimental research in mental 
phenomena, the design being to establish here such investigations as 
are conducted in the great psychological laboratories of Paris and 
Leipsic; secondly, a more liberal provision for those branches which 
constitute philosophy in the older sense of that term, viz., logic, 
metaphysics and ethics — the field of theoretical philosophy. A third 
line of development should account for the religions of mankind' by 
the study of comparative religion. Professorships for the stud}' 
of comparative religion exist in Holland, France and Scottish univer- 
sities. To this chair it was. proposed to assign the department of 
Christian ethics. Attention was called to the fact that every science 
in America had its organ save philosoph}\ It was proposed to found 
a philosophical periodical to stimulate and to some extent shape and 
control the philosophical activity of the continent. It was proposed to 
establish six scholarships and three fellowships in philoso])hy and 
ethics, to be open to graduate students onh^, and also to found a psy- 
chological laboratory. The chair of pedagogy, which is simph' psy- 
chology applied to teaching, which had alread}' existed in the univcrsit}' 
for four years, was transferred to the School of Philosophy, as it is in 
other universities. To carry out this noble purpose Mr. Sage offei'ed 
to give $'.^00,000 upon condition that whatever additional support was 

71 



562 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

necessary for the development of the department, should be added from 
the i,^eneral fund of the universit}^ Dr. J. G. Schurman was apptjinted 
dean and professor of the new Susan Linn Sage School of Philosophy. 
The Reverend Charles Mellen Tyler, a graduate of Yale university and 
a resident clergyman in Ithaca, was elected to the professorship (jf the 
history and philosophy of religion and of Christian ethics, and pro- 
vision was made for the appointment of assistant professors of ancient 
and modern philosophy and a professorship of psycholog5^ Three fel- 
lowships of four hundred dollars each were established and six scholar- 
ships of two hundred dollars each. Dr. vSchurman established a 
philosophical seminary similar to those employed in the German uni- 
versities and also gave, during the spring term, a course of public weekly 
lectures open to all members of the university, on the elements of eth- 
ical theory and the history of ethical ideals and institutions among 
mankind. In addition to the regular courses of instruction a series of 
public lectures were announced for the fall term, among which were 
included the inaugural address of Reverend Professor Tyler; a lecture 
by Professor vSchurman on the Mental Development of Cardinal New- 
man ; a lecture by Mr. Caldwell on the Latest German Pessimism ; by 
Dr. Willcox on Marriage and Divorce in the United States, and by other 
members of the school. The first announcement of the school presents 
a recjuired course of study in physiology, psychology and logic, and 
advanced courses in psycholog}^, with experimental illustrations of men- 
tal phenomena susceptible of experimental treatment, sensations con- 
sidered in their physical, physiological and psychological aspects, etc. ; 
the history of Greek philosophy, including Alexandrian and Roman ; 
the history of modern philosoph}^; contemporar}^ philosophy in Europe; 
the history of religions; ethics; two courses, elementary and advanced, 
on the science and art of teaching; the writings and philosophy of 
Plato and Aristotle; Spinoza's Ethics; Leibnitz's philosophical works; 
Hume's treatise on Human Nature; metaphysics and epistemology ; 
Kant's Critique of Power and Reason; the philosophy of religion; ad- 
vanced ethics; practical ethics; the history of education. 

Four semiinaries were organized in connection with the school, viz., 
' psychological, metaphysical, ethical and pedagogical. And a general 
philsosophical symposium was announced to be held weekly to be de- 
voted to the literature of contemporary philosophy as presented in the 
periodicals of English and foreign languages with reports and abstracts 
of the important articles, and discussions of new books. Upon the 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 563 

resig-nation of Professor Angell, Edward B. Titchener of the University 
of Oxford was appointed his successor. Advanced subjects of instruc- 
tion have been introduced and the department has received constant 
development. 

PEDAGOGY. 

In President White's final report presented to the trustees on June 17, 
1.SS5, the question of establishing" a department of instruction for 
teachers was presented, and it was proposed that a lecturer on methods 
of instruction be appointed in order that graduates of this universit}' 
who proposed to pursue the profession of teaching should be equipped 
by the study of the history of education and of the theories of the 
greatest educators as well as by the study of philosophical methods of 
instruction. It was thought in this way that students who had received 
a university training would likewise have it in their power to obtain 
the special specific training which was afforded in normal colleges. 
Teaching above all else must be taught by example, and thorough 
scientific training is the best preparation to qualify for imparting 
instruction. 

President Adams in his inaugural elaborated the suggestion which his 
predecessor had made and urged the appointment of a professor of the 
science and art of teaching^ as a means of making more intimate the 
relations between the university and the school .system of the State, 
On December 18, 1885, a professorship of the science and art of teaching- 
was established and Dr. Samuel Gardiner Williams was transferred 
from the department of geology to the department of pedag^ogy. 
Professor Williams had had a long and successful experience as an 
educator, and was familiar not only with current questions of education 
and school economy, but had occupied an influential position among 
the teachers of the State. The honored position which he held among- 
the representatives of colleges and schools in the convocation qualified 
him to inaugurate the new department. 

The formal instruction in pedagogy began with the opening of the 
university year of 1886-7. During the first two terms courses of 
instruction in the institutes and in the histor}^ of education were given. 
The third term was devoted to a conference for the discussion of 
educational subjects. It was soon found that the histor}^ of education 
needed a full year for its treatment. The cour.se of instruction in 



564 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

school supervision has been added, also a seminar)^ for the examination 
of the great works of educational reformers. The aim of the depart- 
ment has been from the first to prepare graduates for successful work 
in the secondar)^ schools. In this respect it has accomplished excellent 
results. With the organization of the vSchool of Philosoph_y, the 
Department of Pedagog}'- was incorporated with it. 



XIII. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND POLITICAL 

SCIENCE. 

President White in his inaugural address had said that there were two 
permeating or crowning ideas which must enter into the work of the 
university in all its parts, "'first, the need of labor and sacrifice in 
developing the individual man in all his nature and in all his powers, 
as a being intellectual, moral and religious. The second of these per- 
meating ideas is that of bringing the powers of the man thus developed 
to bear upon society. In a republic like this, the way in which this is 
most generally done is by speech. A second mode of bringing thought 
to bear upon societ}^ is by the press. Its power is well-known, but its legit- 
imate power among us might be made greater and its illegitimate power 
less. I think that more and more the university should have the wants 
of the 'fourth estate' in view. We should, to meet its wants, provide 
ample instruction in history, in political science, in social science and 
in the modern literatures. " He had proposed to make inuch of scientific 
study. After speaking of the value of scientific study he said ; "We 
believe that it will make the students strong for study in language and 
literature ; but while we would give precision and strength to the mind 
in these ways, we would give ample opportunity for those classes of 
study which give breadth to the mind, and which directl}' fit the stu- 
dents for dealing with state problems and world problems. In this 
view historical studies and studies in social and political science will 
hold an honored place, but these studies will not be pursued in the 
interest of any party. On points where honesty and earnest men differ, 
I trust we may have courses of lectures presenting both sides, I would 
have both the great schools in political econoni}' represented here by 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 565 

their ablest lecturers." The crowning- ideas here indicated were 
worthy of the man and the occasion. They were fitted to express the 
double aim of a g-reat national imi versify, and they will remain as a 
noble tribute to him who uttered them. vSimilar views were contained 
in the plan of org-anization two years before. He emphasized the im- 
portance of a department of jurisprudence, political and social science 
and history, and said: " AVe believe that the vState and Nation are 
constantly injured by their chosen servants, who lack the simplest rudi- 
ments of knowledge, which such a department could supply. No one 
can stand in any legislative position and not be struck with the frecjuent 
want in men otherwise strong- and keen of the simplest knowledge of 
principles essential to public welfare. Of technical knowledge of law 
and of practical acquaintance with business, the supply is always plen- 
tiful ; but it is very common that in deciding great public questions, 
exploded errors in political and social science are revamped, funda- 
mental principles of law disregarded and the plainest teachings of 
histor}^ ignored. In any republic, and especially in this, the most 
frequent ambition among young men will be to rise to positions in the 
public service, and the committee think it well at least to attempt to 
provide a department in view of these wants . . . The main stock 
in political economy and history of most of our educated public men is 
what they learned before they studied their professions. Many an 
absurdity, uncorrected at college, has been wrought in the constitutions 
the statutes of our great Commonwealth; and when we consider that 
constitution-making for new states and old is to be the great work in 
this coimtry, of this and succeeding generations, sureh^ we do well to 
attempt more thorough instruction of those on whom the work is likely 
to fall. " The 3^oung president in these words exalted his own favorite 
studies, but they illustrate besides his personal interests in all political 
and social questions which concern the state and societ}' — an interest 
so profound that it has led him, in the studies of his later years, to 
devote more attention to questions of sociology than to the earlier his- 
torical subjects, to which he was devoted. 

HISTORY. 

In the organization of the Department of History, President White 
was made professor of history, and William Channing Russel, associate 
professor of history. Professor Goldwin vSmith, who had purposed to 
come to the United States to study its political institutions, with the 



566 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

intention of residing in some university town, had been won for this 
university by President White, during- his trip to Europe in the sum- 
mer of 1868. Professor Wilson lectured on the philosophy of history, 
the history of philosophy and also upon political economy, in addition 
to his distinctive field of philosophy. 

Professor Smith's name appeared in the first general announcement 
as non-resident professor of history. In the first catalogue he appears 
as professor of English and constitutional history. In the second 
catalogue, which was issued in the same year (18G8-0), he appears as 
non-resident professor of English history. Professor Smith brought to 
the university not only the ripest scholarship, but an unusual sympath}^ 
with the aims of a new institution. He was willing to see it tested by 
the demands of this country and shaped by national needs. In a letter 
expressing his desire to be present at the opening, he said: "You say, 
you wish I could be with you, so I do, because the occasion will be one 
of the deepest interest; but you would not persuade me to give you any 
advice. I know too well the difference between the old and the new 
world; at least the only advice I should give you would be, without 
ignoring the educational experience of Europe, to act quite independently 
of it, and to remain uninfluenced either in the wa}^ of imitation or 
antagonism by our educational institutions or ideas. The question of 
academic education on this side of the water is mixed up with historical 
accidents and with political struggles, to which on your side there are 
happily no counterparts. . . . What I would say is, adapt your 
practical education, which must be the basis of the whole, to the 
practical needs of American life, and for the general culture, take those 
subjects which are most important and interesting to the citizen and the 
man. Whatever part may be assigned to ni}" subject in the course of 
general culture, I will do what I can to meet the wishes of the authorities 
of the university without exaggerating the value of the subject or 
unduly extending its sphere." Professor Smith's contribution to the 
study of history in this university possessed a value which cannot be 
overestimated. During the first years of the history of the universit}- 
he lectured usuall)^ twice a week for two terms in a year. He delivered 
lectures upon the general and constitutional history of England. It is 
perhaps not too much to say that, at that time, no such lectures upon 
history had ever been delivered in this country. Professor Smith is a 
brilliant word painter, with unsurpassed power of grouping the essential 
facts relating to a given period or character, so as to leave a clear and 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 567 

vivid impression upon the mind. A character was mirrored in a 
sentence; the entire philosophy of a period was compressed into one 
terse picturesque statement. Associated with all, was a lofty moral 
judgment presiding- over the acts of nations and of individuals, meting 
out with rigorous truthfulness, a nation's falsity to its ideals, or the fatal 
weakness of some great character. This inflexible moral standard 
pervaded his judgments, as it has pervaded his attitude toward every 
living question which has affected this nation since his residence among 
us. Professor Smith was in sympathy with American institutions. He 
regarded this republican government as the noblest and grandest 
achievement of the human race, and its struggle for freedom and libert}^ 
as the noblest struggle, demanding sympathy, admiration and recogni- 
tion. When we consider that Professor Smith was an Englishman, 
who had only once before visited America, we must regard his thorough 
identification with the universit)', and with all its interests, as one of 
the most valuable gifts in its histor}^ Soon after his arrival, finding how 
imperfect was the equipment for literary and historical study, he sent to 
England for his own private library, consisting of 3,400 volumes, the 
choice and valued books of his university life and of silent study, and 
presented them to the university. In the following year he gave 
$2,500 additional for the purchase of works in history. Thus he signal- 
ized his devotion to a new university in a land distant from his own. 
Professor Dwight of the Columbia Law School delivered yearly for 
four years a course of lectures on constitutional law. It is said that the 
term "College of History and Political Science" appeared first in this 
country in the second catalogue issued by the university, for 1868-9. 
Professor Dwight whose work as a jurist and lecturer ranks high in 
American legal education, delivered a systematic course of lectures, 
didactic and expository in character, as befitted the subject, which made 
them distinguished for their practical value among the early lectures of 
non-resident professors. The historical and political sciences were 
taught chiefly through lectures, but in early medieval history there were 
regular class exercises, the text book being "Gibbon's Decline and Fall 
of the Roman Empire." The lectures upon histor}^ were so arranged 
as to form a chronological sequence, ancient history being followed 
by the early medieval period, that by medieval and later modern history, 
and that again by the history of England and the constitutional histor}' 
of the United States. The historical work as announced consisted of: 
1. A course of lectures on ancient and earl}^ modern history by Professor 



568 LANDMARKS ()V TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Rnssel; 2. Mcjclern history in general, and the philosophy of mcxlern 
history by President White; o. The general and constitutional history 
of England by Professor Goldwin Smith; 4. General history and the 
philosophy of history by Professor Wilson ; 5. American constitutional 
history by Professor Dwight; 6. Political economy by Professor Wilson. 
It was announced that the lectures of the resident professors extended 
through each trimester, while those of Professor Dwight, which were 
twelve in number, were given in the spring term. 

In those early days there was a fair collection of mural charts, pho" 
tographic views, portraits, casts and diagrams, including historical wall 
maps, and maps in physical geography. President White had issued 
for the use of his classes in Michigan University, outlines of a course 
of lectures in history, and, also, analyses of lectures on the greater 
states of continental Europe In choice of subjects, President White 
preferred to discuss periods and individual men as representative of 
movements, rather than the orderly sequence of political events. His 
lectures were devoted, save, perhaps, in the periods of the history of 
the Reformation and the history of the French Revolution, primarily to 
the history of culture. He had prepared elaborate studies of the lives 
of great artists, and he dwelt with especial fondness and interest upon 
the history of art as an expression of the intellectual life. He re- 
viewed naturally the history of the church during the period of the 
middle ages, and in its later influence upon the political life of Europe. 
He studied the influence of the founders of the great religious orders, 
but devoted especial attention at that time, and later, to what may be 
called studies in abnormal opinions. He thus prepared an elaborate 
course of lectures upon the history of torture and witchcraft. His 
later writings have embodied much that is curious and abnormal in the 
history of individual opinion, and especially isolated views of theolo- 
gians — almost the sole scholars of the time — who did not possess a 
knowledge of the discoveries of modern science, but who opposed nu- 
merous theories of the physical universe, from c^uaint and fanciful 
reasons, often derived from theological speculation. Physical science 
did not at that time exist. There were chaotic visions of some of the 
results of modern science, not rising to the dignity of consistency, nor 
established by induction, but which, being unsupported, were often as 
much the product of the fancy as the opinions to which they were op- 
posed. They could not challenge universal faith, for they had no 
foundation, save in the dim, pathetic, and often beautiful dream of 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. m 

some solitary scholar. To withhold acceptance' from unestablished 
truth, where faith may be opposed to unconfirmed science, is as much 
a duty as the challenge which conservative science gives to unsubstan- 
tiated scientific theory. 

Few lecturers in the university were so interesting- as President 
White. AVhile positive and aggressive in opinion, and pungent in state- 
ment, he always awakened the interest of those who heard him, and in- 
spired them to an interest in the study of history. They began to 
read, and never lost their enthusiasm for the subject. Mr. White al- 
ways illustrated the bearing of history upon the solution of questions 
of modern politics and social science. "We find a bold and vivid treat- 
ment of such subjects as the fall of the Roman Empire; the feudal 
system; the crusades; the rise of cities; Mohammedanism; chivalry; 
monachism; the development of Papal power; the development of 
commerce ; Christian clearing up of Europe ; the rise of institutions of 
learning; growth of literature, science and law; the laboring classes in 
the middle ages; cathedral builders and medieval sculptors; the revi- 
val of learning ; revival of art ; Erasmus ; Luther and the reformation 
in Germany; Luther's character, writings and influence; Ulrich von 
Hutten; Charles the Fifth; Charles the First; the reformation in the 
Romanic countries; the Thirty Years' War. Mr. White's special 
courses embraced "The State Life of Modern Europe. He prepared 
thirty-seven special lectures upon France, six upon Italy, three upon 
Spain, four upon Austria, six upon the Netherlands, five upon Prussia, 
five upon Russia, two upon Poland, and three upon the Turkish power. 
In this great field of modern historical politics, France was evidently 
his first choice, and in this special field the French revolution was 
clearly the supreme attraction. " When we review these striking and 
suggestive lectures by President White upon French history, we can 
only regret that these lectures, carefully elaborated, might not have 
been published, and that this field, which was so attractive to him, 
might not have retained his permanent attention, the value of which. 
in the study of modern history and in the instructive lessons which it 
presents, far surpasses in importance Mr. White's later specialized 
field, in which his time has been spent in collecting a vast museum of 
isolated opinions from unenlightened ages, when no science existed, 
and contrasting them with the views of modern science. Professor 
William Channing Russel's work was confined at first to medieval and 
modern history. While closely uniting the study of text books with 



570 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

lectures, he also embodied one feature of the modern seminary plan by 
occasionally requiring essays upon certain subjects studied. These 
essays did not have the character of original investigations, but rather 
a systematic presentation by the student of the main facts bearing upon 
a given question. Later, Professor Russel assumed systematic in- 
struction in American history, which was continued as loiig as he re- 
mained connected with the university. In 1878, a two years' course in 
history and political science went into operation, which continued for 
three years. It included most of the instruction in history which was 
given in the university, and involved few requirements for admission 
save the ordinary examinations and four books of Caesar. In 1881 this 
course was extended to four years. Students who had completed the 
first two years of study in arts, literature, or philosophy, might be ad- 
mitted to full standing as juniors in the course in History and Political 
Science, on passing a satisfactory examination in the history required 
in the first two years of this course. The first two years in this en- 
larged course were devoted to the languages, and to elementary math- 
ematics and history. 

Upon the resignation of Professor Russel in 1881, Professor Moses 
Coit Tyler, of the University of Michigan, was elected to the vacant 
chair of history in Cornell University. After accepting the position, he 
was permitted, at his own rec|uest, to devote himself to instruction in 
the field of American history exclusively. As early as the year 1808, 
President White had suggested the establishment of a chair of Ameri- 
can history as one of the necessities in the future education of this 
country, and in his report to the trustees of the university for 1871-2, 
he had said: " As regards history, it is not known that any institution 
in the country has so extended a course, but there is a needed addition 
here, and I hope at an early date to isee the history of our countr}^ 
fairly and fully treated. It is a curious fact and one not very credit- 
able to our nation that at pi^esent if an}^ person wishes to hear a full 
and thorough course of lectures on the history of this country, he must 
go to Paris or Berlin for it. I'hat the subject can be made interesting 
is shown bv the crowds who flocked to the lecture rooms of Neumann, 
the German, or Laboulaye, the Frenchman. That it is important 
needs no proof. We ought soon to have a series of lectures, with ju- 
dicial fairness going over the great periods of our history, doing justice 
to all parties and being unduly enthralled by none. My plan would be 
to take four or five thoughtful men and assign to each a period, say to 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 571 

the first, the colonial period; to the second, the period of the Revolu- 
tion; to the third, the period froin the Revolution to the war of 1812; 
to the fourth, the period extending from the war of 1812 to the be- 
ginning- of onr Civil war. I believe that such a course well prepared 
would be a powerful instrumentality in sending out from this institu- 
tion a great body of men above the level of mere partisanship and be- 
yond reach of corruption. " On September 22, 1871, George Washington 
Greene was appointed non-resident professor of Ainerican histor}^ for 
one term. Professor Greene had resided for many years abroad. In 
his first trip to Europe he had met by accident at an inn in southern 
France Mr. Henry W. Longfellow, and the friendship then formed 
grew with the succeeding years of their lives. Mr. Greene had made 
an exhaustive study of the period of American history at the close of 
the last century, for the preparation of an elaborate life of his grand- 
father. General Nathaniel Greene, one of the bravest soldiers of the 
Revolutionary war. Mr. Greene was a man of gentle spirit and de- 
lightful personality, full of reminiscences of his varied experiences, and 
of the famous men with whom he had been associated abroad, but of 
delicate health. His lectures were read quietly from manuscript. The}' 
were delightfully written but lacked, perhaps, a distinctively didactic 
character. Authorities upon American history were cited, but little 
work on the part of the students seems to have been done, apart from 
attendance upon the lecture course. Mr. Greene's lectures were de- 
livered first in the spring of 1872. At the time of Professor T3der's 
appointment no departm.ent of American history existed in an}' univer- 
sity in the country; but it was the strong conviction of the new incuin- 
bent of this chair at Cornell that the time had come when the claims 
of our own national history were to be more distinctly recognized in 
the arrangement of historical instruction in American universities. 
This conviction has since been abundantly justified, not only by the 
steady growth of the new department here, but by the fact that the 
example thus set by Cornell has been followed by many other univer- 
sities, with the probability that it will in the course of time be followed 
by them all. 

In the stud}^ of American history. Professor Tyler holds that while 
the method should be thoroughly scientific its object should be practical. 
He says: "To this extent I believe in hi.story with a tendenc}'. M)' 
interest in our own past is chiefl}' derived from my interest in our own 
present and future, and I teach American history, not so much to make 



572 LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

historians as to make citizens and good leaders for the vState and Nation. 
From this point of view I decided upon the selection of political topics 
for special study. At present I should describe them as follows : The 
native races, especially the mound builders and the North American 
Indians; the pre-Columbian discoveries; the origin and enforcement of 
England's claim to North America, as against competing European 
nations; the motives and methods of English colony-planting in 
America in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries ; the development 
of ideas and institutions in the American colonies with particular refer- 
ence to religion, education, industry and civil freedom; the grounds of 
intercolonial isolation and intercolonial fellowship; the causes and 
progress of the movement for colonial independence; the history of the 
formation of the national constitution; the establishment and.growth of 
political parties under the constitution ; the history of slaverv as a factor 
in American politics, culminating in the civil war." Professor T34er 
emphasizes the use of the historical library by the students. 

On June 18, 1891, it was resolved by the trustees that steps be taken 
for the establishment of a Department of History, Political and Social 
Science, and General Jurisprudence in Cornell University. Professor 
Charles Kendall Adams of the University of Michigan was engaged as 
lecturer on the constitutional history of Europe, and Professor Herbert 
Tuttle as non-resident lecturer on international law for two years, his 
duties to consist of a course of lectures to be delivered during one term, 
of three months, in each year. At a subsequent meeting, Professor 
Henry C. Adams of the University of Michigan was elected professor 
of political economy for one year. These were the preliminary steps 
taken in President White's absence, but upon his recommendation, to 
enlarge and give efficienc}' to the proposed department. 

Professor Adams was the successor of President White in the Univer- 
sity of Michigan. An industrious, laborious scholar, systematic in 
work, his instruction exhibited these characteristics. 

The following courses in history were arranged : 

1. General histor}^, ancient, inedieval and modern, with special refer- 
ence to the political and social development of the leading nations. 

2. The constitutional history of England, as that which has most 
strongly influenced our own. 

3. The comparative, constitutional and legislative history of various 
modern states, as eliciting facts and principles of use in solving Ameri- 
can problems. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. ri73 

4. The histor}^ political, social and constitutional, of the United 
States, with a systematic effort to stimulate the students to original 
research into the sources of our national history. 

5. The philosoph}^ of history as shown by grouping the facts and 
thoughts elicited in these various courses. 

The field of instruction assigned to Professor Tuttle was enlarged to 
embrace theoretical and systematic politics. Under theoretical politics 
were treated primitive societies, and under S3''stematic politics, the 
States in their constitutional organization, legislation, administration, 
and civil-service methods, justice, revenue, militar)' system and a 
comparative study of state governments. It was the purpose to make 
the students acquainted in a scientific sense with the true principles of 
state organization and practice, as well as with the existing institutions 
of the great civilized states. Under international law, the history and 
literature of the law of nations, the rules of war, neutralitv, prizes, 
embassy, forms of diplomacy, the history of American diplomacy, 
together with discussions of some of the more famous international 
controversies in which the United wStates have been engaged, were 
treated. It was the design that these two courses in theoretical and 
systematic politics, and in international law should be given in succes- 
sive years. 

The subject of American law and jurisprudence in the proposed 
course was assigned to Professor Wilson. 

S3^stematic insti-uction in political economy with the aid of text-books 
was given by Professor Wilson, and lectures on the science of finance, 
embracing a stud}' of the comparative financial administration of the 
various constitutional nations, and of the various sources of public 
revenue, were given by Dr. Henry C. Adams. 

General history was treated in three periods of Greek and Roman, 
medieval and modern b}- President White, Professor C. K. Adams, 
Assistant-Professor Perkins and Instructor Burr. In 1883, Professor 
Tuttle was made associate-professor of the history and theor}^ of politics 
and of international law; in 1887, professor of political and municipal 
institutions and international law, and, upon the formation of the 
President White School of History and Political Science in 1890, 
professor of modern history; Assistant-Professor Burr was made 
associate-professor, and later of ancient and medieval history; and soon 
after, Professor Dr. J. W. Jenks was appointed professor of political and 
social institutions and of international law. 



574 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINvS COUNTY. 

Upon the election of President Adams to the presidency, he assumed 
also the professorship of history. Extended courses of lectures were 
given by him upon the theories and methods of English government, 
the political history of England since the Napoleonic wars, the rise 
of Prussia, the political and social history of Europe during the 
Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the period following the French 
Revolution. 

President Adams retained the position of professor of history until 
the close of the year 1888-89, when the increasing executive duties 
which devolved upon him caused him to resign this position. During 
the year 1887-88 Assistant Professor Horatio S. White gave instruction 
in history in branches in which instruction had been given previously 
by President White. 

President White's interest in everything that concerned the whole 
being of society led him to the study of sociology and in his final report 
he recommended a course of practical instruction calculated to fit young- 
men to discuss intelligently such important social questions as the best 
methods of dealing practically with pauperism, intemperance, crime 
of various degrees and among persons of various ages, insanit}^, idioc}' 
and the like. This was one of those germ ideas which the president 
presented in the original "plan of organization," which it was impossi- 
ble to realize for many years. 

In pursuance of this suggestion Mr. Frank B. vSanborn, who had been 
for many years Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Charities and 
of the American vSocial Science Association, was engaged to deliver a 
series of lectures annually upon the subjects here presented. He 
arranged also visits on the part of his students to the various State 
charitable institutions in the vicinity, to the Reformatory in Elmira, 
the insane asylum at Ovid, and the State Prison in Auburn. The 
attention of the students was thus called to the great need of legislation 
in behalf of the unfortunate classes and to the history of previous 
experiments in ameliorating their condition, and to the best methods of 
accomplishing the highest philanthropic purposes. 

JOURNALISM. 

The establishment of a course in journalism in the university was a 
favorite idea of President White. Recognizing the power of the press, 
he believed that it would l^e wise to extend facilities to students to 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 575 

prepare directly for the profession of journalism; In pursuance of his 
plan, ccnirses of lectures wei-e delivered at different times in the uni- 
versit\\ Professor Fiske, who had been devoted to journalism for a 
number of years, delivered a course of lectures mainly upon the prac- 
tical side of the journalist's profession. He discussed the arrangement 
of the matter in the newspaper and incidentally reviewed in a very 
sug'gestive way the methods of the leading journals; the special quali- 
ties and gifts of different men; the place of editorial comment; cor- 
respondence; foreign and local news in a popular journal. The 
Honorable James Brooks delivered four lectures, beginning May 25, 
1880, based upon his own extended and successful experience in news- 
paper life. Mr. Charles E. Fitch delivered a course of five lectures in 
May, lS8(i, devoted mainly to the history of journalism in this coimtry. 
Later, Professor Brainard Gardner Smith added to his regular duties a 
course in journalism in which, with the practical experience of a news- 
paper man, he sought to discuss the methods of a metropolitan daily 
and to give the students of his class practical drill in reporting actual 
and fictitious events. Members of the editorial boards of the college 
papers took great interest in these exercises. These young newspaper 
men not only used all the advantages placed at their disposal, but they 
published in the press of which they were correspondents a description 
of the system here in vogue. In consecj;uence, widespread comment 
and discussion were aroused upon the possibility of successful instruction 
in journalism. On one side, it was held with great truth that the 
preparation of a journalist consisted primarily in the S5^mmetrical de- 
velopment of all his powers; and secondly, in an intelligent ac- 
quaintance with the subjects discussed in the press, such as history, 
political economy, sociology, . political institutions and constitutional 
law. It was urged still further that journalism was a craft, which 
could only be attained by practice, by experience in the various 
branches of a newspaper office. Many graduates of the university who 
had attained prominence as editors of leading journals in New York 
e.s;pressed this view. The relation of journalism to rhetoric and com- 
position was maintained by some. It was thought that the power to 
write interestingly and graphically might be acquired by special train- 
ing in the university, and the student be thus prepared to enter intel- 
ligently upon the practice of his profession. The demand for instruc- 
tion in work in definite subjects, and the limited time available for 
essential studies, led to the practical abandonment of this experiment. 



576 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

POLITICAL SCIENCE. 

From the foundation of the university until the year 1S80, there was 
no separate department of political science. Instruction in the sub- 
jects now embraced in that department was in the hands, so far as the 
resident force of instruction was concerned, of Dr. William D. Wilson, 
professor of moral and intellectual philosophy, who delivered a course 
of lectures on political economy one term each year. He published in 
1875, chiefly for the use of his class in political economy, a treatise en- 
titled, " First Principles of Political Economy with reference to States- 
manship and Progress of Civilization. " In and after the years 1875-70, 
Dr. Wilson delivered also, one term each year, a course of lectures on 
the constitution of the United States, and American jurisprudence, this 
course taking the place of lectures on constitutional law, that had been 
delivered from 1868 to 1875 by non-resident Professor Theodore W. 
Dwight of New York city. 

The department may be said to have been organized in 1881 when a 
four years' course in history and political science was established, lead- 
ing to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. In 1883, Professors Adams 
and Tuttlewere made resident associate professors of political economy 
and political science respectively, and the work of the department was 
enlarged to include additional courses in systematic politics, in public 
finance, and further, in 1884, courses in practical economic questions. 
During the year 1884, Mr. Ellis H. Roberts delivered a course of lec- 
tures on the tarilT, which were published the next year in book form, 
under the title, "Government Revenue." 

In the years 1885 and 1886 courses of lectures on diplomacy and in- 
ternational law were delivered by the Hon. Eugene Schuyler, which 
were published in 1886 under the title of "American Diplomacy and 
the Furtherance of Commerce. " The same year Professor Henry C. 
Adams published his book on "Public Debts: A Study in the Science 
of Finance. " Dr. Wilson was elected professor £7//(?;'//'//i- at the close 
of this year (1885-86). In 1887, the work in history and political 
science was grouped under the title of the President White School of 
History and Political vScience, and in accordance with the conditions of 
the organization of the school, a fellowship in political and social science 
was established. 

Work in social science was begun in 1887 by Mr. Frank B. Sanborn, 
who gave a term's lectures each year on problems in social science, 



CORNELL UNlVERvSITY. 577 

which lectures were supplemented by class visits to various cliaritable, ■ 
penal and reformatory institutions in the vicinit}^ of Ithaca. This work 
was kept up by Mr. Sanborn until the year 1889, after which time for 
two years somewhat similar work was carried on by Professor C. A. 
Collin. 

In 1887, Professor H. C. Adams, all of whose time was required at 
the University of Michigan, gave up his work at Cornell, and the fol- 
lowing year work in political economy was given by Mr. Frank PI. 
Hodder. Professor Tuttle was made professor of the history of politi- 
cal and municipal institutions and of international law. In 1888, Pro- 
fessor E. Benjamin Andrews was appointed professor of political 
economy and finance, but resigned after one year's work to accept the 
presidency of Brown University. During his year's residence he had 
printed outlines of his course of lectures for the use of students, which 
were afterwards gathered into book form under the title of " Institutes 
of Economics." Mr. Hodder again took charge of the work in econom- 
ics for one year, when, in 1890, Professor J. Lawrence Laughlin was 
appointed professor of political economy and finance, and the work of 
the department was further strengthened by the appointment of A. C. 
Miller as associate professor of political economy and finance. At this 
time, too, graduate work in the department was strengthened by the 
establishment of two fellowships. In 1881, Professor Tuttle, having 
been made professor of modern European histor}^, gave up the work in 
political science. Professor J. W. Jenks was called to a chair of politi- 
cal, municipal and social institutions to do this work and that formerly 
done by Professors Sanborn and Collin. 

In 1892, Professors Laughlin and Miller resigning' to accept positions 
in Chicago University, the departments of economics and finance and 
political and social institutions were combined into one, with a teaching- 
force consisting of Professor Jenks, Associate Professor Edward A. 
Ross, Assistant Professor Walter F. Willcox and Dr. Charles H. Hull, 
Professor Jenks being granted leave of absence for the year. In 1893 
Professor Ross resigned to accept a position at Leland Stanford, Jr., 
University; Dr. Hull was promoted to an assistant professorship, and 
Dr. L. S. Merriam was appointed instructor in political economy, the 
department now having four men whose full time was given to the 
work. The sad accident by which Dr. Merriam lost his life by drown- 
ing in Cayuga Lake checked the work of the department in part, but 
73 



578 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

most of Dr. Mcrriam's work was carried on by Professor Hull and the 
fellows in the department, Messrs. T. F. Carver and E. M. Wilson. 

In the spring- of 1894 Mr. Frank Fetter was appointed instructor in 
political economy. Though the work of the department is conducted 
as a unit, so far as it is practicable, each of the different teachers de- 
votes his time to some special branch of the work. Professor Jenks 
gives his time chiefly to the work in political science and politics; Pro- 
fessor Willcox has charge especially of that in social science and sta- 
tistics; while Professor Hull and Dr. Fetter conduct, in the main, the 
work in political economy and finance. In the year 1893-94 a new 
course in the mathematical methods of investigation in economic and 
social science was instituted by Professor Oliver for the especial ad- 
vantage of advanced students who had had good mathematical training. 
The department is further strengthened by the work in internatioiial 
law and jurisprudence, and in constitutional law, given by Professors 
Huffcut and Hutchins of the law school. 



XIV. 

MATHEMATICvS AND PHYvSICS. 

MATHEMATICS AND ASTRONOMY. 

This department was under the wise direction of Professor Evan 
Wilhelm Evans until within a few months before his decease in 1874. 
He was proficient not only in mathematics but in geology and botany. 
He is remembered as a man of few words, but of a remarkably sound 
and independent judgment that carried great weight in the faculty 
councils, and as an acute and thorough student, a philosophical and 
original thinker, a firm and loyal friend. The best of his published 
work in mathematics is his "New method of solving cubic and trinomial 
equations of all degrees ;"i it is very suggestive, and follows quite dif- 
ferent lines from the usual methods; but the fuller statement of it 
planned by hitn was prevented by his failing health. His unpublished 
university lectures on modern synthetic geometry were elaborate and 
beautiful, and marked at the time almost a new departure for American 
colleges. 

1 Proceedings of University Convocation, 1870. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 57t» 

Characteristic of his instruction or policy were :' the remarkable power, 
of concentration with which he would follow others' work without using- 
his eyes, his uniform preference for oral above written examinations, 
and his habit of taking a calculus class over the same ground with 
two successive authors for the sake of the cross-light. 

With Professor Evans were associated here, at one time or another, 
Assistant-Professors Ziba H. Potter, William E. Arnold, Henry T. 
Eddy, William J. Hamilton, .since deceased, Lucien A. Wait, and J. E. 
Oliver, and Instructor O. H. P. Cornell. The chief branches taught 
were alg-ebra beginning with quadratics, plane geometry, solid geometry, 
trigonometry with navigation and mensuration, analytic geometry, 
calculus, synthetic geometry, and descriptive astronomy ; analytic 
geometry occupying one or two terms, calculus three tenns, and each 
of the other subjects one term, for commonly five hours' per week. 
There was also land-surveying, for students in agriculture and other 
non-technical courses. Algebra, plane and solid geometr}^ and trig- 
onometry were required studies in all courses; astronomy in the course 
in science ; analytic geometr}^ calculus and sj^nthetic geometry, in 
engineering, mechanic arts and architecture. Thus more of fine mathe- 
matics was required in the tmiversity then than now, but an offset, 
except as to advanced mathematics in the technical courses, is in the 
increased entrance recpiirements and in the various electives now offered. 

The requirement of quadratics for admission was made in Professor 
Evans's day, that of plane geometry for all courses, and of solid for the 
technical, came later, and by degrees. 

From 1873-4 on, the department has been administered, first by 
Professor Oliver and afterwards by Professors Oliver and Wait. The)' 
have been abh' seconded by Associate-Professor George William Jones, 
Assistant-Professors William E. Byerly, James McMahon and Arthur 
S. Hathaway, and Instructors George T. Winston, Madison M. Garver, 
Morris R. Conable, Charles A. Van Velzer, Duane Studley, George E. 
Fisher, Charles vS. Fowler, Walker G. Rapple^^e, John H. Tanner, Paul 
S. Saurel, and William R. Shoemaker. Four of the professors, and five 
instructors, remain to-day; most of the others have become professors 
or presidents in other colleges, and several of these have achieved 
eminence. 

The work of the department to-day, like the earlier work out of which 
it has grown, contemplates three great uses : 1. To help the average 
student in developing certain powers and habits which ever}' good 



580 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

citizen and good thinker requires, namely of sustained, exact, candid, 
independent reckoning, even when the subject-matter is general or 
abstract; of conscientiously scrutinizing a plausible argument, both in 
detail and in its general course; of imagination, to grasp as a whole a 
complex concept or scheme of thought; of inventiveness as to methods 
and possible relations; of applying theor}" to practical problems; of 
precision and clearness in stating one's own convictions and the grounds 
of them. 2. For those who wish to make pure and applied mathematics 
a specialty, to give some outlook over its different fields ; and to fit these 
students for teaching, or for home reading and investigation, or for 
study at European universities, o. To meet the needs of students in 
various branches of engineering, ph3"sics, and sociology. 

The endeavor is not usually to cover all the ground in a given field, 
but to master the fundamental difficulties of concept and method, and 
secure whatever peculiar culture this implies, — relying more upon in- 
sight and origination than upon memory, and making all necessary 
memor3^-work as philosophical as may be. Attention is also given to 
the criticism of methods and their motives, methods suggested by 
general considerations being preferred; to the concrete interpretation 
of important steps as well as of results ; and to the separation of symbols 
and their laws from the particular subject-matter, so that either may 
be studied separately. Whether instruction be given b}^ text-books 
with recitations and problem-working, by written exercises and exam- 
inations, or by lecture, seminary and directed reading, the class are 
regarded rather as the teacher's fellow-students than as mere recipients 
of instruction. 

Supplementary to the usual college curriculum of pure mathematics, 
including calculus, electives are at present offered in geometric, alge- 
l^raic and trigonometric problems, determinants and theory of equations, 
probabilities and least squares, modern analytic and synthetic geometry, 
advanced calculus, difi^erentiated equations, finite differences, quantics, 
function-theory, theory of numbers, and mathematical essays meant 
parth" as studies of style; also, in descriptive and dynamic astronom)'', 
rational mechanics, potential theor}' and special harmonics, and the 
mathematical theories of fluid motion as applied to meteorology, and of 
sound, light and electricity. There is also a seminary for the discussion 
of fundamental methods in algebra; one in mathematical pedagogy, to 
consider ideals and methods in mathematical study and writing as well 
as in teaching; one for application of mathematics to economic and 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 581 

social problems; and one, held in connection with the department of 
chemistr}^ beginning with 1894-5, for the mathematical study of phys- 
ical chemistr}^ 

The number taking these various electives as undergraduate, graduate 
or special students has about kept pace with the general growth of the 
university; though the splendidly equipped technical courses on the 
one hand and the admirable scientific and humanistic work done here 
on the other hand, offer strong counter attractions. For, in the com- 
munity at large, mathematics is still thought of merely as a good logical 
drill, and a ke}^ to the phj^sical sciences with their applications. One 
great mission of the mathematical department here, as elsewhere, is to 
show that in healthily developing the geometric and philosophic imag- 
ination ; in awakening an intelligent interest in the grand systems of 
worlds amid which our own is placed, as well as a sense of the beauty 
of purely intellectual relations; in adding detiniteness to certain meta- 
ph5^sical concepts; and in that corelation of the abstract Avith the con-- 
crete and with the certain which will help to cure the prevalent distrust 
of ideals, mathematical studies have peculiar educational and even 
religious values that could ill be spared. 

In the equipment of the department are now many of Brill's beauti- 
ful and useful models, and others are being added. The University 
Library has some thousands of books on astronomy and pure and 
applied mathematics, besides most of the chief American, English, 
French and German journals, and the transactions of manj^ scientific 
societies. A steady growth is assured by the Sage Librar}- fund, so 
that in time the collection of mathematical classics and sources will 
have become reasonably complete, thus facilitating kinds of work that 
were impossible in the universit5^'s earlier days. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS. 

The Department of Physics was one of those organized at the opening 
of the university. The first incumbent was Professor Eli W. Blake 
now professor of physics in Brown University. Professor Blake was 
succeeded after two years of service by Professor John j. Brown, later 
of the University of Syracuse, who was followed, after one year, by 
Professor Loomis who served but two terms, and resigned in March 1872. 
After a short period, during which the chair was not filled, instruction 
in physics was given by Professor Morris, Assistant-Professor Eddy and 
others, William A. Anthony, Ph. B., a graduate of the Sheffield 



582 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Scientific School of Yale University, was appointed to the professorship. 
Professor Anthony had previously filled similar positions in Antioch 
College, Ohio, and in the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Iowa. 
Under Professor Anthony, physics soon took a prominent position 
among the subjects of the university curriculum. Laboratory instruc- 
tion was almost at once begun. The quarters assigned to physics in 
1873 consisted of a small lecture room in the south wing of McGraw 
Hall, with a small ante-room under the raised seats, which was intended 
to serve as apparatus room, professor's office and general laboratory. 
Under the vigorous administration of Professor Anthony, the needs of 
the department soon outgrew these cramped quarters, and various 
rooms were obtained on the upper floors, and in the basement of White 
and Morrill Halls. 

The equipment of the department during all the earlier years of the 
university was of a meagre description, being in the main upon a par 
with that which might have been found in most of the smaller colleges 
of the country during that period of our educational development. 
There were a few noble pieces of illustrative apparatus for lecture room 
purposes, which had been purchased by President White, but the col- 
lection included no instruments of precision. This condition of affairs 
lasted, subject only to such amelioration as could be attained b}' the 
indefatigable industry and the mechanical skill of the head of the 
department and of his assistant, George vS. Moler, who, from the time 
of his graduation in 1875, became a valuable attache, serving succes- 
sively as laboratory assistant, instructor and assistant-professor. 

In 1881, the Board of Trustees decided to build a physical and chemi- 
cal laboratorv combined. Franklin Hall was the result of that action. 
To the department of physics the lower floors and basement of this 
large four-storied building of brown sandstone were assigned, and a 
considerable sum of money was appropriated for the purchase of a 
suitable equipment. Professor Anthony spent some months in Europe 
in the summer of 1881, in selecting and purchasing apparatus. Many 
important instruments were, however, made in the United States, 
notably a large and very substantial comparator, designed for the 
department by Professor William A. Rogers, a dividing engine designed 
b}^ the same physicist, a standard clock by Howard, and a large spec- 
trometer by Fauth, of Washington, together with chronographs. The 
building of this laboratory marks an epoch in the history of the depart- 
ment, but a more important period was about to begin in theinaugura- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 5Sr> 

tion, two years later (1883), at the instance of Professor Anthony, of a 
course in electrical engineering. There was much opposition to the 
introduction of what was at that time a subject unrecognized upon the 
lists of the technical schools, and it was with difficulty that the Board 
of Trustees could be persuaded to sanction such an experiment. The 
course once announced, however, its success was immediate and 
marked. The Register of the following year, 1883-4, shows 12 students 
in electrical engineering; that of the tenth year following, 1893-4, 
contains 350 students, 28 of whom are in post graduate courses. 
In 1883, the instructing force of the department consisted of Professor 
Anthony and Assistant-Professor Moler. In 1893, it consisted of the 
head of the department. Professor Edward L. Nichols who had suc- 
ceeded Professor Anthony in 1887, at which time the latter resigned 
his chair to engage in practical work in electrical engineering, of three 
assistant-professors, G. S. Moler, Ernest Merritt and Frederick Bedell, 
and of seven instructors and assistants. During this last decade the 
growth of the technical schools connected with Cornell University so 
increased the number of students having required work in chemistr}' 
and physics, that it became necessary to build a new chemical labor- 
atory and to assign the whole of Franklin Hall, together with the 
adjoining structure known as the chemical annex, to the latter depart- 
ment. In the year 1893-4, there were over six hundred undergraduates 
who were receiving instruction in laboratories and class rooms in the 
department of physics, together with some forty graduate students 
who were engaged in advanced work and in investigation. In 1893, 
another important step in the history of ]^!)hysics of Cornell University 
was taken in the foundation of the Physical Review, a bi-monthly 
journal devoted to original work in experimental physics. This journal 
is edited by Professors Nichols and Merritt and is published for the 
university by Messrs. Macmillan & Co., of New York. 



XV. 

NATURAL SCIENCE. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMLSTRY. 

The Department of Chemistry was one of the first in which an ap- 
pointment was made. At the sixth meeting of the Board of Trustees, 



584 LANDMARKvS OF T(JMPKINS CCJUNTY. 

held wSeptember 36, 18(37, four professors were elected, among them Dr. 
George C. Caldwell as professor of agricultural chemistry and James 
M. Crafts as professor of general chemistry. Professor Caldwell was a 
graduate of the University of Gottingen, and had also studied the 
methods of instruction in the model college of Cirencester, England, 
and was widely known for his investigations in agricultural chemistry. 
Professor Crafts was a graduate of the Lawrence Scientific School, and 
had afterwards spent several years in study in France and Germany, 
where he had published several original investigations of great merit. 
At the time of his appointment he was an instructor in the Lawrence 
Scientific School. Since then he has made many brilliant investiga- 
tions, which have caused him to rank among the most eminent of 
American chemists; at the present time he is a professor in the Massa- 
chusetts Institute of Technology. Soon after the appointment of these 
professors of chemistry, they prepared lists of the most important Eng- 
lish, French and German standard works in their department and of 
the leading chemical periodicals, which were purchased by the univer- 
sity abroad through President White, and formed a portion of the 
equipment at the opening of the university. Many complete sets of 
chemical journals were also obtained, thus constituting a valuable 
library for investigation, from the beginning. Chemical apparatus was 
also ordered, and arrived from Europe in the summer of 1868. The 
boxes which contained these scientific treasures were stored and opened 
in the northwest basement of what is now known as Morrill Hall. Pro- 
fessor Caldwell presents a graphic account of a professor's life in those 
early days. At that time he occupied a house partially completed near 
the head of Buffalo street. ' ' To reach the universit}^ it was necessary to 
climb a hill without sidewalks; to skirt Cascadilia, passing an old 
weather-stained mill which stood behind it, and avoid skillfully the 
debris around these buildings ; to descend into a gorge by ladders, and 
to risk one's life in crossing planks; to wind through the woods upon 
the north bank, and then pass through fields and over two successive 
ravines, and clamber over fences, before the solitary building which con- 
stitutes the university was reached. The new professor found his 
earliest task in the manual labor of unpacking these European pur- 
chases. The first chemical laboratory was established in the basement 
of Morrill Hall, in the large room on the north side of the central en- 
trance. The private laboratory of Professor Crafts, for his own and 
for the special work of his students, consisted simply of one short table 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. . oSH 

at the end of this room, with a shelf and two capacious drawers below. 
Professor Caldwell's laboratory consisted of a similar table at the other 
end of the room. All the water supply was brought in pails, and the 
waste received and carried out in jars. The only ventilation was 
through chimney flues, and what did not escape through this uninvit- 
ing exit ascended to the library room, which was direct^ above. Lec- 
tures in agricultural chemistry were given in a small basement room 
adjoining this laboratory, and the lectures on general chemistry in the 
large room on the other side of the middle hallway. " Thus these pion- 
eers of education passed through hardships, the immortal humor of 
which is now their chief compensation. "During the fall and winter, a 
large wooden building was erected near the middle of what was then 
the campus, and in the spring vacation the chemical department for- 
sook its narrow and uncomfortable quarters in Morrill Hall for its new 
rooms in this wooden structure, and I have no doubt that those who 
were left behind were as glad to have us leave as we were to get away. 
Of room we had an abundance in our new quarters, but of comfort, 
not so much. It was expected that we might occupy them for four or 
five years, and, of course, with such expectations, the building was 
cheaply constructed, and all its discomforts were endured for ten years 
or more, instead of the limited time originally anticipated. The build- 
ing was at first occupied by the departments of mechanical engineer- 
ing, botany and physics, as well a chemistry. One by one these 
departments were transferred to better quarters, until finally it became 
the exclusive possession of the chemical department for a few years. 
Then the department of civil engineering moved into it, and was in its 
turn left its sole occupant, when in 1882 the chemical department 
moved into the second and third stories of Franklin Hall, where, for 
the first time, it was accoiumodated in quarters especially planned and 
constructed for its use; but this building soon became too small for the 
departments of physics and chemistry and finall)?, in 1890, the latter 
department moved into Morse Hall, which had been erected for its ex- 
clusive use. This last move will undoubtedly end its wanderings on 
thecampus." This new building was called Morse Hall in honor of the 
inventor of the magnetic telegraph, Mr. S. B. F. Morse. The plan of 
this new chemical building makes it one of the amplest and best ar- 
ranged of any structure devoted to similar purposes in America. Pro- 
fessor Spencer Baird Newbury was at that time acting professor of 
organic and applied chemistry, and later of general, organic and ap- 

74 



586 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

plied chemistry. He had an enthusiastic interest in the equipment of 
this new building- and, in company with Professor Caldwell, carefully 
studied and designed its general arrangement. 

The scope of instruction in chemistry has been greatly widened. At 
first, only general, analytical and agricultural chemistry were taught, 
and laboratory practice was confined to analytic chemistry. A short 
time after the department was established in its first home, laboratory 
practice in general chemistry was introduced, suggested by the evident 
usefulness of such practice for a better understanding of the principles 
of elementary general chemistry, and also on account of the option of 
chemical laboratory practice, which was allowed for a few years in place 
of a part of the mathematics, which had hitherto been required in the 
general courses. Some kind of work in general chemistry seemed to 
be far more appropriate for this option than the more technical work of 
analytical chemistry. The inequality of the option of work in element- 
ary chemistry for mathematics soon became so evident that it was given 
up after a very brief trial, but laboratory work in general chemistry has 
been continued up to the present time. It was at first required only of 
those who later have analytical chemistry in their courses of study, but 
is now required of all who take the course in general chemistry. Tech- 
nical chemistry was also added in the history of the department, but 
was discontinued after two or three years, on account of the resignation 
of the professor who first suggested its introduction, and taught it. 
Organic chemistry was taught by lectures, and laboratory practice 
added later, together with metallurgical chemistry. The latest addition 
to the field of instruction in this department consists of courses of 
in-struction in the most advanced field of physical chemistry. A steady 
advance has thus been made along all these special lines of work in 
chemistry by the addition of new and more advanced courses, so that 
now thirty- one are offered in the department, and in the list of courses 
for 1894-5, the number will be increased to thirty-five. Professor 
James M. Crafts resigned at the end of the first year, and Professor 
Charles A. Schaeffer was elected professor of analytical cheinistry and 
mineralogy, June 30, 1869. Professor Schaeffer was a graduate of the 
University of Pennsylvania and also of the University of Gottingen, 
Germany. He remained connected with the department until his elec- 
tion as President of the University of Iowa in 1887. During the year 
1886-7 he acted as dean. One year later. Professor Chester H. Wing 
was elected to the chair of chemistry as applied to manufactures. Pro- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. ■ 587 

fessor Wing- had g-raduated with distinguished honor at the Lawrence 
Scientific School, and had also had practical experience as a manufac- 
turing chemist. He was connected with the university from Januaty, 
1870, to 1 873, and he delivered subsequently, each year until 1880 a 
series of lectures upon organic chemistry. After leaving this university 
he was appointed to a professorship in the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology where, through his efforts, one of the largest departments 
for instruction in chemistry in the country was created. A. A. Breneman 
was appointed assistant professor of industrial chemistry in 1875 and 
professor in 1879, which position he held until 1882. Professor Brene- 
man made many interesting investigations during his connection with 
the universit}', and later, as consulting chemist in New York, valuable 
discoveries of colors available for use in the manufacture of pottery. 
Dr. Spencer Baird Newbur}^ a graduate of the School of Mines, and 
later a student in the University of Berlin, was made assistant professor 
of general chemistry, mineralogy and assaying in 1882, and acting pro- 
fessor in 1886, which position he filled until 1892. Professor Newbury 
was an enthu.siastic student of his chosen branch, and took great pleas- 
ure in the development of chemistr}^ as applied to photography. At 
the exposition in Paris of 1889 he was appointed by the United States 
government to make the report upon certain branches of chemistry, 
and later he was a representative of the State of Ohio, and judge in the 
Chicago Exposition of 1893. Assistant Professors William R. Orndorff, 
Ph. D., Louis Munroe Dennis, Ph. B., Joseph Ellis Trevor, Ph. D,, 
have contributed by investigation and instruction to extend the reputa- 
tion of the department. 

. BOTANY. 

The Botanical Department was organized at the opening of the 
university in October 1868. Professor Albert N. Prentiss, then a 
professor in the Michigan Agricultural College, from which institution 
he had graduated in 1861, had been elected to the chair of botan)-, 
horticulture and agriculture, and placed in charge of the department. 
In the first general arrangement of courses of instruction in the univer- 
sity, the general and introductory course in botany was assigned to the 
spring term; but a more advanced course of lectures on S5^stematic 
botany was offered for the fall term. This was attended by a class of 
four students who came from other colleges and had taken some botanical 



.588 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTV. 

work before entering the university. These lectures ' were given in 
what is now room 11, Morrill Hall. The university did not as yet 
possess botanical collections of any kind, so that the means for illus- 
trating the lectures were very insufficient. Morevover, the lecture 
room could be used for botanical purposes only for the single hour of 
the days on which the lectures Avere given. There could not, therefore, 
have been any proper preparation for a scientific lecture, even though 
suitable material had been available. In the winter term, the work 
was practically a continuation of that above described. 

In the spring term of the first year a general course of botanical 
lectures was offered, which was attended by 144 students. B}' this time 
the laboratory building, so called, a large wooden structure, designed 
more especially for the departments of chemistry and physics, had been 
partiall}^ completed, and two rooms were assigned to the use of the 
botanical department. These consisted of a small lecture room for 
special classes, and a smaller room for a laboratory and professor's 
study. As the lecture room was far too small for the class in general 
botan}^, the lectures were given in the chemical lecture room. The 
laboratory work for the large class consisted only of the study and 
determination of species of flowering plants of the local flora. No 
other place being available, this work was done in a large unfinished 
room in the north wing of the laboratory building. This room, still 
unfinished, was used in this wa}- in the spring term for three years. At 
a later period this room, with others, was finished for the use of the 
civil engineering department. 

During this first spring term, in addition to the botanical work, a 
course of lectures on horticulture was given to a class of special students. 

During the second year, 1860-70, the facilities for instruction were 
very considerably increased. Collections of models and diagrams, 
which had been purchased in Europe, began to arrive during the latter 
part of the previous year, and were now available for use. The small 
lecture room and the small and meagerly equipped laboratory were still 
eiuployed by the department. In the fall term a course of lectures 
was given on systematic botany, which could now be presented in a 
manner superior to that of the previous year. Some beginnings were 
also made in special laboratory work. In the spring term there was an 
enrollment of 225 students for the general course. The lectures were 
given in the large lecture room on the upper floor of the building now 
known as White Hall. Owing to inadecpiate facilities for so large a class. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. ' 589 

and the want of an assistant, no laboratory work was undertaken ; but. 
all possible efforts were made to interest the members of the class in 
the study of the local flora. 

No lectures were given in the fall term of 1870-71, the professor of 
botan}^ being- absent in Brazil with the Cornell Exploring Expedition. 
This expedition was organized by Professor C. F. Hartt for the purpose 
of making studies and collections in natural history. The party, made 
up of the two professors named, and about ten students, sailed from 
New York the latter part of June and returned early in the following- 
January. The principal explorations were made in the valley of the 
Amazon for a distance of some 400 miles above Para, and on two of the 
chief tributaries of the main stream, the rivers Chingu and Tapajos. 
The advantages of this expedition to the botanical department con- 
sisted chiefly in the opportunity for the professor of botan}^ to make an 
extended field study of tropical vegetation, and a considerable collection, 
of material for the herbarium and museum. 

Lecture work was resumed in the winter term, and in the spring the 
general course was given to a large class. Laboratory and field work 
were attempted, but systematic work in the department was accom- 
panied by serious inconveniences. The collections and illustrative 
material were in the south wing of the chemical laboratory, the lectures 
were given in the room at the top of White Hall, while the laboratory 
work was done in the unfinished room in the laboratory. The labor of 
carrying the illustrative material needed for the lectures from one 
building to another across the campus and up several flights of stairs, 
of conducting the whole work of the department in practically three 
different buildings, by the professor in charge without any assistance 
except some undergraduate help in the laborator}", illustrate the extreme 
inconvenience and primitii^e conditions which prevailed during these 
earlier years. 

The event of the year 1871-72 was the bringing together of the 
different branches of the department under one roof. Sibley College 
was dedicated June 21, 1871, and through the courtesy of Professor J. 
L. Morris, dean of the department, some rooms not needed for the 
time being for his work, were temporarily assigned to the use of the 
botanical department. Those rooms were the large lecture room on 
the second floor south, and the corresponding room on the floor above, 
used for a laboratory. A smaller room was available as a study and 
office for the professor of botany, and another small room for the stor- 



590 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

age of a part of the botanical collections. The lecture courses offered 
were similar to those of previous years, but the conveniences for doing 
the work of the department were now much increased. A small num- 
ber of advanced students were now engaged on special subjects, and 
the work in these lines began to show considerable improvement over 
previous years. During this year an instructor in botany was for the 
first time appointed, but only for the spring term. This officer was 
David S. Jordan, now President of Stanford Universit)', then a senior 
at Cornell and a most enthusiastic and accomplished student of botany. 

During these years, 1872-75, the department continued to occup)' 
its quarters in the Sibley building. While the ground work was not 
greatly changed, some additional special courses were offered. In the 
spring term of 1873 a carefully organized course of lectures was given 
on Fungi to a class of fifteen students. The superior quality of the 
students who now elected special and advanced botanical work, is 
shown by the fact that several of the members of this class have since 
become well known naturalists, and at least seven have been, or now 
are, college professors. For the spring term of 1873 Mr. W. R. Dud- 
ley, then a junior and an excellent student in botany and other sub- 
jects in natural history, was appointed an instructor in botany to assist 
in the general laboratory work. He was again appointed for the spring 
term on the following year. 

During this period the enthusiasm for botanical excursions and the 
study of the flora of Ithaca and vicinity, which had been a conspicuous 
feature of the work of the department from the beginning, became 
very prominent. Every ravine, marsh, hillside and wood was explored 
and the discovery of a species not previously recorded was hailed with 
great enthusiasm, not only by the discoverer, but by his companions in 
botanical study. Among the notable discoveries of the period was 
that of the ash -leaf maple, a tree not previously known as growing 
spontaneously within the limits of the vState of New York. A number 
of specimens, some twenty or more, mostly small in size, were found 
in a small piece of undisturbed wood about two miles south of Ithaca. 
The discoverer was Mr. J. C. Branner, a botanical student of rare 
promise, who has since become a geologist of excellent reputation, and 
is now a professor in Stanford University. 

The period from 1875 to 1888. In the fall of 1875 the department 
began its work in its present quarters in the south wing of Sage Col- 
lege. The corner stone of this building had been laid with appropriate 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 591 

ceremonies on Ma)" L5, 1873, and the building was now ready for use.. 
The rooms occupied by the department were a large lecture room, a 
professor's office and study, and a laboratory on the first floor; a mu- 
seum 28x4:0 feet on the second floor, and on the third floor a number 
of smaller rooms used for pressing and mounting specimens for the 
herbariutn, storage for duplicates and apparatus, and other similar uses. 
The total floor area thus occupied by the department was upwards of 
(i,000 square feet. The lecture room was handsomely finished in hard 
wood and provided with fixed seats with walnut arm rests for IS'i 
students. By the use of chairs, the seating capacity of the room could 
be somewhat increased without undue crowding. The enrollment of 
some of the larger classes has been upwards of 175. The laboratory 
was lighted from the north, and adapted to microscopical as well as 
general laboratory work. In the museum were the general herbarium 
and other collections, for which suitable cases had been provided. 
Thus, after six years of pioneering, with inadequate but slowly im- 
proving facilities and the temporary occupancy of various buildings, 
the department found itself located in handsome quarters admirably 
adapted to its requirements. 

Beginning with the fall of 1875, Mr. W. R. Dudley was regularl}^ 
appointed instructor in botany to devote his entire attention to the sub- 
ject, the previous appointment having been for a single term each 
year. At the beginning of the following year, 1876-77, he was ap- 
pointed assistant professor. The scope of instruction was now some- 
what increased, chiefly in cr3^ptogamic subjects. In the spring of 
1877 a course of instruction was given on mosses and alga;, and in the 
following autumn on ferns. Opportunities for special work were im- 
proved, and an increasing number of students was now conducting 
work of this kind. 

Within five years of the first occupancy of Sage College the facilities 
for laborator}^ work had become inadequate for want of room, and the 
need of a green-house from which living plants could be obtained at 
all seasons of the year, was felt to be urgent. At this juncture the 
Hon. Henry W. Sage, who had already made princely gifts to the uni- 
versity, offered as a further gift the means for extending the labora- 
tory and erecting a conservatory, the whole to cost f 15, 000. Work was 
begun in the summer of 1881. The laboratory extension was of brick, 
24x36 feet, two stories in height, and corresponded in architecture to 
the older building. The conservatory consisted of five connected glass 



592 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Structures, of different heights and adapted to different temperatures, 
the whole range being in extreme dimensions 50x152 feet. These im- 
provements were completed in the following spring, and were formally 
opened by appropriate exercises held in the botanical lecture room cm 
the evening of June 15, 1882. Brief addresses were made by President 
White, Hon. Erastus Brooks and others. 

These increased facilities for botanical work were of great moment. 
The available space in the phanerogamic and histological laboratory 
(on the first floor) was nearly doubled, and an office and study for the 
assistant professor of botany was provided. On the second floor was a 
well lighted laboratory, which has since been devoted wholly to crypto- 
gamic work. The conservatories, which were built in the most sub- 
stantial manner, proved to be admirably adapted to the uses for which 
they were intended, and soon began to afford material for work and 
illustration in all the courses of instruction offered by the department, 
as well as by affording opportunities for experimental work and in- 
vestigations on the physiology of plants. In the fall of 1882 Mr. 
Robert Shore was appointed head gardener, and placed in immediate 
charge of the conservatories. 

In 1886 the catalogue of the flowering plants of Ithaca and vicinity 
was published by Professor Dudley under the title. The Cayuga Flora. 
This important work was based upon the studies and explorations of 
the officers and students of the department from the beginning of the 
university, this being supplemented by special and critical work carried 
on for several years by the author. The field embraced' in this flora is 
the territory drained by Ca3^uga Lake and its tributaries, of which 
Ithaca is approximatel}^ the center. The number of species and vari- 
eties catalogued was 1278. The catalogue proper forms a pamphlet of 
1-40 pages, with two maps, and is preceded by an introduction of some 
thirty pages. The catalogue has been of great service to the depart- 
ment as a guide to explorations and field study ; and the thoroughness 
of the work is shown by the fact that, although the field studies have 
continued to the present time with unabated interest, only a small 
number of species have been added to those listed in the flora. 

For the year 1887-88, Mr. F. V. Coville was appointed instructor in 
botany. Professor Dudley being in Europe. Mr. Coville graduated at 
the Commencement of 1887, and had been a student of marked ability 
in botany throughout his university course. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. !'393 

18S8-I»2. In the summer of 1888, the Agrieultnral Experiment Station, . 
provided for by the aet of Congress known as the Hateh bill, was' 
established at the university. After due consideration the Station 
Council decided that some botanical investigations concerning the 
diseases of plants, especially those of fungous origin, ought to be under- 
taken in the interest of the station. This work was placed in the hands 
of Professor Dudley' at his request, and the duties of cryptogamic 
botanist to the station assigned to him in the fall of 1888 To secure 
time for these new duties Professor Dudley was relieved of all work of 
instruction for one term, and a part of the work for the other two terms 
of the year. In connection with these changes, Mr. W. W. Rowlee 
who had graduated at the previous Commencement, was appointed 
instructor in botany. 

■ The evidences of improvement and increased interest in botanical 
work during this period were encouraging. The actual as well as the 
relative number of students engaged in special work, and in research 
and investigation of a more or less difficult nature was greater than ever 
before. In the last year of the period sixteen graduate students besides 
a still larger number of special undergraduate students, mainly seniors, 
were taking work in the department. 

A change of importance was made in the general course. Heretofore 
this course of three lectures per week had been given in the spring 
term. Beginning with 1890-91, the course was given in the fall and 
winter terms, two lectures per week being given. This change nearly 
doubled the time assigned to the general course, and was important 
especially in this, that it made it possible to devote the entire winter 
term to a course of lectures on the physiolog)'' of plants. 

At the close of the collegiate year, 1891-2, Professor Dudley retired 
from the university in order to accept a professorship of botany in 
Stanford University. 

At the beginning of this year (1892) Professor G. F. Atkinson was 
appointed assistant (and since associate) professor of cryptogamic 
botany in the university, and cryptogamic botanist to the Experiment 
Station. Professor Atkinson graduated from Cornell in 1885, and had 
occupied the chair of botany in the University of North Carolina, but 
at the time of his appointment was professor of biology in the Agricul- 
tural College of Alabama. His chief line of work had been in crypto- 
gamic botany, and his investigations and contributions, especially in 
fungi and in fungous diseases of plants, had become widely and favor- 
75 ' 



594 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ably known. His familiarity with the .subject, and a very con.siderable 
increa.se in laboratory equipment, now rendered it possible to add to the 
courses already established, an important course on the methods of 
study and culture of bacteria;. 

The GenkR'Al Plan of Instruction. — In arranging the courses of 
instruction in the department, the obligations to provide general instruc- 
tion for those who desire to begin the study of botany has been recog- 
nized from the first. This was demanded not only by the relation which 
the university bears to the State, but also by the fact that botany is not 
taught in all the schools of the State, and is adequately taught in only 
a few. No effort therefore, has been spared to make the general course 
as offered by the department in the highest degree effective. And this 
has been done for two reasons — to make the work as valuable as pos- 
sible to those whose study of botany ceased with the general course, 
and to serve as an introduction to future courses for those who intend 
to pursue the subject still further, there have been, therefore, three 
lines of work constantly in progress; the general course; the advanced 
courses, in recent years usually eight to ten in number ; and the special 
and largely independent work for the most advanced students. The 
plan, although not an ideal one for university work, has nevertheless 
been attended with some satisfactory results. The classes in the gen- 
eral courses have been very large, but the department has from the 
first attracted a considerable number of advanced and special students. 
Numerous theses for first degrees, and a number for advanced degrees, 
have been prepared, many of which have shown marked ability in 
original research. A portion of these have been published as contribu- 
tions to botanical science. One of the earliest was the thesis of Mr. 
Hine (1877), an original stud)^ of the difficult and, at the time little 
known group, the Saprolegniea;. This paper, which was published in 
the American Microscopic Journal, was illustrated with lithographic 
plates containing sixty-one figures. 

A considerable number of the special students of the department 
have become successful naturalists, teachers and authors. A list of 
these would include the names which follow. Those receiving first 
degrees from the university are indicated by the dates of graduation. 
Most of the others have been graduate students, some of whom have 
received second degrees. 

Atkinson, G. F., (1885) associate professor (.)f cryptogamic botany, Cornell Univer- 
sity. Arthur, J. G., professor of vegetable physiology, Purdue University. Ashe, 
W. W., botanist to the geological survey of North Carolina. Craig, Moses, professor 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 095 

of botany in the Oregon Agricultural College. Coville, F. V., (1887) chief of the. 
botanical division United States Department of Agriculture. Dudley William R. , 
(1874) professor of botany, Stanford University. Den.smore, H. D., professor of bot- 
any, Beloit College. Durand, E. J., (1893) fellow in botan}^ Cornell University. 
Hough, R. B., (1881) author of American Woods. Howell, J. K. Miss, (1888) assist- 
ant in botany, Barnard College. Kellerman, W. A., (1874) professor of botany, Ohio 
University. Lazenby, W. R., (1874) formerly profes.sor of botany, now professor of 
horticulture, Ohio University. Mathews, C. W., (1891) professor of horticulture and 
botany. State College of Kentucky. Moore, V. A., (1887) assistant in bacteriology. 
United States Department of Agriculture. Millspaugh, C. F. , author of American 
Medicinal Plants, now botanist to the Chicago Columbian Museum. Rowlee. W. W. , 
(1888) assistant professor of botany, Cornell University. Schrenk, H., (1898) assist- 
ant in botany, Harvard University. Trelease, W., (1880) professor of botany, Wash- 
ington University, and director of the Missouri Botanic Garden. Thomas, M. B., 
(1890) professor of botany, Wabash College. Yatabe, R. , (1876) profes.sor of botan)^ 
and curator of the botanic gardens, University of Tokio. 

Nearly all of these botani.sts are investigators and writers as well as successful 
teachers; but the list of books, monographs, revisions of genera or other groups, 
floras, and miscellaneous papers touching nearly all branches of botanical science, 
of which they are the authors, would be qtiite too long for presentation in this con- 
nection. 

The Collections. — At the organization of the university, as already 
stated, there were no collections available for class-room or laboratory 
purposes. Models and charts, however, began to arrive from Europe 
at the close of the first year; but the first most important accession was 
a collection of herbarium .specimens made by Horace Mann, jr., who 
had been a student and herbarium assistant of Dr. Asa Gray. This 
collection was purchased in 1809 by President White, at a cost of $1,014 
and presented to the university. There were upward of 7,500 mounted 
species, many of them represented by more than one specimen. The 
collection consisted mainly of .flowering plants and ferns, and is espe- 
cially rich in Sandwich Island plants. From these beginnings the col- 
lections have made a continuous growth. The getieral herbarium now 
contains some 15,000 mounted species; there are also many thousand 
duplicates ; the local herbarium is nearly exhaustive of the species of 
the Cayuga flora; the cryptogamic herbarium contains from eight to 
ten thousand .specimens, and there is a small garden herbarium of cul- 
tivated plants. In the museum are speciinens of fruits, nuts, seeds, 
woods, fibres and various economic vegetable products. The depart- 
ment owns the Auzoux and Brendel models, the Achille Compte wall 
maps, the Kr}^ charts and other diagrams, physiological apparatus, a 
lime lantern with 500 views, and a collection of some 8<)() microscopic 



596 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

mounts. In the conservatories are a thousand or more species and 
varieties of living plants. The laboratories are equipped with thirt}^ 
dissecting- and compound microscopes, microtomes, reagents and' the 
various appliances for microscopic and histological work. In the photo- 
graphic rooms are cameras, photo-micrographic apparatus and other 
apparatus for appl}'ing photograph}?- to scientific purposes. In the 
cr3q3togamiclaborator5^are steam sterilizers, Rohrbeck's large thermostat 
with electric thermo-regulator, culture rooms and other appliances 
for bacteriological study and research. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY, 

At the opening of the university the department of geology was en- 
trusted to Professor Charles Fred Hartt, a native of Nova wScotia. He 
graduated at Acadia College in 1860, and had spent three years as a 
special student of geology under Professor Agassiz in Cambridge. For 
one year (1864-5) he was an assistant on the geological survey of New 
Brunswick. In 1865-6 he was geologist of the Tha}^er expedition to 
Brazil. Here he found an entirely new field of investigation, not only 
in geolog}', but in ethnology, physical geography and the languages, 
customs and lore of the South American Indians. He published 
numerous papers which showed the versatility of his genius, not onh' 
in geology but in ethnology. He was unwearied in mastering the lan- 
guages of the Indians, and in acquiring the hidden treasures of their 
popular legends. In the brief period of his connection with the univer- 
sity Professor Hartt stimulated the scientific interest of numerous stu- 
dents who have since become famous in their chosen fields. In order 
to return for further investigation in Brazil, he organized in 1870 a 
company of professors and students, who volunteered to join him in a 
new expedition to Brazil. Among those who accompanied him were 
Professor Prentiss for the study of the tropical flora, and Messrs. Derby, 
Branner and Rathbun. In university history this expedition bears 
the name of the "Morgan Expedition," in honor of the Hon. Edwin 
Barber Morgan of Aurora, who contributed a considerable sum to de- 
fray its cost. These enthusiastic scientists spent the summer and 
autumn of 1870 in Brazil and- returned laden with valuable spec- 
imens to enrich the university museums. Three years later, Professor 
Hartt was offered the position of director of the geological surve}' of 
Brazil and received leave of absence to superintend that work. He 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 597 

filled the position from 1874 to 1S78 but fell a sacrifice to his zeal for 
science on March 18, 1878. 

During- Professor Hartt's absence, Dr. Theodore Bryant Comstock, 
one of his pupils, filled the position of assistant professor of geology 
until 1879, when Dr. vSamuel Gardiner Williams was elected professor 
of general and economic geology, and Dr. Henry Shaler Williams as 
assistant professor. In the following year, Dr. Henry S. WilHams was 
made assistant professor of palaeontology, and in 1884, professor. In 
188G, upon the resignation of Dr. Samuel G. Williams, Dr. Henry S. 
Williams was made professor of geology and palaeontology, with 
Mr. James F. Kemp assistant professor of geology and mineralogy. 
Professor Kemp resigned at the close of the university year 1890-91, in 
order to accept a position as professor of geology in Columbia College, 
at first as associate, and later as the successor of his teacher, the late 
Professor Newberry. 

Dr. John Francis Williams, who had made a brilliant reputation as a 
petrographer by his studies in Europe and Arkansas, was elected to 
succeed Professor Kemp, but his work had scarcely begun when he fell 
a victim to a disease which he had contracted by overwork. In the 
winter of 1892, Mr. Ralph vS. Tarr was appointed his successor, and in 
the spring of that year Professor H. S. Williams resigned his position 
as head of the department to accept a position at Yale, where he suc- 
ceeded his illustrious teacher, James D. Dana. 

Prior to the departure of Professor H. vS. Williams, the courses of 
instruction in the geological department had been mainh'- in the lines 
of palaentology 'and mineralogy, but after the resignation of Professor 
Williams, the former was necessarily dropped, and the latter work was 
continued, with some changes, tinder the direction of Instructor Arthur 
S. Cable. Courses in geolog}^and physical geography were introduced, 
and it has been the effort of Professor Tarr to develop these branches 
and to introduce methods of instruction by means of field and labora- 
tory work. 

For the next year (1894-5) an entirely new plan of organization has 
been adopted, and, instead of a single department, three sub-depart- 
ments have been created by the appointment of Mr, Gilbert D. Harris, 
assistant professor of palaeontology; Dr. Adam C. Gill, assistant pro- 
fessor of mineralogy and petrography, and Mr. Ralph S. Tarr, assist- 
ant professor of d^mamical geology and physical geography. Mr. 
Eakle has resigned to go to Europe for study, and Mr. Stuart Weller, 



598 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the assistant in geolog}'-, will go to Yale to accept a similar position 
there. Mr. S. P. Carll will succeed Mr. Weller as assistant in geolog}- 
and mineralogy. 

The department is extremely well situated for instruction in palaeon- 
tology, since the university is built in the midst of a rich field of fos- 
siliferous Devonian rocks. Moreover, there has been, almost continu- 
ously since the opening of the university, a palaeontologist in the de- 
partment, and for the greater part of the time at the head of the de- 
partment. Therefore the collection of fossils has grown to great size, 
and includes many typical and unique specimens. Aside from many 
smaller collections, there is the Farnum Jewett collection, purchased by 
Ezra Cornell at a cost of ten thousand dollars, and the remarkable 
Newcomb collection of recent shells, purchased at a cost of thirteen 
thousand dollars. Few universities in the country have more valuable 
collections of fossils, and yet there is much that is needed in this 
branch. 

The department of mineralogy is also well supplied with collections, 
for, aside from the study series, there is the valuable Silliman collec- 
tion, which is on exhibition in the museum. Of late years, owing to 
the development of new methods in the study of minerals and rocks, a 
department of mineralogy needs much expensive apparatus, only a part 
of which is at present owned by the department. 

Upon the geological side there is much that is urgently needed. The 
collections of photographs, lantern slides, maps and models, need to be 
greatly enlarged to meet the demands of modern methods of instruc- 
tion. But the chief need of this department is facility for pursuing 
field work away from Ithaca. While in some respects the region is ad- 
mirably adapted to field instruction, there are numerous points of im- 
portance that are not illustrated in the vicmity. The geological in- 
struction should, therefore, be supplemented by vacation courses in 
field work in the Appalachian formation, and it is earnestly hoped that 
the means for this may be forthcoming. The brilliant success of some 
of Professor Hartt's pupils depended largely upon the training in the 
field that they received under him in Brazil. 

Since the first years of the uniYersit)^ the constant aim in the geo- 
logical department has been to offer courses of a thoroughly scientific 
character, and to furnish to students training upon which a successful 
career in scientific investigation is based. That the effort has been 
successful is shown bv the following list of names of students in this 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 599 

department who have made geology a profession. This list does not 
pretend to be complete, bnt its length is surprising when the history of 
the department and the frequent interruption in its continuity are con- 
sidered. 

Branner, Dr. J. C, professor of geology at Leland Stanford Jr. University and for- 
merly professor of geology in Indiana University, State geologist of Arkansas, etc., 
etc. Comstock, Dr. T. B. , president of the University of Arizona and formerly assist- 
ant professor of geology at Cornell, assistant geologist on the Arkansas and Texas 
Geological Surveys, etc., etc. Curtice, F. Cooper, Department of Agriculture, for- 
merly of the U. S. Geological Survey, etc. Derby, O. H., director of the Geological 
Commission of San Paolo, Brazil, formerly instructor in geology at Cornell, etc. 
Eakle, A. S., student at Leipzig, formerly instructor in mineralogy at Cornell. 
Fairchild, H. L., professor of geology at Rochester University and secretary of the 
Geological Society of America. Gurley, W. F. E. , State geologist of Illinois. Har- 
ris, G. D., assistant professor of palaeontology at Cornell, formerly assistant in the 
National Museum, and on the Texas Geological Survey, etc. Hill, R. T. , U. S. Geologi- 
cal Survey, formerly professor of geology at the University of Texas, assistant on the 
Arkansas and Texas Geological Surveys, etc. Holmes, J. A., State geologist of 
North Carolina, professor of geology and botany. University of North Carolina. 
Marsters, V. F., professor of geology Indiana State University, and formerly instruc- 
tor of geolog}^ at Cornell. Prosser, C. vS., professor of geology, Washburn College, 
formerly mstructor of geology at Ccrncll, etc. Simonds, F. W., professor of geology 
in the University of Texas, formerly instructor of geology at Cornell, etc. Turner, 
W. H., assistant geologist on the U. S. Geological Survey. White, D., assistant 
U. S. National Museum and U. S. Geological Survey. Weller, S. , assistant in geology, 
Yale College and formerly assistant in geology at Cornell. Van Ingen, G. D., 
assistant at Columbia and formerly museum assistant at Cornell. 

VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY. 

The Department of Vertebrate Zoology includes physiology, neu- 
rology, embryology, histology and anatomical and microscopical meth- 
ods. 

The present staff comprises a professor of physiology, vertebrate 
zoology and neurology, Burt G. Wilder, B. S., M. D. ; an associate 
professor of anatomy, histology and embryology, Simon H. Gage, B. S. ; 
with two instructors, Pierre A. Fish, B. S., D. Sc, and Grant S. Hop- 
kins, B. S., D. Sc. , assigned respectively to the two groups and sub- 
jects embraced in the titles of the two professors. 

Apart from veterinary science, the zoological division of the univer- 
sity was at first entrusted to a single professor, with the title of pro- 
fessor of comparative anatomy and natural history, and the department 
represented by him was first called the Medical. This was soon changed 



600 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

to Anatomical. The title of the professor was made professor of physi- 
ology, comparative anatomy and zoology; later it was changed to its 
present form, indicating the three courses personally conducted in the 
three terms of the college year. In the earlier years instruction in 
invertebrate zoology, excepting insects, was shared, in part, with the 
professor of geology and palaeontology. 

In 1871-2 the course in the winter term was devoted to comparative 
neurology, and 'that in the spring to human embryology, thus, it is 
believed antedating the period of such specialization outside of some of 
the larger medical schools. A course in experimental physiology of 
muscle and nerve was given in 1880 and 1881, but abandoned for want of 
suitable apparatus. The anatomical laboratory was a basement room in 
the south end of Morrill Hall. After the first two years an adjoining 
room was available, and later a small room on the third floor. Upon the 
completion of McGraw Hall in 1871, the only laborator}' space was 
found beneath the rising seats of the lecture room, which was reserved 
for the head of the department and special students. Later the base- 
ment was fitted up for general laboratory work. There are now in the 
north wing separate rooms for the professor and associate professor ; 
also a histological laboratory. The horizontal division of the lofty 
lecture room enables it to be used for practicums as well as lectures, 
and provides four rooms above for storage and special work. 

At first the large room on the fourth floor of Morrill Hall was used 
for lectures in common with other departments. The lecture room in 
McGraw Hall was shared for many years with the geological depart- 
ment, and is now used in the fall and spring for the courses in inverte- 
brate zoology and entomology. 

The Auzoux models and other objects constituted the nucleus of the 
museum, and were first accommodated in a room on the second floor of 
Morrill Hall. Until recently the vertebrate collections have occupied 
cases in McGraw Hall, joining and commingled with cases containing 
collections of several other departments. Under these circumstances 
no proper scientific arrangement has been practicable. 

Besides the general effect of the teachings, writings and example of 
the elder Agassiz upon all branches of natural science in America, his 
influence was exerted directly upon this department in the university 
on three occasions. In 1867, his counsel was given as to its organiza- 
tion, when his recommendation led to the appointment of Professor 
Wilder; and again, at the opening of the university, when he was 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 601 

present and gave an encouraging address; he also remained to deliver, 
a course of twenty lectures on zoology, which, to use the words of an 
alumnus who heard them, " were more useful to the university than any 
other one thing." 

In 1871, he enlisted the co-operation of Professor Wilder in making a 
series of preparations of the brains and embryos of domesticated animals 
for the Museum of Comparative Anatomy in Cambridge, with the 
privilege of publishing the results of his discoveries. Since that time 
the professor has made neurology his special study, and his lectures and 
writings upon the subject have contributed to develop this study with- 
out as well as within the university. 

A letter of ex-President White upon the work of this department, 
dated in St. Petersburg, July 29, 1893, may properly be inserted here: 

Your proposal to publish a Festsclirift for Professor Wilder, at the approaching- 
university anniversary seems to me admirable from every point of view. Such a 
tribute would not only show a spirit most honorable to his old students taking part in 
it, and, doubtless, most acceptable to him as indicating the opinion of those best able 
to judge regarding his noble work at Cornell, but it would reveal a beautiful chapter 
in the records of American science; indeed several chapters, since Professor Wilder 
has not only done his own immediate work admirably, but has stimulated others to 
make most excellent contributions in other fields. . 

My acquaintance with the professor began in the earliest days of the university 
organization, when having been asked by the trustees to name candidates for the 
various professorships I visited Prof essor Agassiz at Cambridge and Nahant and con- 
sulted him regarding those to have charge of the various departments in natural 
science. Among the first whom he named to me was Dr. Wilder, and I remember 
his taking me into the building where the doctor was at work, and introduced me to 
him; it was Agassiz's judgment that led me to nominate Dr. Wilder, and everything 
since has proved that his selection was most fortunate for the university. 

He came to us at the very beginning, and has borne the burden and heat of the day 
ever since; working with a devotionto science, to his students, to the universitj-, and 
to all truth as it presents itself to him, in a way which has entitled him to the grati- 
tude, love, and respect of us all. 

Not least among the services he has rendered has been his promotion of cheerful- 
ness and hope in the early dark and difficult days of the university organization. 
That is a service which I personally can feel as deeply perhaps as any one, but the 
services which he has rendered to science by the thoroughness of his researches in 
the laboratory, and the beauty of the presentations of his conclusions in the lecture 
room, you and all those acting wiih you are able to appreciate better than I can, 
high as my opinion of them is. 

There is one point on which Professor Wilder in the early days was able to render 
a special service outside of his chosen field, and I maj? be pardoned for referring to it 
here. While the university was in its earliest beginnings, a sort of nebulous state, 
76 



602 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

I was greatly impressed by a remark by Herbert vSpencer in his book on evolution, as 
regards the relative values of different kinds of knowledge. He named among the 
things to be taught to young men, human anatomy and physiology; and his argu- 
ments seem to me now to be absolutely conclusive. For apart from the practical part 
of these studies, they seem to form a most stimulating beginning to study in natural 
history generally, not perhaps the logical beginning but the best practical beginning, 
as is shown by the fact that in all ages, the great majority of students of note in 
natural science have been physicians. Under the influence of this impression I asked 
Professor Wilder to give a course of lectures every year to the freshman class on 
anatomy and physiology. Various arguments might have been used against this ; it 
would have been said that, later in their course, students would have been better 
prepared to appreciate the' tine points of such lectures, and the example of all the 
older institutions might have been pointed to in which such lectures, when given at 
all, were generally given as a hurried course in the senior year. But the idea of 
making an impression in favor of studies in natural science, and especially in human 
anatomy and physiology, just when young men were most awake to receive them, 
carried the day with me and hence my request to Dr. Wilder. He acceded to it at 
once and for several years, in fact, until the pressure of other duties drew him from 
this, he continued' these lectures, and it turned out that I had builded better than I 
knew ; not only did the lectures produce admirable practical results, not only did they 
stimulate in many young men and women a love for natural science and give them 
an idea of the best methods in its pursuit, but they made a most happy literary im- 
pression upon the students generally; the professor's wonderful powers of clear 
presentation in extemporaneous lectures proved to be a wonderful factor in literary 
as well as scientific culture. 

There was another theory of mine proved to be true by the professor ; for I had 
often felt that mere talks about literature, mere writing of essays, the mere study of 
books of rhetoric, were as nothing in their influence on the plastic minds of students 
compared with lectures thoroughly good in matter and manner given in their hearing 
day after day. Naturally I have always felt exceedingly grateful to Professor 
Wilder for proving that theory true and at the same time rendering a great service 
to his students and to the university. 

On his personal characteristics, which we appreciate so highly, I surely need not 
dwell ; the deep affection in which he is held by all who have known him best is worth 
more than all words; and I beg to tender to him through you the assurance of my 
sincere respect and gratitude with the affection of an old colleague for one who bore 
burdens with him and to whom he is so largely indebted for any success in the work 
entrusted to him. 

An entrance requirement in physiology and hygiene was early in- 
cluded among the elementary subjects for admission to all courses in 
the university, and the standard has been steadily raised. So far as is 
known this antedates any similar scientific requirement for admission 
to any American university. 

Although the department possessed the only compotmd microscope 
in the university, no advanced work was done with it, or systematic in- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. ti():-i 

struction offered in it.snse until 1873. In that year Dr. W. S. Barnartl, 
of the class of 1871, returned from Germany after a course under 
Gegenbaur, Leuckhart, Haeckel and others. During the two follow- 
ing years he did much original work as a graduate student in histol- 
ogy and in the study of the protozoa. In the fall of 1873 a freshman, 
Simon H. Gage, succeeded Professor Comstock as helper in the labora- 
tory. His zeal and abilit}^, his prompt mastery of microscopical 
methods, his patience, and especially his early manifestation of the rare 
and precious quality which may be designated as morphological insight, 
caused him to be entrusted more and more with the personal instruc- 
tion of the laboratory students, whose numbers and requirements were 
then rapidljMncreasing. In the year 1878 he was appointed instructor, 
and abandoned the idea of practicing medicine; he was made assistant 
professor in 1881 and associate in 1889. It is gratifying and encourag- 
ing to state that these promotions were due, not to the discovery of his 
merits by other institutions, but to the recognition here of his value to 
Cornell as a man, investigator and teacher. He has, howcA^-er, declined 
several independent positions with higher salaries, because he appre- 
ciates the earnestness of his students, his opportunities for research 
and advanced instruction, and the spirit of mutual confidence and help- 
fulness that characterizes the whole department. 

Since 1885-6 the courses in anatomical and microscopical methods, 
histology and embryology have been substantially conducted by Pro- 
fessor Gage, with the assistance since 1880 of Dr. G. S. Hopkins. No 
more accurate or complete instruction in microscopical methods and in 
vertebrate histology is elsewhere afforded. Mr. Fish has made a special 
study of the histology of the nervous system, so that unusual facilities 
are now afforded for instruction- and advanced work therein. A special 
course in it is given by him this year for the first time 

The very great advantages for the study of zoology in Ithaca were 
immediately recognized, and from the first, every effort has been made 
to collect and investigate the local fauna. As the years have passed 
and the fauna been more carefully studied, the advantages of the situa- 
tion, with lakes at once isolated and yet with remote connections 
through the Oswego River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River 
with the ocean, has been fully appreciated. Furthermore, in the gigan- 
tic experiment due to the glacial epoch, and the restocking of the lakes 
and streams with aquatic life, there was promise of most interesting 
and far-reaching conclusions, to be attained b}' a profound study of the 



604 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

forms here presented. Believing- in this great opportunity the fauna, 
especially that of the lake (Cayuga), has been the subject of the most 
extended and enthusiastic study on the part of both students and 
teachers. As all advanced and most graduating theses are based upon 
original observations and deductions, the various members of the lake 
fauna have served for subjects of theses. Many of the theses have 
been of great excellence, not only serving to initiate their writers into 
the modes of conducting and carefully reporting the results of investi- 
gation, but many of them have brought out almost unhoped for facts 
and important generalizations. Among the members of the lake fauna 
the lamprey, the lowest fresh water vertebrate, and the necturus, one of 
the salamanders with permanent gills, was early recognized as espe- 
cially desirable for study and with promise of valuable results. The 
necturus has therefore largely taken the place of the more specialized 
frog as a representative amphibian and vertebrate. The advantages of 
the necturus have been clearly pointed out by Professor Wilder, so that 
now it is a common object of study in many universities, and although 
it is found in, other waters of the country, most of those studied are 
obtained from Cayuga Lake. The same animal presents unusual ad- 
vantages for microscopical instruction and research. Its histologic 
elements or tissues are so coarse that the}" are easil}" studied. Indeed 
its blood cerpuscles are so large that the}'' may be seen with the un- 
aided eye. Probabl}" no other animal shows so well the circulation of 
the blood. The external gills are so vascular, and so easily observed 
under the microscope that its stud}^ has become a part of both general 
and special students. Probably no other animal has done more to 
arouse interest in physiolog}- and to cultivate an appreciation of the 
marvelous- and beautiful things in nature, if we only look beyond an 
exterior sometimes unattractive. The lamprey eel has replaced the 
ordinary fish as an object of study in the general classes in zoology, 
and has served also for some extended observations; the investigations 
have not only added to knowledge concerning the species and the 
group, but have led to general conclusions of great value concerning 
the possibilities of evolution. 

As an introduction ,to human, comparative, and veterinary anatomy 
and physiology, the domestic cat has been employed for dissection, for 
museum specimens and for experimentation About 400 of these are 
now consumed annuall}^ 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 605 

It is one of the doctrines of the departtnent that the members of the 
class in zoology shall be able to observe the natural behavior of the ob- 
jects of their study. Hence, in addition to what may be called the 
"stock series" of representative forms — cats, frogs, necturi and other 
salamanders, alligators, turtles, serpents, amias and lampreys — less 
common animals have been kept alive in cages or aquariums, freely ac- 
cessible to the students and the public. Among the forms thus avail- 
able for quiet observation, may be mentioned a pair of deer with their 
fawn, two bears, several monkeys, raccoons, lynxes and opossums — 
some of the latter with young in the pouch — an armadillo, porcupines, 
woodchucks, muskrats, bats, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, eagles, hawks, 
owls, herons, loons, lizards, Gila monsters, "horned frogs," a megalo- 
batrachus (the great salamander of Japan), cryptobranchus, garpikes, 
and many kinds of fish from the lake and streams. The general and 
deep interest aroused by living animals, and the usefulness of their 
study, lead to the hope that a zoological garden maj'- sometime be es- 
tablished, either b}^ the city or by the university. 

For several years after the opening of the university, the animals for 
demonstration and dissection were obtained as needed, and kept but a 
short time before the}^ were used. This rather primitive method be- 
came impracticable, however, as soon as the number of advanced and 
laboratorj" students increased. To avoid the dela}^ occasioned by going 
out to secure an animal when it was required, and to render the work 
more prompt and satisfactory, there was prepared what is known in the 
department as the "frog spring." At a short distance from the uni- 
versity is a series of springs along the margin of Fall creek. One of 
these was carefully dug out and supplied with a bottom and walls of 
Portland cement. Into this aquarium the water from a spring fi.owed, 
the outlet being diagonally opposite. A partition of wire separated it 
into two rooms, and a heavy oak cover with locks enclosed it from 
above, so that the animals in it would not be disturbed by predacious 
creatures like the mink, or the ordinar}^ biped bent on mischief. In 
this spring, the winter supply of frogs, a stock of necturi, and other 
aquatic animals are kept, and specimens are obtained as desired. This 
spring has proved one of the most truly economical acquisitions of the 
department. 

For storing the barrels of alcohol and other inflammables, and as a 
home for the cats and other of the higher animals used for dissection and 
demonstration, a deserted workman's cottage was first utilized, not far 



606 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

from the laboratory. When this was removed to give place to Lincoln 
Hall, a special building was put in the forest back of Sibley College. 
This building served, like the old one, for the live cats and other mammals 
used for dissection, and for the storage of alcohol, petroleum and rough 
specimens. In June, 1892, the building with its contents (including 
the bones of an elephant) were destroyed by fire, and its various uses 
are now better subserved by separate rooms in the basement of McGraw 
Hall. 

A special fire-proof room has been prepared in the basement labora- 
tory for the incubator used in the courses in histology and embryology. 
This instrument, which must run night and day, is not therefore a 
source of danger, for it is so connected with a flue that if the entire 
contents of the room were to burn up no injury to the building would 
result. 

One of the most vexed questions arising in every newly established 
laboratory is the disposal of the laboratory waste. In 1893 a "Gregory 
furnace " was obtained, and the waste is now consumed b}" fire without 
ofi:ence. 

The' ideas upon which the vertebrate collections have been formed 
and arranged, are thus described in an article in Science : 

The exhibition cases should contain onl}^ specimens which can instruct or interest 
the visitor. Not only should the facts be displayed, but fundamental principles 
should be illustrated. There should not only be special series of embrj'-os, brains, 
hearts, etc. , but such preparations should be associated, to a certain extent, with the 
animals to which they belong. Preparations illustrating important facts should retain 
so much of the entire animal as may facilitate recognition and association ; when this 
is inconvenient, the preparation may be accompanied by a figure of the animal. 
When the relative rank of several forms is well determined, the lower or more 
generalized should be placed below or at the left, and the higher or more specialized 
above or at the right. 

Of natural series, the most conspicuous and complete should be the vertebrate 
branch synopsis: this should embrace, within a space easil}^ covered by the eye, one 
stuffed example or model of a species representing each vertebrate class, together 
with four preparations exhibiting the vertebrate type of structure ; viz. , a transection 
of the whole body ; a hemisection of the whole body ; a complete vertebral segment ; 
a hemisected skeleton showing the variation in size of the neural and haemal cavities. 
So far as possible, these preparations -should be made from members of different 
orders of the class, and be accompanied by outline diagrams and explanations. 

Each class, but first and especially the mammalian, should have its own special 
synoptic series, embracing one or more entire examples of each order, and prepara- 
tions illustrating the characters of the class. 

Among special series other than systematic, are analogous forms and structures 
which are sometimes mistaken for one another, but more readity discriminated when 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 607 

brought together. Such .series are the rostrated animals, spinous forms, and those 
who have parachutes. Physiological series would contain the hibernating animals, 
those which are blind or nearly so, and such as are provided with scent-glands, 
tu-sks, and all poisonous vertebrates. 

A local collection should embrace all the animals of the vicinity, and will benefit 
the student, both as an example for him to follow or improve upon, and as exempli- 
fying the laws of geographical distribution and the influence of environment. The 
local collection need not contain anatomical preparations, but should exhibit both 
sexes, and all stages of growth of each species, — its mode of life, friends and foes, — 
so as to interest also the children, farmers, fishermen, hunters, and other residents of 
the neighborhood. 

The sums available from the annual appropriations for the increase 
of the Museum have been very small. Through the efforts of President 
White, a single grant made it possible to secure many important speci- 
mens from Ward's Natural Science establishment at Rochester, but 
much is still needed to complete the series. 

With the exception of some mounted skins and skeletons, nearly all 
the specimens exhibited in the Museum have been prepared by mem- 
bers of the staff or their student assistants. Among the latter should 
be particularly mentioned Theobald Smith, F. L. Kilborne, B. L. 
Oviatt, E. H. Sargent, J. M. Wilson, Miss O. O. Strong, R. B. Hough 
and M. J. Roberts. Some of the preparations which they have made 
are not only instructive but elegant and even unique. 

Donations to the Museum have been numerous and often valuable. 
Besides constant remembrances from former students, there should be 
mentioned particularly the collection of 300 mounted birds, mostly from 
North x\merica, presented by the late Mr. Greene Smith, of Peterboro, 
in 1868, and a series of bows and weapons and implements of Anglo- 
vSaxons, Romans and Britons, presented in 1870 by the late Professor 
George Rolleston, of Oxford University. 

To render the educational value of the Museum as great as possible, 
it is intended that each specimen should be accompanied by a concise 
statement of the most, nnportant facts respecting it in particular and 
such specimens in general; and, if it is an anatomical preparation, also a 
figure or photograph bearing the names of the principal parts, and an 
enumeration of the points illustrated by it. 

It is one of the canons of the department that all of the work done 
by the student in investigation shall be accurately described; but as 
verbal descriptions alone are inadequate, careful drawings are required 
as an essential part of the description. Since 1874 photography has 
been very largely employed in the exact delineation of complex objects. 



608 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

It was early seen, however, that in order to render photography appli- 
cable to the reproduction of figures of the great variety of objects 
studied, it would be necessary to devise some means by which the 
specimens could rest in the position most natural and least liable to 
injury; sometimes in a liquid to support delicate parts and prevent 
their collapse. Hence a vertical camera was devised by the associate 
professor. In photographing with this, the object rests horizontally, 
and the camera points directly downward. With this camera hundreds 
of pictures of the most varied objects have been made; many of which 
have served as the basis for drawings to illustrate special investigations; 
and some, of entire animals photographed in the water, have served for 
half tone and photogravure reproduction. Rare animals or specimens 
ai-e photographed upon their receipt by the departme-nt, before dissec- 
tion, and frequently during various stages of dissection. Fresh fishes 
and other aquatic animals are photographed under w^ater, either immedi- 
ately after death or while etherized. In this way the fins and other 
flexible parts float out in their natural condition and a most truthful 
picture of the animal results. 

Beside the ordinary photographic cameras and objectives, the depart- 
ment possesses a very complete and perfect outfit for photo-micrography. 
Indeed it may be said that the scientific work of the department and 
its publication have been greatly advanced and encouraged by the 
above photographic facilities. ^ 

Among the special features which have been introduced as aids to 
study are the card catalogues, containing names and descriptions of the 
various objects preserved, a book catalogue, the slip system of notes 
and photographs of objects studied, which are inserted in portfolios or 
mounted. 

Alinjection designates the method of preparing and preserving ani- 
mals or their parts, and especially hollow organs, by the injection of 
the preparation into the arteries or the carotids. The transmission of 
preservative liquids to the tissues by a constant pressure-apparatus 
connected with the vessels by which blood reached the parts during 
life, is really so simple, as well as effectual, that it is hard to account 
for its comparatively infrequent adoption. Without previous acquain- 
tance with what had been done by others. Dr. Wilder began, with the 

1 For the figures and description of the vertical camera and its application to the 
reproduction of natural history figures see Science, vol. Ill, page 443, and the 
" Microscope and Microscopical Methods," fifth edition, page 146. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 609 

co-operation of Professor S. H. Gage, on October 7, 1883, upon the 
body of a young" chimpanzee, an alinjection of the entire boch^ which 
was prolonged for ten days, and was completely successful. In No- 
vember, 1885, a manatee, 150 ctm. long, was prepared in like manner; 
all the cats used by the general class in physiology are alinjected and 
packed away till wanted; still-born children are commonly so pre- 
served, and all anatomical material in medical dissecting rooms ma}^ be 
thus rendered innocuous, free from unpleasant odor and fit for pro- 
longed and thorough examination. 

This method of preservation, for the more satisfactory display and 
study of hollow organs like the heart, is believed to be one of the most 
valuable methods introduced by the department. By its means, the 
heart of the sheep, used by the general class in the laboratory work or 
" practicums," becomes almost as easy of dissection and of compre- 
hension as the elaborate and costly papier mache models. This method 
of preparing the eyes used for class dissection has alsa been of the 
greatest service; for the study of the cavities of the brain, its value can- 
not be overestimated. 

Since 1880 the members of the department have united in an effort 
to improve the terminology of anatomy in two ways : First, as to the 
terms of position and direction ; to employ such as relate to the organ- 
ism itself and are applicable to all the vertebrates, e. g. , dorsal and 
ventral for posterior and anterior, or upper and lower. Second, to re- 
place the names consisting of two or more words by names of one 
word, c. g., corpus callosum by callosum; commissura anterior by 
precommissura. The objects attained by the change are brevity; ca- 
pacity for adjective inflection, and substantial uniformity in all lan- 
guages, since the Latin original can be adopted with unessential changes 
to modern languages. 

What effect the precept and example of this department may have 
exerted, cannot now be estimated, but progress is making steadily 
along these lines irrespective of the general adoption of any special set 
of terms. Much of the success of the instruction has been due to the 
habit of consistently employing only one series of names in a given 
lecture, article, or book. 

The head of the department is in the habit of urging his students to 
strive in composition for clearness^ consistency^ correctness^ conciseness^ 
and completeness. These he calls his five C's. 



610 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

In all the courses, general as well as special, in the laboratory work 
and in publication, .weights, lengths and volumes are stated in the 
metric system, although the comtnoa equivalents are sometimes added. 

The lectures in physiology have been illustrated by experiments 
mostly upon the cat and frog. But the charge of cruelty cannot be 
mantained against the department. 

Although our subject is the physiology of man, yet — because most of the organs 
are out of sight and experimentation upon human beings is limited — the bulk of ac- 
curate physiological knowledge has been gained from animals and must be illus- 
trated therefrom. 

All the experiments in this course are (and always have been) performed upon ani- 
mals just killed or completely anesthetized; the utmost pain inflicted is in killing a 
frog by "pithing" with a sharp knife, and this is approved as a humane method of 
slaughtering animals for food. The writer holds that nothing more is warranted in 
the way of illustrative experiment ; his proposition that the two kinds of vivisection 
should be verbally distinguished as se^itisection aud callisection (the latter from the 
Latin callus, insensitive) was published in Nature at the request of the late Charles 
Darwin. 

No lecture in the department has ever been given without specimens 
or models, and sometimes as many as forty different specimens are 
brought from the museum or laboratories to illustrate a single lecture. 
When practicable they remain for more leisurely examination by the 
class. 

Each class, vs^hether general or special, is invited to regard the lec- 
ture room as its "study" for the term, and there is unrestricted ac- 
cess to the specimens, books and diagrams. 

The museum now contains more well prepared human cerebrums 
than any other institution in this country. The objects of the collec- 
tion are set forth in the following paragraph from an article by Profes- 
sor Wilder : 

The Need of Particular Brains. — From the physiological and psychological 
standpoint it is clearly desirable to .study the cerebrums of persons whose mental or 
physical powers were marked and well known. The present condition of things is 
illogical and unprofitable. We scrutinize and record the characters and attainments 
of public men, clergymen and friends, whose brains are unobtainable. We study 
the brains of paupers, insane and criminals, whose characters are unknown, or, per- 
haps, not worth knowing. 

Another aspect of the matter is the need of a fissural standard, based upon the 
careful comparison of large numbers of average, intelligent, educated, and moral in- 
dividuals, excluding the eminent as well as the immoral, the ignorant and the insane. 

It must be borne in mind that the fissural pattern of the average, intelligent, edu- 
cated, and moral human being is undetermined. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. (jll 

When the university opened and for several years afterward, all of 
the instruction was given by the head of the department. After a 
lecture to a large class of freshmen, he gave special instruction in the 
laboratory, thus passing from the simplest facts in anatomy and physiology 
to a discussion of the profotmdest problems in transcendental anatom}^ 
As there were inany things to be done, like arranging diagrams, and 
putting away specimens, etc., and students with limited means were 
anxious to do something to aid in their support, there arose the custom 
of having student assistants. The number of students employed to 
render assistance of various kinds in the anatomical department has 
been, from first to last, quite large, and many have been enabled to com- 
plete their university course by the inoney thus earned. But while this 
compensation was important, the inspiration gained by the students 
froin the intiinate association into which they were brought with the 
head and other teachers of the department, was of greater value. This 
association was at once pleasant and stimulating. No student assistant 
was ever asked or expected to render any service that the teacher him- 
self was afraid or ashamed to undertake, consequently a dignity was 
given to the work of the department, often disagreeable in itself, and 
the assistants only needed to know what was desired in order to 
accomplish it. The intimate knowledge and manipulative skill gained 
b}^ this co-operation were regarded by more than one of those assistants 
as an ample recompense, even if no money had been received. Among 
those who thus rendered help in the anatomical department, one is now 
a full professor, one an associate-professor, and two, instructors in the 
university; one, at the time of his death, was a distinguished professor 
and orthopedic surgeon ; and one holds an important position under the 
government and is one of the highest authorities in bacteriology and 
patholog}' in America; one is director of a government experiment 
station ; one has a responsible position in the United States Geological 
Surve)^ ; one as agent of the State Board of Health is endeavoring to 
stamp tuberculosis out of the dairy herds of New York; others are 
physicians and teachers in various parts of the countr3^ They all look 
back to the experience and inspiration gained in their assistant days as 
among the most powerful factors of their lives. 

Early in the year 1893-4, a series of weekly conferences was begun, 
in which Professor Gage also participated, at which recent observations 
or conclusions of the speakers or other neurologists were presented and 
discussed. 



613 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The actual work of the department has always been in advance of the 
facilities offered. If the only room was a poorly lighted basement or 
the triangular space under the rising lecture seats, the most advanced 
work was alwaj^s in progress, such as gave the students the real and 
living knowledge that would enable them to do their part in life 
honorably and to be in the front rank. When apparatus or books were 
not furnished by the universit5% the teachers supplied the need at their 
own expense. 

The methods of work, and the subjects for special stud}^ in biolog}" 
have changed greatly since the opening of the universit}^ and an 
honorable part has been taken by this department in bringing about 
these changes. As stated above, one of the features of the instruction 
has been a combination of laboratory practice and lectures for all 
students doing special work in the department; from the beginning the 
general courses in phj^siology and zoology have been abundantly illus- 
trated by lecture room experiments, and the exhibition of specimens as 
well as by special demonstrations; but so fully was the head of the 
department convinced of the necessity of personal contact of the student 
with specimens, that he conceived the plan, and took the bold step of 
making practical work a constituent part of the general lecture courses, 
so that, even with classes numbering nearly 200, a third of the time is 
given to the "practicums. " This began in 1880-81 in zoology, and 
in 1886-87 in physiolog}^ When this was publicly announced at a 
meeting of the American Society of Naturalists in 1883, it seemed like 
a hazardous innovation, but time and experience have shown the wisdom 
of the step, and also that the large majority of general students appre. 
ciate real knowledge and are willing to undergo the slight inconvenience 
of attaining it. For the general classes, the material to be studied — 
cats, sheep-hearts, brains and eyes, etc., — are preserved in alcohol and 
prepared so that the minimum of dissection is required of the student. 
That minimum, however, is considerable, and its accomplishment in 
the time available is onl)'- possible b}" the aid of printed directions, 
and of assistants, mostly advanced students, who stand ready to explain 
difficult points. 

Whenever it is deemed desirable to introduce new subjects into the 
curriculum, the head of the department, with indefatigable zeal and 
energy took the work upon his own already overburdened shoulders or 
encouraged some of his assistants to undertake it. Thus the special 
lecture and laborator}' courses in anatomical methods, microscopy, em- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 613 

bryology, general histology and the special histology of the nervous 
system have arisen. The equipment of those courses was at first ver}^ 
inadeqtiate, but earnestness and enthusiasm, while they could not take 
the place of proper appliances, still made the courses eminently suc- 
cessful and inspiring both to students and teachers. Every step in ad- 
vance so thoroughly proved its wisdom that material equipment was 
soon provided, until now it is so complete for the above courses that 
no student, graduate or undergraduate, is hampered for the want of 
opportunity, and his attaimnents are limited only by his own ability. 

In the work of the department, as to both research and instruction, 
while accuracy of observation, description and delineation have been 
insisted upon, the mere accumulation, publication and communication 
of isolated facts has never been sou'ght ; the effort has been rather to 
co-ordinate and corelate the facts and to determine their bearing upon 
general or special questions in morphology, oteology or classification. 

Several hundred graduates of this and other universities have worked 
in the laboratories of this department. 

The head of the department has published numerous papers in scien- 
tific perodicals ; eight articles or parts as colaborator in Foster's En- 
cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Buck's Reference Handbook of the 
Medical Sciences; also Anatomical Technology, as senior author with 
Professor Gage; What Young People Should Know; Health Notes for 
Students; Emergencies: How to Meet Them; and Physiology and 
Practicums. Besides the publications recorded above. Professor Wilder 
has written many articles on natural history subjects for Harper's 
Magazine, Atlantic Monthl}^, Galaxy, Our Young Folks, The New 
York Tribune, etc. He has also written critical reviews of many scien- 
tific works for The Nation and for scientific periodicals. 

The results of the scientific activity of Associate Prof essor Gage, B. S. 
(Cornell, 1877) are embodied in about fifty papers published in scien- 
tific journals and in the proceedings of learned societies; eight articles 
or parts contributed as colaborator in Foster's Encyclopedic Medical 
Dictionary, Buck's Reference Hand-book of the Medical Sciences, 
Johnson's C3'clopedia and the Wilder Quarter-Century Book; and in 
three books. The Anatomical Technology, as junior author with Pro- 
fessor Wilder, Vertebrate Histology, and The Microscope and Micro- 
scopical Methods. The first book has reached a third edition, the sec- 
ond a second and the third a fifth edition. 



614 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY.. 

The instructor in anatomy, microscopy and embryology, Dr. G. S. 
Hopkins, Cornell B. S., 1889 D. Sc. 1893, has published four scientific 
papers. 

The instructor in physiology, vertebrate zoology and neurology, P. 
A. Fish, Cornell B. S. 1890, D. Sc. 1894, has published five ■scientific 
papers and contributed an article on histological formulae to the sup- 
plemental volume of Buck's Reference Hand-book of the Medical 
Sciences. 

The publications of the members of the departmental staff embody 
the results of original investigation in zoology, physiology and his- 
tology, or describe new methods devised in the laboratory. Many of 
these methods have found wide application elsewhere. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY. 

Although it was not till the fifteenth year of the active work of the 
university (the year 1882-83) that a full professorship was assigned to 
this department, the establishment of a department of entomology 
was part of the original plan of organization of the university. In 
the first general announcement of the university there is given a list 
of seventeen professors that had been elected, and the titles of nine 
others that were to be elected at an early date. In the latter list the 
title Professor of Economic Entomology and Lecturer on Insects In- 
jurious to Vegetation appeared. 

This long period between the opening of the university and the es- 
tablishment of a full professorship of entomology was not, however, a 
period of inactivity in entomological work. A limited amount of in- 
struction in this subject was given each year from the first, and the 
starting of an entomological collection was begun. Dr. B. G. Wilder, 
the professor of comparative anatomy and natural histor}^, had given 
considerable attention to the study of insects, and had made what was 
considered at that time a large collection. He was able, therefore, to 
give in his course on zoology a fuller treatment of insects than was 
usual in courses of this kind. The gift of his collection of insects con- 
stituted the beginning of an entomological museum. The increase of 
this collection by additions made by students began at once. The most 
important of these additions during the first two years was a collection 
illustrating the transformations of the larger moths, which was made 
by Mr. W. D. Scott, who was then a special student in zoology. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 615 

At the beginning- of the third year of the university, Mr. J. H. Com: 
stock, then a freshman in the course in natural history, was appointed 
laboratory assistant to Professor Wilder. The very first task that was 
assigned to the young assistant was the arrangement in systematic or- 
der of the collection of insects and other invertebrates that had accumu- 
lated during the preceding two years on the shelves of the laboratory. 
Very soon after this the entire charge of this part of the collection was 
placed in his hands by Dr. Wilder. Thus the growth of his personal 
interest in this part of the work of the university began, a part, the 
development of which has been associated with his life. 

Mr. Comstock has been so intimately associated with the entomolog- 
ical work of the university that the following bit of personal history is 
not out of place in the history of the department: While preparing 
for college, Mr. Comstock became greatly interested in the study of in- 
sects, and determined that he would, if possible, devote his life to this 
study. The statement in the first general announcement of the univer- 
sity that a professor on entomology was soon to be elected, led him to 
come to Cornell, in order that he might study with this professor. 
Thus the opportunity to follow his chosen specialty came to him in due 
time in a very unexpected way. It came much earlier than would 
have otherwise been possible, but for the policy of the senior professor 
of zoology of encouraging his assistants, and stimulating their devel- 
opment, by placing large responsibilities upon them. 

During the fourth year of the university (1872-7o) thirteen students 
in the courses in agriculture and natural history petitioned the faculty 
of the university to allow Mr. Comstock to give a course of lectures on 
insects injurious to vegetation. This petition, having the approval of 
Professor Wilder, was granted, and a course of lectures extending 
through the spring term of that year was delivered. This was the 
first course devoted entirely to entomology that was given in this uni- 
versit}^ 

At the close of this year an arrangement was made by which Mr. 
Comstock spent the summer in study with Doctor Hagen at the Mu- 
seum of Comparative Zoology of Harvard College. This short period 
of study had an important influence in the development of the depart- 
ment of entomology, which was soon afterward established at Cornell. 
Not only did Doctor Hagen give daily lectures to his single student, 
but the great entomological collections of that museum were thrown 
open to him for unrestricted use. In this way he was able to gain a 



616 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

knowledge of museum methods, and of systematic entomology, that 
was of "great importance to his future work. The undetermined 
species in the Cornell collection at this time were taken to Cambridge 
and classified by comparison with the collections there, and in the mu- 
seum of the Boston Society of Natural History. 

In the fall term of the following year (October, 1872,) a course of 
twelve lectures on economic entomology was given by Mr. C. V. Riley, 
then State Entomologist of Missouri; and in the spring term of the 
same college year (May 2, 1873,) provision was made for continuous 
instruction in this subject, by the appointment of Mr. Comstock as in- 
structor in entomology. A separate entomological laboratory was at 
once established in one of the upper rooms of the tower of McGraw 
Hall, the room adjoining the upper gallery of the museum ; and thus a 
modest beginning of a distinct department of entomology was made. 

Within a month after the establishment of the departinent, it re- 
ceived from Mr. H. H. Smith the gift of his collection of insects, a 
collection which represented about two years of field work on the part 
of this unrivalled collector. The specimens were mostly unclassified. 
But they were immediately placed in the hands of specialists for deter- 
mination, and soon became available for the use of the department. 
The collection was especially rich in hymenoptera and diptera; and as 
the former were determined by Mr. E. Cresson, and the latter by Baron 
Osten-Sacken, they became exceedingly valuable. 

The growth of the department for a considerable period was neces- 
sarily slow. The instructor, being still an undergraduate student, 
could give only a part of his time to it, and the funds at the disposal of 
the department did not admit of the purchase of any specimens, and 
of but few books. But so hearty was the sympathy and encouragement 
extended to the young instructor by President White, Professor Wilder, 
and other members of the faculty, that the lack of time, of specimens, 
and of books, was hardly considered. Another source of great en- 
couragement in those days of small beginnings was the attitude of the 
students. If any of them appreciated the crudeness of the facilities 
offered, they did not express it by word or look, but each did his part to 
make the work as successful as- possible. 

In the summer of 1875 plans were made for an extension of the de- 
partment of entomology by transferring to it the work in invertebrate 
zoology. In anticipation of this change, a leave of absence was granted 
to instructor Comstock, in order that he might spend a part of the fol- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 617 

lowinjy year in study with Professor Verill at Yale Colleo-e. This he 
did, returning in time to give his lectures on entomology in the spring- 
term. 

The proposed extension of the department was made in the fall of 
1876 by the promotion of Instructor Comstock to the rank of assistant 
professor, with the title assistant professor of entomology and inverte- 
brate zoology. 

The wording of this title indicates the direction in which it was 
determined that the growth of the department should proceed. Although 
instruction was to be offered in the general subject of invertebrate 
zoology, the department was to remain essentially entomological. This 
was in accordance with the plan of organization of the university, by 
which subjects relating to agriculture were to receive especial attention. 

In carrying out this plan, however, the constant aim of the instructor 
has been to give the students thorough training in the science of ento- 
mology. It has seemed wiser to enable the students to lay a broad 
foundation for their entomological studies b}^ giving them a thorough 
knowledge of the structure and development of insects injurious to 
agriculture. At the same time, great pains have been taken to present 
in lectures and field work the applications of the science. This has 
been largely accomplished by selecting, for purposes of illustration, 
those species that are of economic importance. 

In addition to the desire to strengthen the work of the College of 
Agriculture there has been another important factor in determining the 
direction of the growth of the department of entomology. Owing to 
the difficulty of studying marine animals at any place remote from a 
sea coast, and to the exceptionally good facilities for the study of insects 
at this university, it has been felt that the best interests of science 
would be subserved by concentrating our advanced work on insects, 
and frankly advising those students that wish to make a special study 
of marine forms to go to some university situated near the sea. It 
has seemed better to lead in one specialty than to hold a mediocre place 
in the whole field. An opportunity is offered the student to lay a broad 
foundation for zoological studies by lectures covering in a general way 
the field of invertebrate zoology, and by a study in the laboratory of a 
wide series of typical forms, illustrating the more important groups of 
invertebrates. These two courses, taken in connection with similar 
courses offered by the Department of Physiology and Vertebrate 
Zoology afford the instruction needed in zoology by students in the 
78 



618 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

general courses, and serve as an introduction to the more advanced 
work of those who wish to make a special study of zoology. Such 
students can then continue their study of insects or of vertebrates at 
this university or can take up the special study of marine forms at some 
of the seaside laboratories. 

The summer of 1878 Assistant Professor Comstock spent in the 
Southern States, as a special agent of the U. S. Department of Agri- 
culture, making a study of the insects injurious to cotton. The results 
of these studies formed the basis of an exhaustive report published by 
the government in 1880. 

In the spring of 1879 Mr. Comstock was called to the position of 
entomologist of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Appreciating 
the value of the experience to' be gained in this position, and at the 
same time being unwilling to sever permanently his connection with 
Cornell University, he requested and obtained a leave of absence from 
the university for two years. 

During his absence the work of this department was carried on by 
Assistant Professor William Stebbins Barnard. Dr. Barnard was a 
graduate of Cornell of the class of 1871 and had taken the degree of 
Ph. D. at Jena in 1873. He had served as lecturer on Protozoa at the 
Anderson school at Penikeese in 1874, and had resigned the position 
of professor of natural science at Oskaloosa College, in order to accept 
the position at Cornell. 

During Dr. Barnard's administration of the department he made 
important contributions to our knowledge of the habits of certain 
insects. The most notable of these was his account of the habits of 
the pear psylla, which was published in the proceedings of the Amer- 
ican Association for the Advancement of vScience for 1870. In this 
paper he pointed out the serious nature of this pest, which ten years 
later destroyed many of the pear orchards of this State, and was the 
subject of an exhaustive investigation, conducted by this department 
in 1891 and 1892. 

Immediately after the return of Mr. Comstock, at the expiration of 
his leave of absence in 1881; the laboratory was moved from its limited 
quarters in McGraw Hall to its present home in 'White Hall. 

During the year 1881-2, much time was given to the completion of 
certain investigations begun in Washington but still incomplete. 
Financial aid was furnished by the government, including the salary of 
an assistant, Mr. Henry Ward Turner. The results of these investiga- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 619 

tions were published, partly in the Annual Report of the U. S. Depart- 
ment of Ag-riculture for 1881, and partl}^ by the university in the 
Second Report of the Cornell University Experiment Station (1883). 

At the close of the year; 1881-2, Mr. Comstock's connection with the 
government work ceased; and early in the following year he was pro- 
moted to a full professorship. This promotion placed the Department 
of Entomology on a footing co-ordinate with the other departments of 
bhe university. 

On the completion, at the close of the preceding year, of the investi- 
gations for the U. S. Government, Professor Comstock began a task 
which he had long had in mind, the preparation of a text book of ento- 
mology. The need of a suitable text-book had greatly hampered the 
work of instruction; and it seemed clear that the most important thing 
to be done for the advancement of the department was the preparation 
of such a work. As American entomology is still in its infancy, it is 
impossible to compile a satisfactory text book; its preparation must 
necessarily be to a great extent original work, based on the study of 
specimens. 

Although the entomological collection had become of considerable 
size, it was still inadequate for the purpose. Fortunately the financial 
condition of the university at this time was such that appropriations 
could be made for the purchase of specimens; and there began a sys- 
tematic filling up of the more important gaps in the collection, which 
has been continued to the present time; so that now, with the excep- 
tion of the great collections of insects at Cambridge, Philadelphia and 
Washington, ours is one of the most important in the United States. 

At the same time that the increase of the entomological collection by 
purchase began, important additions were made to the illustrative 
material in other departments of invertebrate zoology. Among these 
additions was a complete set of the glass models of invertebrates made 
by Blaschka. 

During the growth of the entomological collections, much thought 
has been given to the methods of arranging and displaying specimens 
in the museum. This has resulted in the development of a new 
method of arranging them, which is known as the block system. This 
method allows the rearrangement of a collection with great facility, 
and the interpolation of new material at any desired point. 

The rapid growth of the collection rendered necessary the employ- 
ment of help in the laboratory, and in the fall of 1883 Mr. J. M. Sted- 



«2() LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

man was appointed laboratory assistant. In 1888 Mr. vStedman was 
succeeded by Mr. A. D. McGillivray, who still holds this position. 

On April 30, 1888, the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment 
vStation was established under the provisions of a national law known 
as the Hatch Act. At the organization of this station it was decided 
to give considerable attention to entomological investigations, and there 
resulted in consequence a considerable enlargement of the scope of the 
work of the entomological department of the university. 

In order that the new duties of the department might be carried on 
with the greatest facility, a building especially designed for the pur- 
pose of experimental entomology was planned and erected. This build- 
ing, the first of its kind, was named the Insectary, and has served as a 
model for similar buildings at several of the experiment stations in 
other States, and at the Department of Agriculture in Washington, 

The new duties connected with the establishment of the experi- 
mental work at the Insectary necessitated an interruption in the prep- 
aration of the text book of entomology, upon which Professor Com- 
stock had been engaged for six years. This work was about one-half 
written, and as its completion seemed indefinitely postponed b}^ these 
new duties, that part which was ready for the printer was published 
under the title. An Introduction to Entomology; Part First. 

The more striking features of this text book are the use of analytical 
keys, similar to those used in botany, by which a student can readily 
determine to what family any insect of which he has a specimen be- 
longs, and a large number of original wood engravings of insects, en- 
graved by Mrs. Comstock. 

Work on the concluding part of this text book was not entirely 
suspended, but for about three years, the greater part of the time that 
could be devoted to research was absorbed by the new duties at the 
Insectary. At the end of this period, the assistant entomologist, Mr. 
M. V. Slingerland, had acquired so much skill in investigations in ap- 
plied entomology, that it was no longer necessary for Professor Com- 
stock to do more than to exercise a general supervision of the work at 
the Insectary, and he was able to devote the greater part of his time, 
not required for teaching, to work on the text book. 

The carrying out of the plan upon which the Introduction to Ento- 
mology is based has proved a much greater undertaking than was 
expected. And as the need of a completed text book is very pressing, 
work on the Introduction to Entomology was suspended in the spring 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 621 

of LS91, and a more elementary work, entitled First Lessons in the 
Study of Insects, has been prepared. This is now in press and as soon 
as it is published, work on the Introduction to Entomology will be re- 
sumed. 

The present is a period of great activity and rapid growth in this 
department. The laboratory is well filled with students, manj^ of 
whom are graduate students conducting original investigations. Pro- 
fessor Comstock has just finished a revision of the order lepidoptera on 
the lines indicated in his essay on Evolution and Taxonomy, published 
in the Wilder Quarter-Century Book. Mr. McGillivray is publishing a 
series of papers on the classification of the thysanura, and Mr. Slinger- 
land is publishing results of the highest practical importance in the 
bulletins of the experiment station. 



THE TECHNICAL DEPARTMENTS. 

XVI. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

The demand for scientific education in agriculture was the occasion 
of the establishment of these national schools of science. The vast 
wealth of this country is founded upon agriculture and the products of 
the soil. With the rise of great cities, the need of the more skillful 
culture of the land in their vicinity was felt. The development of horti- 
culture, and scientific market gardening became essential for the supply 
of the needs of the great centers of manufacturing- and commercial life. 
A second need, which was more widel}^ felt throughout the Eastern and 
Central Middle States, was the decline in the value of farm lands and 
products, caused by the gradual removal of large numbers of the farm- 
ing population to the broad and fertile prairies of the West, where land 
was cheap and abundant harvests were obtained with less labor. Un- 
scientific farming had been the rule throughout the early history of the 
country. Thrift, energy and industry always existed, but as there 
was no science of chemistry, and botany was bat an empirical rec- 
reation, the scientific cultivation of the soil was impossible. To re- 
store prosperit)^ to the great agricultural domains of the East, which 



622 LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

had supported for two hundred years the population of the vState, and 
to repah- the need which the soil, once fertile, could no longer supply, 
to attract and retain the citizens of the East in their old homes and 
thus prevent the transfer of agricultural prosperity from its center to 
the West, was the subject of earnest thought of many of the wisest men 
of the time. 

Such considerations as these had profoundly impressed the author of 
the National Land Grant Act. Prosperity was dependent not merely 
upon industry but upon intelligent industry, and for thirty years the 
demand for agricultural education found expression in the discussions 
in village lyceums, in conferences of farmers, in resolutions and mem- 
orials of agricultural societies, and in reports of legislative committees. 
The Legislature of Illinois as early as 1854 passed resolutions calling 
upon Congress to establish an Industrial University. One of the 
earliest duties of the governing board of this university was to make 
provision to fulfill the obligations of the National Land Grant. Con- 
ferences were held with the leading educators of the State and with the 
officers of the State Agricultural wSociety. One of the two professors 
first chosen was a professor of agricultural chemistry, but no professor 
of scientific and practical agriculture was appointed. There was a farm 
consisting of the land presented by Mr. Cornell, not reserved for a 
cainpus, upon which stood a small farm house, situated near the 
eastern extension of Sibley College, and several blackened barns. At 
ths ineeting of the trustees of Februarj' 13, 1868, Joseph Harris, a 
gentleman widely known as the editor of a popular agricultural paper, 
who had some personal acquaintance with foreign agriculture, was 
appointed to the professorship of agriculture. He never entered, 
however, upon the duties of his position. Soon after the opening of 
the second term on February 18, 1869, Lewis Spaulding was appointed 
assistant-professor of agriculture and farm director. It was evident, 
that the entire organization of this department was inchoate, and the 
first specific instruction was elementary in character, and confined to 
the observation of farm work. Two prominent agriculturists were 
early appointed as lecturers in the university, Mr. John Stanton Gould, 
on June 30, 1869, who had been president of the State Agricultural 
Society and was actively interested in promoting the agricultural 
welfare of the State. This noble Friend was a man of great practical 
wisdoin, and of large infiuence in the denomination with which he was 
connected, whose life had been devoted to the amelioration of the con- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 



623 



dition of the suffering and criminal classes in the community. He 
delivered for several years two courses of lectures, one upon general 
ao-riculture and another upon mechanics as applied to agriculture. All 
wlio knew this man, so grand in every quality of his bemg, will rejoice 
in the memory of his association in those early years. Governor 
Frederick Holbrook, of Vermont, had been appointed a lecturer on one 
portion of the field covered by Mr. Gould, that of mechanics as applied 
to agriculture, but had never performed any duties. The trustees at this 
time interpreted the law of Congress as requiring all students m the 
university to receive certain instruction in agriculture. It was even 
provided that no students should receive a diploma, who had not 
attended lectures upon general agriculture. This compulsory baptism 
of unwilling literary recipients with agricultural knowledge, afforded a 
subject of humorous and earnest protest during those early years. The 
law imposed no obligation that agriculture should be a part of the 
course of instruction of all students in these national schools, but only 
that provision should be made for instruction in agriculture and the 
mechanic arts. Roth Mr. Cornell and President White were dis- 
appointed at the failure of their efforts to secure an able scientist and 
teacher as professor of agriculture, during the first three years of the 
history of the university. The department had been equipped with 
professorships of agricultural chemistry, of veterinary medicine and 
surgery, of botany, horticulture and arboriculture. Three courses of 
studv were, however, arranged, a thorough and systematic course of 
four' years leading to the degree of bachelor of science, and two 
abridged courses, one of three and the other of two years comprising 
most ''of the instruction immediately relating to agriculture. These 
courses were designed to meet the need of students who were unable to 
complete a full course of study, and who desired to avail themselves of 
a certain amount of agricultural knowledge before returning to then- 
profession as farmers. The requisites for admission to these courses 
were low, as they were to all courses in the university. For admission 
to the freshman class in the full course, a good sound English education, 
including algebra to quadratics was required; but for admission to the 
abrido-ed courses an examination in elementary English was alone 
demanded. Facility was offered to special students to follow certam 
lines of work in the laboratories and gardens under the direction of the 
respective professors. On February 10, 1870, the Honorable George 
Geddes was elected professor of agriculture. He, too, had been promi- 



624 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

nent in the promotion of the agricultural interests in the State, but did 
not accept the position. There were, however, in various colleges 
scientific professors of agriculture, who had won distinction for their 
success in developing instruction in this field, but who were not avail- 
able. Those who had been nominated here were men rather of general 
interest in agriculture, than of special scientific attainments. 

Mr. Louis Spaulding remained in connection with the agricultural 
department but one year. At the end of that time a practical farmer 
was made director of the university farm, and the professorship of 
agriculture remained vacant for a year, when, on June 28, 1871, Henry 
H. McCandless was appointed professor of agriculture. Mr. McCandless 
had been connected with an agricultural school at Glasnevin in Ireland. 
Mr. McCandless had directed the farm, or been foreman or super- 
intendent of some portion of the agricultural interests of that institution, 
but was unfamiliar with the demands of American agriculture. During 
his period of service the south barn was erected, whose architecture has 
been the subject of amusing comment ever since. In 1873, Professor 
Isaac P. Roberts of the Iowa Agricultural College was appointed 
assistant-professor of agriculture. From this time, the proper devel- 
opment of the department and the scientific direction of the farm date. 
The farm was no longer cultivated simply for the production of crops, 
but to test certain important principles. Soon after his appointment 
an appropriation of one thousand dollars was made to fit up the agri- 
cultural museum. Certain illustrative material had previously been 
ordered by President White, among them the Rau models, a series of 
one hundred and eighty-seven models of plows illustrating the history, 
development and varied use of the plow in different ages, also a collec- 
tion of cereal grains, a duplicate of the royal collection in Edinburgh 
which had been presented by the British government. 

The subjects for which provision was made in the early history of 
the department were, first, the chemistry of agriculture, including the 
constituents and chemical agencies of the atmosphere and water, and 
the composition of manures. 

The lectures and exercises now embraced in this course comprise the 
following subjects: 1. The chemistry of agriculture, including the 
constituents and chemical agencies of the atmosphere and of water, 
and the composition of manures. 2. The geology of argriculture, in- 
cluding the formation of soils, their chemical, physical, and economic 
character; their suitability to different kinds of crops, and the princi- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 625 

pal geological features of the various portions of the United States as 
affecting the soils and productions. 3. The physics of agriculture, in- 
cluding meteorology, or the laws of climate, and of light and heat, as 
influencing plant life. 4. The mechanics of agriculture, and their ap- 
plication tQ the various descriptions of implements and labor required 
on the farm. 5. The botany of agriculture, including structural bot- 
any, vegetable physiology, vegetable pathology, and a knowledge of 
crops cultivated for food and for technical purposes. 6. The zoology 
of agriculture, including the habits, diseases and treatment of live 
stock ; the anatomy of the horse, the cow, the sheep, and other farm 
animals, and all branches of veterinary surgery and medicine, as well 
as a special consideration of insects injurious to vegetation. 7. The 
economics of agriculture, including the sequence of agricultural opera- 
tions, the economical division of labor, rearing, feeding and handling 
of domestic animals, the rotation of crops, the improvement of the 
soil by manuring, draining and liming, farm engineering and construc- 
tion, general agricultural policy, and the management of landed prop- 
erty. 

The graduates from the department of agriculture have taken a 
prominent part in like work in other institutions, notably the following: 

Wm. Arnon Henry, professor of agriculture in the University of 
Wisconsin, and director of the agricultural experiment station. 

Wm. R. Lazenby, professor of horticulture in the Ohio State Uni- 
versity. 

Joseph A. Holmes, State Geologist of North Carolina. 

Fred. L. Kilborne, director of the experiment stations for animal 
diseases in the United States department of agriculture. 

Clinton De AVitt Smith, professor of agriculture in the Michigan 
Agricultural College. 

Geo. C. Watson, assistant agriculturist in the Cornell University 
agricultural experiment station. 

Thos. L. Brunk, late professor of horticulture in the Maryland Agri- 
cultural College. 

Loren P. Smith, late professor of agriculture in the Iowa Agricul- 
tural College. 

Henry H. Wing, professor of animal industry and dairy husbandry 
m Cornell University. 

Joseph R. Chamberlain, late professor of agriculture in the Agricul- 
tural College of North Carolina, 

79 



626 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

In February, 1879, the Cornell University Experiment Station was 
organized for the purpose of promoting agriculture by scientific experi- 
mentation and investigation. A board of control was appointed, con- 
sisting of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University, with one 
representative each from the vState Agricultural Society, the State 
Grange, the State Dairymen's Association, the Western New York 
Farmer's Club, the Central New York Farmer's Club, the American In- 
stitute Farmer's Club, and the Ithaca Farmer's Club. Professor I. P. 
Roberts was elected president, and Professor C. C. Caldwell director. 
This experiment station seems to have been a voluntary association of 
the professors, who invited the co-operation of the representatives of 
various agricultural societies. It marks the beginning of a series of 
investigations whose value to the economic and scientific side of agri- 
culture can scarcely be overestimated. It would be difficult to sum- 
marize the numerous publications of this organization. There have 
been investigations in the chemistry of milk, in the manufacture of 
dairy products, in the value of fertilizers with various crops, in the 
diseases of cattle, in the results of feeding, in experiments with self- 
sown seeds, field experiments with various crops and the various varie- 
ties of grains and grasses; experiments in the feeding of cattle, with 
reference to the production of milk, and also of flesh; valuable ex- 
periments in entomology, in insects injurious to vegetation ; in the an- 
alysis of commercial foods and fertilizers, etc., etc. A special appro- 
priation was made by the trustees for the use of the station for the 
year 1881-2, and Dr. S. B. Newbury was appointed chemist, and a 
second appropriation, somewhat larger, made for the following year. 
Upon the resignation of Dr. Newbury, Mr. F. E. Furry was appointed 
in his place. About this time Congress took action, which added, in- 
directly, to the original endowment for the support of these national 
schools. To meet the cost of investigation, in addition to instruction, 
a special appropriation was made "In order to aid in acquiring and 
diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical 
information on subjects connected with agriculture, and to promote 
scientific investigation and experiment respecting the principles and ap- 
plications of agricultural science, there shall be established under di- 
rection of the college or colleges, or agricultural departments of col- 
leges in each State or Territory, in accordance with ' the Congressional 
Land Grant, ' a department to be known and designated as an Agricul- 
tural Experiment Station." The act of Congress provided, " That it 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 637 

shall be the object and dut)' of said experiment stations to conduct 
original researches, or verify experiments on the physiology of plants 
and animals; the diseases to which they are severally subject, with the 
remedies for the same ; the chemical composition of useful plants at 
their different stages of growth ; the comparative advantages of rota- 
tive cropping, as pursued under a varying series of crops; the capacity 
of new plants or trees for acclimation; the analysis of soils and water; 
the chemical composition of manures, natural or artificial, with experi- 
ments designed to test their comparative effects on crops of different 
kinds; the adaptation and value of grasses and forage plants; the com- 
position and digestibility of the different kinds of food for domestic 
animals; the scientific and economic questions involved in the produc- 
tion of butter and cheese ; and such other researches or experiments 
bearing directly on the agricultural industry of the United States, as 
may in each case be deemed , advisable, having due regard to the vary- 
ing conditions and needs of the respective States or Territories." 

To meet the necessary expenses of conducting investigations and ex- 
periments, and printing and distributing the results, tjie sum of $15,000 
per annum was appropriated to each State to be paid out of any money 
in the treasury proceeding from sales of public lands. It was provided 
that the results of investigations or experiments should be submitted 
annually to the governor of the State in which the college was situated, 
and the bulletins or reports of progress of these stations should be sent 
to every newspaper in the State in which the experiment station was 
located, and also to individuals actually engaged in farming who might 
request the same, so far as the means of the station permitted. 

This is the important " Hatch law," under the action of which the 
work of the experiment station, previously established, has been con- 
tinued with enlarged facilities. The department as organized did not 
consist simply of the special scientists who were attached to it, but all 
professors in the university, whose chairs were allied, have constituted 
the staff of investigation, and every year has seen special reports in 
chemistry, general botany, cryptogamic botany, entomology, agricul- 
ture, horticulture and veterinary science. The splendid equipment of 
the university has been thus utilized to contribute to the efficiency of 
the experiment station. The mere utilitarian value of these investiga- 
tions has been such as to contribute to national wealth and elevate the 
entire work of the farm. It has been found that by using scientifically 
the familiar material which has always been available, the annual 



628 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

value of the products of the farm may be increased, and the danger to 
growing fruits and grains from insects harmful to plant life, mitigated, 
if not overcome. The introduction of new varieties of frviits and 
grains and breeds of cattle and fowls has added enormously to the 
materials of wealth at the disposal of the farmer. vSingle investiga- 
tions, patiently conducted in the laboratory, have resulted in discov- 
eries, whose annual contribution to the national wealth reaches many 
millions. The diseases of cattle, which are more serious from the pos- 
sibility of communication to human beings, have been investigated. 
The relation of climate, soil and locality to the profitable production of 
grain has received elucidation, and the use of proper plant foods has 
been determmed by scientific analysis. Production has not been 
merely improved, but doubled. In the year 1892, Governor Flower 
called the attention of the Legislature to the advantages offered by Cor- 
nell University for conducting successfully the various State agencies 
for the promotion of agriculture, which had been heretofore divided 
and which, in his view, should be concentrated under the direction of 
one bureau. He said: " I think it will be conceded that more effec- ■ 
five scientific work of this nature can be done in connection with a 
great educational institution, and the grouping of these now scattered 
departments of agriculture at one place and under one general super- 
vision, will also be a considerable saving of expense and maintenance. 
Cornell University furnishes an excellent nucleus for carrying on this 
work, and its facilities and instructors might be utilized by the State 
to great advantage to agricultual interests. The State Meteorological 
Bureau is already located there. There is also an Agricultural Ex- 
periment Station already established and doing effective work. More- 
over, the institution has established practical courses of instruction in 
agriculture, botan}^, horticulture, dairy husbandry, animal industry, 
poultry keeping and veterinary science. It offers free of charge and 
without examination to all persons who are sixteen years of age com- 
petent instruction in these subjects for one or more terms." The Gov- 
ernor proceeds : ' ' All this is exactly in line with what the State is 
now trying to accomplish through miscellaneous agencies for the enr 
couragement of modern methods of agriculture. The question pre- 
sented is whether official efforts can be combined with these private 
efforts in the interests of both economy and efficiency. . . . It is 
entirely, however, with a view to such advantage that I would urge 
the concentration at Cornell Universit}- of the various agencies for 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 629 

promoting" scientific agriculture. To carry out this suggestion would 
not only enable the State to do more effective work immediately and 
at less expense, but would permit the State from time to time to ex- 
tend its field of usefulness in this direction without the creation of new 
boards and new officers. The proper diffusion of knowledge with 
reference to the preservation law of our forests is of vital interest to 
the future welfare of the State and could be obtained through such an 
agency. The same is true of the spread of veterinary science. Public 
attention has only lately been called to the vast importance of this 
subject, not merely as it affects the value of our live stock, but because 
of its intimate relation to the question of public health. Modern science 
has demonstrated that a large proportion of human diseases is directly 
traceable to diseases of animals. . . . And proper regard for the 
health of the community will eventually demand scientific protection 
against dangers of this kind. . . . Our State is too thoroughly com- 
mitted to the encouragement of agriculture to abandon it. State 
energy and public mone}^, however, should not be frittered away by 
misappropriation and misdirection. The time is ripe for the adoption 
of some comprehensive, systematic and intelligent policy which shall 
assure the best results at the least expenditure." Acting in accordance 
with these suggestions the Legislature appropriated fift}^ thousand dol- 
lars for a building and its equipment for dairy liusbandr}^ This fine 
and skillfully designed edifice of Ohio sandstone was erected in 1893 
upon the east side of the north quadrangle of the university. It con- 
tains lecture rooms, a reading room, laboratory for general agricultural 
analysis, and a smaller laboratory for special investigations, and the 
office of the professor of dairy husbandry ; also rooms for the manu- 
facture of butter and cheese and also storage rooms, together with a 
steam engine for furnishing the requisite power to be emplo3^ed. 

The university has recognized fully its duty to the State. It received 
990,000 acres of land, the value of which did not exceed sixty cents per 
acre, or a total endowment of $594,000. The annual proceeds of this 
sum at five per cent, interest would amount to $29,700; yet the average 
expenditure by Cornell University during the last ten years for purposes 
of agricultural instruction alone has much exceeded this amoimt. The 
expenditures in the five departments of agriculture, horticulture, 
botany, entomology, and veterinary science have averaged $36,762 per 
year for a decade. This does not include instruction in chemistry, 
which is a part of the Agricultural College, nor any of the expenditures 



630 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

for the great Department of Mechanic Arts, which, with agriculture is 
a twin child of the Land Grant. Professor Bailey has outlined the 
future form of agricultural education. He says that the university 
must be taken to the people. "For the teaching of agriculture, then, 
we must make a new species of curriculum and some of the instruction 
must be given away from the tmiversity, where special needs or special 
equipments exist. This instruction for best results should be given 
partly in class room work, partly in actual laboratory practice upon a 
sufficient scale to demonstrate the value of the methods as farm 
operations, and partly upon farms and gardens in various parts of the 
State. Instruction by the teachers and instructors in charge must be 
liberally supplemented by lectures upon special topics from men who 
have made signal success in those directions. " After citing the several 
proposed courses as they exist in this university, he says: "In addition 
to all this there should be definite instruction by means of correspond- 
ence and extension lectures, and any mature student, who desires 
special instruction in a particular topic, should be allowed to come and 
go at any time." Acting upon views like these, which expressed the 
judgment of the College of Agriculture, a special course of instruction 
extending through the winter term was introduced. Lectures present- 
ing a rapid survey of agricultural processes with a discussion of the best, 
materials for the farmer's profession were given. This course attracted 
wide attention. Young men came from the farms, practical farmers 
came even from without the State to listen to the most advanced 
scientific discussion of the raising of grain, the preparation of the soil ; 
the subject of dairy farming; breeding; and the various questions 
connected with farm economy. During the first winter of 1893, in 
which this special course in agriculture was given, it was attended by 
forty-eight students. In the winter of 1893, the attendance reached 
sixty-five, thus vindicating at once the success of the plan, which 
became the means of diffusing the freshest intelligence in agricultural 
communities throughout the State. Attention has been called also to 
the importance of new departments of study such as forestry, flori- 
culture, including in its practice twenty thousand people with an annual 
value of over twenty-six million of dollars, etc. 

The Department of Horticulture was reorganized upon its present 
basis in 1888, upon the establishment of the National Experiment 
Station. At that time Professor L. H. Bailey, who held the chair of 
horticulture and landscape gardening in the Michigan Agricultural 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 631 

College, was selected to inaugurate the new department. This horti- 
cultural department is dual in its character, its energies being divided 
systematically between experiment and teaching. The title of the chair 
in the university is General and Experimental Horticulture, and it was 
probably the first full professorship devoted solely to horticultiire in 
any American university, and probably the first in any academic insti- 
tution in the country. Ordinarily, landscape gardening, botany or 
entomology are associated with the subject. Practically, however, the 
chair now includes landscape gardening, which is taught to students in 
architecture and agriculture. 

The horticultural department is organized upon an entirely different 
basis from any like department in the country. In teaching, its object 
is to place horticulture upon much the same basis as those sciences 
which are generally recognized as elements in a liberal education, 
rather than to make it a purely technical course or an academic 
apprenticeship to a profession. In experimentation, the object is also 
rather to monograph certain subjects than to attempt any general tests 
of varieties of plants, or to raise a general and miscellaneous collection. 
Cultivated plants, because of their immense variations and great 
numbers of species, afford one of the readiest means of studying and 
understanding the fundamental problems of the evolution of the 
organic world; and this phase of the subject, which elsewhere in 
America is practically untouched, is here extended into a special course 
of stud)^ Facilities, are, of course, fully given for the acquirement of 
the immediately practical arts of horticulture; and greenhouses, gar- 
dens and orchards are maintained for this purpose. The forcing- 
houses comprise about 9,000 square feet of glass, and the grounds 
about twenty acres, of various soils and exposures. 

Although the department of horticulture was formally established 
in 1888, instruction did not begin until the opening of 1889, owing to 
the absence of Professor Bailey in Europe. There was then no horti- 
cultural equipment of any kind at the university, not even a growing 
orchard. Results up to this time, therefore, have not been great. 
There has* been an earnest body of students from the first, however, 
largely due to the fact that all the horticultural courses are elective. 
Amongst the students from the department who have already assumed 
prominent responsibilities, are the following : W. M. Munson, professor 
of horticulture in the Agricultural College of Maine ; C. W. Mathews, 
professor of horticulture and botany in the University of Kentucky; 



632 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

F. W. Rane, professor of horticulture and agriculture in the University 
of West Virginia; L. C. Corbett, professor of horticulture and forestry 
in the Agricultural College of South Dakota; F. W. Card, professor of 
horticulture in the University of Nebraska; H. L. Hutt, professor of 
horticulture in the Agricultural College of Ontario; F. H. Burnette, 
horticulturist to the Experiment Station, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; 
W. E. Britton, assistant in the Experiment Station, New Haven, 
Connecticut; and E. G. Lodeman, instructor in horticulture and 
assistant-horticulturist to the Experiment Station, Cornell University. 
Twenty-six separate bulletins have been issued from the Experiment 
Station by the horticultural department, beside thirty-nine articles in 
general bulletins. The most important of these bulletins are mono- 
graphs on certain groups of plants, as the native plums and cherries, 
Japanese plums, dewberries, mulberries, egg-plants, etc. The experi- 
ments upon the influence of the electric light upoa vegetation, which 
have been farther extended here than elsewhere in the world, have also 
been prominent contributions. 

, VETERINARY SCIENCE. 

The Veterinary Department of Cornell University was organized in 
1868 as a division of agricultural education, which was imperatively 
prescribed in the Land Grant Act. This early recognition of veteri- 
nary science was doubtless largely due to the personal interest taken in 
the subject by the founder, who appreciated the culture of the soil as 
the foundation of all solid national prosperit}^ and the multiplication 
and improvement of farm animals as the basis of a permanent fertility 
of the land. He had already shown his faith by his works by gather- 
ing at his farm a valuable herd of imported short-horn cattle, a flock 
of Southdown sheep and an Arabian stallion — a representative of that 
race from which all that is. excellent in the equine family has been de- 
rived. 

For the first year the work of the veterinary professor was confined 
to the delivery of a course of lectures on anatomy, physiology and 
hygiene, dietetics, breeding, veterinary medicine and surgery. Atten- 
tion was also given to such clinical instruction as was afforded by the 
presentation of animals for treatment. President White, however, 
early expressed his intention of securing a fully equipped veterinary 
college, and in the second academic year (1869-70), at the urgent re- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 633 

quest of several students, special classes in veterinary anatomy, phys- 
iology and hygiene were begun, supplemented later by others in the 
science of pathology, the practice of medicine and surgery and the 
various cognate subjects that go to make up a professional education. 

Of the students that pursued these special courses, a number entered 
veterinary schools elsewhere, where they could secure a degree at an 
earlier date ; others entered medical schools and some devoted them- 
selves to other departments of science. Representatives of these special 
classes are found to-day teaching in veterinary, medical and other col- 
leges. Four only secured the Cornell degree in veterinary medicine, 
and of these, three are now employed in the Bureau of Animal Industry 
at Washington ; one, for a period of ten years, as chief, and the other 
two as valued co-workers in the field of veterinary sanitary science. 
The work of these students, as published in the yearly reports of the 
bureau, reflect the highest credit on their alma mater, and on their 
own scientific devotion and acumen. Dr. Salmon, chief of the bureau, 
has served four years as alumni trustee in Cornell University. 

As time passed without any material addition to the equipment, it 
became only too plain that to maintain the semblance of a veterinary 
school with existing means, and to grant degrees, was unfair to all 
concerned, institution, teacher and students, and in the absence of any 
immediate prospect of an adequate equipment, it was judged better to 
refuse all students who came with the object of obtaining a veterinary 
degree. For a number of years, therefore, the veterinary department 
has been remanded to the position which it occupied in the first 5^ear 
of the university, as a simple chair in the College of Agriculture. 

In connection with the failure of the department to develop into a 
veterinary college, it should be stated that the executive committee 
twice appropriated the sum of $10,000 to construct a veterinary build- 
ing, but as no suitable site could be agreed upon, the appropriation 
lapsed, and veterinary instruction is still given in connection with a 
small room for a museum and the use of a lecture room devoted, in the 
main, to another science. 

But if we have failed in the first twenty-five years of the institution 
to furnish a veterinary college, the chair has not been without influence 
upon the State and Nation apart from the instruction furnished to 
students. Since 1869 the veterinary professor has been consulting 
veterinarian to the New York State Agricultural Society, and, besides 
attendance at the State fairs and examination of animals on exhibition, 
80 



634 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

he has contributed at intervals to the Transactions of the Society, some 
of which contributions have been translated and republished in Europe. 
In 1878 he was appointed by Governor Robinson as veterinary counsel 
in dealing with the lung plague of cattle in the State of New York. 
In 1881 he was appointed chairman of the United States Treasury Cat- 
tle Commission, and prepared three yearly reports on the restriction 
and suppression of epizootics, together with a number of lesser reports 
on particular outbreaks of contagious and other animal diseases. As a 
member of this commission he superintended the location, erection and 
starting of the cattle quarantine stations at the ports of Portland, 
Boston, New York and Baltimore, which have been conducted by the 
Department of Agriculture since the formation of the Bureau of Ani- 
mal Industry in 1884. In 1883 he represented the United States De- 
partment of Agriculture at the International Veterinary Congress at 
Brussels, Belgium, and embodied in a paper the deliberations and 
resolutions of that body for the report of the Departinent of Agricul- 
ture of that year. To this was appended a report on the veterinary 
colleges of Europe. In 1885 he was appointed by the governor as 
State veterinarian and served in that capacity imtil called in 1887 by 
the United States Department of Agriculture to direct the work for the 
extinction of the lung plague in cattle in Illinois. Having accomplished 
this object, and having been granted a year's leave of absence by the 
university, he went successively to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New 
York to assist in the organization of the work for the extinction of this 
plague in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. In 
this latter State, he remained in charge of the work, in the double ca- 
pacity of agent of the governor and veterinary superintendent for the 
United States Department of Agriculture, until the fall of 1888, when he 
resigned to resume his university duties. The sanitary work was, how- 
ever, continued on the same lines, and in three years the continent was 
rid of the lung plague in cattle, which it had harbored for forty years, 
at a loss in its exports alone of ^2,000,000 per annum. 

Beside these official services the incumbent of the veterinary chair 
has contributed largely to educate the public on veterinary medicine 
and surgery, and veterinary sanitary matters. His Farmer's Veterinary 
Adviser, which has been used as a text book in many agricultural 
colleges, has reached its 10th edition and has been republished in 
Canada and England. For years he was a constant contributor to the 
New York Tribune, The Live Stock Journal, The Breeders' Gazette, 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 635 

and others papers, and a number of his public lectures have been 
published in the transactions of different societies. As contributions to 
standard works may be named : Articles on Anthrax and Glanders in 
Ziemssen's "Cyclopedia of Medicine;" on Veterinary Science in the 
American edition of the "Encyclopedia Britannica;" on Rabies, 
Anthrax and Glanders in Pepper's "System of Medicine by American 
Authors;" on Horse Training- in Appletoh's "Cyclopedia;" and on 
Rabies, Anthrax, Actinomycosis and Glanders in the "American 
System of Medicine. " 

This work has not been without its influence in preparing- the public 
mind for the appreciation and fostering of veterinary science and 
especially of veterinary sanitary science. The extinction of one animal 
plague has demontrated the possibility and economy of stamping out 
other animal plagues dependent like that on a pure parasitic infection. 
The work of Pasteur and his followers in producing germs of dimin- 
ished potency, capable of producing non-fatal forms of a given plague, 
giving immunity from the more destructive forms, has shown how 
science may abolish the mortality of diseases which still continue to 
exist. The still more important fact, to which the Cornell veterinary 
professor has contributed by his experiments with swine plague, 
anthrax and rabies, that the sterilized chemical poisons, produced by 
the microbes of a self-limiting disease, can be used on the susceptible 
animal to produce immunity from that disease, opens a way to do away 
with the mortality of a disease, though the germs still exist in the 
locality. The use of antitoxins, produced in the system of an immunized 
animal, of protective serums, and of protective extracts of different 
organs to cure an infected subject or immunize a susceptible one, 
though less familiar to the general public, is becoming so with the ad- 
vanced members of the medical fraternity, and through them tends to 
reach the people at large. The use of the chemical products of the 
germs as a means of diagnosis of occult forms of disease (tuberculosis, 
glanders) opens a way for the discovery and extinction of cases of 
disease which would heretofore have escaped the most skillful inspection. 
The source of tuberculosis in our herds may be completely removed, 
by the aid of such means of diagnosis, and the production of a safe and 
efficient product for such diagnosis is the duty of a veterinary insti- 
tution. So, too, With the production of other sterilized disease poisons, 
of protective and curative antitoxins, serums, and animal extracts. 
Further, the investigation of the composition of such disease-poisons and 



636 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

of their appropriate antidotes is the natural work of such institutions. 
The more this field is studied, the wider its possibilities appear, and to 
those who already know something of the subject, the demand for 
investigation becomes more and more imperative. At the present 
moment the all but universal interest in the tuberculosis of cattle and 
its conveyance to man through meat and milk, creates a demand for 
veterinary supervision of our herds, and of veterinarians sufficiently 
well educated in bacteriology, epidemiology and sanitation to be en- 
trusted with the extinction of the disease in animals. Hence the 
latest movement in reference to our veterinary department has been 
the appropriation by the Legislature of fifty thousand dollars as the first 
instalment toward the building and equipment of a Veterinary College 
in connection with Cornell University. If this is followed wp in a 
manner becoming to the great vState of New York, we may hope for a 
center of education and investigation which will furnish this and other 
States with accomplished men, equipped not only to deal with animal 
plagues, but with every other disease and injury of domestic animals, 
and with the whole subject of their improvement and hygiene. To do 
justice to the subject will demand a liberal outlay, first for veterinary 
education and second for veterinary sanitary work throughout the 
State, and the aroused public sentiment may be trusted to carry this 
out. What was impossible twenty-five years ago, though no less 
necessary and no less imperative in the estimation of those of us who 
know the field, has become not only possible but a public demand, 
which must be supplied at no distant date. The province of this work 
is admirably expressed in a review of Professor Law's bulletin on tu- 
berculosis: " Two enormous tasks are naturally presented to the State 
and to economists for solution One is that of exterminating all tuber- 
culosis by means of test examinations of the animals; the other is the 
thorough inspection at the abattoirs of every animal slaughtered for 
food, and the rejection of all animals that are in the slightest degree 
infected. 

"The difficulty and expense attending such work will be at first 
very great, but it seems to us that the course to be pursued is a plain 
one. Tuberculosis kills one-twelfth of the population and maims 
many more. The most potent and serious source of danger is in the 
animals that supply us with milk and meat. We do not hesitate to 
spend millions on a navy and army that are to be used only against 
possible future enemies. Why should we hesitate to spend still more 
on an enemy which is real and which is constantly assailing us?" 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 637 

These are truly " enormous tasks," but they are only the beginning 
of the work that looms up before the veterinary college of the future. 
The State that will furnish a college equal to the demands of the pres- 
ent day and of the new era now dawning, will deserve well of the 
nation and of humanity. Colleges that have been conducted as private 
corporations, have in some cases striven nobly and have accomplished 
much, but their day is past and the eve of the twentieth century de- 
mands an institution in keeping with the rapidly growing knowledge 
of the day, and with the uses to which such knowledge must now be 
applied. 



XVII. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE. 

Among the professorships proposed by Mr. White in the organiza- 
tion of the university, was a professorship of architecture. Attention 
had already been called to the great need in this country of scientific 
instruction in this important branch. Professor William B. Rogers, to 
whom, we may perhaps say, the Institute of Technology in Boston 
primarily owes its existence, in an address on the "Objects and plan 
of an 'Institute of Technology proposed to be established in Boston," 
published in 18G0, had presented an eloquent plea for the organization 
of a Society of Arts and an Industrial Museum, and also for a School 
of Industrial Science and Art. He embodied in the plan of the Mas- 
sachusetts Institute of Technology a course in architecture. Seldom 
have the beginnings of an institution been guided by a higher scien- 
tific wisdom and experience than in this case. Its foundation enlisted 
many of the most intelligent and progressive scholars in Boston, and 
all the discussions connected with the establishment of this school 
show an admirable mastery of the history of industrial education 
abroad, as well as a clear grasp of the demands of such an institution 
in America. This department of instruction went into operation in 
the Institute in 1865. President Barnard, that sagacious educator and 
noble man, whose services as an investigator rank with his great merit 
in advancing the interests of Columbia College, of which' he had be- 
come president two 5^ears before, said in his annual report presented 



638 LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

June 4, 1866 : " There is no country in the world in which building- in 
a style of costly magnificence is more constantly going on than this; 
and yet, in the whole country there does not exist a school of scientific 
architecture. " President White, in his lectures upon the history of cul- 
ture, had naturally become interested in the fine -arts as illustrating in- 
tellectual development and typifying national character. He admired 
the English colleges with their picturesque quadrangles and cloister- 
like appearance ; their halls and chapels as miracles in the history of 
English art ; and it was with something of the feeling derived from the 
contemplation of these buildings, having their origin in the ecclesiasti- 
cal foundations of English culture, that he sought to transplant their 
form to this country, to a new atmosphere, but with a suggestion of 
the external glory and traditions of their home. This accounts for the 
attempted arrangement of the university buildings in the form of 
quadrangles. There seems to have been a suggestion at first, that the 
department of architecture should be linked with that of civil engineer- 
ing, for we find it so grouped in the original announcements of the 
courses of study. It was, however, impossible to realize at once Presi- 
dent White's broad conception of the university as a center of all de- 
partments of industrial science, and it was not until September 18, 
1871, that the Reverend Charles Babcock was elected professor of 
architecture. Professor Babcock was a graduate of Union College, 
and had been associated with that brilliant architect, Richard Upjohn, 
in architectural work in New York. To a mind loving art in every 
form he added practical skill as a designer and draftsman. Eccle- 
siastical architecture he studied with especial fondness. Upon entering 
upon his duties, there was little equipment available for specific instruc- 
tion in his department. Models, plans and designs, which are indis- 
pensable for training in drawing, and as- an illustration of styles and 
historical periods in art, were lacking. One valuable feature, however, 
for his work was available in a collection of splendid works upon the 
history of architecture which had constituted a part of President 
White's private library, and which he offered to present to the univer- 
sity in consideration of the acquisition of a mathematical library, were 
at the disposal of the department of architecture. Technical instruc- 
tion in physics, in chemistry, in mechanics and mathematics, and to a 
limited extent in drawing, was supplied by associated departments of 
instruction; but the entire work of teaching architecture devolved at 
the beginning upon one professor. Not only was it necessary for him 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 639 

to g-ive courses of lectures upon the history of classical, Byzantine, 
Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and later architecture, and the history 
of its development in various countries, but to discuss the question of 
the materials of construction, and the designing of public and private 
buildings, and to give instruction in drawing in all the forms essential 
to the architect. No department, whose full equipment demands large 
appropriations for architectural models, has so grown, with limited sup- 
port, as the department of architecture. It now ranks as one of the 
three great technical schools of the university. It was not until 1876 
that the department was enlarged by the appointment of a single in- 
structor in architectural drawing. In 1880 Charles Francis Osborne 
was made instructor in architecture, and in the following year assist- 
ant, and later associate professor of architecture. The first accommo- 
dations for the architectural department were found in a single room on 
the second floor of the west division of Sibley College. Later it occu- 
pied two rooms in McGraw Hall; it was then transferred to Morrill 
Hall, north end, where it occupied the second and third floors. It was 
finally removed to Lincoln Hall, to accommodations that seemed ample 
when the building was erected, but the great increase in numbers has 
caused instruction to be given the present year to nearly one hundred 
students in rooms originally planned for fift}^ With ample museum 
accommodations, the collections in this department would soon become 
among the most valuable in the university. 



XVIII 

THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING. 

The first professor chosen to this chair was William Charles Cleve- 
land. Professor Cleveland was a graduate of the Lawrence Scientific 
"School, a scholar accomplished in several departments of science, an 
excellent botanist and geologist, gifted in his own profession and an 
enthusiastic and inspiring teacher. He left his impress upon the stu- 
dents whom he taught during the first four years of the history of the 
university. The Era of that day pays a beautiful and pathetic tribute 
to his memory. It says: "How shall we adequately describe him, 
claiming as he did to a degree rare as it was beautiful, veneration as a 



640 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

professor, esteem and profound respect as a friend? Of his scholastic 
acquirements we need not speak. The extent of his studies was only 
equaled by his thoroughness. An erudite mathematician, an ardent 
geologist, thoroughly conversant with literature, language and science 
in almost every department and proficient in sculpture and music, he 
was indeed a rare example of thoroughness and widely diversified 
scholarship. He aimed to make his department at Cornell the best of 
its kind in the country, and he succeeded to a wonderful degree. " 
President White said of him: " He was a builder, and his ambition 
was nothmg less than to build a great college of engineering which 
should be known for good throughout the United States, and be a 
tower of strength for the university. In all this he planned most sa- 
gaciously and labored most devotedly. Against all persuasion to lower 
the standard of scholarship in his department, he insisted on holding 
it high, maintaining that this was the only policy which would give it 
permanent success. The originality of his methods and the extent of 
his knowledge was a constant surprise to his associates. On the practi- 
cal side of his department he was admirable. In the construction of 
models for illustration he showed very great skill, nor was his skill en- 
tirely mechanical or mathematical ; he showed a capacity for work in 
art, which, if carried out, would have certainly brought him high 
reputation. The sketching of a landscape that pleased him, the model- 
ing of the bust of a brother professor whom he loved, these were pas- 
times with him. " Upon the death of Professor Cleveland, Professor 
E. A. Fuertes, a graduate of the Troy Polytechnic Institute in this 
country, but who had studied with distinction in several foreign schools, 
was called to be his successor. Professor Fuertes was a scholar of 
thorough literary as well as scientific training. He had been the en- 
gineer in charge of the Nicaragua survey, and had had wide experience 
as a consulting engineer in the erection of important municipal works 
in New York. The College of Civil Engineering began with the 
establishment of a department of engineering, which originally bore 
the name of engineering and architecture. Like every other branch of 
the university at that time, the engineering work was still in a pri- 
mordial or chaotic condition. A vast amount of well directed effort 
had outlined the work in certain directions, which waited to assume 
useful shape, when Professor Cleveland was cut down, before he could 
fully organize his evident intentions with reference to the development 
of this school. The quarters of the department were in a single room 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 641 

about thirt}^ feet long by fifteen feet wide, and all its equipment found 
ample space under the stairs, in a corner of the same room, leading- to 
a garret. The organization of the present college is the outgrowth of 
what has been considered the duty of raising both the social and pro- 
fessional standing of the engineers of this country. Progress was at 
first slow, owing to lack of resources and the absence, at the time, in 
the university of the proper atmosphere, in which alone technical and 
professional studies can be prosecuted. The difficulty of engrafting 
upon our curriculum certain needed studies was greatly enhanced by 
the lack of that ready sympathy, which is not less influential than the 
lack of material resources. In the course of time, as the university 
broadened in every direction, it has been possible to carry out the evi- 
dent purposes of the organizer of the school, viz., that catholicity 
of sympathy and appreciation of intellectual activity in every field 
must be an all-prevading purpose in any institution of learning. The 
plain wooden building bearing the name of the Chemical Laboratory, 
which, soon after the opening of the second term, furnished scant 
accommodation for the depa.rtments of chemistry, physics, civil and 
mechanical engineering, botan}^ and veterinary science, and even gen- 
eral store rooms for the university, was in process of time, vacated, as 
better accommodations were opened to them elsewhere, and the entire 
building was devoted to civil engineering. The growth of the depart- 
ment was maintained in the depressing years which followed the finan- 
cial crisis of 1873. The trustees suddenly changed the cautious policy 
which they had pursued as regards appropriations. The need of a 
vigorous development and of wise and enthusiastic leadership was felt 
throughout the university. The trustees felt that to inspire new life 
into all departments, additional appropriations must be made, even if 
the capital of the university was temporarily impaired. At a single 
meeting, December 18, 1880, one hundred thousand dollars were ap- 
propriated to equip certain departments in the university. In the 
summer of 1880, the dean of the department purchased in Europe the 
nucleus of the present equipment, which has been steadily increased 
until it has no equal in this country, and, considering the mutual rela- 
tions of the entire equipment in the university, it can be safely said 
that it has no equal in the world. The single teacher in 1873, upon 
whom devolved all the professional and other work of the college, has 
been supplanted to-day by fifteen men who dedicate their entire lives 
to the subdivided labor submitted to their charge, while the advance 

81 



642 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in other departments of the university, supplements, in extra-profes- 
sional studies, the distinctive work of the College of Civil Engineering. 
Many graduates have become eminent as authors, investigators or en- 
gineers, not only in the material industrialism of the country, but also 
in the development of transcendental engineering and cognate sciences. 
The proportion of graduates of this department who have charge of 
important works in the field of engineering, exceeds possibly that of 
any other institution. The striking feature of the educational aims of 
the college has been to impress upon its graduates the habit of well-con- 
trolled self-reliance, to which in no small degree is due the orderly and 
industrious qualities which they manifest, and without which success 
would be impossible. The theory has been to regulate instruction by 
the needs of the country, which are entirely different and, in some 
cases, even incompatible with those of older societies. To this is due 
the progress in professional preferment characteristic of our gradu- 
ates. They are educated for the purposes for which they are needed. 
The effort to render useful our educational theories has given rise to 
novelties in method for which Cornell can claim priority of inception. 
Prominent among these is a feature now universally adopted, not only 
in the schools of this country, but in Canada, and is gaining favor in 
Europe, viz., that of teaching engineering in laboratories, a method 
which appeared for the first time some eighteen years since in the an- 
nouncement of this work. 



XIX. 

^ THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANIC ARTS. 

Provision was made upon the opening of the university for a depart- 
ment of mechanic arts as required by the charter and by the Land 
Grant Act, by the election of Professor John L. Morris, a graduate of 
Union College as professor of practical mechanics and director of the 
shops. Professor Morris, in addition to special training under Professor 
William L. GiJlespie, a graduate of West Point, and one of the first 
professors of civil engineering in this country, and Professor Isaac W. 
Jackson whose reputation in the departments of mathematics and of 
natural philosophy made him one of the most prominent of the 





Engilr/ RB.HiU's Sons.STewrorl!:. 




CORNELL UNIVERSITY. fi43 

earlier scholars in that department, had had a valuable experience 
in practical engineering". One of the earliest chairs of civil engi- 
neering in this country had been established in Union College. 
Although this department was one of the twin departments which 
gave rise to the Land Grant, no preparation had been made for 
its equipment until after the opening of the university. There were 
no shops, laboratories, drafting rooms, or models of machinerj^, to 
prepare this important department for successful work. For the 
first two terms, so little provision was afforded for instruction, that 
the attention of the professor was devoted entirely to instruction in 
mathematics, and, for a time, in physics. A single room in Morrill 
Hall was shared in company with other professors. In the late winter 
of 18G9, when the chemical laborator}^ was finished, it became the 
temporary home of the department of mechanic arts, in connection 
with other departments, but it was not until the last term of the first 
5^ear that initial instruction in drafting and designing was given. 

THE SIBLEY COLLEGE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING. 

Sibley College, so named in honor of its founder, the Hon. Hiram 
Sible)^, of Rochester, N. Y., since deceased, is the school of mechanical 
engineering and of the mechanic arts, founded as a department of 
Cornell University in compliance with the law of Congress and the 
charter to carry into effect the requirements of the law establishing the 
university. The college dates from the year 1870, in which year Mr. 
Sibley began a series of contributions to the treasury of the university 
which have culminated in this great institution. The first building was 
begun in the summer of that year, a stone structure 100 feet in length, 
forty feet in width and three stories high, in which not only the college 
of engineering was established, but other departments of the university, 
including the printing establishment and the department of botany. 
This building was lengthened in 1884-5, and an extensive line of shops 
added, making the main building 165 feet in length. The workshops, 
which were one story in height, embraced a similar floor area. Attached 
to the latter, was a janitor's house and suitable store rooms and toilet 
rooms. After the death of the founder, his son, Mr. Hiram W. Sibley, 
succeeded to the trusteeship vacated by the father, and to the guardian- 
ship of the college. The last addition made by the founder to the 
buildings of the college was an extension of the line of workshops 



644 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

erected in 1888, consisting of a two-story structure, fifty feet in length, 
in which were placed, for the time, the equipments and apparatus of 
the laboratory of experimental engineering and research. The son 
continued his father's work, by the erection, in 1893-4, of a second 
main building, 165 feet long, 50 feet in width and three stories high, 
with a lofty and well-lighted basement; following apian which had 
been prepared by the architect, for the founder, as a guide in further 
extensions, and which he approved only a brief period before his death. 

The plan thus provided embraces the two large buildings described, 
each of which constitutes a wing of the contemplated structure; the 
space between being occupied by a central mass surmounted by a dome, 
and containing a large auditorium and the offices of administration. 
At either end of the front thus constructed, it was also proposed to 
erect, when needed, flanking structures, making, with the front and the 
shop line in the rear, a quadrangle of something like 500 feet in total 
length on the front, with a depth of from one hundred to one hundred 
and fifty feet. The plan is exceedingly imposing, and was prepared 
on the assumption that it would accommodate 1,000 students, receiving 
professional instruction in engineering to the extent and in the manner 
now practiced. As now arranged, the first of the two main buildings 
is occupied by the departments of electrical engineering, and of art and 
industrial drawing; the former using the lower floor, the latter the 
upper floors. The eastern wing affords drawing rooms for the Graduate 
School of Marine Engineering, and for various other drawing classes, 
and the needed lecture and class rooms. Its lower floor is occupied 
principally by the museums of the college, which cover a space of 
about 7,000 square feet. The basement is assigned to the lubricant- 
testing and h57draulic work of the department of experiinental engi- 
neering. 

The accounts of Mr. Sibley show a total of disbursements in behalf 
of the Sibley College of Cornell University amounting to above $150,- 
000. These include the cost of the building erected in 1870-71, the 
first in the Sibley College group, |36,160; a complete set of the models 
of kinematic combinations and mechanical movements by Dr. Reu- 
leaux, $8,000, in 1882; an endowment fund for the professorship of 
mechanic arts, in 1885, of $50,000; buildings added in 1885-88, $63,- 
367.44; total, $157,528.38; and the sum of $20,000 given to the univer- 
sity in 1873, and later devoted to the establishment of scholarships and 
fellowships, thus making a total of $177,528.38. The cost of the 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 645 

second main building was $54,000, and the total expenditures to 1894, 
inclusive, were thus S331,528. The university has expended, besides, 
about $25,000 on the building's and accessories, $50,000 in additions to 
the equipment which, through the generosity of Mr. vSibley and other 
friends of the institution, has risen to a total value of about $150,000, 
making the total inventory of the college and its outfit in all depart- 
ments, in 1894, about $350,000. 

Hiram Sibley, the founder of Sibley College, was a man of marked 
individuality and power of thought. His whole life abounded in inci- 
dents illustrating his originality and purposeful energy. He was, in 
the truest sense, a "self-made man." He was born at North Adams, 
Mass., February 6, 1807. He had very little opportunity for early edu- 
cation and left school before he was sixteen years of age. He sought 
to support himself in various ways, and once earned a livelihood b}" 
sawing wood for his neighbors. A shower coming up he took refuge 
in the shop of a shoemaker, close at hand, and while sharpening and 
setting his saw, watched the workmen until he was confident that he 
could himself make a shoe. His proposition to try was met in the same 
spirit by the proprietor of the shop, and his success led to his taking 
up the trade. Soon after this, however, he found cotton and woolen 
manufactures more attractive, and, when of age, had learned these va- 
rious kinds of business, and had also conducted a machine shop. In 
1823 he removed to Monroe county, N. Y., and settled near Rochester, 
where he became, in 1843, the sheriff of the county. He had pre- 
viously made the acquaintance of Professor Morse and Ezra Cornell, 
and had assisted them in their efforts, at Washington, to secure the aid 
of Congress in the promotion of their plans for the introduction of the 
telegraph, the result of their effort being the erection of the hne be- 
tween Washington and Baltimore at a cost of $40,000, which sum was 
appropriated by Congress. 

The success of the first hne of telegraph led to the establishment of 
numerous isolated companies, which were formed with the purpose of 
connecting certain cities in various parts of the country. None were 
very successful, and Mr. Sibley saw that, to insure thoroughly satisfac- 
tory operation and financial returns, complete consolidation and the 
formation of a single organization covering the whole territor}^ of the 
United States was essential. He had accumulated by this time a con- 
siderable property, and, securing the aid of other large capitalists, he 
organized the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Chicago, which 



646 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

absorbed all the lines in that part of the country, and those connecting 
that city with New York, and, later, substantially, all the working- tele- 
graph systems of the United vStates. He was the first president of the 
consolidated organization, and, under his administration, it attained 
extraordinary success. His services were retained b}^ the company for 
sixteen years, and the number of its offices increased in that time from 
132 to about 4,000, and its capital from an original $220,000 to $40,- 
000,000. He made himself and all his companions enormonsl}^ wealthy 
by the enterprise. Among the large stockholders in various lines was 
Ezra Cornell. The assent of the latter to the consolidation of the 
small companies in which he was interested was only secured by Mr. 
Sibley with difficulty; but the participation thus obtained was very ad- 
vantageous to Mr. Cornell, and resulted in the fortune which made pos- 
sible the foundation of Cornell University ; and Sibley College, one of 
its most important departments, was founded by Mr. Sibley with a part 
of the wealth which he had similarly acquired by this and other no less 
bold and far-seeing undertakings. 

The whole system of telegraphy for the Eastern, Middle and South- 
ern States having been arranged, the next step was the construction of 
a line crossing the continent to San Francisco. This was quickl}^ and 
successfully accomplished by Mr. Sibley, without the aid or counte- 
nance of his colleagues in the directory of the Western Union ; and the 
Pacific coast was soon covered with a network of wires, which were 
connected with the East by the transcontinental line. But Mr. vSibley 
was not yet satisfied, and proposed to carry his lines across the ocean, 
and to unite the AVestern with the Eastern Continent by a line across 
Alaska and Siberia, including a submarine cable across Behring Straits. 
The completion of the first line of cable across the Atlantic made this 
unnecessary; but not before Mr. Sibley had secured the privileges 
which he sought from the Russian government, and expended a large 
sum of money in beginning the work. To secure the needed conces- 
sions, Mr. Sibley went to Europe and was received with great distinc- 
tion by the Czar and the imperial court. He spent some time in trav-. 
eling over Europe, and returned to the United States satisfied with the 
success of his greatest undertaking, which now seemed assured. His 
loss in this enterprise was estimated at about three million dollars. 
Mr. Sibley .retired from active participation in 1869, and became inter- 
ested in farming and seed-raising on a large scale. He bought the 
Sullivant farm of fort}' thousand acres in Illinois, which he divided 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 647 

into a hundred and fift}^ or more small farms and rented them to se- 
lected tenants, after having supplied each with good buildings and a 
complete system of underdrainage. 

Mr. Sibley died at Rochester, July 12, 1888, at the age of eighty-one, 
after a short illness which terminated in apoplexy. His health had 
been failing for some years. He had, however, attended to business 
without interruption, and onl}^ laid aside the management of his vast 
interests at the very last. Throughout his whole later life, he was in- 
tensely interested in the promotion of the prosperity of Cornell Uni- 
versity and of Sibley College. He attended every meeting of the 
Board of Trustees, of which he was a charter member, and he never 
hesitated to give time, thought, and pecuniary assistance when needed. 
At one time, when the university was greatly embarrassed by a debt 
of $155,000, it was relieved by a generous gift of the entire sum by 
Messrs. Cornell, McGraw, Sage, Sibley, and White. The money thus 
contributed was afterward set aside by the university as a fund for 
scholarship and fellowships, which bear the names of these noble bene- 
factors. 

Mr. Hiram W. Sibley, son of the founder of Sibley College, has, 
since his father's death, taken his place on the Board of Trustees, and 
in various ways has shown an affectionate pride in his father's work, 
and a warm interest in the welfare of the university and of the college. 
His eiTective aid rescued the college in a most critical time from serious 
difficulties. 

The growth of the instructing corps in the department of mechanic 
arts, as stated in the report of Mr. James Frazer Gluck, alumni trustee 
in 1884, was at first very slow, corresponding to the limited means 
which were placed at its disposal. At its opening in 1868-69, one pro- 
fessor was assigned to the subject of " practical mechanics," industrial 
mechanics constituting a part of the title of the professor of physics. 
In 1872-73 an assistant professor of mechanical drawing was appointed ; 
in 1874-75 an instructor was appointed to take charge of the machine 
shops. From 1869 to 1873 Mr. John Stanton Gould lectured annually 
on mechanics as applied to agriculture. From that time the staff re- 
mained substantially the same in number, as did also the distribution 
of work, fluctuating slightly, as numbers varied from year to year. It 
was not imtil 1885 that a complete reorganization of the institution, so 
as to constitute a complete college of mechanical engineering and the 
mechanic arts, was made, with a single supervising head, and a defin- 



648 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

itely planned schedule of work and distinctly assigned duties for its of- 
ficers. 

The reorg-anization of Sibley College in its present form, which oc- 
curred in 1885, began with the appointment of a director whose duties 
and responsibilities were thus established -.^ 

It is proposed to appoint a " director" who shall be the official head of that depart- 
ment, who shall direct the workings of the whole department, shall nominate the 
assistants and be held responsible for their efficiency, shall be custodian of the build- 
ings, tools, models and apparatus of the department, and shall be held responsible 
for their proper use and preservation, and for the efficiency of the motive power, as 
well as the machinery generally ; who shall make requisitions on the treasurer for 
funds appropriated by the trustees, whenever needed, in that college, and shall be 
held responsible for their expenditure, and who shall assign to all who may take part 
in the work of instruction of the schools included in that college, such parts of the 
work as he may find best for the interests and prosperity of the college and of the 
university, all to be subject to the approval of the president and trustees, so far as 
affected bjr, or affecting, the general policy and the controlling regulations of the 
university. 

The director will be expected to assume the professorship of mechanical engineer- 
ing, to plan and to direct that course, as above provided, and also to take such part 
in instruction as he may find practicable and desirable, nominating such additional 
assistants as may be found to be needed to make the course as complete, as credit- 
able, and as fruitful of result as possible. 

The director will be held responsible for results, and will be allowed to take such 
course, in the organization and administration of the internal affairs of the college, 
as may seem to him best calculated to secure the results aimed at by the authorities 
from whom he receives his powers. 

The president and trustees may be relied upon to give all proper support to the 
director, in the administration of the college, of its schools of trade-instruction, and 
of mechanical engineering, and may be trusted to supply all essential material, up to 
the limit of financial ability consistent with the welfare of the university as a whole. 

The authorities will expect the director to make proper suggestions and recom- 
mendations for the extension of the department, as opportunity may offer, and for 
the institution of advanced schools of special branches of mechanical engineering, 
as they may be called for, and as the progress of the general course of university in- 
struction may permit. 

The results of the reorganization of 1885 and its work as reconsti- 
tuted were immediately seen in the increased numbers of students and 
in a no less rapid growth and improvement of the courses taught and 
the quality of the student-body. The director lectured during his first 
year of service, 1885-6, to a senior class numbering five men; in the 
second year, to fifteen; in the third, to about twenty; in the fourth, to 

1 Sibley College Reports ; 1885. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 649 

thirty; in the fifth, to fifty; in the sixth, to seventy-five; in the seventh 
to one hundred, and growth has not yet ceased. The number of gradu- 
ate students, at first an unknown feature in engineering schools, be- 
came soon an important element in the college, and in "a few years 
forty such students were enrolled in the graduate departments as can- 
didates for second degrees, and many in the regular undergraduate 
classes. 

The number of regular undergraduate students enrolled as given in 
the university " register," for each year, has been as follows : 

'85 '86 '87 '88 '89 '90 '91 '92 '93 '94 

Enrolled 63 106 168 320 283 369 428 501 546 556 

Graduated .... 5^ 18 22 32 54 52 90 107 • 

The number of graduate students has also gradually risen to about 
forty and the number of " special " students, formerly comparatively 
numerous, has fallen to an insignificant number. The total enrollment 
for the 5^ear 1893-4 has thus been over 600 for Sibley College alone, 
and about 1800 for the university as a whole; Sibley College having 
registered about one-third. 

Mr. Cornell's ambition was declared in the now famous saying, "I 
would found an institution where any person may find instruction in 
any study;" he hoped that the time would come, as he sometimes said 
to his friends, when a great university would cover his homestead farm 
with its buildings, and thousands of students flock to its halls. His 
personal interest was mainly directed to the technical .side of the uni- 
versity, though no part escaped his watchful care. He was especially 
interested in the establishment of workshops, in which young men 
should be given instruction in the use of tools, and acquire trades, and, 
if possible, at the same time enjoy the opportunity of supporting them- 
selves while attending the university. The last plan did not succeed, 
and Cornell's manual training and trade schools have risen far above 
the level then assigned them, and have become schools of engineering. 
Whether this elevation of grade is an advantage to the State or to the 
nation may be an open question ; but the facts above stated constitute 
the histor}^ of the inauguration and growth of the technical schools of 
Cornell University. The rate and the extent of that growth during 
the first dozen years of the work of the university are presented in the 

1 Until 1886, no students in electrical engineering were formally registered in Sib- 
ley College. 
82 



650 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

next table, which shows that the " leading purposes " of the institution 
were not at first accomplished; while the older education, which the 
Land Grant Act was founded to supplement, became, for a time, the 
principal work of the institution. During the last decade, however, 
the growth of the departments "related to Agriculture and the 
Mechanic Arts" has been rapid, and the purposes of the National Grant, 
and of the charter of Cornell University have been correspondingly 
promoted. Since 1880, the whole country has witnessed the advance 
in the education of the "industrial classes," which has presented the 
most encouraging results. Cornell University and Sibley College have 
done their full part in this great work, and the extension of their 
various departments of engineering and architecture, and of applied 
science has been more than commensurate with the development of the 
technical side of general education in the United States. This develop- 
ment has been quickened by the new demands of applied science, and 
the progress in the schools of engineering, of both public and private 
endowment. This progress has been especially remarkable in the pro- 
fession of mechanical engineering. 

The extent to which mechanical engineering has advanced as a pro- 
fession, and as a learned profession, since its first establishment, dis- 
tinct from civil engineering, only twenty-five years ago, will be seen 
on examining the following table, which table was compiled for the 
year 1892. ^ 

GRADUATES OF PROFESSIONAL M. E. SCHOOLS, JUNE, 1892. 

1 school (Sibley Coll., Cornell) had 79 graduates.^ 



(Mass. Inst. Tech.) had 61 

(Yale, Sheffield S. S.) had 49 

(Stevens Inst. Tech.) had 39 

(Rose Polyt. Inst.) had 23 

(Wore. Polyt. Inst.) had 22 



Total of 6 schools (average 45i each) 273 

2 had 20 graduates each 40 

1 had 19 graduates 19 

1 had 17 graduates 17 

Total of 10 largest schools 349 

1 By Mr. A. M. Wellington. 

2 The reported number is less than the actual, which was 90 in 1892, and, including 
students taking second degrees, 107 in 1893. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 651 

The magnitude of the outfit required by the technical school of higher" 
grade is not always realized, even by the educator engaged in this depart- 
ment of education. The following is collated from the reports and inven- 
tories of the schools of applied science of Cornell University, and shows 
that over $300,000 have been expended by the university or given by its 
friends for its apparatus of instruction ; and it is desirable that it should 
be increased to meet the needs of the increasing number of students. 
It is, of course, true that this equipment is useful in the university 
instruction of the students in the "general courses;" but the students 
in the engineering schools are those who mainly crowd the laboratories 
of pure, as well as of applied, science, and compel the collection of such 
immense aggregations of machinery and apparatus. The figures here 
given are growing at the rate of from $25,000 to $50,000 annually. 

Technical library, drawings, etc $19,000 

Collections, models, etc 61,000 

Surveying instruments 30,000 

Chemical laboratory appliances 17,000 

Phj^sical " " 43,000 

Mechanical " " 54,000 

Steam-power plant _• 31,000 

Electrical plant 31,000 

Workshop appliances 29,000 

Astronomical appliances 13,000 

$338,000 

Should the proposed new graduate and undergraduate schools of 
mining, of railway work, of textiles, and of other branches of engineer- 
ing be founded, not less than an average of $25,000 each will be 
demanded for a beginning of their collections, and the amount here 
given will rise to $400,000, or possibly to even $500,000, if buildings of 
even an inexpensive character are included. In the above instance, as 
in most others in the United States, the collections are made mainly 
by private contributions, not by purchase by either State or college. 

The character of the equipment, as well as its extent, in a large 
technical college of the first rank, may be exhibited, perhaps, by the 
following inventory of the outfit of the mechanical engineering depart- 
ments alone: 

"The two main buildings are each one hundred and sixty feet long, 
fifty feet in width, and three stories in height. The workshops consist 
of a machine shop, a foundry, a blacksmith shop, and a wood-working 
shop. The forge and the foundry are in a single detached building. 



653 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Besides these, there is a building one hundred and fifty feet by forty, 
and two stories in height, occupied by the laboratories of experimental 
engineering. At the bottom of an adjacent gorge are the turbines 
which supply the power required for driving the machinery of the 
college, and the electric apparatus for lighting the campus and the 
buildings. The large engine and dynamo room, containing all the 
engines and dynamos employed in lighting the university, is adjacent 
to the shops, and beside the boiler-room in which are placed the boilers. 

"The two principal rooms on the first floor of the main building are 
devoted to the purposes, of a museum of illustrative apparatus, 
machinery, products of manufacturing, and collections exhibiting pro- 
cesses and methods, new inventions, forms of motors, and other 
collections of value in the courses of technical instruction. Here are 
placed a full Reuleaux collection of models of kinematic movements. 
Beside these are the Schroeder and other models, exhibiting parts of 
machinery, the construction of steam engines and other machines. In 
the museum are placed a large number of samples of machines con- 
structed to illustrate special forms and methods of manufacture. Many 
machines and tools have been made in the shops. Tlie lecture rooms 
are each supplied with a collection of materials, drawings, models and 
machines, especially adapted to the wants of the lecturer. The course 
of instruction is illustrated by a collection of steam-engines, gas and 
vapor engines, water-wheels and other motors, models and drawings 
of every standard or historical form of prime mover, of parts of 
machines, and of completed machinery. 

"The collections of the department of drawing also include a large 
variety of studies of natural and conventional forms, shaded and in 
outline, geometrical models, casts and illustrations of historical 
ornament. 

" The workshops are supplied with machine-tools, including lathes, 
and hand and bench tools sufficient to meet the wants of two hundred 
students of the first year, in wood-working; in the foundry and forge, 
all needed tools for a class of one hundred and fifty in the second year; 
in the machine shop, machine tools from the best builders, and a great 
variety of special and hand tools, which are sufficient for a class of one 
hundred and fifty in the third year, and a hundred and twenty-five 
seniors and graduate students. 

"The department of experimental engineering possesses experimental 
engines and boilers, and other heat motors, such as air and gas engines, 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 653 

and is well supplied with testing- machines in great number and variety," 
as well as the apparatus required, as indicators, dynamometers, etc., 
for determining" the efficiency of engines. 

"The mechanical laboratories constitute the department of demon- 
stration and experimental research, in which not only instruction but 
investigation is conducted. They are principally located in an annex 
to the college main building, and occupy its entire space. They are 
supphed with the apparatus for experimental work in the determination 
of power and etficiency of motors, and of the turbines driving the 
machinery of the establishment; with the boiler-testing plant and 
instruments ; and with many machines, of the various standard types, 
for testing the strength of metals, including one each of the common 
type, of 50,100, and 150 tons capacit}^, and one Emery testing machine; 
all of great accuracy and delicacy. Numerous steam engines and 
boilers, air and gas engines, several kinds of dynamometers, lubricant- 
testing machines, standard pressure-gauges and a large collection of 
steam-engine indicators and other apparatus and instruments of pre- 
cision employed by the engineer in such researches as he is called upon 
to make, are collected here. 

"Apparatus is provided for delicate testing, for the exact study and 
determination of alternate current energ}^, for conductivity and insu- 
lation tests, and for the determination of the properties of the magnetic 
materials. Means for making quantitative measurements are supplied 
through a well-equipped photometer room for the photometry of arc 
and incandescent lamps ; several Brackett ' cradle ' dynamometers for 
efficiency tests of dynamos and motors; a rheostat of German silver 
wire, for a working resistance, with a capacity ranging from twenty- 
two hundred ohms and four amperes, to four-tenths of an ohm and 
three hundred amperes." 

The mechanical laboratory, the department of research of the modern 
American engineering school, has come to be so important and essential 
a division of the most successful schools and colleges of engineering 
that an article should be speciall}^ devoted to this subject. Although 
not recent in origin or absolutely modern in form and purpose, it is 
only within a comparativel)^ short time, that it has taken its proper 
place in the organization of these schools and commenced that work 
which has come, to-day, to be recognized by engineers and educators 
alike to be the most fruitful of result, the most beneficial to the student, 
and the most productive of both knowledge and discipline, of all the 



654 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

methods of instruction and of study and practice forming parts of the 
contemporary scheme of professional engineering- instruction. 

The Sibley College laboratory of mechanical engineering was organ- 
ized by Dr. Thurston in 1885, on first assuming the duties of director of 
vSibley College. Improvements in the plant were made from time to time, 
and in 1890 the laboratory was organized as one of the departments of 
the college. The time devoted by the students to laboratory work was 
then very much increased, and a large suin of money was devoted to 
the improvement of the equipment. 

In this laboratory are included special laboratories for the investiga- 
tion of the following subjects: Strength of inaterials; hydraulics and 
hydraulic motors; friction and hibrification ; transmission of power, 
dynamometers; steam engines, hot-air and gas engines; air-compressing 
machinery, rock drills; heating and ventilating machinery; elevators 
and mining machinery. 

While these laboratories are largely devoted to investigation and 
research, they are also of great value educationally, as they afford the 
best possible opportunity of illustrating and applying the principles 
advanced in the class room. They thus tend to fix in mind and show 
the application of what would otherwise be regarded by the student as 
abstract and without practical value. The laboratories also give 
valuable instruction regarding methods of testing, and serve to train 
skilled observers for accurate investigation later. Incidentally they 
afford students an opportunity, and about the only opportunity they 
can obtain, for practically handling and directing the operations of 
various machines or engines, and such knowledge is of great service in 
after-life. The investigations which can be carried on in such a labora- 
tory may be as varied in character as the scope of the course or extent 
of the equipment will permit, and are not likely to be limited by any 
consideration of the course of instruction laid down in the catalogue. 

The laboratory is equipped for commercial testing as well as for 
educational purposes. While commercial testing is primarily of value 
only to the persons for whom the test is made, incidentally it is found 
of great value educationally, as giving variety to the laboratory inves- 
tigation, and showing the practical nature and the usefulness of experi- 
mental work. Such income as may be obtained from that work is 
largely or entirely devoted to extending the laboratory plant, or in 
scientific research. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 650 

The laboratory for strength of materials has in its equipment one 
Emery testing machine of 200,000 pounds capacity, of especially fine 
workmanship, and one of 60,000 pounds from the Yale & Towne Co., 
especially constructed for the purpose of standardizing Emery machines. 

The hydraulic laboratory is equipped with stationary and portable 
weirs, nozzles, and Venturi tubes, by means of which the flow of water 
can be measured. The hydraulic machines to which the students have 
access for experimental purposes consist of several small water motors, 
centrifugal and rotary pumps, and hydraulic ram, in rooms of the 
laboratory, and in addition they have access to the hydraulic machinery 
used for power purposes and for the water works. 

The laborator)^ for the measurement of friction is equipped, with four 
of Thurston's machines for the determination of the coefficient of 
friction, and one of Bouldt's oil-testing machines for cylinder oils, and 
apparatus for the measurements of the viscosity, chilling points, and 
flashing points of various oils. 

The laboratory for the measurement of transmitted power is supplied 
Avith several dynamometers, having a capacity ranging from one-half 
to IGO horse power each. 

For experiments with compressed air fhe laboratory is supplied with 
two air compressors, a Westinghouse air brake outfit, and a rock drill. 
With heating and ventilating apparatus a number of experiments have 
been made, but no systematic course has been laid out. 

The laboratory of steam engineering is the most important in princi- 
pal use, from its relation to the motive power. This is located in two 
rooms remote from the principal laboratory building, but adjacent to 
the boiler plant which supplies the university with both heat and power. 

The "experimental engine " is a triple-expansion engine wdth Corliss 
valve gear. The engine will give about 200 horse power and is so 
arranged that it can be run as a simple engine, as triple-expansion 
or compound, condensing or non-condensing, with or without steam 
jackets as required. The engine occupies with its accessories a floor 
space of 36 by 40 feet. 

It is this latest field of engineering work which is to be occupied by 
the graduates of Sibley College and its rivals throughout the world. 
The course of instruction commences w^here the high school instruction 
in the higher mathematics and in the physical sciences ends, and col- 
lege work in those subjects begins. It includes so much of the most 
advanced mathematics, and of physics and chemistry, as are required 



656 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

for application in professional practice, and adds to these the purely 
professional instruction which constitutes the formal part of the work 
of training- the young engineer for entrance upon the duties of his 
chosen vocation. Meantime, also, the several mechauic arts are taught 
to the young engineer as systematically and completely as is possible 
in the small amount of time available in the midst of his studies. He 
learns the art of woodworking b)" a series of graded and carefully 
planned exercises, each leading from a simpler and easier to a more in- 
tricate and difficult problem in the use of the tools of his trade, and, in 
a marvelously short time, becomes, if he has the^genius for it (without 
which he should never enter an engineering school), a good carpenter 
and patternmaker. He enters the foundry or the blacksmith shop in his 
second 3^ear, and learns there the best methods of molding, or of black - 
smithing and toolmaking, and leaves with two additional trades more 
or less completely at his command. In many cases, very admirable, 
often beautiful, work is performed by these novices after a wonderfully 
short period of practice. Leaving the blacksmith shop and the foun- 
dry, the student concludes his course of trade instruction in the ma- 
chine shop, where he is given, first, as in the other trades, a stories of 
graded exercises, which gradually lead up to the most difficult and ex- 
acting tests of skill known to the skilled mechanic, and, once con- 
quered, the young man is able to use any tool, and with it do any ap- 
propriate work. He is then allowed to test his powers in the construc- 
tion of steam engines, lathes, and other machine tools, and on impor- 
tant work of construction of all kinds. Meantime, and throughout the 
whole four years of his college course, he receives an uninterrupted 
line of instruction and practice in the draughting room, and learns 
there to employ freehand drawing in making the sketches from which 
he is taught to make later finished drawings. He is also, at the same 
time, and in parallel courses of lectures and text-book work, instructed 
in the principles of the resistance of materials, and their application 
in the proportioning of parts and of completed machines, in such a 
manner that he can, if he makes the most of his opportunities, easily 
and correctly plan any form of machine, the purpose of which is pre- 
scribed. The studeuc in Sibley College is thus made competent to earn 
a living at £iny one of five different trades, and is given a professional, 
scientific, and practical education. At the same time he is prepared to 
enter upon the practice of one of the most lucrative of professions, 
and to direct intelligentl}^ every operation which is involved in the car- 
rying out of his plans. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 657 

Sibley College lias for its main purpose the education of young" men- 
in the scientific branches, upon which the constructive professions, and 
especially that of mechanical engineering in all its many departments, 
are based. Engineering, as a profession, has for its field, of action the 
construction of all forms of structures and machinery, and is divided, 
as it becomes more and more specialized, into many departments. A 
century ago, engineers like Smeaton, Telford, and their contempo- 
raries, were expected to be prepared to give advice in all engineering 
lines, to make designs, to supervise the construction of docks and ca- 
nals, of steam engines and factories alike, and to have perfect familiar- 
ity with all their details. 

In the early part of the century the builder of public works, of the 
recently instituted railways, and of roads and bridges, found it im- 
possible to keep himself informed of the progress of the mechanic 
arts which had then, through the genius of Watt and others, com- 
menced a wonderful development, and the civil engineer surrendered 
all the work of the construction of machinery to the mechanical en- 
gineer, retaining only stationary structures not architectural. In these 
later days the mechanical engineer finds the same process of specializa- 
tion and of differentiation going on which divide his work into marine, 
railway, locomotive, electrical and mill engineering, the construction 
of textile machinery, and possibly still others ; all of which are simply 
subdivisions of the larger half of the profession of engineering. 

Specialization is to some extent practicable, even in the regular 
course; and the student proposing to enter upon the work of electrical 
distribution of light or of power, if well prepared in the earlier por- 
tion of the work in Sibley College, may, in the latter part of the four 
3^ears' course, give special attention to this attractive subject. Fully 
one-half of all the students who enter the college make this division in 
their final work. The student may also, if fully prepared, study ma- 
rine engineering and naval architecture. A graduate school in this de- 
partment was established in Sibley College, by authority of the trus- 
tees, in 1890, and it has accomplished excellent work. Those who de- 
sire special instruction in locomotive construction, find the department 
of industrial drawing prepared to give instruction in this line of de- 
sign. Other departments of engineering are expected to be opened as 
opportunity offers, and capital — the primar}" essential of all progress 
in the schools as well as in business — can be secured. In all special, 
as well as in regular instruction, the student comes to his work well 

83 



658 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

prepared in mathematics, in applied mechanics, and in the physical 
sciences, which have been investigated with the aid of higher mathe- 
matics. Extended instruction is given in the principles of machine 
designing, and in proportioning the parts of machinery; in the princi- 
ples and practice of metallurgy, and in the study of the nature, the 
characteristics, and the uses of the various materials of engineering 
construction; in kinematics, the science of motion in machines, and in 
the study of the history, the present standard forms and the principles 
of economical design, construction, and operation of the most impor- 
tant representative classes of machiner}^ The student who graduates 
with five trades at his command, and his scientific education, with such 
extended practical applications, if he has the right spirit and even but 
moderate talent in his chosen field, is evidently fairly independent of 
the world. 

Hundreds of young men have graduated from Sibley College in the 
few years of its work in this highest field, doubly and triply armored 
against the vicissitudes of life, and prepared to conquer the highest 
success in their chosen vocation. They have already taken possession 
of their full share of the most desirable positions in the engineering- 
profession, and of the great work in progress throughout the country. 
They fill professor's chairs in almost all the most important engineer- 
ing schools and colleges of the country, and are introducing every- 
where methods of practical instruction which first received form in Sib- 
ley College. The professors of engineering of other institutions also 
come to Sibley College, m considerable numbers, to learn there, by 
practice, the best laboratory methods and the best methods of fitting 
up their own departments for similar work. Sibley College is thus do- 
ing its work within its own walls and outside them, in the instruction 
of large bodies of students of all departments of engineering, in train- 
ing teachers of engineering, and in its gift to the world of the results of 
its own experience. Its departments of research are training numer- 
ous talented men in the methods of experimental investigation, and its 
professors and their pupils in the graduate department — sometimes 
even in the undergraduate — are continually giving to the profession 
and to the world new and valuable contribiitions to existing knowledge 
in the fields of pure and applied science, and in the as yet unconquered 
fields of the inventor, the mechanic, and the engineer. These contri- 
butions are published in the Sibley Journal of Engineering, a monthly 
magazine of high character, conducted by a board of editors elected 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 6J9 

by the student-body from among themselves, with an advisory board, 
selected from the faculty. These are also issued, often in elaborate 
form, in the transactions of learned societies, of which many of the 
faculty are members, and to whose proceedings they are frequent con- 
tributors, as well as to scientific and technical journals on both sides 
the Atlantic. Sible}'- College has thus become the largest department 
of the Cornell University, and aims to fulfill its prescribed mission so 
as to promote the best interests of the engineering profession, and con- 
tribute to the advance of science throughout the world. 

The officers of Sibley College are: Dr. R. H. Thurston, director; 
Professor W. R. Durand, principal of the graduate school of marine 
engineering; Professor J. L. Morris, head of the department of me- 
chanic arts; Professor R. C. Carpenter, head of the department of ex- 
perimental engineering; Professor H. J. Ryan, head of the department 
of electrical engineering; Professor E. C. Cleaves, head of the depart- 
ment of drawing; and Professor J. H. Barr, head of the department 
of machine design, and associated with the director, who is also pro- 
fessor of mechanical engineering, also a large body of assistants and 
instructors of various grades. 



XX 

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS. 

Early in the history of the university, propositions were made for the 
establishment of professional schools. At the fourth meeting of the 
Board of Trustees, held in Ithaca, October 31, 1866, a communication 
was presented from certain prominent physicians in New York propos- 
ing the organization of a medical department of the university, to be 
located in that city. This application was referred to a committee of 
the trustees to examine and report. This report was presented on the 
13th of February, 1867. The committee decided that the establishment 
of a medical department in Ithaca was not at that time desirable, on 
account of the impossibility of combining theoretical and clinical in- 
struction successfully. The committee were, however, of the opinion 
that a medical school should be established in connection with the uni- 
versity, and that its location should be in the city of New York. As 



660 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the gentlemen who presented this apphcation were members of the 
homeopathic school, the question of the recognition of a body differing 
in theory from the regular school of medical science had to be con- 
sidered. It was recognized that in the essential features, the science 
of medicine as taught in the two schools was alike, viz., in anatomy, 
physiology, chemistry, surgery, toxicology and materia medica, but 
that in the department of therapeutics there was an essential differ- 
ence. In view of the fact that schools of medicine representing the 
established practice were attached to several existing colleges, the com- 
mittee felt that the science of medicine as represented by the homeo- 
pathic school should receive favorable consideration. It was proposed, 
therefore, that the board should accept the proposition of the phy- 
sicians who had presented the memorial, and that details of the ar- 
rangement of the proposed school should be referred to a committee, 
who should be empowered to confer with the applicants upon the fol- 
lowing basis: First, that the professors of the medical school should 
be appointed by the trustees on the recommendation and nomination 
of the New York State Homeopathic Medical Society, it being under- 
stood that the trustees would not withhold their assent from any nomi- 
nation upon any other grounds than want of high professional stand- 
ing, or of personal character in the nominee. The university reserved 
the right, in order to avoid any charge of partiality to either school, to 
appoint in the proposed school professors of allopathic and eclectic 
therapeutics, Avhenever the}^ should think proper to do so, who should 
enjoy all privileges of the regular professor of therapeutics, or to es- 
tablish a department under the charge of allopathic professors. ^Students 
graduating should receive their degree without any reference to the 
school in which they desired to practice. The university reserved the 
right to impart instruction in medicine at Ithaca to any degree, and in 
any manner thought advisable, and the university was not to be re- 
sponsible for the financial support of the proposed school. 

At the same meeting, a memorial was presented from a committee 
of the Congregational State Association, consisting of the Rev. Drs. J. 
Douglas and Joseph Thompson, of New York, and W. A. Budington, of 
Brooklyn, acting in behalf of the association, which asked the board to 
approve a plan to endow certain professorships, which could not be 
deemed denominational. It was proposed to establish a theological 
seminary in connection with the university. Halls or colleges for 
theological study have been established in connection with the univer- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 661 

sity of Oxford, like Mansfield College and with Harvard University, 
which, in addition to the Harvard Divinity School, containing profes- 
sorships filled by eminent scholars of various denominations, has, in its 
immediate vicinity, the Episcopal Theological School, to whose students 
certain privileges of attendance at lectures and in the use of the univer- 
sity library are extended. The attitude of the governing boards at 
Harvard has always been favorable to the establishment of such schools 
in its vicinity. These separate colleges constitute together one center 
of learning. President Eliot has sought with wise liberalit}" to enlarge 
the Harvard Divinity School, so that it shall represent in its broadest 
sense the scientific study of Oriental languages, ecclesiastical histor}^ 
and theology. The report of the committee of the trustees of Cornell 
University, held that it would be inexpedient to furnish facilities for 
the use of lecture rooms, or dormitory accommodations for any such 
school. They were willing that such a seminary should be established 
in Ithaca, and would welcome similar institutions by other denomina- 
tions. They placed on record the statement that, " we value any in- 
stitution which will bring earnest men of scholarship and culture near 
to the university. They, therefore, recommend that university statutes 
be passed, admitting theological students to the lecture rooms and 
libraries on the same eas}' terms required of resident graduates of the 
university itself ; and secondly, that ever}^ privilege of the university 
regarding lectures or library be extended to the faculty of any theo- 
logical institution established in Ithaca, which is extended to the faculty 
of the university." Difficulties seem to have arisen in the execution of 
both these plans. In March, 1873, an additional effort was made by 
the physicians in New York to secure the establishment of a medical 
school in that cit}", constituting a part of this university. It was be- 
lieved b}^ those who presented the memorial, that a sufficient sum would 
be immediately available, to erect a building and supply its equipment, 
and also that a faculty of great eminence could be at once secured. 
This application, as presented, does not seem to have been considered 
favorabl3\ The school, as proposed, was to contain lecturers repre- 
senting various theories, or views of medical science. It was believed 
that, the inability of the university to provide certain important chairs 
of instruction, made it inexpedient to attempt to found a medical school 
at a distance, whose administration would necessarily present difficul- 
ties, and possibh' complications. A third effort to establish a medical 
department in connection with the university was made in 1887, when 



662 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

at the meeting of the trustees of June 6, a committee was appointed 
to consider the desirability of taking prehminary measures for the es- 
tabhshment of a medical department, either independently, or by ar- 
rangement with some existing institution. Certain propositions had 
been presented by those interested in the Graduate vSchool of Medicine 
in New York, looking to its incorporation as a part of the universit}^ 
The question of constituting Bellevue Medical College a part of the 
univcT'sity was agitated, and a committee appointed to consider the sub- 
ject, February 23, 1892. No final agreement was reached in the case 
of either of these applications. For many years there has existed in 
connection with this university, what has been termed a medical prepar- 
atory course, which, under the efficient direction of Dr. Wilder, imparted 
valuable instruction in comparative and human anatomy and phys- 
iology, also in microscopy and biology. Many graduates of this school 
have attained the highest eminence in their profession In a single 
year four pupils received the highest recognition of scholarship, upon 
graduating from as many different medical schools. The subject of es- 
tablishing a medical school in connection with the university in Ithaca 
has appealed strongly to the trustees. They have recognized the 
necessity of securing in advance an adequate endowment for its sup- 
port, as well as the establishment of hospitals or wards in the vicinity of 
the university, which should afford the necessary clinical and hospital 
practice. The establishment of such a school must be regarded as an 
event of a not remote future. 

On the 7th of March, 1887, the trustees decided to establish a school 
of pharmac)^ to be open for the admission of students at the beginning 
of the fall term of that year. It was proposed to found a course of 
study of equal rank in point of thoroughness and scientific character 
with the courses in the university, and that the training given should 
be adequate to prepare students for positions of responsibility as dis- 
pensing or manufacturing chemists. The law establishing a State 
Board of Pharmacy, which should license all druggists, was designed to 
advance the standing of that profession, and it was thought that stu- 
dents in large numbers would be induced to prepare themselves for 
pharmaceutical chemists, for which the existing courses in chemistry, 
botany and microscopical technolog}^, offered special inducements. Mr, 
William Angell Viall was appointed instructor, and later assistant pro- 
fessor of practical pharmacy and lecturer on materia medica. The 
hopes of attracting large numbers of students to the school were not 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 663 

realized, and the department was formally abolished on September 
24, 1890, 

LAW SCHOOL. 

Attention was also early called to the expediency of establishing a 
law department in connection with the university. The courses in 
history and political science, in constitutional and international law, and 
in the history of institutions already furnished instruction in depart- 
ments closely related to the curriculum of a law school. Many students 
who contemplated professional studies desired the facilities for pursuing 
them here. Articles appeared in the college press in favor of such an 
institution long before its realization seemed possible. President Adams, 
in his first report, recommended to the trustees for favorable consider- 
ation, the establishment of a law department to be opened in the 
autumn of 1887. At the meeting of the trustees, held November 20, 
1885, a committee was appointed to consider and report on the practi- 
cability and expediency of the early establishment of a law department 
in this university, such report to include the whole subject of the plan 
of organization. This committee consisted of President Adams, Messrs. 
Boardman, Gluck, Williams and Woodford. This committee presented 
a careful report upon the questions involved in the establishment of 
such a school, at the meeting of the trustees held June 16, 1886, which 
report was accepted and its recommendation unanimously adopted. 
The importance of a thorough legal training was considered, and it was 
held that the provision for legal education already existing was not 
ample, and that in many cases, where schools existed, they were private 
enterprises without endowment, in which instruction was often not of 
that character which was demanded by the present state of legal science. 
It was held that the University was favorably situated for a law school, 
and that such a school might be established in accordance with the 
letter and spirit of the charter. The original Land Grant Act stated 
that its purpose was to promote ^^ tJie liberal and practical education " 
of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of life. 
The proper equipment, and the additional demands which would be 
made upon the university in founding a law school, were considered 
and its establishment was at once recommended. The plan of the pro- 
posed law school was issued and the beginning of the school was fixed 
for September 23,1887. The Honorable Douglass Boardman, whose 
extended experience upon the bench made his counsel of great value. 



664 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

was elected dean, and Professor Harry B. Hutchins of the Law School 
of Michigan University, secretary, upon whom the executive adminis- 
tration of the school has devolved. As a preliminary step in the 
equipment of the school, the university purchased the valuable law 
library of Mr. Merritt King, consisting of 4,061 volumes. The opening 
of the school justified at once the confident hopes of its founders. The 
first year there were fifty-five students; in two 5^ears the numbers 
reached 105, and at the present time there are about 200 students. An 
important addition to the library of the school was made by the gift of 
the Moak law library which was presented to the university for the use 
of the school, as a memorial of its first dean. Judge Douglass Board- 
man, by his widow, Mrs. A. M. Boardman, and his daughter, Mrs. Ellen 
D. Williams. In presenting this library to the university, the Honor- 
able Francis M. Finch stated: " Even beyond the value of the gift, is 
the grace of it, for it came with the cheerful and happy freedom which 
waited for none to persuade, and sought only the assurance that the 
gift was worthy of the purpose from which it sprang. It is hardly 
possible to overestimate its value. I know of but one or two collec- 
tions in the land which are as perfect and complete. Beginning back in 
the shadows of the early centuries when Bracton, whose true name is in 
dispute, and Fleta, by an author unknown, set growing in the bark and 
sap of the Saxon branches innumerable grafts from the older Roman 
law, and with the quaint and curious year-books couched in their bar- 
barous Latin and primitive Norman French, the series of English 
reports comes down without a break to the present day. The State 
Trials beginning in 1103 with the arraignment of Becket, that Arch- 
bishop of Canterbury who ventured to question the religious suprem- 
acy of a not over-religious king, and passing on to their tragic and 
terrible stories of the blood through which liberty and justice waded to 
the shores of a higher civilization, the chancer}^ volumes along the lines 
of which one can trace the growing strength and courage with which 
equity tempered the severities of the law, the colonial reports reflecting 
the thoughts of the motherland, but coloring all with the necessities of 
climate and situation, and changes born of Canadian snows, the iVus- 
tralian bush and the customs of many islands, all these are here in 
orderly rank and array and none are wanting at the call of the muster 
roll; and with them are massed the reports of that newer and younger 
life in our own land, gathered from every State in the Union omitting 
none, not one . . . And with all these which garner up the whole 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 665 

legal knowledge and wisdom of the English speaking race, are com- 
mentaries and text books without number, discussing all phases of 
jurisprudence and all forms of adjudication, so that it may be truth- 
fully said of the gift which these ladies make to you to-day, that no 
authority will ever be cited, no case will ever be referred to, no existing 
doctrine will ever be asserted, which cannot at once be verified in the 
library thus added to your treasures." 

The Law School was first accommodated in the rooms on the fourth 
floor of Morrill Hall, but aside from the inconvenience and the difficulty 
of access to these rooms, they only partially met the needs of the school. 
In February, 1891, the trustees made a liberal appropriation for the 
erection of a special building for the school, which was completed in 
the summer of 1892. It is a large three-story structure of Cleveland 
stone, having the general architectural features of the Sage Library, 
and is practically fire-proof. On the first floor are three large lecture 
rooms and the necessary halls and cloak rooms. Seminary rooms and 
the offices of the several resident professors occupy the second floor, 
while the third is devoted to library purposes. Here are three large, 
well lighted and elegantly furnished library rooms, which have accom- 
modations for thirty thousand volumes, and for three hundred readers. 
The building is heated by steam and lighted by electricity, and is 
thoroughly well ventilated. The erection and furnishing of the build- 
ing, cost $110,000. At a meeting of the trustees held on September 14, 
1892, it was resolved unanimously that, in view of the long and valuable 
services of the late Judge Douglass Boardman as a member of their 
body, and of his official connection with the School of Law, the home 
of the school should be designated as Boardman Hall. The library of 
the school contains 23,000 volumes. The building was first occupied 
for the purposes of a school at the opening of the fall term of 1892, and 
was formally dedicated and named on the 14th of February, 1893, with 
addresses by the Hon. Francis M. Finch, who presented the Moak Law 
Library in behalf of the donors, and President Schurman accepting the 
gift, and by the Hon. Chas. Andrews, chief judge of New York Court 
of Appeals. The able address by Judge Andrews traced the history of 
legal study in the formation of the Constitution of the United States 
and of the separate States, and described the increasing demands which 
the future would make in settling problems which affect the rights of 
the people, and social order, 
34 



666 . LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The faculty of the Law School first appointed, consisted of the Hon. 
Douglass Boardman, dean. Judge Boardman had served on the Board of 
Trustees, first as alumni trustee from 1875-1885, and from that date as 
a regular trustee, elected by the board. He had served on the bench 
of the Supreme Court from 1866-1881, a portion of the time as a 
member of the General Term, when he voluntarily retired, bearing with 
him the respect of his colleagues on the bench and the members of the 
bar. He was an upright and industrious judge, who, while possessing 
positive views, was courteous and tolerant, while maintaining the 
dignity of his judicial office. The associate dean of the school, 
Professor Harry B. Hutchins, a graduate of the University of Michigan, 
and afterward Jay professor of law in that institution. He lectures on 
Ainerican constitutional law, the law of real property, common law 
pleading and practice, equity- jurisprudence and equity-pleading and 
procedure. 

The Hon. Charles A. Collin graduated at Yale in 1866, and was later 
city attorney in Elmira. For several years Professor Collin has been 
one of the commissioners on statutory revision, where his work has 
been recognized as of the highest value to the State, and also legal 
adviser of the governor to report upon the constitutional and legal 
character of bills submitted for approval. He has also devoted much 
attention to sociology and to the amelioration of the condition of the 
dependent and criminal classes. He lectures in the Law School upon 
elementary law, criminal law and procedure, civil procedure under the 
codes, private and municipal corporations, and partnership. 

Professor Francis M. Burdick, now of the Columbia Law School, 
came from Hamilton College, where he held a similar position. His 
instruction embraced elementary law, contracts including agency, evi- 
dence, bailments, mercantile law including bills, partnership, sales, 
suretyship, and Roman law. L^pon Professor Burdick's resignation in 
1891, his position was filled with brilliant ability by Professor Charles E. 
Hughes, who resigned after two years' service, and was succeeded by 
Professor Ernest Wilson Huffcut, a graduate of the university in the 
class of 1884, and at the Law School in 1888, who had filled the position 
of instructor in English, from 1885-88, and had later, after a period 
of practice at the bar, held a professorship of law in the Universit}' of 
Indiana, and in the Law School of the Northwestern University in 
Chicago. Professor Huffcut's instruction embraces the subjects for- 
merly taught by Professor Burdick, with the exception of elementary 
law, bailments and partnership. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 667 

William A. Finch, esq., of the class of 1880, has been assistant-, 
professor (1891-2) and later associate professor in the Law School. 
He lectures upon wills and administration, evidence, chattel mortgages, 
domestic relations, bailments and insurance. Professor Herbert Tuttle, 
L.H.D., lectures upon English constitutional history (1887-94), and 
Professor Moses Coit Tyler, LL.D., has lectured upon American con- 
stitutional history since the opening of the school. 

Notable lectures before the school have been delivered by the Hon. 
Francis M. Finch, LL.D., of the Court of Appeals, on the Statute of 
Frauds and Fraudulent Conveyances; by the Hon. Daniel H. Chamber- 
lain on Constitutional Law; by the Hon. Alfred C. Coxe of the United 
States District Court on Admirality ; by the Hon. Orlow W. Chapman 
on the Law of Life Insurance; by the Hon. Goodwin Brown on the 
Law of Extradition, and others. 



XXI. 
THE QUARTER-CENTENNIAL. 

At the meeting of the trustees of June 15, 1892, a committee was 
appointed to arrange for the appropriate observance of the twenty- 
fifth anniversar}^ of the organization of Cornell University. It was 
decided to arrange for the celebration of the opening of the university 
on October 6, 7 and 8, 1893. Such an occasion afforded an opportunity 
to review the history, and to estimate the influence of the university as 
an educational force in the nation, in the twenty-five years of its exist- 
ence, and for a reunion of former students and friends, who were 
present in large numbers. The exercises began on Friday evening, 
October the sixth, with a reception in the University Library, at which 
delegates from other universities, and invited guests were present. 

Among the attractions of the library many recent additions were 
exhibited, among them the Zarncke library, previously one of the finest 
collections for the study of German literature and philology among the 
private libraries of Germany, which had been recently presented to the 
university by Mr. William H. Sage; a rare Dante collection from Pro- 
fessor Willard Fiske ; several richly illustrated volumes upon events in 
Russian history, from the Hon. Andrew D. White, minister to Russia; 
two portraits by the artist, Mr. J. Colin Forbes, one of the Hon. Ezra 
Cornell, painted in accordance with a resolution of the Legislature of 



668 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the State of New York, for the State Library in Albany, and a replica 
of a foot-length portrait of Mr. Gladstone, painted for the Liberal Club 
in London. The literary exercises in connection with this event were 
held on Saturday, October 7, in the lecture room of the library. The 
oration upon this occasion was delivered by the Honorable Chaunce}^ 
M. Depew. The address which the eloquent orator delivered upon this 
occasion was perhaps one of the most notable of his life; it glowed 
with the emotion which such an academic occasion suggests, and with 
the spirit of a scholar who is permeated with the thought of the glory 
of the history of universities in the past, and of their place in the 
world's progress, and who, at the same time, is full of memories of 
academic life which are at once tender and ennobling. The occasion, 
aside from politics and the fever of political life, was worthy of a 
celebration commemorating a university which has been representa- 
tive in the history of the new learning. At the same time it was a 
glorious prophecy of the future, and of the influence which the 
university should exert in the coming educational life of the nation. 
Seldom, possibly never, has the province of the university been por- 
trayed with more eloquence and beauty than was done by Mr. Depew 
on this occasion. One of the noblest passages of the address was, as 
was proper, a tribute to the mernory of the founder, with whom Mr. 
Depew has been personally associated : 

The life of Ezra Cornell is a lesson and an inspiration. The study of his strug- 
gles and success is a liberal education. Our meeting would lose much of its signifi- 
cance if it failed to enforce the lesson of the career and commemorate the character 
of the founder, Sixty-five years ago young Cornell, who had just attained his ma- 
jority and started out to seek his fortune, after a walk of forty miles rested upon one 
of the hills overlooking this beautiful lake. This reticent Quaker was passionately 
fond of nature, and he was entranced by the superb panorama spread out before 
him. Few places on earth possess so many scenic attractions. The only view I 
know which compares with this, is the view from the Acropolis, at Athens, with the 
plain in front, the Pentelic mountains behind, and the blue JEgean in the distance. 

The young mechanic had neither friends nor acquaintances in the village which 
nestled at his feet, and his worldly possessions were all in a little bundle on the end 
of the stick which served for staff and baggage-wagon. He had no money, and 
only a spare suit of clothes; but with health, good habits, ambition, industry, and a 
perfect knowledge of what he intended to do, and an equal determination to do it, 
he entered Ithaca a conqueror. No delegation of citizens met him at the gates; no 
triumphal procession bore him in a chariot ; no arches spanned the streets ; but the 
man who was to make this then secluded hamlet known throughout the world had 
done for Ithaca the greatest service it could receive by deciding to become its citizen. 
Though poor, he was far removed from poverty. His situation illustrates one of the 
hopeful features of American conditions. Neither doubt nor despair was in his 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 669 

mind. He had found his place and he knew he could improve it. He saw his ladder- 
and began to climb it. It is the genius of our people to get on, and it is the pleasure 
of the community to help and applaud. Occasional failures test the metal of the as- 
pirant, and hard knocks develop grip or gelatin. There are, unhappily, suffering 
and helplessness incident to the practical workings of the doctrine of the survival of 
the fittest, but vigor and manhood win their rewards. 

Faith and works were the principles of Ezra Cornell, and the carpenter's bench a 
platform and preparation for larger efforts. . . . As a carpenter he improved the 
methods of his village master; as a mechanic he devised machines which overcame 
unexpected difficulties; as an unprejudiced, practical man, he became familiar with 
the uses of electricity while the professor was still lecturing upon its dangers. 

The inventor needed an undaunted and indomitable man of affairs to 
demonstrate to capitalists its possibilities and to the public its beneficence, and he 
found him in Ezra Cornell, who saw its future, and upon his judgment staked the 
accumulations of his life and the almost superhuman labors of a decade. He owned 
electric shares of the face value of millions and went hungry to bed because he had 
not the means to pay for a meal, and his family suffered because they could not be 
trusted for a barrel of flour. But neither want, nor debt, nor the sheriff, could wrest 
from him his telegraj^h stock. I know of no more dramatic scene in the lives of any 
of our successful men than the spectacle of this potential millionaire tramping 
through the highways and byways of penury, suffering, and sickness, upheld by his 
sublime faith in his work and the certainty of its recognition. Suddenly the dark- 
ness was dispelled and the day dawned. People woke up to the necessity of the tel- 
egraph for the government and for commerce, and Cornell's faith had coined for him 
a fortune. 

. A most noble and brilliant representative of this class was the founder of 
this university. Prosperity made him neither an idler nor a voluptuar}^. It added 
fresh vigor to his work, enlarged his vision and broadened his sympathies. No 
mawkish sentimentality nor theatrical surprises were in his character. He deter- 
mined to devote a portion of his fortune to the welfare of his countrymen and coun- 
trywomen, and decided that the best way was to give them the education and train- 
ing with which to help themselves. He had the self-made man's belief that a suc- 
cessful career is possible to every one who tries, but he knew from sore experience 
how difficult is progress for the poorly equipped in the sharp competition of life. He 
did not give up money-making. On the contrary, the more beneficent the purpose 
to which he found it could be applied, the harder he worked to gain more. His was 
the ideal of the divine injunction to be "diligent in business, serving the Lord." 

It was my privilege as a young man, and the youngest member of the Legislature, 
to sit beside Ezra Cornell. I learned to love and revere him. In those days, so full 
of the strife and passions of the civil war, it was a wonder and inspiration to listen 
to the peaceful plans of this practical philanthropist for the benefit of his fellow men. 
The times were big with gigantic schemes for the acquisition of sudden fortunes, 
and his colleagues could not understand this most earnest and unselfish worker. To 
most of them he was a schemer whose purposes they could not fathom, and to the 
rest of us he seemed a dreamer whose visions would never materialize. These 
doubters of a quarter of a century ago esteem it a high privilege to stand in this 



670 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

presence, and an honor to have the opportunity to contribute a chaplet to the wreaths 
which crown the statue of Ezra Cornell. 

Other addresses were delivered by the Hon. Stewart L. Woodford, 
LL.D., who, as lieutenant-governor, had responded on behalf of the 
State at the opening of the university; by Chancellor Upson of the 
University of the State of. New York ; by Professor G. C. Caldwell in 
behalf of the original faculty; and by the Hon. Joseph C. Hendrix, 
member of Congress from Brooklyn, one of the early students. An 
interesting feature of the occasion was the presentation to Dr. Burt G. 
Wildes, by Dr. Theobald Smith, of a Festschrift, a volume containing 
contributions in science from his former pupils, designed to express 
their gratitude for his instruction and services to the cause of science; 
also of a manuscript history of the university, prepared by Professor 
Ernest W. Huffcut. 

General regret was felt that President Cleveland, who, as governor^ 
and at other times, has always manifested his interest in the university, 
was unable to be present, owing to the demand of important legislation 
in Congress. 

At the dinner which followed congratulations were received from ex- 
President White in St. Petersburg, to which a grateful response was 
sent, from General Meredith Read in Paris, the only survivor of the ten 
trustees named in the charter of the university; and a letter was read 
from Professor Goldwin Smith in Toronto, who regretted his inability 
to be present. Speeches were made in behalf of the trustees by the 
Hon. S. D. Halliday; the faculty, by Professor Crane; the Common- 
wealth, by the Hon. Chauncey M. Depew; sister institutions of the east, 
by President Seth Low of Columbia College; the earlier students, by 
Hon. Joseph C. Hendrix; theosophy and education, by General A. C. 
Barnes; practical education, by Andrew Carnegie ; sister institutions of 
the west, by President Cyrus Northrup of the University of Minnesota; 
the university and the press, by St. Clair McKelway; the education of 
women, by President James M. Taylor of Vassar College; the college 
graduate and the men of affairs, by Hon. Oscar A. Straus, late United 
States minister to Turkey ; the later alumni, by Seward A. Simons, A. B. , 
79. 

On Sunday, the 8th of October, an impressive anniversary sermon 
was delivered in the Armory by the Right Reverend William Croswell 
Doane, D. D. , bishop of Albany and vice-chancellor of the University 
of the State of New York, thus closing this academic festival. 



For special co-operation in the foregoing work the author is indebted 
to the Hon. Andrew D. White. LL.D., Hon. Henry W. Sage, Hon. 
Alonzo B. Cornell, Hon. Justin S. Morrill, U. S. Senator from Ver- 
mont, Col. Charles H. Blair, Professor William H. Brewer, of Yale 
University, whose valuable contribution relating to the efforts for agri- 
cultural education in this State was received too late to be used in this 
volume; and among his colleagues, to Professors Caldwell, Wilder, 
Low, Prentiss, Crane, Corson, Oliver, Fuertes, Comstock, Williams, 
M. C. Tyler, Thurston, Wheeler, Nichols, Bailey, Hart, Jenks, Burr, 
Bennett, Gage and Harris, and to many others for minor suggestions. 
He is also indebted to the Hon. William T. Harris, United States 
Commissioner of Education, to the Hon. Melvil Dewey, Secretary of 
the Regents of the University of the State of New York, to Dr. Herbert 
B. Adams, whose monograph on the Study of History in American Col- 
leges and Universities has been used; to President James B. Angell, 
LL.D., of the University of Michigan, Professor J. H. Gilmore, of the 
University of Rochester, Professor J. W. Chickering, of the National 
Deaf-Mute College, and to others whose aid he would not fail to 
acknowledge. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



THE HONORABLE EZRA CORNELL. 

"A stature somewhat above the average, a form slender and rigid, a thin face of 
the well-known Puritan type, with lips which expressed in their compression an un- 
wonted firmness of character, the slow, steady, stiff gait, a demeanor of unusual 
gravity, but which was sometimes a little too brusque to be dignified, a sharp eye 
with a straightforward look in it, a voice tending a little to shrillness and harshness, 
but in its more quiet modulations not unpleasant, an utterance slow and precise as if 
every word was carefully if not p^infull}^ thought out, such was the founder of Cor- 
nell University as he walked among us during the first six years of the institution's 
history. In whatever community, or in the midst of whatever surroundings his lot 
had been cast, he would have been a man of mark. A stranger, meeting him in the 
crowded railway car, would strightway see that he was not a mere individual of the 
ordinary type, that he possessed strong characteristics which made him noticeably 
different from other men. He had a good memory and a quick eye, and was a close 
and careful observer of men and things. . . . His most predominant trait, over- 
looking all others, was his complete self-abnegation. He was an utterly intensely 
unselfish man ; no human being, with similar qualificatons in other respects, could be 
more thoroughly uninfluenced by any considerations of his own comfort, of his own 
aggrandizement, or of his own fame. He was generous alike of his time, his labor 
and his wealth, and no thought of his own interest ever limited the flow of this 
generosity." 

In such words as these the death of Mr. Cornell was announced to the university 
world. They characterize his outward bearing and man}? of the predominant charac- 
teristics of a stern,- silent, warm-hearted nature. 

Mr. Ezra Cornell was of Puritan descent, his family having settled in Swansea, 
Massachusetts. His ancestors on both sides had be^n members of the Society of 
Friends. Like most of the early residents of New England, the family was of limited 
resources, and industry, simplicity and economy were prevailing traits in the family 
life of the time. Mr. Cornell's father learned the potter's trade, but he was besides, a 
mechanic both practical and skillful. He early removed to Westchester Landing, 
New York, and engaged for a tinfe, in ship building. After a residence in Bergen 
county, New Jersey, near the site of the present beautiful village of Englewood, 
where he resumed his original craft as a potter, he removed to De Ruyter, New 
York. Here he established himself upon a farm, and, at the same time, carried on 




H^MA (OOMl^IlII^ao 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 673 

profitably the manufacture of earthenware. This was the early home of his son, Ezra 
Cornell, where, in a community of Friends, he grew up in the simple and healthy life 
which characterizes the members of this communion. Even as a boy, amid the re- 
stricted advantages of a new country, his education was limited; and once, when but 
sixteen 3-ears of age, in order to earn the privilege of attending a wnnter school, in 
company with a younger brother, he cut down and cleared the timber upon four acres 
of forest, transforming it into tillable land. A year or two later, he cut timber in a 
forest, and with the aid of the same brother erected a two-story dwelling house for 
his father, at that time the largest residence in the town. Having thus tested his 
capacity for work, he went forth, and was engaged for the next three j^ears in the 
work of cutting timber for shipment to New York, and later as a machinist. Ithaca 
was at this time a village of two thousand inhabitants, and enjoyed the benefit of a 
thriving trade with the lat-ge territory which depended upon it for communication 
with the markets of the external world. ' ' With a spare suit of clothes and a few 
dollars in his pocket, the earnings of his previous labors, Ezra Cornell entered Ithaca 
on foot, having walked from his father's house in De Ruyter, a distance of forty 
miles. He had chosen to make the journey thus, not only for the purpose of saving 
the expense of riding, but also for the pleasure he enjoyed in walking. He could 
travel forty miles per day with perfect ease. Without a single acquaintance in the 
village, and with no introduction or certificate of character in any form, except such 
as he could offer in his own behalf, he arrived in Ithaca with youth, courage and 
ambition as capital stock, determined by his own exertions to earn a living and es- 
tablish himself on a permanent and prosperous basis." It was in April, 1828, soon 
after his arrival, that Mr. Cornell secured work as a carpenter, and erected at the 
corner of Geneva and Clinton streets a residence which is still standing, and which 
has for many years been the home of the Bloodgood family. Mr. Cornell's experi- 
ence for a year as a mill-wright secured employment for him in certain flouring and 
plaster mills at Fall Creek, and for the next twelve years he was a manager of ex- 
tensive interests, which often involved the disbursement of hundreds of thousands of 
dollars annually. Dr. Theodore L. Cuyler, in a letter written thirty years after- 
wards, said that he used to see sitting on the counter of his uncle's store (Mr. John 
James Speed) "a shrewd managing chap unfolding schemes for carrjdng the tovvn- 
shiiD for the Whig ticket. That obscure but keen-witted man is now the Ezra Cor- 
nell who has founded the most promising university in New York." Mr. Cornell's 
early interest in politics is manifest from this statement. His ability as a mechanic 
of a high order was shown still further, not merel}- in erecting mills, but also in de- 
vising and executing a feat of engineering of very great difficulty, viz., in cutting a 
tunnel above the falls, through several hundred feet of solid rock, thus securing an 
abundant supply of water for numerous manufactories below, which has remained 
in constant use up to the present time. This important work was finished in 1831. 
The tunnel was cut through a cliff and work was begun at both extremities. When 
the two galleries met in the center, a variation of less than two inches from an exact 
line was found. 

During these years Mr. Cornell was active in local politics, advocating with great 
energy the principles of the Whig party. At the age of thirty-five, an interruption 
in the industrial prosperity of Ithaca threw Mr. Cornell out of employment, and his 
85 



674 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

life now began upon a wider sphere. He purchased the patent rights for an improved 
plow and journeyed to Maine mostly on foot to effect its sale, and later, he made a 
tour through the Southern States, going as far as Georgia. During this journey he 
walked a distance of one thousand five hundred miles. A second journey to Maine 
was undertaken in the year 1843. On his previous visit Mr. Cornell had met the 
Hon. Francis O. J. Smith, a Democratic congressman from Maine, the editor of the 
Maine Farmer. Mr. Smith was a politician of great abilit3% and though greatly 
defamed for his skill and adroitness by political enemies, a man of unusual ability. 
He had become interested in the electric telegraph. This enterprise in its initial 
steps was involved in great difficulty. Many important facts necessary for its 
practical use were as yet undiscovered, and it was only slowly that experience called 
attention to the necessity of essential improvements, before its inventor's dream of 
success could be realized, and the public share in the advantages of this brilliant in- 
vention. It was supposed that two wires were necessary in order to form a complete 
metallic circuit. No mode had then been devised for the treatment of India rubber 
to make it available for the purposes of insulation, and gutta-percha was wholly un- 
known' as an article of use or commerce in this country. It was not yet determined 
how the wires could be extended between cities. It was thought at first that the 
wires should be enclosed in an underground tube. Upon the occasion of Mr. 
Cornell's second visit to Portland, he found Mr. Smith upon the floor of his office, 
with designs around him for the manufacture of a plow which should excavate the 
furrow for the underground telegraph pipe. It was proposed also to cover the pipe 
by means of a second machine. Mr. Smith had taken the contract to lay the pipe at 
one hundred dollars per mile, and it was necessary to invent some machine capable 
of executing his purpose successfully. He hailed the arrival of Mr. Cornell as the 
person to solve his difficulties. Mr. Cornell after examining the plan was convinced 
that a single machine would suffice for the purpose. He thus describes the event : 
" I, therefore, with my pencil sketched a rough diagram of a machine that seemed to 
me adapted to his necessities. It provided that the pipe with the wires enclosed 
therein was to be coiled around a drum or reel, from whence it was to pass over and 
through a hollow standard protected by shives directly in the rear of the coulter or 
cutter, which was so arranged as to cut a furrow two and one-half feet deep and one 
and one-fourth inches wide. Arranged something like a plow, it was to be drawn by 
a powerful team, and to deposit the pipe in the bottom of the furrow as it moved 
along; the furrow, being so narrow, would soon close itself and conceal the pipe from 
view." Overcoming his scepticism, Mr. Smith authorized Mr. Cornell to make the 
pattern for the necessary castings, who also, in the mean time, constructed the wood- 
work for the frame. On the 17th of August, 1843, a successful trial of Mr. Cornell's 
invention was made on Mr. Smith's farm in Westbrook, a few miles north of Portland. 
' ' The complete success of my machine, and the prompt manner of making the in- 
vention, the moment that circumstances demanded its use, inspired Mr. Smith with 
great confidence in my ability both as a mechanic and a practical man. He therefore 
urged me to go to Baltimore with the machine, and take charge of laying the pipe 
between that city and Washington. As this proposition involved the abandonment 
of the business which I came to Maine to look after, it was with some hesitation that 
I entertained it. A little reflection, however, convinced me that the telegraph was to 
become a grand enterprise, and this seemed a jDarticularly advantageous opportunitj'' 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 675 

for me to identify myself with it. Finally, convinced that it would shortly lead me ' 
on the road of fortune, I acceded to Mr. Smith's earnest solicitation, and engaged to 
undertake the work on condition that I should first devote a little time to the settle- 
ment of my business in Maine." This was the beginning of Mr. Cornell's connection 
with the electric telegraph, which became the source of his fortune. It has been 
shown how incomplete the invention was as a practical achievement. Professor 
Morse says that up to the autumn of 1837, his telegraph apparatus existed in so crude 
a form that he felt a reluctance to have it seen ; but on the 6th of January, 1838, he 
operated his system successfully over a wire three miles long, in the presence of a 
number of personal friends, at Morristown, N. J. Later, the leading scientists of 
New York and the faculty of the University, as well as the Franklin Institute of 
Philadelphia, recognized its pre-eminent merit. Mr. Morse removed his apparatus 
from Philadelphia to Washington, where he demonstrated its success in the presence 
of President Van Buren and his cabinet, foreign ministers, and members of Congress. 
Congress finally appropriated at the close of the session of 1843 thirty thousand 
dollars for the erection of an experimental line of telegraph between Washington and 
Baltimore. The original plan of placing the wires underground proved unsuccessful 
from the impossibility of effective insulation. Mr. Cornell then made a careful study 
of all the available scientific works which treated of electrical science, and finalh' 
urged the adoption of the method which had proved successful in England, in the 
hands of Cooke and Wheatstone — of placing the wires on poles. On May 1, 1844, the 
line was completed and in operation between Washington and Baltimore. Mr. Morse 
now off^ered to sell the patent to the United States government, to be used in con- 
nection with the postal service, for one hundred thousand dollars. The post-office 
department, to which this proposition was referred, reported that the operation of the 
telegraph between Washington and Baltimore had not satisfied the postmaster- 
general, and that at any possible rate of postage, could its revenues be made to cover 
its expenditures. Under the influence of this report. Congress declined to accept the 
offer of the patentees, and the telegraph was left to seek development by the aid of 
private capital. Mr. Cornell was now formally enlisted in the depelopment of this 
invention. He had short lines of telegraph erected across streets or between 
buildings in Boston and New York, with the purpose of interesting capitalists in the 
formation of a company to erect a line between New York, Philadelphia, Boston and 
Washington. Mr. Cornell constructed the section of the line between Fort Lee, 
opposite New York, and Philadelphia, in the summer of 1845. His compensation for 
superintendence was at this time one thousand dollars per annum. All the money 
that he could spare was now invested m the capital stock of the Magnetic Telegraph 
Company, the first incorporated organization to promote this new enterprise. It was 
not merely as a superintendent and constructor of telegraph that Mr. Cornell's admi- 
rable powers were displayed. He designed apparatus to facilitate the transmission of 
messages, among other things, a relay magnet which was used successfully for a 
considerable time. Mr. Cornell next erected a line between New York and Albany, 
under contract with the New York, Albany and Buffalo Telegraph Company, which 
was completed successfully in the autumn of 1846. From this enterprise Mr. Cornell 
realized a profit of six thousand dollars, his first substantial gain after three years of 
labor in connection with the telegraph. Later, he also erected lines from Troy to 
Montreal, and a portion of a line to Quebec. Mr. Cornell now assumed a larger 



676 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

responsibility in establishing the telegraph system of this country. He organized 
the Erie and Michigan Telegraph Company to provide a line of telegraph between 
Buffalo and Milwaukee via Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago, and also the New York 
and Erie Telegraph Company to connect Dunkirk with the city of New York, passing 
throuth the southern counties of the State. In much of the territory west of Buffalo, 
telegraph lines were established before the railways, branch lines were erected to 
connect with the Erie and Michigan Company's lines, from Cleveland to Pittsburgh, 
from Cleveland to Zanesville and Wheeling, and from Cleveland to Columbus and 
Cincinnati. The rapid development of telegraphic communication created a rivalry 
between opposing lines, and competing oftices were erected in various cities for the 
transaction of business. In 1855, the Western Union Telegraph Company was 
organized, by which these conflicting interests were consolidated. This company 
embraced at first the lines in the States of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and 
a portion of Illinois. The success of this union of opposing interests was at once 
manifested. The profits of the enterprise increased rapidly, and the company' em- 
ployed its accumulating profits in extending its s^'stem over a wider field. Other 
lines were purchased, new lines were built, others leased in perpetuity, and thus the 
position of the new company was rendered complete and impregnable. Later, the 
Western Union Telegraph Company assumed the contract of Mr. Sible3% and 
extended its lines across the continent ten years in advance of the railroad. 

In 1862 Mr. Cornell took his seat in the Legislature of the State. He served for 
two terms as representative, and for two terms as senator. His term of service fell, 
in part, within the years of the Civil War, when it was necessary to sustain the Fed- 
eral Government with every influence emanating from its most powerful State. In 
all the questions to which the war gave rise, Mr. Cornell supported earnestly the na- 
tional cause. During his residence in Albany he w^as chairman of the committee on 
agriculture in the Senate, and, also, chairman of the committee on finance. ^ He was 
an uncompromising advocate of sustaining the credit of the State b}^ payment of the 
principal and interest of the public debt in specie, in accordance with the true spirit 
under which the obligation was incurred. He also advocated the creation of sinking 
funds for the gradual extinction of the debts of the State. These wise measures 
have almost extinguished the entire indebtedness of the State. We find him 
active in the labor of the committees of which he was a member. Although not an 
orator, his remarks were terse and convincing. His name is associated with numer- 
ous measures for the benefit of agriculture, finance, and education. His services in 
the Legislature were recognized by his constituents by a unanimous renomination 
for senator. When he retired, it was at his personal wish, in order to devote himself 
to the interests of the university which he had founded. All Mr. Cornell's acts ex- 
pressed his strong individuality. Definiteness characterized all his opinions, and 
views, once adopted, were sustained with tenacity in the face of all opposition. All 
ideahsts are perhaps visionary, and the erection of the university which bears his 
name was a noble ideal which Mr. Cornell set before him as the crown of his life. 
Visionary he may have been in other things, but a humane purpose underlay all. 
To promote its interests, he was led to withdraw his capital from the telegraph, in 
which it was rapidly increasing, and where its security seemed unassailable, in order 
to promote the erection of railways through his native city. Mr. Cornell's letter- 
books show the enormous labor to which he subjected himself, the minute and pa- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 677 

tient detail with which he answered inquiries and attended to every question of the 
administration of the university lands. He was unable to relinquish minor matters 
to others, and the new and untried responsibilities which he had assumed in connec- 
tion with the railways were beyond his powers of immediate direction. In these 
vast undertakings to which he was impelled by a desire to benefit his native place, 
as well as to build up the university, his large fortune was impaired. Prosperous 
times could not probabh' have secured the success of his venture ; but in the paraly- 
sis of all business in the crisis of 1873, it is not strange that his enterprises yielded to 
inevitable laws upon which all industrial prosperity depends. The blow of impend- 
ing loss was met by Mr. Cornell silently, heroically, but with unfaltering resolution. 
The vigor and courage which had won his great fortune made his spirit still hopeful, 
almost triumphant, amid financial loss. In June, 1874, Mr. Cornell was suddenly in- 
capacitated from attention to business by serious illness which he had contracted by 
unconscious exposure while traveling. From this illness he never recovered. Pneu- 
monia passed into a settled affection of the lungs, and all hope was at an end. Pour- 
ing his last months of weakness, mindful of the university which laj^ so near his 
heart, he transferred to it all his interests m the national lands which he had pur- 
chased, and thus secured its permanence. During his sickness he longed to recover; 
he could not bear the thought of defeat, and he wished to earn, as he said, a half 
million dollars more for the university. The enormous task of administering the es- 
tate of the university, which he had assumed, and the terrible burdens associated 
with the three railway enterprises in which he was engaged, added a crushing 
w^eighttothe suffering of his last months. Even upon the morning of the 9th of 
December, 1874, he rose with the wonderful energy inherent in his nature, and was 
dressed, and devoted himself during the hours of the morning to business. At last, 
overcome by weakness, he sought his couch, and soon after noon, his work was over. 
Although Mr. Cornell was by nature reserved, and there was an element of stern- 
ness in his exterior, only those who were intimate knew the warmth of personal af- 
fection which burned in his heart. His devotion to his family — his longing, when 
absent, for the sight of his little girls, and his remembrance of every member, found 
constant expression in his letters. His integrity and loyalty m the support of every- 
thing that he believed right, all knew; but the warmth of feeling in his nature was 
known only to his most intimate friends. The news of his death called out an ex- 
pression of popular sorrow in the community in w'hich he lived, such as is but rarel}' 
awakened; and neighboring cities held meetings to pass resolutions of respect for 
his memory. He rests in a Memorial Chapel erected in the center of the university, 
which will be his truest monument. 



THE HONORABLE ANDREW DICKSON WHITE, LL.D. 

The Honorable Andrew D. White, LL.D., the first president of the university was 
born in Homer, N. Y., November 7, 1832. After spending one year in Hobart, he 
entered Yale College, where he spent the last three years of his college course, gradu- 
ating in the class of 1853. Mr. White w^on distinction in a class noted for its bril- 



678 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

liant members. He received prizes in English essays, and was one of the editors of 
the Yale Literary Magazine. Upon graduation, he obtained the De Forest Gold 
Medal, one of the most coveted honors of an undergraduate course, for an oration 
upon The Diplomatic History of Modern Times. 

Among his classmates were many who afterwards became distinguished, among 
them, E. C. Stedman, the poet; Henry C. Robinson, governor of Connecticut; 
Bishop Theodore F. Davis, -of Michigan; Senator Gibson, of Louisiana; Wayne Mac- 
Veagh, United States attorney-general, and minister to Italy, and George Shiras, judge 
of theLTnited States Supreme Court. After graduation he went abroad, where he spent 
three years in travel and study. He resided longest in Paris, where he heard lect- 
ures at the Sorbonne, pursuing with ardor the study of French histor5^ in which sub- 
lect his lectures have always possessed an especial interest. He was a member for 
a few months of the official family of the Honorable Thomas H. Seymour, United 
States minister to St. Petersburg, during the exciting events associated with the Cri n ' can 
war, where he obtained some glimpse of diplomatic affairs and of political and court 
life. He also traveled extensively through Europe. In intervals of other work, he 
inspected the archives of France and studied on the spot nearly every great event of 
the Revolution. He also made several journeys through various pans of France, in- 
cluding excursions on foot through Picardy, Normandy, Brittany, Touraine and the 
borders of La Vendee, during which he conversed with many who had an intimate 
knowledge of those great events. He says : ' ' While thus satisfying my love for a 
study which has fascinated me, I have hoped to do something to counteract the in- 
fluence of prejudiced English historians and the American dilutions of their works, 
and to give that view of the struggle which, so far from disheartening young men, 
will strengthen their faith and hope. " 

Upon Mr. White's return in 1856, he spent a year in advanced study at Yale. In 
the following year, he was elected professor of history and English literature in the 
University of Michigan, which position he held from 1857 to 1862. His large business 
interests recalled him to Syracuse where, after a second period of foreign travel, he 
resumed his residence. He was twice elected a State Senator from that district, 
serving from 1864 to 1868. His connection with the University of Michigan was, 
however, from this time merely nominal ; after giving up the regular duties of his 
professorship he occasionally delivered a few lectures. His residence there was a 
most fruitful period in his educational experience. Michigan University was at that 
time under the intelligent direction of President Tappan, one of the wisest and most 
progressive administrators whom this country has produced. The independence of 
a State university, which had received enduring form under the moulding hand of 
the first superintendent of instruction, the Rev. John B. Pierce, although hampered 
at times by political interference, attracted Mr. White. President Tappan's views of 
the relation of the university to the school system of the State, as the crown of higher 
public education, were exemplified in the organization of the schools. President Tappan 
maintained that scientific learning had a right to compare, in modern education, 
with ancient learning. Views which Mr. White later incorporated into the constitu- 
tion of Cornell University were seen here in practice, where their effects could be 
measured. President White himself said in an address in Ann Arbor that Cornell 
was the daughter of Michigan Universitjr. Mr. White, as chairman of the commit- 
tee on literature in the »Senate of New York, was an efficient agent in aiding his col- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 679 

league, Mr. Ezra Cornell, to secure the Land Grant for this university. Indeed, we- 
may say that Mr. White made definite the plans of Mr. Cornell, and that the original 
purpose of the latter to found an industrial in.stitution was expanded under Mr. 
White's advocacy, so as to include a university. Mr. White's strong faith, that the 
one great opportunity for the establishment of a university in the State of New York 
worthy of the name had come with the National Grant, and that, by preserving this 
gift in its integrity, the cause of higher education would be promoted and its success 
achieved, determined Mr. Cornell's views .upon this important subject. 

Mr. White was elected a trustee of the university at the first meeting of the Board 
of Trustees held April 28, 1865. At the request of Mr. Cornell he drew up a proposed 
plan of organization which was presented to the trustees on October 21, 1866, at the 
same meeting at which he was elected president of the new university. About this 
time, the directorship of the School of Fine Arts at Yale was offered to Mr. White 
but declined. Mr. White's influence during his term of senatorial service was^ of 
great value. He was independent, and brought a knowledge of the world, and a 
study of political institutions to bear, in the discharge of his duties, which was un- 
usual in legislation . His influence in extending the system of normal schools through- 
out the State was felt, and one or two addresses which he delivered, in which he dis- 
cussed national questions were vigorous defences of Republican principles. The ad- 
dress, in which he advocated withdrawing the National Grant from the People's 
College and bestowing it upon Corneh University, was an able defence of the pro- 
posed legislative action, and exerted a marked influence. After the close of his 
duties as State senator, in the summer of 1868, President White went abroad 
for a few months in order to execute numerous orders from the trustees for the 
purchase of scientific apparatus, books and maps for the university, and also to visit 
various schools of applied science. During this visit Professor Goldwin Smith de- 
cided to come to Ithaca to reside during his proposed visit to America, and Dr. James 
Law was secured as Professor of Veterinary Science. Mr. White retained his resi- 
dence in Syracuse for the first four years after the opening of the university, until the 
completion of the president's mansion on the university grounds in the autumn of 
1872. During this time, while residing in Ithaca, he occupied rooms in Ca^cadiha 
Place which was the center of official as well as of social life. His diversified inter- 
ests often called him away from the university in those early years, and the im- 
mediate administration devolved in his absence upon the vice-president. In 1871 
President AVhite was appointed Ijy President Grant one of the United States com- 
missioners to San Domingo to report upon the expediency of the annexation of that 
island; in 1876 he received a leave of absence from the university for the purpose of 
visiting Europe and was absent until the autumn of 1878, during which year he was 
a commissioner to the Paris Exposition and, at its close, received the cross of Com- 
mander of the Legion of Honor. His return was welcomed by the entire student- 
world by processions and an address. President White remained in Ithaca until the 
spring of the following year, when, in April, he was appointed as envoy extraordi- 
nary and minister plenipotentiary to Germany. He sailed from New York May 7, 
1879. Mr. White was well qualified to represent the LTnited States at a foreign court. 
His acquaintance with European history and life, and his social gifts attracted to his 
house the most accomplished scholars and artists of the capital, and his broad and 
genial sympathy with literary men made his residence a center of charming social 



680 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

intercourse and hospitality. In the autumn of 1881 President White again assumed 
the discharge of his duties as president of the university and resided continuously in 
Ithaca until the date of his resignation in June, 1885. 

The early interest of President White in historical study, which was exhibited 
during his college life, has continued until the present time. His favorite depart- 
ment is the history of European culture since the dawn of the Renaissance. He has 
devoted most attention to French and German history, especiall}' to the period of the 
Protestant Reformation and the French Revolution. He collected a rare and exten- 
sive library, possibly not surpassed in America upon these periods. The formative 
ideas which determined the early character of the university are largely due to 
President White. He was fertile in theories, and active in investigating different 
courses of study and systems of education both in this country and abroad. To him 
belongs undoubtedly the credit of advocating, even if he did not originate, many of 
the views which prevail in modern university education. Among these we may 
mention the importance of history, especially of American history, and of modern 
languages, both as a means of culture and for scientific investigation ; he has advo- 
cated instruction in sociology, and in lectures upon free trade and protection he has 
urged that both sides shall be represented by their ablest advocates; the equal value 
for intellectual training of parallel courses of study, and the dignity and importance 
of industrial education to the nation. He has insisted upon the superior value of 
Latin for the general student above Greek. He has also been an earnest advocate 
of the improvements of the secondary schools throughout the State. Freedom in the 
choice of studies has been a prominent characteristic of the university from the 
beginning. The solution of the conflict in regard to classics he found in the 
establishment of definite parallel courses, such as have been adopted in this university. 

If a certain native disinclination to the details of executive duties, an undue reliance 
in important questions upon the formulated and aggressive views of those in whom 
he had confidence, an impetuosity and personal element in the solution of vital 
questions, combined with a peculiar indecision, and adherence to theoretical views 
after they had been disproved in practice, were manifest in administration, so many 
beautiful and generous traits were revealed, so much personal thoughtfulness as to 
preserve the enduring afi^ection of his colleagues. He loved to gather his friends in 
his home which was the centre of delightful literary and social intercourse; his large 
library was open to the use of the poorest students without hesitation, and there was 
no case of distress in the university world that did not appeal to him. 

The position of dean of the School of History and Political Science was offered to 
President White upon its establishment in 1887, but he declined the honor. In 1892 
he received again the honor of a foreign diplomatic position. President Harrison 
appointed him minister to the court of St. Petersburg, where he has since resided. 
Mr. White has presented to the university numerous works upon art, medallions, and 
manuscripts. Upon the completion of the Sage Library, Mr. White transferred to it 
his own valuable historical library consisting of 19,300 volumes. In order to secure 
the development of the studies of history and political science in which he was 
especially interested, he made as a condition of this gift the establishment and sup- 
port by the university of a School of History and Political Science, and also that it 
should maintain fellowships in these subjects, defray the salary of a librarian in the 
White Library and the cost of the publication of a catalogue of the library. 




Atlantic Publiafcjngi Engrav-ng 




CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 681 

THE HONORABLE HENRY W. SAGE. 

The Honorable Henry W. Sage was born in Middletown, Conn., January 31, 1814. 
He is a descendant of David Sage, a native of Wales, wrho settled in Middletown as 
early as 1652. His father, Mr. Charles Sage, married Miss Sally Williams, a sister 
of the Hon. J. B. Williams, of Ithaca. Henry W. Sage was the oldest child. His 
early boyhood was passed in Bristol, Conn., until his father moved westward in 1827, 
with the early tide of emigration, and settled in Ithaca. In early years he learned 
the lesson which so many eminent Americans have had to acquire — that of self-sup- 
port and self-dependence. This discipline of sacrifice and of arduous toil was one of 
his earliest acquisitions. It had been the ardent wish of the boy to enter Yale Col- 
lege, but the removal of the family to this State interrupted this plan. Even in 
Ithaca his desire for a profession did not forsake him, and he began the study of 
medicine, which, however, he was forced by ill-health to abandon, and in the year 
1832 he entered the employ of his uncles, Williams & Brothers, men of great energy 
and probity, who were merchants and large shipping agents, owning lines of trans- 
portation which traversed the lakes of Central New York, connecting, by means 
of the Erie canal and the Hudson river, with the trade of the metropolis. Mr. 
Sage's energy and business sagacity were soon manifested, and his enterprise en- 
larged the sphere of his activity. Five years later he became proprietor of the busi- 
ness. He early foresaw the rising importance of the West, and became interested 
in the vast forests of Canada and of Michigan. In 1854 he purchased a large tract 
of timber land around Lake Simcoe, in Canada, where he manufactured lumber on 
a large scale. He engaged, soon after, in business with Mr. John McGraw, and 
erected in Winona, Mich. , a manufactory which, at that time, was regarded as the 
largest in the world. When comparatively a young man, during the memorable 
campaign of 1847, he was elected upon the Whig ticket to the Legislature. In 1857 
he removed to Brooklyn, where he resided until 1880. Here his great ability, and 
above all, the marked force of his character, made him at once one of the most 
prominent citizens. He was the friend of the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, and the 
great preacher, in all his difficulties, rested upon no heart with more intimate and ten- 
der affection than upon that of his parishioner, Mr. Henry W. Sage. In 1870 Mr. 
Sage was elected trustee of the university, and since 1875 he has been president of 
the Board of Trustees. As a youth he wandered over the hills of this, his early 
home, and rejoiced in the beautiful views of lake and valley, and he saw in the new 
university an opportunity to realize a purpose, which he had deeply cherished, to 
promote the higher education of woman. Even when residing at a distance, he had 
given generously the endowment which formed the Sage foundation for the educa- 
tion of women and erected the Sage Chapel, which his son, Mr. Dean Sage, in noble 
enthusiasm for his father's purpose, endowed, thus securing to the university the 
valuable courses of sermons which have been delivered for twenty years in the Uni- 
versity Chapel, and which will constitute a permanent fund for the promotion of the 
religious and moral life of the university. It is evident from this that Mr. Sage is a 
man of lofty personal faith, who has the courage to follow his convictions wherever 
they lead. His faith in the education of woman, and in the future which is before 
her, was a part of his being, in advance of the leading thinkers of this country. 



683 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Even amid the exacting demands of business he was an earnest student, and nights 
of laborious reading followed days of exhausting work. He was interested in mod- 
ern sjDeculation, and in the bearing of scientific truth upon the profound questions of 
human life and destiny. He read also upon economical questions. Literature, 
science and art have always interested him. Work difficult for one less strong has 
always appeared easy for him. He has never seemed weary when there is work to 
be done; and he turns with apparently fresh strength to any new subject of inter- 
est, demanding his attention. He is only weary in case of enforced rest. Prompt- 
ness and almost inexhaustible energy have characterized his life. In 1880, Mr. 
Sage removed to Ithaca, and from this time his life is closely identified with the his- 
tory of the university. However great his gifts, his noble personality has been his 
greatest gift to the life of the university. It is not too much to say that services ex- 
tending over nearly a quarter of a century have made him, to all who shall review 
this later period, the central figure in its history. Mr. Cornell's magnificent plan, 
conceived in so large a spirit of personal sacrifice, and maintained with so much ten- 
acit}'-, had not as yet been realized. Indeed, a scheme which had involved so much 
labor, and which had been pursued for fifteen years with so much devotion, was on 
the point of failure after the death of Mr. Cornell. The university had retained the 
national lands, and paid every year an enormous sum, thus imposing a tax upon its 
income beyond what it was in its power to .sustain. The struggle at last seemed 
hopeless to the trustees, who had been faithful so long. An offer came to dispose of 
the balance of the western lands in Wisconsin, consisting of about five hundred 
thousand acres, for one million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The syndi- 
cate, which proposed to make this purchase, was unable to make the initial payment, 
and it was even proposed to sell the vast interest of the university for one million 
dollars. At this time Mr. Sage's influence was thrown decisively into the scale to 
preserve these lands. He maintained that their immediate value was at least three 
million dollars, and that, by retaining possession of them, and by judicious disposal, 
even a larger sum might be realized. This decisive action in a decisive moment 
saved the future of the university, and rescued it from perpetual limitation in its 
means and scope, and made it possible for it to become one of the representative 
universities of the land. The results of this policy were embodied in a report of the 
Land Committee, presented to the Executive Committee on October 30, 1889. 

"During the year, a sale of timber land amounting to one hundred and sixty-eight 
thousand two hundred and three dollars was reported. The previous sales, up to 
August 1, 1888, had realized four million nine hundred and twenty thousand seven 
hundred and forty-seven dollars and seventy-five cents. One hundred and sixty-two 
thousand six hundred and sixty-one acres were still unsold, whose estimated value 
was one million two hundred and sixty-seven thousand three hundred and twenty- 
three dollars and eighty-six cents, which, added to the previous sales, made a total 
of six million one hundred and eighty-eight thousand and seventy-one dollars and 
sixty-one cents." The committee added: "Whatever results may be the outcome 
of present complications, the university is now established upon an enduring basis. 
We cannot know how almost wholly we have been indebted to the wisdom and 
statesmanship of Ezra Cornell, in his arrangements Avith the State, to let him sell 
five hundred and twelve thousand acres of land, without admiration and gratitude 
for the breadth and solidity of the financial basis he laid for us. His undertaking 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 683 

was to carry the land twenty years, from August 4, 1866, to August 4, 1886, and . 
within that time to sell and return all proceeds, less his actual expenses, to the trea- 
surer of the State. He hoped at that time to create about two and one-quarter mil- 
lions for the benefit of the university. He died in 1874, after expending five hun- 
dred and seventy-six thousand nine hundred and fifty-three dollars of his own cash 
to carry the land ; after which it was carried by the university to June, 1881— in all 
nearly fifteen years, at a further cost of 'four hundred and eighteen thousand three 
hundred dollars, making, in all, a cost of nine hundred and ninety-five thousand two 
hundred and iifty-three dollars, and the total outcome to that date was less by three 
thousand three hundred and one dollars and sixty-nine cents than the actual cost of 
carrying it. It was a most discouraging labor, and seemed for a time to be utterly 
hopeless. The university was at that time very poor. Professors were paid two 
thousand dollars per year, and the trustees could not pay even these beggarly sal- 
aries without creating a large debt. At one time one hundred and fifty-five thou- 
sand dollars of such debt was paid from their pockets. Nearly all the available 
funds were in the land grant. Had any offered a million for it at that time, a majoi'- 
ity vote of the trustees would probably have sold it. We had by actual count three 
hundred and twenty students. The prospect ahead was dark enough, but our dark 
days were nearly over. In August, 1881, we sold four hundred and eighty thousand 
dollars worth of land at one sale, and by August 1, 1886 — three days before the 
twenty years expired — our total sales were three million eight hundred and eighty-one 
thousand seven hundred and sixty-four dollars and nineteen cents, far in excess of 
Mr. Cornell's wildest dream ; and to August 1, 1889, the total sales, added to the value 
of land yet unsold, are six million one hundred and eighty-eight thousand and 
seventy-one dollars- and sixty-one cents. We have had since August, 1881, three 
million nine hundred and twenty-eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-six dol- 
lars and forty-four cents m solid cash, or its equivalent in productive securities, 
poured into our treasury. All this in eight years ! What wonder that we have felt 
the impulse of such prosperity, that we have had power to increase the pay of our 
professors as well as their numbers, and ability to build houses, to increase equip- 
ments, and thus, by wise use of all, and by deserving it, to command public patron- 
age? We have secured large gifts from others in buildings and in endowments ; but 
to whom, above all others, do we owe the largest debt of love and gratitude for our 
present and prospective prosperity? To Ezra Cornell, now sleeping peacefully in 
yonder Chapel. To his purpose of faith and hope, and, under God, to the officers 
and faculty of the university, working to establish what he so grandly founded." 
This is an incomparable exhibition of sagacity and lofty devotion to the university; 
and above the material advantage, is that most beautiful and imperishable element 
which glorifies human life — the love, the sacrifice, the patient devotion of the bene- 
factors — an invisible but immortal gift to the university. 

Mr. Sage's personal gifts have shown a wise purpose to aid the university when 
gifts were most needed and would serve it best. In addition to the Sage College, 
the Sage Chapel, and the endowment of the Sage School of Philosophy, the latter 
at an expense of more than a quarter of a million of dollars, Mr. Sage has given for 
the Library and its endowment five hundred and sixty thousand dollars, besides the 
cost of a residence upon the university grounds for the incumbent of the chair of 
philosophy, and a gift of eight thousand dollars for the Archseological Museum. Mr. 



684 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Sage is not simply a man of affairs, demanding as they do business gifts of a high 
order. He has not worked for mere acquisition, although valuing independence and 
the means of enlarged activity which wealth affords. There has been nothing in 
his life to withdraw him from sympathy with men, but every thing to give him an 
interest in all the struggles which form character and constitute manhood. One of 
his guiding thoughts is not to take from young men the incentive to labor, but 
through labor, whether of the hands or of the head, to develop their powers. With 
him work is honorable, essential to manhood, and he has a vigorous scorn of selfish 
indulgence. He would say: "Let every young man take life as he finds it, and 
make the most of it," and his own example shows that the field of such a one will 
expand with his proved powers. One principle has guided his personal life — adher- 
ence to justice and honor. That wretched subterfuge, by which men substitute mere 
expediency for justice and honor, he is incapable of. Mere temporizing when a 
matter of principle is involved, to secure by shift or device some substitute for just 
and generous action, is foreign to his nature. The opportunity of service has always 
imposed an imperative claim upon him. He has faith in the right, which will always 
prove to have been the wisest in the end. He has placed before him.self as the 
crowning purpose of his life to contribute to the growth of this university. No one 
has grasped its future with a clearer comprehension of its needs than he. The debt 
of the university to him cannot be estimated, and is not embraced in his munificent 
gilts. His foresight in the wise administration of the university lands, in which his 
advice has fortunately been controlling, has made it possible to realize the large re- 
turns which formed a part of Mr. Cornell's dream. Mr. Sage has that grasp of prin- 
ciples which makes his judgment instantaneous and almost unerring. His friend- 
ship has been freely accorded to all members of the university, and his generous 
recognition and interest will be inseparably associated with his memory. His ser- 
vices are not surpassed in the long line of its illustrious benefactors. 

On January 31, 1894, the university celebrated the eightieth birthday of the Honor- 
able Henry W. Sage. Upon this day the Museum of Classical Archaeology, Mr. Sage's 
latest gift to the university, was dedicated. The semi-annual meeting of the Board 
of Trustees was held at this time, and most of the members were present. The trus- 
tees and faculty met in Mr. Sage's house to express their' gratitude, and extend 
their congratulations upon this occasion. The celebration was not confined to the 
university. Mr. Sage's benefactions had been recognized as a gift to the nation, and 
the most eminent of the land joined in expressing their recognition of his distin- 
guished services to the State. President Cleveland wrote from the White House: 
" As a friend of Cornell, deeply interested in all that relates to its history and future 
prosperity, I desire to thank you for your long devotion to her welfare, and for the aid 
you have thus rendered to practical and useful education. I am sure that the testi- 
monial which will assure you that your worth and generous work is appreciated, will 
be accompanied by the sincere wish of many hearts : that you may be long spared to 
enjoy the comfort and satisfaction which attend generous deeds." Governor Ros- 
well P. Flower telegraphed his regret at his inability to be present, and said: " Cor- 
nell has been fortunate in having interested in her welfare one whose gifts have made 
him one of the moft generous patrons of education m America, and whose sound ad- 
vice and constant watchfulness have also been invaluable in guiding the progress of 
this powerful institution. Few lives of four score years have been so busy in good 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 685 

works as that of Henry W. Sage, and not only Cornell, but the State of New York 
must feel proud that such a man has lived among us and has devoted so generously 
his wealth and time to a noble purpose. The monuments which his love and munifi- 
cence have built at Cornell will perpetuate his honored name forever." An address 
was also presented from the faculty beautifully engrossed and signed by every mem- 
ber, expressing their personal gratitude to Mr. Sage, not simply as an official with 
whom they had been related, but as a friend to whom they felt a personal indebted- 
ness. This address contained a beautiful estimate of Mr. Sage's services in behalf 
of the university. It read as follows: 

Mr. Sage : Your'.friends who subscribe this paper have a feeling that the day wliich marks the 
beginning of the ninth decade of your life should not pass without some expression of the honor 
and regard they cherish for you. Not unmindful that an austere sense of duty inclines you to 
shrink from public or private eulogy, they are also mindful that a too delicate hesitation on their 
part may permit a golden opportunity to escape them. The prudence which would silence the 
voice of generous feeling, and would let pass the moment for the utterance of a just gratitude, 
•would indeed be excessive. Suffer us, then, to recall the past. Fourteen years ago you surren- 
dered your home in a great city, and the large sphere of usefulness there open to you, to dwell 
among us. Prescient of the future and the demands upon your toil, solicitude and financial re- 
sources, you came upoa the scene when the university we love sorely needed a generous heart, a 
wise mind, and a liberal hand. The great work of the founder and the first president seemed m 
peril of arrest and decline. A chivalric faith and courage, and a liberality without stint, were the 
only hope ; and Providence inspired you to address yourself to the noble work of conserving, fos- 
tering and enlarging the foundations of learning which illustrious men had begun. Your life from 
the first has been one ot noble purpose, and that purpose has had a logical development. Amidst 
the ceaseless activities of a business career, your thoughts ever turned toward the promotion of 
the welfare of your country. To you the culture of the young in institutions of learning seemed 
the safest and most ennobling charity, the most enduring means of promoting patriotism, civic 
virtue and true, intelligent religion. Your sympathy from the first has been manifest for letters, 
arts and sciences as related by a common bond, as divine instruments of human progress and wel- 
fare. If Cicero could say that nature without education has oftener raised men to glory and vir- 
tue than education without natural abilities, you, on the contrary, have held fast the faith in the 
necessity and advantages of education for all mankind, to strengthen abilities however weak, to 
afford the young persons of native strength of mind a guidance in the way of the noblest aspira- 
tion. 

You are fortunate to live to see the results of your sacrifice. You can enjoy now the serenity of 
retrospection. You have witnessed the achievements of women in letters, philosophy and science, 
and the women of America will never cease to regard you as one of their earliest benefactors. 
Structures founded by your hand, and by that of your noble consort who too soon left us, rise 
about us. Sage Hall, the Chapel, the great Library, the Museum of Classic Arts, the School of 
Philosophy, attest your beneficence and wisdom. These are enduring monuments, and will per- 
petuate human gratitude But you will receive a still greater reward. Long after you, together 
with us, shall have passed from earth, the impulse you have given to the culture of man will en- 
dure ; its vibrations will never cease. Generations of the yoimg shall pass from these university 
halls in endless succession, who will honor your memory, be inspired to noble living by your ex- 
ample, and thus help to perpetuate the existence and the welfare of the republic you have loved so 
well. 

We affectionately salute you on this, the eightieth anniversary, thankful that such vigor of mind 
and body is still yours ; that your wisdom is still at the service of the university in its councils of 
administration, and that we may hope for you still other years of well-earned rest and human 
gratitude. " The end of doubt is the beginning of repose." The solid base of your work here 
cannot be disturbed. That your remaining years may be full of sunshine and peace, that your 
hopeful presages of the future of Cornell may " with the process of the suns " be unceasingly re- 
alized by those who shall come after us, and that you may return late to the skies, is our earnest 
prayer. 



686 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

An address was also presented from members of the senior class, expressing the 
gratitude and affection of the entire student body for devoted services, invaluable 
counsel and generous benefactions. 

In behalf of the trustees the Hon. Stewart L. Woodford in a few simple but deeply 
felt words, recalling the events of the twenty-five years in which he had been con- 
nected with the board, presented to Mr. Sage, as a gift from the former and present 
trustees, a vase of solid silver. Upon one side, a draped female figure with arms half 
raised and with a basket at her feet shows that she represents generosity. Carved upon 
the vase are pictures of the buildings which Mr. Sage has given to the university — 
the Sage College for Women, the Chapel, and the University Library — while a Greek 
porch, partly concealed by a scroll, was designed to symbolize the munificent endow- 
ment of the School of Philosophy. Around the neck of the vase are the words : 
" On earth there is nothing great but man, in man there is nothing great but mind ; " 
while upon a hand below, just above the base, stands: " Glory to God in the highest-, 
and on earth peace, good will to men." The inscription upon the base was as fol- 
lows: " Presented to the Honorable Henry W. Sage on his eightieth birthday, Janu- 
ary 31, 1894, by former and present trustees of Cornell Universit}^ over whom as 
chairman of the board he has presided for nearly twenty years, as a mark of their 
esteem and affection for the man, and of their grateful appreciation of the devoted 
love, the wise and zealous services and the munificent gifts which he has bestowed 
upon the university." The decorations, composed of oak and ivy, symbolized the 
strength and tenderness, which are elements of Mr. Sage"s character. Mr. Sage's 
language in accepting this gift was significant. In the few words which he uttered 
he expressed his appreciation of the love and kindness of his friends, and paid a lofty 
tribute to the learning and devotion of the faculty, whose worth he had come to 
know and prize from an association of so many years. A second tribute, to the de- 
votion of his coworkers among the trustees, and an expression of his love for the uni- 
versity to which his life has been devoted, concluded his remarks. 



MR. JOHN McGRAW. 

Mr. John McGraw, to whose generosity the university owes the nol^le building 
which bears his name, was born in Dryden, May 5, 1815, where he resided until 
1848. He became early interested in the manufacture and sale of lumber, and later 
in the purchase of large forests in Michigan. He resided in various parts of the 
State, his longest residence, until his removal to Ithaca, being in the vicinity of New 
York, where his large business centered. He was chosen a trustee of the university 
at its opening. His interest in it soon led him to erect a building for the library and 
the scientific collections, which was completed in 1871. His purposes to contribute 
to the development of the university were not confined to this single gift, munificent 
as it was. He left to his only daughter the execution of his beneficence. Mr. Mc- 
Graw' s residence here brought him into close connection with the business interests 
of the university, and his servives in the first years of its history were of great 
value. He died in Ithaca, May 4, 1877. Hon. Henry W. Sage, a former business 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 687 

associate, thus wrote of Mr. McGraw; "Among the most active and useful forces of 
a nation's life is a large class of the higher ranges of business men — those who orig- 
inate the enterprises of the period, and direct and control the industries pertaining 
to them. From these, result a nation's prosperity and the foundation of its growth 
in wealth, commerce, and the elevation and refinement which accompany them. 
Eminent among this class of men was Mr. McGraw. He dealt with principles and 
ideas, boldly grasping the outlines of important projects which commanded his at- 
tention, and he followed up with all the force of his character any enterprise once 
entered upon, when his judgment was once convinced of its soundness and utility. 
• His clear, practical head was always a power in the management of the interests 
of the universit3^ He was upright, prompt, true, sensitive to the nicest shade of 
honor. His active, practical life, was a living exponent of that within, which 
abounded with faith, hope, courage, fidelity — the qualities which make up and stamp 
the noble man." 



PROFESSOR GOLDWIN SMITH. 

Professor Goldwin Smith, whose interest in the university and numerous gifts 
have been a contribution to its reputation and its wealth, was born in Reading, Eng- 
land, August 13, 1823. He was educated at Eton, and at Christ Church, Oxford, 
where he took his bachelor's degree in 1845. He was an elegant classical scholar, 
winning scholarships and prizes for English and Latin essays, and for Latin verse. 
He was elected a Fellow and tutor of University College, where he taught for sev- 
eral years, and also a Fellow of Oriel College. He was called to the bar in Lincoln's 
Inn in 1847, but never practiced. He was secretary of two commissions to examine 
into the government, property and studies of the University of Oxford. His efforts 
in behalf of university reform exerted great influence in infusing new methods and 
life into wealthy, antiquated foundations. He was also a member of the Royal Com- 
mission of Education of England, and, from 1858 to 1866, Regius Professor of His- 
tory in the university. Mr. Smith was always a pronounced Liberal in politics. No 
possible favor could induce him to sacrifice his opposition to aristocratic and irre- 
sponsible government, for popularity or temporary advantage. He can as little 
brook empty ritualism in religion as an exclusive privileged class in authority. His 
interest in America and its struggle for freedom, caused him to visit this country in 
1864. As a steadfast friend of the Union and of republican institutions, his services 
to our government in dark days were at once recognized. He was welcomed by 
President Lincoln and our most prominent statesmen in Washington, and by schol- 
ars everywhere. Even in his enthusiastic reception, he was ready to peril the favor 
of his new-found friends rather than abandon his strong sense of justice, as was 
shown by his public opposition to current political discussion at that time. At the 
opening of the university in 1868, Mr. Smith became professor of English history. 
Numerous students were attracted by his name, and his classes were thronged. 
Recognizing the inadequate equipment of the library for historical study, he sent 
for his own valuable library, containing the rare accumulations of a lifetime, and 



•688 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

presented it to the university. There were numerous hardships to the Oxford 
scholar in an inland village of a new country, in the crude condition of the young 
university. He wrote often for the college papers, gave receptions to his classes, 
and sought, in every way, to incite a cordial feeling among his students. Privately 
he ascertained the wants of those who were self-supporting, and often ministered to 
them by gifts of books. It is doubtful whether any university in England or Amer- 
ica offered at that time a course of lectures on English history equal to those deliv- 
ered here. The residence of Mr. Smith's family friends in Toronto took him, after a 
few years, to that city, where he married and now resides. Nearly every year he 
returns here upon a visit, and the students have an opportunity to hear one or more 
of his graphic and philosophical lectures upon some theme of current political inter- 
est. His attachment to the university is shown by constant gifts of work in history 
and literature to the library. It would be a boon to the students if he could be in- 
duced to spend half of each year here, resuming those lectures which were such an 
inspiration to former classes. Professor Smith's writings cover a vast variety of sub- 
jects besides history. He has defended religion against the deceptive views of Man- 
sel in his Bampton lectures, and discussed in reviews nearly all the prominent ques- 
tions which have agitated English and colonial politics in the last thirty years. Lit- 
erature has been indebted to him in many ways, most recently by a life of Cowper. 
No living English writer surpasses him in clear, incisive style, joined with graphic 
description and brilliant generalizations. 

His reputation has received wide recognition in several volumes which he has re- 
cently published in rapid succession, especially: The United States ; An Outline of 
Political History, 1492-1871 — a brilliant outline sketch of American history ; Essays 
on Questions of the Day, Political and Social; A Trip to England; Oxford and Her 
Colleges; Bay Leaves; Translations from the Latin Poets; Specimens of Greek 
Tragedy, etc. 

Professor Smith retains his old interest in the university, and every year his visits 
are anticipated with the generous enthusiasm of the student world. Many chapters 
in his books are recognized as more elaborate discussions of lectures, or informal 
talks which have been given before the students of the university. Invitations to re- 
turn to England to assume the headship of University College, and offers of other 
high universi,ty positions have been alike declined for his home in his adopted coun- 
try. Even a seat in parliament has offered no attraction to him. 

Politically, he has supported with great vigor the Liberal-Union cause in England, 
and opposed an independent government for Ireland. He has also been active in 
advocating closer commercial relations with Canada, which has had great influence 
upon public sentiment in that country. He regards intimate political relations in the 
future as the manifest destiny, and equally for the interest of both countries. 



PROFESSOR WILLIAM DEXTER WILSON, D.D. 

Professor William Dexter Wilson, who, upon his retirement, was elected Professor 
Emeritus, ranks eleventh in order of appointment, of the professors first chosen at 
the foundation of the university. He was born in Stoddard, N. H., February 28,1816. 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 689 

A youth of great vigor and persistence of purpose, he prepared himself, largely 
through personal sacrifices and labor, for Harvard College. He missed the sym- 
metrical training which would have come from systematic college study, and entered 
the Divinity School at Cambridge when only nineteen years of age. Here he enjoyed 
advantages of a high order ; his ardor for knowledge and wide range of reading were 
unusual in one of his age, and he won marked recognition for his ability. After 
graduating from that school, in 1838, he entered the ministry of the Unitarian church, 
with which he was connected for several years. A conservative tendency in his 
nature, joined with an unusual reverence for authority and regard for established 
institutions, promoted by extensive reading of church history, led him to unite with 
the Episcopal church and take orders in its ministry. He began this portion of his 
career in the small parish of Sherburne, Chenango county, N. Y. Mr. Wilson was 
more of a scholar than a preacher, and his ability soon impressed his brethren in the 
ministry, and in the lack of theological schools, candidates for the ministry studied 
with the young clergyman, in accordance with former usage in this country, and to 
same extent in England. The native theological and philosophical bent of his mind 
was shown by his writings at this time, some of which attracted marked attention in 
in the denomination to which he belonged. He was soon elected to the chair of 
moral and intellectual philosophy in Hobart College, where he remained for eighteen 
years. Although the college was small, it occupied a position of considerable im- 
portance in the Episcopal church, especially as representing its interests in the 
western part of the State. Dr. Wilson filled an influential place in the diocesan and 
national conventions of his denomination. He was in successive conventions, chair- 
man of the committee on the state of the church, one of the most important committees 
in suggesting and determining legislation. In 1868 he was chosen professor of moral 
and intellectual philosophy in the Cornell University. While filling with fidelity this 
chair, it is nevertheless true that his main work in connection with the university was 
in the official work of the registrar's office, a position he had held since the open- 
ing of the university. Possessing a native capacity for routine work, he enjoyed the 
details of bureau administration which would have been distasteful to most scholars. 
He has been aided by a vigorous and retentive memory, which holds names, faces 
and facts with unusual tenacity. In this otfice, Dr. Wilson came in contact with all 
the students who have been connected with the university, nearly four thousand in 
number. His position in advising them was one of great responsibility. While 
somewhat tutorial in manner, he heard and counseled with great candor all who 
sought his assistance, and he will be remembered with respect and affection by those 
with whom he came into more immediate relations. As a teacher his instruction was 
somewhat formal in character, and while not calculated to awaken the highest enthu- 
siasm, it was the result of fresh and unremitting study. The needs of the college with 
which Dr. Wilson was first connected, and of this university in its earlier days, 
caused a demand to be made upon him for lectures upon a wide variety of subjects. 
These could not in all cases be of equal excellence, as it is not possible for one person 
to be an investigator and original observer in widely removed fields. We find his 
lectures here covering moral and intellectual philosophy, the history of philosophy, 
American and constitutional law, political economy, logic, physical geography and 
climatology, political philosophy, comparative physiology with special reference to the 
phenomena of psychology, the history of civilization, Hebrew, general history and 
87 



690 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the philosophy of history. While of necessity dependent upon the views of others in 
his treatment of many of these subjects,. Dr. Wilson has been a constant reader, 
thinker and accumulator of facts. The study of mathematics has been a recreation 
to him. His work as a writer has been extended since his connection with this 
university. He has published works on logic, psychology, the scientific and philo- 
sophical evidences of the truth of religion, and numerous articles in theological 
reviews. He has made little effort to extend the circulation of these works, and they 
are not widely known, and yet able thinkers regard them as books of much acuteness 
and ability. Dr. Wilson has devoted much attention to recent scientific discoveries, 
especially in their bearing on revelation. In a wider sphere he has exercised an 
influence on education in the State. He has been active in the meetings of the 
university convention, and often made reports of great value upon the studies of the 
secondary schools. Dr. Wilson was consulted in 1872 with reference to accepting the 
presidency of the University of Wisconsin. He has received three degrees, that 
of D.D. from Hobart College, LL.D from the Redford University, an institution 
formerly existing in Tennessee, and L. H.D. from the regents of the University of 
the State of New York. 



PROFESSOR CHARLES CHAUNCY SHACKFORU. 

Professor Charles Chauncy Shackford was born in Portsmouth, N. H., Septem- 
ber 26, 1815. He was a descendant of those whose religious faith and education were 
important factors in the early history of New England. President Chauncy of Har- 
vard College, whose name he bears, was one of his ancestors. It is not strange that 
scholarship was his birthright, and that he graduated, as so many of his kindred had 
done, at that venerable university. He was the first scholar in the class of 1835, of 
which Judge E. R. Hoar, formerly attorney-general, Judge Lander and other eminent 
men were members. After graduation Mr. Shackford studied theology in Union Theo- 
logical Seminary, and resided also in Andover, where he continued advanced studies. 
After entering the Congregational ministry, his views changed and he united with the 
Unitarian denomination. His longest period of service as a preacher was in Lynn, 
Mass. , where his activity in all questions of reform and education left a lasting im- 
press on the community. Like so many of the clergymen of his denomination, Mr. 
Shackford was a scholar whose favorite pursuits were literature and theology. He 
studied German philosophical literature with enthusiasm, and devoted special atten- 
tion to Goethe, a work relating to whom he translated, viz. : The Conversations with 
Chancellor von Miiller. He was also an ardent student of Faust. He translated 
many works from German literature, among them Auerbach's Villa Eden and Ger- 
man Tales. 

In 1871 Mr. Shackford was elected professor of rhetoric and oratory and of general 
literature in this university, and from that time his entire energies were devoted 
to building up and strengthening his department. Few professorships were so 
exacting as this, and his instruction constantly opened new fields to his students. 
The instruction in general literature, of necessity, embraced literary periods and 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 691 

authors naturally treated by professors in special departments, but in the field of 
rhetoric and oratory, in drill, in themes and orations, and in preparation for the 
commencement stage and literary contests. Professor Shackford spared no labor 
or effort, not only to train classes, but to give to individual students his personal at- 
tention. He had a heart full of sympathy with young men in their strivings, and 
interested hmiself in everything that concerned their intellectual advancement. 
His aid in promoting the growth of the literary societies has been a part of their his- 
tory. In personal as.sociation he was a delightful companion, always free of access, 
and always generous in promoting all university enterprises. In all questions of 
educational policy, he was progressive, a true disciple of the Boston school of 
thought to which he naturally belonged. Professor Shackford contributed articles 
of great ability upon literature to the North American Review, when it was the lead- 
ing review of the country, also to the Christian Examiner and to Harper's Magazine. 
His genial spirit and tact made his university career one of most pleasant memory 
both to his colleagues and the student world. The class of 1884 placed a portrait of 
Professor Shackford in the library as its memorial gift. Professor Shackford resigned 
his position in June. 1886, after fifteen years of service. He spent his remaining life 
in delightful literary occupation, preparing a volume of essaj^s and lectures for 
publication, which was issued after his death, which occurred m 1891. 



[The following brief personal sketches have been prepared by the 
editor and publishers of this work, from data supplied by the persons 
to whom they relate, and not by the writer of the university history]: 

Atkinson, George F., was born in Monroe county in March, 1854, educated at Olivet 
College, Michigan, and Cornell LTniversity, graduating from the latter in 1885, with 
the degree of Ph. D. He taught at the University of North Carolina (1885-1888) ; Uni- 
versity of South Carolina (1888-1889), Alabama Polytechnic Institute, 1889-1892, and 
Cornell University in 1892. He came to Cornell in 1892, as assistant professor cryp- 
togamic botany, and is at present associate professor. He married in 1887 Lizzie 
Kerr, and they have two children. 

Babcock, Charles, born at Ballston Spa, Saratoga county, N. Y. , educated at home , 
at the Irving Institute, Tarrytown, N. Y. , and Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., 
graduating with the degree of A.B. in 1847, and receiving the degree of A.M. three 
years later. He spent five years in the study, and five years in the practice of archi- 
tecture in New York city; then taught four years at St. Stephen's College, Annan- 
dale, N. Y., when he entered the ministry of the Episcopal church. In 1862 he re- 
moved to Orange county, N. Y. , and served there as a missionary for nine years. In 
1871 he was called to the professorship of architecture in Cornell University, and has 
held that position ever since. He married in April, 1853, Elizabeth A., daughter of 
Richard Upjohn, the architect. 

Bailey, Liberty Hyde, was born in South Haven, Mich., March 15, 1858. He was 
educated in the Michigan Agricultural College and at Harvard, and graduated from 
the former in 1882, receiving the degree of B.S. in 1882, and M.S. in 1886; taught in 



692 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

his alma mater, and also at Cornell University, coming to Ithaca in 1888. Mr. Bailey 
has been the author of the following books : Annals of Horticulture in North America 
for 1889; Annals for 1890; Annals for 1891 ; Annals for 1892; Annals for 1893; The 
Horticulturist's Rule-Book; The Nursery Book; Cross-Breeding and Hybridizing; 
American Grape Training ; Field Notes on Apple Culture ; Talks Afield ; a revision 
of Gray's " Field, Forest, and Garden Botany;" also several monographs of groups 
of plants, and many private addresses. He is now associate editor of Johnson's Uni- 
versal Cyclopedia, in charge of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. He is also 
secretary-treasurer of the World's Horticultural Society. In 1888 he came to Cornell 
to accept the professorship of general and experimental horticulture, which position 
he still holds. In 1883 he married Nettie Smith, of Lansing, Mich., and they have 
two children : Sara May and Ethel Zoe. The ancestry on the paternal grandmoth- 
er's side came from the Pilgrim immigration in the Mayflower, on the paternal side 
from English ancestry, which came to America about 200 years ago. On the moth- 
er's side from the Harrison family, a branch of the family of which William Henry 
Harrison and Benjamin Harrison are members. 

Barr, John Henry, was born at Terre Haute, Indiana, June 19, 1861. He was pre- 
pared for college at the Mankato State Normal School of Minnesota and by private 
instruction, and entered the university of Minnesota, from which he graduated in 
1883, with the degree of B.M.E. ; M.S. in 1888, and from Cornell University in 1889 
with the degree of M.M.E. He taught at the University of Minnesota as instructor, 
assistant professor and professor of mechanical engineering '85-91 ; Sibley College, 
Cornell Universit3^ assistant professor 1891 to date. His literary work has been as 
follows: Editorial writer Northwestern Mechanic '90-91; occasional contributions 
Cassier's Magazine; Sibley Journal of Engineering, and others. He came to Cornell 
as a graduate student in '88-89, as assistant professor of mechanical engineering '91, 
which position he still fills, in charge of machine design. He married June 4, 1884, 
Katherine Louise Kennedy, and they have one son, John H. Barr, jr. The family is 
of Scotch-Irsh descent on the paternal side, and English on the maternal side. He 
wrote articles on machine tools for report of United States commissioner general to 
the Paris Exposition of 1889. He has written "Notes on Kinematics" '91; and a 
Course in Kinematics ,'93; small works printed privately for use of his own classes. 
Professor Barr is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He 
spent two and one-half years m engineering work in the Lake Superior copper dis- 
trict, and has done some expert work in engineering since he began teaching. 

Bennett, Charles Edwin, was bona in Providence, R. I., April 6, 1858, educated in 
Providence public schools, graduating from Brown University in 1878, with the de. 
gree of A.B. He taught at the University of Nebraska 1884-89; University of Wis- 
consin 1889-1891 ; Brown University 1891-1893. His literary work has been as fol- 
lows: Sounds and Inflections of the Cyprian Dialect, 1888; Xenophon, Hellenica, 
Books V-VII., 1892; Tacitus, Dialogus de Oratoribus, 1894. He came to Cornell in 
1882, as professor of Latin language and literature, which position he still holds. He 
married June 28, 1886, Margaret Gale Hitchcock, and their children are : Margaret, 
Lawrence Gale, Harold Selden and Helen. His father's name was John Lawrence, 
and his mother Lucia Dyer. 

Bristol, George Prentice, was born in Clinton, N. Y., June 21, 1856, educated at 
Hamilton College, Johns Hopkins Universities, Universities of Leipzig and Heidelberg, 



CORNELL UNIA^ERSITY. 693 

graduating- from Hamilton College in 1876 with the degree of A.B. He taught at 
Delaware Literary Institute, Franklin, N. Y., 1877-1879, Hamilton College 1882-1888," 
Cornell University 1888. His literary work has been as follows: Published an edi- 
tion of the Speeches of Lysias in 1893. He went to Cornell in 1888, as assistant 
professor of Greek, and is at present associate professor of Greek. He married 
Lucia E. Raymond July 16, 1880. His father was teacher of classics, grandfather 
first valedictorian of Hamilton College, great-grandfather one of the founders of 
Hamilton College, The family is of the Pedagogue race. 

Burr, George Lincoln, is of Puritan ancestry, the son of a physician, and was born 
the 30th of January, 1857, at Oramel, a village in Western New York. At the out- 
break of the Civil War his father entered the army, and his mother returned to her 
earlier home at Newark Valley, N. Y., where Burr spent his boj^hood. When four- 
teen years of age he entered Cortland Academy at Homer, N. Y. , to prepare for col- 
lege. Upon his graduation thence in 1873, the latest alumnus of the old institution, 
he taught for a few months, and then, as a more promising means of working his 
way through college, apprenticed himself to the printer's trade at Cortland, where 
before the end of his three years he rose to the foremanship of the office. In 1877 he 
entered Cornell with his sister, for a time supporting both by his work in the univer- 
sity printing office, then domiciled in Sibley College. But soon after the return of 
President White from Europe in 1878 he was called to the charge of the president's 
historical library, at the head of which he has ever since been. During the remain- 
der of his college course he was also an assistant in the L^niversity Library. As an 
undergraduate Mr. Burr devoted himself especially to philology and to history, and 
upon receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1881 he became private secretary to 
the president of the university, with the half-honorary title of Instructor and Exami. 
ner in Modern History. In 1884 he went abroad and spent two years in study and 
research in various universities and libraries in Europe, mainly at Leipzig, Paris and 
Zurich. Returning to Ithaca in 1886 he resumed his relations with Mr. White, who 
had meantime resigned the presidency of the university, becoming his assistant in 
historical research, and in 1887 again going abroad for a year's investigation in for- 
eign libraries. In the fall of 1888 he entered upon the duties, no longer to be de- 
ferred, of a teacher of history in the university ; the following year his instructorship 
was made an assistant professorship, at the end of the next he became an associate 
professor, and a year later, in 1892, he was elected to a full professorship of Ancient 
and Medieval History. His duties as a librarian and teacher have left him as yet 
little time for literary work. Apart from a few papers and magazine articles, mainly 
in the history of religious persecution, he has published only an annotated catalogue, 
still in progress, of the historical library under his charge. But a life of Charles the 
Great from his pen is announced for early issue, and he is understood to be also at 
work upon a history of witch persecution in Christendom. 

Caldwell, George Chapman, was born at Framingham, Mass., in 1834. He was 
educated in the district schools of New England, and at the academy at Lunenburg, 
Mass., graduating from Harvard University and the University of Gottingen, receiv- 
ing the degree of B.S. from Harvard (Lawrence Scientific School) in 1855 and of 
Ph.D. at Gottingen, Germany, in 1857. Professor Caldwell is the author of the fol- 
lowing works: "Agricultural Chemical Analysis," "Introductory Chemical Prac- 



694 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

tice," "Manual of Qualitative Analysis," "Notes on Chemical Analysis," "Manual 
of Elementary Chemical Analysis," and numerous contributions to agricultural and 
other perodicals and newspapers. He came to Cornell in 1868 as professor of agri- 
cultural chemistry, is now filling the position of professor of general and agricultural 
chemistry, and is head of the department of chemistry at Cornell University. In 
1861 he married Rebecca S. Wilmarth, and they have two children ; Francis Cary, 
and Grace Wilmarth, both born in Ithaca. His father, who graduated from Harvard 
in 1828, was a teacher and a Unitarian minister, and the ancestry is traced back to 
John Caldwell of Ipswich, Mass., born in 1624, who came from the North of England. 

Carpenter, Rolla Clinton, was born in Orion, Oakland county, Mich., where he re- 
ceived his first schooling. He also attended school at Pontiac, Mich., and then 
entered the Michigan Agricultural College, from which he graduated in 1873 with 
the degree of B.S., and later from the Michigan University, in 1875, with the degree 
of C.E. He took the degree of M.S. from the Michigan Agricultural College in 1876, 
and that of M.M.E. from Cornell in 1888. He was for one year a civil engineer en- 
gaged in the construction of a railroad. He was professor of mathematics and civil 
engineering in the Michigan Agricultural College from 1876 to 1889. His literary 
work has been various articles in engineering periodicals, and two books, Experi- 
mental Engineering; notes on Mechanical Laboratory Practice. He came to Cor- 
nell in 1890-91 as associate professor of experimental engineering, which position he 
now holds. In 1876 Professor Carpenter married Marion Dewey, and they have 
three children: Naomi, George and Charles. His ancestors were New York peo- 
ple, of English stock. 

Church, Irving Porter, was born in Ansonia, Conn., July 22, 1851, was educated in 
the public schools at Newburgh, N. Y. , Riverview Military Academy, at Poughkeep- 
sie, and at Cornell University, graduating from the latter with the degree of B.C. E. 
in 1875. He took the degree of C.E. in 1878. He has taught at different institu- 
tions, among them being Ury House School, Fox Chase, Philadelphia, and Cornell 
University. Professor Church has contributed to various engineering periodicals, 
and is the author of the following works ; Statics and Dynamics (1886) ; Mechanics of 
Materials (1887.i ; Hydraulics (1889); all of which were issued later, in one volume, as 
Mechanics of Engineering ; also Notes and Examples in Mechanics (1892). Our sub- 
ject came to Cornell in September, 1876, as assistant professor of civil engineering, 
and now fills the chair of applied mechanics in the College of Civil Engineering. 
In 1881 he married Elizabeth P. HoUey, of Niagara Falls, and they have two chil- 
dren : Edith Holley and Elsie Sterling. Among his ancestors were Gov. John Win- 
throp, of Massachusetts ; born in 1587, died in 1649 ; Col. Elisha Sterling, who par- 
ticipated in the war of 1812, born in Connecticut in 1768 ; and Chief Justice Samuel 
Church, of the Supreme Court of Connecticut; born in 1785, died in 1854. 

Cleaves, Edwin Chase, was born April 1, 1847, at Hopkinton, Mass. ; was edu- . 
cated in the public schools of Fitchburg, Mass., and the Worcester Polytechnic In- 
stitute, graduating from the latter institution in 1873, with the degree of B.S. He 
then accepted a position as draughtsman at AVashburn & Moen's wireworks, Worces- 
ter, Mass., until his call to Cornell in September, 1873. He is the author of a .series 
of drawing books in the Kriises course of industrial drawing. His first position in 
the university was as assistant professor of freehand drawing, and mechanical draw- 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 695 

ing, of which he is now associate professor. December 30, 1873, he married Mary 
E. Prew, of Fitchburg, Mass. ; and. March 19, 1889, Mrs. Abby L. Moses, of Holden, 
Mass. The father of our subject was Francis E. Cleaves, born at Wenham, Mass., 
in September, 1816, died in November, 1883. He was a Baptist clergyman. The 
mother was Sarah A. Fogg, born in 1823 at Meredith, N. H., and died in 1854. 

Collin, Charles A., was born in Benton, Yates county, and graduated from Yale 
College with the degree of A.B. in 1866, and of A.M. in 1869. He taught at Nor- 
wich, Conn., at the Free Academy, from 1866 to 1870, in the spring of the latter year 
being admitted to the bar in Connecticut, and in New York in the fall of the same 
year. From 1870 to 1887 he practiced law in Elmira, coming to Corjiell in the fall of 
1887 as professor of law, now filling the position of commissioner of statutory re- 
vision. May 33, 1871, he married Emily Lathrop Ripley, of Norwich, Conn., and 
they have two children ; Dwight R. and Grace L. The ancestry of the family is 
French Huguenot, Scotch Presbyterian, and New England Puritan. 

Comstock, John Henry, was born in Janesville, Wis., February 34, 1849, educated 
in Mexico Academy, Mexico, N. Y., Fally Seminary, Fulton, N. Y. , and Cornell Uni- 
versity, graduating from the latter in 1874 with the degree of B.S. He taught at 
Cornell University (1873-1879-1881 to date) and was United States entomologist in 
1879-1881. His literary work was as follows: Reports as entomologist for the United 
States department of agriculture, 1879, 1880 and 1881 ; report on Cotton Insects, 
1879; Introduction to Entomology, 1888; article Hymenoptera in the Standard Ne- 
ural History; article Entomology in Johnson's Cyclopedia; Evolution and Taxono- 
m3^ etc.. Wilder Quarter-Century Book; First Lessons in the Study of Insects, now 
(February, 1894,) in press; many entomological articles in various journals, and in 
the bulletins of Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station. He came to 
Cornell in 1869 as a student, and at present holds the position of professor of ento- 
mology and general invertebrate zoology. He married October 7, 1868, Anna Bots- 
ford, of Otto, N. Y. The parents of Mr. Comstock were Ebenezer and Susan M. 
Comstock. His mother's maiden name was Allen. Both father and mother were of 
Stephentown, N. Y. 

Crandall, Charles L. , was born in Bridgewater, Oneida county, July 30, 1850; was 
educated in the district school. West Winfield Academy, Whitestown Seminary, and ' 
Cornell University, recieving from the latter the degree of B.C.E. in 1872 (since 
changed to C.E.), and C.E. in 1876 (since changed to M.C.E.). Professor Crandall 
has taught at the latter institution since the spring of 1874, and he now fills the posi- 
tion of associate professor of civil engineering in charge of railroad engineering and 
geodesy. He has issued the following works: Tables for the Computation of Rail- 
way and other Earthwork, 188G; second edition, revised and enlarged, 1893; Notes on 
Descriptive Geometry (assisted by others), pamphlet, 1888 ; Noteson Shades, Shadows, 
and Perspective (revised by W. L. Webb), 1889 ; the Transition Curve, 1893 ; Naviga- 
tion Works executed in France from 1876 to 1891 ; translated from the French of F. 
Guillain for the International Engineering Congress, 1793. He married Myra G. 
Robbins, August 30, 1878. Professor Crandall is a son of Peter B. and Eunice Car- 
ter (Priest) Crandall. 

Crane, Thomas Frederick, Avas born at New York, July 13, 1844, and received his 
early education at the old Lancasterian School in Ithaca, under the superintendence 



&m LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

of M. R. Barnard, and later at the public school and academy of the same place (the 
last named institutinn being then in charge of Mr. Carr) In 1858 Mr. Crane 
removed to Elizabeth, N. J., and continued his education at the private school of 
Mr. Pierson, until his entrance to the College of New Jersey, Princeton, in August, 
1860. Mr. Crane vv^as one of the editors of the Nassau Literary Magazine, and ivy 
orator of his class. He graduated in 1864, and entered at once the Law School of 
Columbia College. The following year (1865) Mr. Crane returned to Ithaca, where 
he has since resided, and pursued his legal studies with the firm of Boardman & Finch. 
He was admitted to the bar at Binghamton in June, 1866, and occupied for a time 
the office of Mr. F. M. Finch. Later he practiced law by himself and assisted Mr. 
Wesley Hooker in collecting the internal revenue of the district. During all this 
time Mr. Crane continued his literary studies and took up the study of German, 
French, and Spanish. He was also much interested in the foundation of the Cornell 
University and acted as secretary to Mr. Cornell and Mr. Finch during the summer 
preceding the opening of the university. When that event occurred in October, 1868, 
Mr. A. D. White, the first president of Cornell, asked Mr. Crane to take the chair of 
German until the return of Professor Willard Fiske. Mr. Crane occupied this 
position until the close of the first term, and then decided to devote his life to uni- 
versity work, and went abroad for two years, dividing his time between Germany, 
Italy, Spain, and France. In 1870 he returned to Ithaca to accept the position of 
assistant-professor of the Romance languages. In 1891 he accompanied President 
White to Santo Domingo. He was made professor of Spanish and Italian in 1872, 
and professor of the Romance languages in 1881, which position he now fills. He 
received the degree of A.M. from Princeton m 1867, and Ph.D. in 1874. Professor 
Crane is a member of the American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, and of the 
Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Palermo, Italy. Professor Crane has con- 
tributed a large number of articles to the North American Review, International 
Review, Harper's Magazine, Lippincott's Magazine, and the Nation on Folk-Lore, 
and the literary history and philology of the Romance languages, especially during 
the period of the middle ages. Since his article on Italian Popular Tales in the North 
American Review for July, 1876, he has devoted much attention to the subject of the 
origin and diffusion of popular tales, and was one of the founders of the American 
Folk-Lore Society (1888). Professor Crane is the author of a series of French 
classics, among which are: Le Romantisme Frangais, and La Societe Frangaise au 
XVIP Siecle (New York 1887-89), Italian Popular Tales (Boston 1885), Chansons 
Populaires de la France (New York 1891), and an edition (1890) for the English Folk- 
Lore Society of the Exempla, or illustrative stories contained in the sermons of 
Jacques de Vitry, Bishop of Acre (died 1240), containing the Latin text, English 
analysis, elaborate notes on the origin and diffusion of the individual stories and an 
introduction on the life of the author and the use of illustrative stories in mediaeval 
sermons, etc. In 1874 Professor Crane married Sarah Fay Tourtellot, by whom he 
has one daughter, Frederika Waldron, born in 1885. Professor Crane's family (of 
English and Dutch descent) settled in Ithaca in 1818, where his grandmother married 
as her second husband Jeremiah Tourtellot of Huguenot ancestry. 

Durand, William Frederick, was born at Beacon Falls, Conn., March 5, 1859, 
educated at the Derby High School, U. S. Naval Academy, and Lafayette College, 
Easton, Pa, He was graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in June, 1880, and 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 697 

received the degree of Ph.D. in course in June, 1888, from Lafayette College. He 
has taught at Lafayette College (1883-85), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (March to 
June 1887), ^Michigan Agricultural and Mechanical College (1887-91), Cornell L^niver- 
sity (1S91). His literary work has been limited thus far to numerous articles in 
engineering and professional periodicals, and to various papers read before "Learned 
Societies." He is understood to be engaged in the preparation of a text book of 
naval architecture. Professor Durand came to Cornell in September, 1891, as 
principal of the graduate school of naval architecture and marine engineering, which 
position he now fills. He married, October 23, 1883, Charlotte Kneen, and they have 
one son, William Leavenworth Durand. The ancestry of the family is English and 
Huguenot French. 

Emerson, Alfred, associate professor of classical archae-ology, Cornell University, 
w^ born in Greencastle, Franklin county. Pa. , and educated in Paris, France, and 
London, England, in elementary schools in Dresden, Saxony, and Neuwied-on- 
the- Rhine, Prussia (Moravian Brethren's School) for his high school course, also 
attending, later, the School of Technology, Munich, Bavaria, and the School of Arts, 
Athens, Greece. He studied philology, archaeology, history, philosophy, etc., at the 
Royal Universit}' of Munich, Bavaria, at Princeton College, Princeton, N. J., and at 
the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. He received the degrees of Master 
of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Munich in June, 1881 ; was 
fellow in Greek at Johns Hopkins, 1882-84, and instructor in classical archaeology in 
ths same university during 1884-85. Was professor of Latin at Miami University, 
Oxford, O., 1887-88, professor of Greek at Lake Forest University, 111., 1888-91. 
Some of Professor Emerson's literary work is comprised in the following: Doctorate 
dissertation De Hercule Homerico, Munich, 1881 ; Recent Progress in Classical 
Archaeology, Boston, 1890; contributor to The Nation, to the American Journal of 
Philology, to the American Journal of Archaeology, and to Johnson's Universal 
Encyclopaedia. He came to Cornell in 1891, and has organized the university col- 
lection of plaster casts, of which he is curator. July 28, 1887, he married Alice 
Louisa, daughter of Henry S. Edwards, of Hinsdale, 111., and they have two children : 
Edith, born July 27, 1888, and Gertrude, born May 6, 1890. The ancestry of the 
Emerson family is Anglo-Irish, the grandfathers being James Emerson, born in 
Cuba in 1800; and Samuel D. Ingham, born in Pennsylvania in 1784, who was Presi- 
dent Jackson's first secretary of the treasury. 

Fuertes, Estevan Antonio, was born at St. John's, Porto Rico, W. I,, and received 
his education at Porto Rico, Spain, and the United States, He graduated from the 
Conciliar Seminary, St. Yldefonso, St. Juan Seminary, Salamanca Jurisdiction, and 
Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, receiving the degrees of bachelor of philosophy, 
doctor of philosophy, doctor of medicine, civil engineer, and having many diplomas, 
prizes and decorations. Professor Fuertes has been the author of many municipal 
and governmental reports, with monographs and other contributions to scientific 
societies and periodicals. He came to Cornell in 1873 as dean of the department of 
civil engineering, of which college he is now director and professor of the same. To 
him is due the introduction of laboratory work in connection with technical courses 
in civil engineering. December 21, 1860, he married Mary Stone Perry, daughter 
of Amos S. Perry, of Vermont, and Sarah Hillhouse of New York, and their children 



698 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

are: Estevan J., James Hillhouse, civil engineer, George (deceased), Sarah Demetria, 
Louis Agassiz, and Mary Katharine. The ancestry of our subject is from the 
families of Fuertes, Charbonnier, Cordova, Padilla, O'Neil, Catala, Bobouslauski 
and Ahern. 

Hart, James Morgan, was born November 2, 1839, at Princeton, N. J., was educated 
in the public schools of Philadelphia, Pa., finishing at the Central High School in 
1857. He graduated in 1860 from Princeton College, with the degree of A. B. ; in 1863, 
with the degree of A.M., and from Gottingen, Germany, in 1864, with the degree of 
Juris Utriusque Doctor. Also studied again in 1872-73 in Leipzig, Marburg, and 
Berlin, and in 1886 at Tiibingen. He taught at Cornell, 1868-73, as assistant-professor 
of modern languages; Cincinnati, l'^76-90, as professor of modern languages and 
English literature ; 1890 to date, as professor of rhetoric and English philology in 
Cornell. In June, 1883, he married Clara Doherty, of Cincinnati. His parents were 
John Seely Hart and Amelia C. Morford ; his father was principal of the Central 
High School at Philadelphia, of the New Jersey State Normal and Model Schools of 
Trenton, and professor of English at Princeton. The literary work done by Professor 
Hart is comprised in the following : Books ; The Amazon, translated from the German 
of Franz Dingelstedt, New York, Putnam, 1868 ; Cave on Color, translated from the 
French, New York, Putnam, 1869 ; The Family and the Church, edited by L. W. 
Bacon, translated, The Church, six sermons by Father Hyacinth, pages 165-262 ; 
Pastoral Letter of Bishop Dupanloup, pages 293-343, New York, Putnam, 1870; 
Lauge'l, England Political and Social, translated from the French, New York, Put- 
nam, 1874; German Universities, etc.. New York, Putnam, 1874; German Classics 
(with introduction and notes), i:?) Herman u. Dorothea, 1875; ii") Piccolomini, 1875; 
c) Goethe's Prose (Selections), 1876; d) Faust, first part, 1878, New York, Putnam; 
Syllabus of Anglo Saxon Literature, Robert Clark & Co., Cincinnati, 1881. Magazine 
articles — University Life in Germany, Putnam's Magazine, 1868; Ascent of Monte 
Rosa, Putnam's Magazine, 1869; Shakespeare in German of To-Day, Putnam's 
Magazine, 1870; The Higher Education in America, Galaxy, 1871; Review of Taylor's 
Faust (I), Galaxy, 1871; Review of Taylor's Faust (II), Galaxy, 1871; Modern Lan- 
guages in the American College, 1872, Galaxy; Cornell University, The Century, 
1873; Vienna, and the Centennial, International Review, 1875; Professor and 
Teacher, Lippincott's, 1876; The College Student, Lippincott's, 1876; Berlin and 
Vienna, Lippincott's, 1876; Higher Education, Lippincott's, 1876; Celtic and Ger- 
manic, American Journal of Philolog^^ vol. I. Also some shorter papers and book 
reviews, in American Journal of Philology, and others in Modern Language Notes. 
To the New York Nation, many hundred pages of articles and book reviews ; to the 
School Review% several papers, notably the one on Regents' English, in the first 
number, which has induced the regents to introduce a thorough reform in this 
department. He is engaged at present in preparing a manual of English compo- 
sition for High Schools, in hopes of introducing better methods. He is also accumu- 
lating material for a full (perhaps complete) dictionary of Anglo-Saxon. 

Hitchcock, Edward, jr., was born in Stratford, Conn., September 1, 1854, was edu- 
cated at Bridgeport, Conn., at Easthampton, Mass., Amherst College, the medical 
course at Dartmouth College, and the Bellevue Medical College at New York city. 
He graduated in 1878 from Amherst with the degree of A.B., and in 1881 of A.M., 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 699 

in 1881 from Dartmouth with the degree of M.D., and taught at Amherst Cohege in 
1881-84, at the Massachusetts State Agricultural College in 1882-84. His literary 
work is comprised in various magazines, articles on subjects belonging to physical 
culture, anthropometry, etc. He came to Cornell, February 23, 1884, as acting pro- 
fessor of physical education, his present position being professor of physical culture 
and hygiene, and director of the gymnasium. Professor Hitchcock married Ida I. 
Bering, daughter of J. E. Bering, of Decatur, 111. She died in October, 1884, and he 
married second, in 1888 (June 20), Sarah Demetria Fuertes. His children are: Ed- 
ward Bering Hitckcock, by his first wife, and Mary Katharine Hitchcock, by his pres- 
ent wife. His grandfather, Edward Hitchcock, was president of Amherst College, 
in which his father, Edward Hitchcock, was also professor. His mother was Mary 
Lewis Judson. 

Huffcut, Ernest Wilson, professor of law in the Cornell University Law School, 
was born in Kent, Litchfield county. Conn., November 21, 1860. In 1865 his parents 
removed to New York, in which State they have since resided. He was fitted for col- 
lege in the public schools, at Af ton, N. Y. , and entered Cornell in 1880, graduating 
in 1884 with the degree of B.S. During the next year he acted as private secretary 
to President White, upon whose resignation, in 1885, he became instructor in Eng- 
lish. This position he held three years, meantime studying law and graduating 
with the first class from the Law School in 1888. In the fall of that year Mr. Huff- 
cut removed to Minneapolis, where he practiced law for two years, serving most of 
the time as judge advocate-general of the State. In 1890 he accepted the position of 
professor of law in Indiana University, and in 1892 in Northwestern University, Chi- 
cago. In 1893 he was called as professor of law at Cornell, which position he still 
holds. Mr. Huffcut has been a frequent contributor to legal periodicals and period- 
icals devoted to political science. He is deeply interested in public questions, is an 
enthusiastic Republican, and has taken part in almost every national or State cam- 
paign since he attained his majority. On the appointment of ex-President White as 
minister to Russia, Mr. Huffcut was strongly urged for the position of secretary of 
legation, but owing to his engagement with Northwestern University Law School 
was obliged to withdraw his name from consideration. 

Jenks, Jeremiah W., was born September 2, 1856, at St. Clair, Mich. He was edu- 
cated in the district school, the High School, University of Michigan, and in Germany. 
He graduated from the University of Michigan with the degree of A. B. in 1878, A. M. in 
18T9, received the degree Ph.D. in 1885, from the University of Halle, Germany. He 
has taught at Mt. Morris College, Dl. ; Peoria High School, 111. ; Knox College, Gales- 
burg, 111. ; Indiana State LTniversity, Bloomington, Ind. ; and at Cornell University. 
Professor Jenks has written the following works: Henry C. Carey als National- 
okonom, Jena, 1885 ; Road Legislation for the American State, American Economic 
Association, 1889; The Michigan Salt Association, PoHtical Science Quarterly, March, 
1888; Development of the Whiskey Trust, ibid, June, 1889; School Book Legislation, 
ibid, March, 1891 ; A Critique of Educational Values, Educational Review, January, 
1892; Die "Trusts" in den Vereinigten Staaten Nord Amerikas, Jahrbiicher fiir 
National-Okonomie und Statistik, January, 1891; translated and republished with 
additions in Economic Journal, London, March, 1892; Money in Elections, Century 
Magazine, October, 1892; Suppression of Bribery in England, ibid, March, 1889; A 



700 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Greek Prime Minister, Charilaos Tricoupis, Atlantic Monthly, March, 1894; Articles 
on Ballot Reform, Lobb}^ Methods of Law Making, Monopolies, Primary Elections, 
Political Science, Representation, in Johnson's New Cyclopedia, several articles in 
Palgrave's Dictionary of Political Economy, besides many lesser articles, book re- 
views, etc. He came to Cornell in 1891, in the capacity of professor of political, 
municipal and social institutions; in 1893 was appointed professor of political econ- 
omy and civil and social institutions. August 28, 1884, he mairried Georgia Bixler, 
and their children are : Margaret Bixler, Benjamin Lane, and Ernest Ellsworth. 
The ancestry of the family was originally Welsh, and came to Massachusetts in 1642, 
settling in Rhode Island. Later the branch of the family to which Mr. Jenks be- 
longs moved to New Hampshire. His father went from there to New York, and 
thence to Michigan. 

Jones, George W., was born in Corinth, Me., in 1837, and was educated at Yale 
College, from which he graduated in 1859, with the degrees of A. B. and A.M. in 1862. 
From 1859 to 1862 he taught in General Russell's Military School at New Haven, 
Conn., from 1862 to 1868 in the Delaware Literary Institute at Franklin, N. Y. ; from 
1868 to 1878 in the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa. The literary 
work done by him comprises Oliver, Wait & Jones Treatise on Algebra and on Trig- 
onometry, with others; Jones's Logarithmic Tables; and Jones's Drill-book in Al- 
gebra. He came to Cornell University in 1877 as assistant professor of mathematics, 
his present position being as^iociate professor of mathematics. In 1862 he married 
Caroline T. Barber, the daughter of the historian, John W. Barber. His ancestors 
were of pure American stock. 

Morris, John Lewis, was born in Utica, N. Y. , educated in Whitestown Seminary, 
Ovid Academy, and Union College, graduated from the Union College of Schenectady, 
N. Y., with the degrees of A.B., C.E., July, 1856, and the degree of A.M. in 1860. 
He came to Cornell in September, 1868, as professor of mechanic arts, a position he 
still fills. He married, September 1, 1856, Louise A. Sutton, of Romulus, Seneca 
county. The ancestry of this family is Welch. 

Thurston, Robert H., was born in Providence, R. I., October 25, 1839, educated m 
the public schools of the city and at Brown University, graduating from the latter 
institution with the degrees of Ph.B. and C.E. in 1859; later (1869) M.A. and (1889) 
LL. D. from the same institution. He practiced engineering until the outbreak of 
the war, 1861 ; then entered the Navy Engineer Corps, and at the close of the war 
was ordered to duty at the United States Naval Academy, serving there six jj-ears 
as assistant professor of natural and experimental philosophy, and for some time as 
head of that department; then resigning, taught at the Stevens Institute of Tech- 
nology fourteen years, then at Cornell since 1885. He came to Cornell, July 1, 1885, 
as director of Sibley College and professor of mechanical engineering, which posi- 
tion he still fills. His literary work has been as follows : (See biographical sketch in 
Men and Women of the Time), Contributions Johnson's Cyclopedia, Appleton's 
Cyclopedia, Dictionary of Biography, translations of various learned societies, some 
fifteen volumes of technical work, etc., etc. He married, October 5, 1865, Susan T. 
Gladding, of Providence, R. I., who died March 31, 1878, and second Leonora Bough- 
ton, of New York, August 4, 1880. He has three children: Harriet Taylor, Olive 
Gladding, Leonora Thurston. The ancestry of the family is old North-English and 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 701 

Northman stock, presumably descended from Thorstem, connected with the stock of. 
Thurston of York, etc. ; the first in this country being the Edward Thurston family 
of Newport, R. I., coming to America in 1637 or 1638. (See Thurston Genealogies 
in the C. U. Library). 

Titchener, Edward Bradford, was born in Chichester, England, January 11, 1867, 
and was educated at private schools, the Prebendal school at Chichester, and at Great 
Malvern College. He was graduated from the Oxford University m 1889 with the 
degree of B..A., and M.A. in 1894; University of Leipzig with the degree of Ph.D. 
in 1892, F. Z. S., member of the Neurological Society of London, member of the 
American Psychological Association, and coeditor of Mind. Professor Titchener 
taught in the summer school at Oxford in 1892 (Biology); Cornell University (Psychol- 
ogy); summer school, Cornell, 1893— (Cerebral Physiology, Psychology and Physical 
Culture). He has contributed various articles and reviews to Mind, Brain, Nature, 
the Philosophische Studien, the New York Medical Record, the Philosophical Review, 
the American Journal of Psychology, etc. He came to Cornell in the autumn of 1892 
as assistant professor of psychology, and director of the psychological laboratory, 
which position he now fills. He is of English ancestry. 

Tuttle, Herbert, was born in Bennington, Vt., November 29, 1846, educated at 
Bennington, Hoosic Falls, Rensselaer county, N. Y., Burlington, Vt., graduating 
from the University of Vermont in 1869 with the degree of A.B. ; A.M. in 1880 and 
honorary L.H.D. in 1889; also studied irregularly at the University of Paris and 
of Berlin. He taught at the University of Michigan in 1880, and Cornell University 
in 1881. His literary works have been: German Political Leaders, 1 vol.. New York 
and London, 1876, and three volumes on the history of Prussia, from the earliest 
times to the outbreak of the Seven Years' War. The author is now at work on the 
continuation of the " Prussia" to the death of Frederic the Great in 1786. He came 
to Cornell in 1881 as lecturer on international law, etc., and at present is professor of 
modern European history. He married in 1876 Mary McArthur Thompson, of Hills- 
borough, O. He comes from the Tuttle and Boynton stock, the former originally 
English, the latter probably Dutch. So far as their American origin can be traced, 
the Tuttles came from Connecticut, the Boyntons from the Dutch settlement in Rens- 
selaer county, or from Massachusetts. 

Tyler, Charles Mellen, was born in Limington, Me., in 1831, and thence removed 
to Boston, Mass.; was educated at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., and entered 
Yale University in 1851, from which he graduated in 1855 with the degree of A.B, 
He received afterward the degree of A.M., and in 1892 the degree of D.D., from 
Yale. Professor Tyler was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1861. He 
entered the army and served in the battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and 
around Petersburg. He first settled in Natick, near Boston, as pastor for nine years, 
then became pastor of a church in Chicago for six years. After the fire he left that 
city and settled in Ithaca in 1872, as pastor of the First Congregational Church until 
1891. He was for several years a trustee of Cornell University. He was appointed 
professor of the history and philosophy of religion and Christian ethics in 1891 in 
Cornell University. He is a member of the Loyal Legion of the United States, a 
military order formed by Generals Grant, Sherman and others. Professor Tyler's 
literary work is comprised in the following: Various publications in reviews, maga- 



702 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

zines, etc., and a contribution to Professor Pfleiderer's " Philosoph}^ of Religion," 
published in Berlin. In 1857 he married Miss Ellen A. Davis, of New Haven, Conn. 
His second marriage was with Miss Kate E. Stark, formerly professor of music m 
Syracuse University, in 1892. He has two children by his first wife: Mrs. James 
Eraser Gluck, of Buffalo, and Beatrice D. Tyler, of Ithaca. He comes from Scotch 
and English ancestors. His great-grandfather served in the French and Indian war, 
and was wounded at Ticonderoga, and his grandfather was an officer under Wash- 
ington in the Revolution. 

Wait, Lucien Augustus, was born February 8, 1846, at Highgale, Vt, educated at 
Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard University, graduating from the latter in 1870 
with the degree of A. B. He came to Cornell in 1870 as assistant professor of mathe- 
matics. He was made associate professor of mathematics in 1877, and full professor 
in 1891. He married August 12, 1873, Anna J. DoUoff, and their children are: Olga 
Athena, Alice Dolloff, and Zeta (deceased). Professor Wait's father was Norval 
Douglas Wait, and his mother, Marion Sarah Wilson. Mr. Wait was United States 
consul at Athens and Peiraeus, Greece, in 1873-74. 

White, Horatio Stevens, was born in Syracuse, N. Y., April 23, 1852, educated in 
the public schools, graduate of the High School in 1868, studied with Rev. S. R. 
Calthrop in 1868-69, graduated from Harvard College in 1873 with the degree of A. B. , 
and studied and traveled in Europe in 1872-73, 1873-75, 1881, 1883, 1886-87, 1894. 
He taught private pupils at various times between 1872 and 1876, when he began 
teaching in Cornell University. His literary work has been as follows : Selections ' 
from Lessing's Prose, 1888; Otis's Elementary German, sixth edition, 1889; Selections 
from Heine's Poems, 1890; German Prose Composition, 1891; Deutsche Volkslieder, 
1892. Contributor to various American, English and German periodicals. He came 
to Cornell University in September, 1876, as assistant professor of Greek and Latin. 
He is at present professor of the German language and literature, and dean of the 
general faculty. He married June 14, 1883, Fanny Clary Gott, of Syracuse, and their 
children are: Joseph Lyman and Dorothy. The ancestry of the family is of New 
' England and English descent. 

Wilder, Burt Green, B.S., M.D., neurologist and comparative anatomist, was born 
in Boston, Mass., August 11, 1841. From Nicholas, who in 1497 received from Henry 
VII. the estate of Shiplake on the Thames, with a coat of arms, he is descended 
through Thomas, whose widow, Martha, came to America with her children in 1638. 
His grandfather, David, of Leominster, Mass., published a history of that town, 
served as State treasurer and in the Legislature, and was the first in his vicinity to 
break the custom of providing liquor in the harvest field. His father, also David, 
and member of the Legislature, was State auditor. Inheriting on the paternal side 
a tendency to seek new facts and to devise original methods ; from his mother, a 
Burt of Longmeadow, the subject of the present sketch has derived a disposition at 
once active and cautious, an unwillingness to sacrifice principle to expediency, and 
a tenderness towards animals which has prevented his hunting or fishing for sport, 
and restricted his physiological experiments to such as are painless. When he was 
four years old the famil}^ removed to Brookline, Mass Impressed b}^ the newspaper 
accounts of the hanging of Professor Webster for the murder of Dr. Parkman in 
1850, he tested the method upon himself, and the experiment would have ended fa- 
tally but for the approach of another person. His natural history studies began at 



CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 703 

the age of fourteen, with recorded observations upon living spiders. They were 
brought to the notice of the elder Agassiz by an assistant, James E Mills, and led 
to an invitation to visit the great naturalist. Encouraged also by the principal of 
the High School, J. E. Hoar, Harv. 1852, and in company with Carleton A., son of 
Samuel A. Shurtleff, young Wilder made extensive collections of insects, some of 
which are still preserved in the Cornell University Museum. A walnut cabinet for 
them was earned by writing for the Worcester Railroad, of which his father was 
then auditor. The last two years at the High School was devoted to Latin and 
Greek, and in the fall of 1859 he entered the Lawrence Scientific School (Harvard) 
as a special student of comparative anatomy, with Jeffries Wyman, although attend- 
ing, also, courses by Agassiz and Gray. He became self-supporting early in 186L 
He was elected to the Boston Society of Natural History December 7, 1859 ; served 
a 3'ear as president of the Agassiz Zoological Club, and gave the annual address be- 
fore the Harvard Natural History Society. In 1860 he gave a few public lectures 
upon Uu Chaillu's African collections, but soon persuaded the explorer that he could 
do this more acceptably himself. Immediately after receiving the degree of B. S. 
{in anatoniia >umma C2iiii /aiide), upon the invitation of Dr. F. H. Brown, he en- 
tered Judiciary Square Hospital, Washington, D. C. , as acting medical cadet. The 
hospital experience and hard study under Dr. Brown's directions, enabled him to 
pass the examinations as Medical Cadet U. S. A. In May, 1863, he passed the ex- 
amination as licentiate of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and was appointed as- 
sistant surgeon of the 55th Massachusetts Infantry (colored). In this capacity, and 
later as surgeon, he served until the regiment was discharged, in September, 1865. 
While stationed on Folly Island, near Charleston, S. C, August 20, 1863, he discov- 
ered a large and handsome spider (since named Nephila IVtlderi by McCook) from 
which, while alive, he reeled of one hundred and fiity yards of yellow silk. At the 
close of the war accounts of this spider were presented to scientific bodies, in lectures 
before the Lowell Institute, and, at the suggestion of Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, 
in the Atlantic Monthl}' for August, 1866. Although not intending to practice, he 
attended medical courses at Dartmouth and Harvard, and received the degree of 
M. D. at the latter, his thesis being read at the Commencement, March 7, 1866. In 
October of the same year he became assistant in comparative anatomy at the Mu- 
seum of Comparative Zoology, under an arrangement with Professor Agassiz, by 
which his time was equally divided between the anatomy of sharks and rays and 
more general studies. While at the museum he served for a year as curator of 
herpetology in the Boston Society of Natural History, and in the winter of 1867-68 
he gave a course of university lectures on ' ' The morphological value and relations 
of the human hand." In 1867 he described what is now known as the " slip system 
of notes," and in 1885 the use of "correspondence slips" was suggested. His elec- 
tion as professor of zoology in Cornell University at Ithaca took place September 26, 
1867 ; but the university did not open until the following fall. During his connection 
with Cornell, he has also been professor of physiology in the Medical School of 
Maine (1874-84), and has lectured on that subject in the medical department of the 
University of Michigan (1876-77). In 1877 he was selected as chief of the scientific 
staff of the unrealized "Woodruff expedition around the world" was lecturer 
(1873-74) on the comparative anatomy of vertebrates at the "Anderson Summer 
School of Natural History," and has lectured before the Lowell Institute in Boston, 
institutes in New York, Brooklyn, Chicago, and ether cities, and the alumni asso- 
ciation of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, 1884. He is a 
member of several scientific bodies ; was delegate to the American Medical Associa- 
tion (1880), and in 1885 vice-president of the American Association for the Advance- 
ment of Science (biological section), and in the same year president of the American 
Neurological Association. He has tried to improve and extend preliminary medical 
education, especially from the practical side. With the co-operation of the first pres- 
dent of Cornell University, Andrew D. White, prominence has always been given to 
physiology and hygiene, and until 1889 Dr. Wilder lectured upon the latter subject 
as well, and his little "Emergencies," and "Health Notes for Students," are re- 
quired for admission, together with elementary physiology. With Prof. S. H. Gage, 
he is author of "Anatomical Technology as applied to the Domestic Cat," 



704 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

1883-86-93. His other writings embrace about one hundred and twenty technical pa- 
pers, about fifty reviews, mostly in the New York Nation, and about fifty articles, 
mostly illustrated, in various magazines. The following are representative publica- 
cations: Muscles of the Chimpanzee, 1861; Intermembral Homologies, 1871; The 
Brain of the Cat, 1881; Garpikes, Old and Young, 1877; The Triangle Spider, 1875; 
Educational Museums of Vertebrates, 1885; Jeffiries Wyman, 1874; Should Com- 
parative Anatomy be Included in a Medical Course? Is Nature Inconsistent? 1876; 
The Brain of the Ceratodus, 1887; The Gross Anatomy of the Brain; Wood's Refer- 
ence Handbook, 1889-1893. Since 1883 he has given much time to the simplification 
of anatomical nomenclature, mainly along lines indicated by Barclay and Owen, 
viz., (1) to replace ambiguous descriptive (toponymic) terms referring to the erect hu- 
man body by intrinsic and explicit terms {ventral, dorsal, etc.) applicable alike to 
all vertebrates m any position ; (3) to replace polonyms (names consisting of two or 
more words) by mononyms capable of inflection as adjectives, and of adoption with- 
out essential change into other languages (paronymy); representative new terms 
proposed by him are: Meson and niesal, ectal and eittal, porta (for foramen of 
Monro), postpedunrle (for posterior peduncle) alinjection (for alcoholic injection), 
paro7iym and heteronym. 

His lectures are based on compact notes, which are annually re-cast and supplied 
tn the class. The comparatively modern system of the actual study of specimens by 
general classes, in the shape of practicums, as distinguished from regular laboratory 
work, has been carried to a high degree in his department. His chief anatomical 
theses are the symmetrical relations of the two ends of the body; the greater mor- 
phological value of the heart and the brain, as compared with the skeleton or other 
organs, and of the brain cavities as compared with their walls; the primitive and 
morphological subordination of the cerebrum proper to the olfactory portion of the 
brain ; the advantages of fcDetal over monkey brains for the elucidation of the human 
cerebral fissures; the desirability of determining the fissural pattern by the compari- 
son of many brains of moral and educated persons. Through his influence several 
such have been secured for Cornell University, or promised in writing by students, 
graduates, officers, or other friends of the institution. The vertebrate division of 
the University Museum, of which he is curator, consists largely of specimens pre- 
pared by him or his assistants and students, and contains a thousand preparations 
of the vertebrate brain and many preparations of other hollow organs, which are in 
most cases injected with alcohol (alinjected); an effort is m.ade to illustrate evolution, 
natural classification, and important functions, by a comparatively small number of 
specimens, well prepared, displayed and explained. The museum was characterized 
by an expert in the Fiske will case as the " most perfect m detail" that he had ever 
seen. As a college officer, his uncompromising antagonism to secret organizations, 
intercollegiate athletics, class spirit, public smoking, stamping in the class rooms, 
and the retention of other than earnest students, has made him far from popular 
with a certain set; but the studious and well-disposed come to him with confidence. 
Among those who ascribe special inspiration to their work in his laboratory, the fol- 
lowing are widely known as naturalists or physicians: David S. Jordan, John Henry 
Comstock, Simon H. Gage, Hermann M. Biggs, Milton Josiah Roberts, Theobald 
Smith, Eugene R. Corson, William C. Kraurs, Charles G. Wagner. The first has 
been a trustee of the university, and the second and third have charge of important 
branches of Professor Wilder' s original department. 

At the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening of Cornell, Oc- 
tober 7, 1893, there was presented to Professor Wilder a "Quarter-Century Book,'' 
a volume of 500 pages, 36 plates, 36 figures in the text, and a portrait. It comprises 
papers prepared for the occasion by fifteen of his former pupils. The ceremony is 
believed to have been the first of a kind at an English-speaking university. 

He has advocated temperance as distinguished from total abstinence, painless ex- 
periments upon animals as a means of general instruction, the removal of the appen- 
dix from all young children, and the use of chloroform as a lethal agent for con- 
demned criminals and animals. He is an evolutionist and a member of the New 
Church (Swedenborgian denomination). June 9, 1868, he married Sarah Cowell, 
daughter of Dr. William Nichols, of Boston. 



PART II 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



HON. HENRY W. SAGE. 

It is extremely difficult within the limits at our disposal in this work to give a just 
and fair biography of a man who, reaching success by untiring industry and force of 
character, rounds out his life with benefactions so judiciously chosen, so munificent, 
and looking to such practical results as those selected by the subject of this sketch. 
No man in America from youth to age has by his career better illustrated the genius 
of our institutions, or whose endowments have been on so liberal a scale as not only 
to attract attention, but to command admiration for their wisdom and far-reaching 
results. 

The early life of Henry W. Sage was 'like the life of thousands of American youth 
who by their efforts have reached competence and distinction, and who by individ- 
ual personality finally stood in the front rank of those building up and controlling 
great and successful enterprises. But no one within the author's line of research can 
be shown to have contributed so largely of his wealth and thrown into the manage- 
ment of any great educational institution the unselfish and absorbing interest which 
Mr. Sage has devoted to Cornell University. From the date of Mr. Cornell's death 
Mr. Sage has been chairman of the Board of Trustees and has taken no inconsider- 
able share of the burden of oversight in Cornell University affairs. With President 
White and later with President Adams, and an able and industrious Board of Trus- 
tees, he has been faithful and assiduous in building up and completing the purposes 
of Mr. Cornell. 

From a carefully prepared and exhaustive sketch of Mr. Sage and his benefactions, 
published in the Troy Times of a recent date, we make copious extracts. The author 
of the sketch referred to had access to many sources of information not heretofore 
obtainable by the public, and his statements are entirely authoritative in character : 

' ' Strong character is portrayed in every line of the face which looks out from the 
23ages of the Troy Times as the portrait of Henry W. Sage. And a strong character 
in every sense of the term is what Hon. Henry W. Sage possesses. He also has a 
kindly nature and a mind filled with lofty ideas of usefulness to his fellow-men. 
With such a combination of mental and moral qualities it is not surprising that Mr. 
Sage has made a record for practical munificence hardly surpassed in the annals of 
American benevolence. ' His works do praise him,' and they have been those which 
enlisted not only his well-disciplined business faculties, but his heart and soul as well, 
in short, labors of love, the achievements of one in whom abounds the milk of hu- 
man kindness. In writing of such a man the best tribute that can be paid him is to 



4 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

enumerate the deeds which make his name illustrious. Fulsome praise or high-sound- 
ing eulogy would be out of place, as it would be distasteful to the man. But facts 
speak for themselves, and the facts of Henrj^ W. Sage's career make up a sum of 
good accomplished that places his name high up on the roll of those who have made 
the world better for living in it. 

"Mr. Sage's early life was similar in its experiences to that of the large class of 
self-made, self-reliant men who form such a distinct type of American citizenship. 
He was born at Middletown, Conn., January 31, 1814, and lived at Bristol, Conn., 
until 1821, when his family removed to Ithaca, N. Y. It had been his desire to enter 
Yale College, and he pursued a course of study with that end in view. But a change 
of plan was necessitated by the removal to this State, and it may be said to have 
involved the fortunes of the great educational institution which afterward became 
to him the object of so much affection and liberality. In Ithaca Mr. Sage also began 
the study of medicine, but ill health forced him to abandon it, and in 1832 he entered 
the employ of his uncles, Williams & Brothers, becoming a clerk in their extensive 
merchandise, produce and transportation establishment. Here he developed the 
business capacity that has marked his whole life since, and in 1837 he succeeded to 
his uncles' business, and later enlarged it to far greater proportions. He established 
a large manufactorj' on Lake Simcoe, Canada, in 1854, and a few years later with 
John McGraw, built another an Wenona, Mich., at that time the largest in the 
world. He also purchased timber lands in Michigan and elsewhere until he held al- 
together over 500,000 acres and ranked as the largest land-owner in the State. All 
these vast business interests were managed with a vigor and intelligence that assured 
the greatest success and pushed Mr. Sage forward until he stood in the front rank of 
the noble guild of the princes of trade. 

" Mr. Sage was the steadfast allj^ and lifelong friend of the late Ezra Cornell, and 
from the inception of that great philanthropist's plan for a universit}' at Ithaca, his 
trusted confidant and sympathetic adviser. At the first commencement of the uni- 
versity the proposition was made by him to Mr. Cornell and President Andrew D. 
White that ' Cornell University should provide and forever maintain facilities for the 
education of women as broadly as for men.' The way to carr}' the suggestion into ef- 
fect was not immediately opened, but a few j^ears later the building and endowment 
of Sage College amply attested the sincerity and generosit}' of this noble-hearted 
friend of education. After the death of Ezra Cornell Mr. Sage was elected president 
of the Board of Trustees of the university, which position he has held continuously 
ever since. 

' ' While Mr. Sage is so conspicuously associated with Ithaca, its business interests 
and the university of which it is the seat, he has not held an unbroken residence since 
he located there in boyhood. From 1857 to 1880 he lived in Brooklyn, where he was 
a member and one of the trustees of Plymouth Church and intimately identified with 
the social, commercial and religious life of the cit3\ But he never for a moment re- 
linquished his interest in the university that had so large a place in his heart, and 
when he returned to make his home in Ithaca it was doubtless Avith the well-defined 
intention to dedicate his life to the work in which he has since shown such zeal. In 
truth, he may be considered the guiding spirit of Cornell University and the one man 
to whom, next to its founder and its first president, Andrew D. White, it owes its 
present success and usefulness. He has been its bountiful benefactor, its steadfast, 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 5 

generous friend, its ready helper, when wise counsel, judicious business manage- 
ment and contributions of ready money were in demand. 

" As is well known, Cornell University was founded in the expectation of receiving 
the benefits of the land grant voted by Congress in 1863. In 1881 the university was 
in sore straits, needing a large sum of money which was' not forthcoming from any 
other source within reach. Accordingly the trustees determined to sell the land, 
consisting practically of about 500,000 acres in Wisconsin. They had an offer of 
§1,250,0(10 for the property, but the proposing purchaser could not make the first pay- 
ment, and the trustees would gladly have accepted $1,000,000. But Mr. Sage stren- 
uouslv objected, basing his opposition on his personal knowledge of the value of pine 
lands, and the matter was held in abeyance and referred to him for a special report. 
He prepared an exhaustive statement showing in detail the exact value of the lands, 
which he estimated were at that time worth more than $2,600,000 at a fair market 
price. The thorough manner in which the work was done is demonstrated by the 
fact that he employed experts to go over the ground, estimating the whole in sections 
of forty acres, a careful report being made of each section and the amount of stump- 
age, etc., in the whole vast tract. In this minute, painstaking and systematic man- 
ner the precise nature and value of the property were established. Mr. Sage's re- 
port to the trustees June 15, 1881, and the recommendations with which it was accom- 
panied were convincing as to the wisdom of retaining possession of the land. The 
policy as to the care of the property and the sale of such portions of it as they deemed 
it advisable to dispose of from time to time suggested by Mr. Sage was adopted by 
the trustees and has been adhered to ever since. That his conclusions were sound is 
shown by the present value of the land, which is estimated, with that alreadj^ sold, to 
be not less than §6,000,000. Thus the adoption of Mr. Sage's recommendations saved 
the universitjr a large sum of money. Since 1881 the care of the tmiversitjr lands 
has been left mostly in his hands as chairman of the land committee. He had per- 
sonally attended to the selling, and with the assistance of the treasurer of the univer- 
sity, to drawing up papers, making collections and all the details connected with 
this great estate, and without expense to the university other than the clerk's com- 
pensation. Thus in the entire twelve years he has carried on ' a land oifice business ' 
for Cornell and it has not cost that institution a single dollar. 

"John McGraw was a warm and personal friend of Mr. Sage for over fifty years, 
and during a considerable part of that period his partner in extensive lumbering- 
operations in the West. Jennie McGraw, his friend's daughter, was beloved by Mr. 
Sage from her earliest childhood. She united with her father in the purpose to give 
the bulk of the McGraw estate toward the erection and maintenance of a magnificent 
library for Cornell University. In 1880 Jennie McGraw married Professor D. W. 
Fiske, a member of the Cornell faculty, and in 1881 she died. After her death came 
the suit of Fiske, who claimed the whole estate. But the McGraw heirs, claiming 
that their rights were superior to his, commenced another suit, which resulted in a 
compromise with Fiske and in the complete success of the contestants, who took over 
$3,000,000 willed by Jennie McGraw to Cornell University. The Board of Trustees 
entrusted Mr. Sage and the late Judge Boardman with the sole direction and policy 
of the suit as representatives of the university's interests. In September, 1885, Mr. 
Sage, fearing the decision would be adverse to the university and that he might die 
before the settlement of the case, added a codicil to his will in which he bound his 



6 LANDMARK.S OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

estate, in the event of the McGraw legacy being set aside, to erect a librar}^ building 
at a cost of $260,000, and also to provide the additional sum of $800,000 as an endow- 
ment fund for the maintenance of the library. But the noble benefactor lived to 
carry out in person this additional scheme of benevolence, and the library building 
built in 1891, with its endowment, is the enduring testimonial to his mimificence. 
On a tablet near the main entrance of the building is the following inscription: ' In 
loving memory of Jennie McGraw Fiske, whose purpose to found a great library for 
Cornell University has been defeated, this house has been built and endowed by her 
friend, Henry W. Sage.' A remarkable exhibition not only of a lofty purpose to do 
good with his money, but of loyalty to and affection for the memory of those he loved. 

" Mr. Sage long had a strong determination to found a college of ethics and philos- 
ophy, and it was his purpose to make it the best and most comprehensive in the land. 
He suggested that Professor (now President) Schurman visit Europe to study the 
best methods employed in the various cotmtries as applied to these studies. On his 
return Professor Schurman presented, a report embodying the results of his observa- 
tions and the recommendations based thereon. To carry into effect the plan sug- 
gested would necessitate an endowment of $400,000. At that time Mr. Sage, in ad- 
dition to other large contributions to the university, had assumed the responsibility 
of building the library, together with its endowment, representing a total of |560,000, 
and he felt that the condition of his finances would not warrant him in providing the 
further sum of $400,000 necessary to found and endow the department of ethics and 
philosophy. HoAvever, his heart was in this work, as in everything else connected 
with the great institution for which he has done so much, and he was determined to 
bring about the desired result if possible. Presenting Professor Schurman's report to 
the trustees, he proposed to give outright the sum of -5200,000 toward the necessary 
endowment if the university would bind itself to maintain the department according 
to the plan suggested — equivalent to the universit}- giving annually the interest on 
1200,000 for this purpose. 

In a letter addressed to the trustees of Cornell University, dated October 20, 1890, 
Mr. Sage, referring to his endowment of the Susan E. Linn Sage chair of Christian 
Ethics and Philosophy, amounting with costs of a house for the permanent use of its 
occupant to $61,000, offered to endow the Susan E. Linn Sage School of Ethics and 
Philosophy in the sum of $200,000 provided the university bound itself to forever 
maintain the department upon the basis proposed, which would practically demand 
the interest on $400,000. As Mr. Sage expressed it; ' With these conditions assented 
to by a proper resolution of this board, and other proper legal obligations, I propose 
to add to my former endowment $200,000, payable in cash, or approved securities, 
October 1, 1891, to enlarge the basis of the Susan E. Linn Sage foundation and es- 
tablish the Susan E. Linn Sage School of PhilosophJ^' After presenting an outline 
of the plan suggested, Mr. Sage added: 'I will now discuss briefly the question. 
Should you accept this projDosition ? Can Cornell University afford the department 
of ethics and philosophy at the cost of so large an annual draft upon its general fund 
($7,500)? Is the purpose to be accomplished by and through it worthy in itself; will 
it add value and dignity to our processes of education equal to its cost? Heretofore 
Cornell has done little at her own proper cost to uplift the moral and religious ele- 
ments in her students. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 7 

"'True, we have had this department of ethies several years, we have had the 
ehapel and its preachership eighteen years, but these have been earried with very 
little expenditure from the funds of the university. We have done mueh, ver)- much, 
for the foundations in science, in technical work, in ayricnlture, the classics and mod- 
ern languages, in history and economic stndies, m ornamentation of our campus and 
noble buildings for all purposes. But for the top work of man's structure and devel- 
opment, the crown of his character and achievement thrf)ugh his moral and religious 
nature little, very little ! 

"' Our function here is to educate men, and, through education, to provide the 
foundations of character based on moral principles which shall underlie the whole 
man and give impulse, tone and color to all the work of his life. We cannot do that 
without facilities for cultivating and developing every side of his nature. Increase 
of knowledge, addressed solely to the intellect, does not produce fully rounded men. 
Quite too often it makes stronger and more dangerous animals, leaving moral qual- 
ities dormant and the whole power of cultivated intellect the servant of man's selfish 
and animal nature. 

" ' No education can be complete which does not carry forward with the acquisition 
of knowledge for its intellectual side and physical wants a broad and thorough cul- 
tivation of his moral and religious side. Developing" Christian virtues, veneration, 
benevolence, conscience, a sense of duty to God and man, purity and right living in 
the largest sense. In short, wise and broad education should and will ally man's in- 
tellect to his moral and religious character more completely than to his animal na- 
ture, and from this alliance results all the real dignity there is in mankind, making 
moral and intellectual qualities regnant, all others subject! 

" ' I am so fully impressed with the vital importance of this subject and the purpose 
of the proposed gift that as a trustee of Cornell University (with greater love for its 
policies and functions than I can express) I think you can afford to accept this gift 
with its attendant liabilities and that you cannot afford to decline it. 

" ' Itis my free and voluntary offering for a purpose the highest, the noblest and 
best ever promoted by this noble university.' 

"This generous proposition was accepted by the trustees without a dissenting vote. 

"The above recital of some of Mr. Sage's characteristic acts indicates the genei'os- 
ity of his nature. Below appears a list of his chief gifts to the university which has 
so large a share of his affections : 

Sage College for Women with endowment fund, 1873 $366,000 

Sage Chapel, 1873 ■ 30,000 

Contribution toward extinguishment of a floating indebtedness 

in 1881 . 30,000 

House of Sage jDrofessor of philosophy, 1886 11,000 

Susan E. Linn Sage chair of philosophy, 1886 50,000 

Susan E. Linn School of Philosophy, 1891 200,000 

University Library building, 1891 260,000 

University Library endowment. 1891 300,000 

Casts for Archaeological Museum, 1891 8,000 

11,155,000 



8 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

" Besides these gifts to Cornell University Mr. Sage has presented West Kay City, 
Mich., with a library which cost $50,000. 

" Mr. Sage's munificent donations, it will be observed by reading this list of bene- 
factions, is in the line of aids to the education of the moral side of men and women. 
Mr. Sage regards these acts with the utmost satisfaction as effective agencies in car- 
rying out the dearest wish of his heart — the promotion of the moral improvement of 
mankind. 

' ' All this has been heartwork with Mr. Sage and expressed the predominating 
tendencies of his nature. It had much of its inspiration no doubt in the sweet com- 
panionship and tender memories of his lamented wife, Susan E. Linn Sage. She 
was of a most lovely Christian character, whose influence for good was felt and rec- 
ognized by every one who knew her intimately. A lovely and lovable woman, stead- 
fast in friendship, devoted to the right, her life filled with deeds of true charity, she 
won the unbounded affection and esteem of all privileged to enter the circle of her 
acquaintance. When some years ago she lost her life in a runaway accident, the ca- 
lamity brought a shock to all her friends, and a deep sense of personal bereavement 
that generated for Mr. Sage a sympathy so genuine and profound that all his ac- 
quaintances might be said to have shared his great sorrow. 

' ' Mr. Sage in a recent conversation declared there would always be a tender feel- 
ing in his heart for the university chapel to which he could not give expression. It 
was the original design, though this is not generally known, to have a small chapel 
in one of the wings of Sage College. One evening Mrs. Sage, after looking over the 
plans for the proposed college, an enterprise close to her heart and thoughts at that 
time, remarked to her husband, ' Henry, is that small chapel to be the only place 
provided for the worship of God for the young men and women of Cornell Univer- 
sity?' This question dwelt in the mind of Mr. Sage after he had retired; and the 
next morning after breakfast he announced to his wife that he was determined to 
provide other and better facilities for religious worship. Soon afterward at Ithaca 
he called upon Prdsident White and offered to give $30,000 toward the erection of a 
university chapel. Within half an hour the site was decided upon and later his son. 
Dean Sage of Albany, endowed the chapel in the sum of 130,000 to provide for the 
cost of bringing the best theological talent of all denominations to preach there. 
' Heart history,' remarked Mr. Sage, ' can be clearly seen in all that I have ever done 
for Cornell University,' and the facts we have enumerated amply substantiate the 
declaration. 

' ' Two short extracts from the address of Mr. Sage at the laying of the corner-stone 
of Sage College, May 15, 1873, will make an appropriate conclusion to this sketch of 
his work for education. They voice the noblest sentiments and are a' key to the 
character of the man who uttered them : 

" ' It has been wisely said that " who edvicates a woman educates a generation;" 
and the structure which is to be erected over this corner-stone will be especially de- 
voted to the education of women, and will carry with it a pledge of all the power and 
resources of Cornell University to " provide for and forever maintain facilities for the 
education of women as broadly as for men." This may be truly said to mark a new 
era in the histor}? of education ; for, although the'education of women with men has 
been heretofore practically conducted, notably at Oberlin, Ohio, for manjr years, and 
at Ann Arbor, Mich. , for three years past, this is the first university in this country, if 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 9 

not in the world, which has at the same time bodily recognized the rights of woman 
as well as man to all the education she will ask, and pledged itself to the policy and 
duty of maintaining equal facilities for both. It is, then, no small matter of con- 
gratulation that this university, a State institution, endowed by our general govern- 
ment with a princely gift of lands and by Ezra Cornell, its founder, with his own 
fortune, and, more than that, with his own great, earnest heart and zealous love for 
man, is fairly committed to the education and elevation of woman, and that hence- 
forth the structures now standing here, and those which shall hereafter be added to 
them, are to be used forever for the education of woman with man, to whom God 
gave her as a helpmeet, and as the mother and chief educator of his race. * * * 

' ' ' Brief reference to some of the ideas and motives which underlie this offering of 
a university education to the women of America is enough for the hour. When this 
structure shall be completed and ready for its uses, let us look upward and forward 
for results. And if woman be true to herself, if man be true to woman, and both be 
true to God, there ought to be from the work inaugurated here this day an outflow 
which shall bless and elevate all mankind ! ' 

" The corner-stone was then laid by Mrs. Sage with the following words: 

" ' I lay this corner-stone, in faith 
That structure fair and good 
Shall from it rise and thenceforth come 
True Christian womanhood. ' 

" And the history of the university, having recently? celebrated its ' silver anniver- 
sary,' proves how well was laid the foundation and how wisely its managers, with 
Henry W. Sage chief among them, have built the superstructure." 



DOUGLASS BOARDMAN. 

DoiGLASs Bo.ARDMAN was bom in the town of Covert, county of Seneca, on the 31st 
day of October, 1822. He was the youngest of twelve children, of whom his brother, 
the Hon. Trunran Boardman who i-epresented his district in the State Senate of 1858, 
and two sisters, Mrs. Lucy B. Smith and Miss Emily Boardman, alone survive. The 
youngest son of this large family early sought an education which might fit him for 
a professional life. In a private school of his native town and afterwards in the 
academy at Ovid he prepared for a collegiate course, and, after three years of study 
in Hobart College at Geneva, he entered the senior class at Yale and graduated from 
that institution in 1842. He immediately began the study of law and was admitted 
to the barafter the usual period of preparation. He was married in 1846 to the wife 
who now survives. He held the office of district attorney of the county of Tomp- 
kins from 1848 to 1851, and of county judge and surrogate from 1852 to 1856. In 
both positions he displayed unusual ability, and met his duties and responsibilities 
with an unflagging industry and a promptness and accuracy which characterized his 
whole life. At the close of his term as county judge he formed a partnership with 
Judge Francis M. Finch, which lasted for ten years, and until Judge Boardman 

B 



10 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

was called to the bench of the Supreme Court. Those were years of hard study and 
severe labor, which alone could enable the young practitioners to cope with an exist- 
ing bar of unusual strength and abilit)^ Whatever of success they attained was 
largely due to the clear and discriminating judgment, and the wise and prudent dis- 
cretion of the older member of the firm. And it is a source of satisfaction to the sur- 
vivor to remember that the connection was never marred or disturbed by the slight- 
est disagreement, the least misunderstanding, or even one worried or hasty word. 

In 1865 Judge Boardman was elected a justice of the iSupreme Court for the Sixth 
District to serve for a term of eight years. In the convention which nominated him 
there were numerous candidates, each having his own zealous and earnest friends, 
and when the result was reached after a long struggle it was largely due to a con- 
viction on the part of the delegates that Judge Boardman possessed in unusual degree 
the character and habit of mind, the firmness and decision of purpose, the patience 
and strict integrity which should attend the judicial office. The result outran even 
the expectation of partial friends. The new judge found in his work the field and 
the arena best suited for his development and success. Pleasant but firm, cheerful 
but in earnest, patient but determined, prompt but careful and prudent, and always 
thoroughly impartial and striving only for exact justice, he so won the confidence of 
the bar and of the people that at the clo.se of his term he was re-elected for a new 
term of fourteen years without an antagonist and practically bj' an unanimous vote. 
His judicial ability was at that time so well understood and appreciated that he was 
at once assigned to the General Term of the Third Department, and so passed from 
the trial courts to an appellate tribunal, presided over at first by Judge Miller, who 
later passed to the bench of the court of last resort, and afterwards by Judge Learned, 
who still presides at a General Term. Undoubtedly Judge Boardman preferred the 
variety and mental excitement of the Circuit where point and decision follow each 
other with swift velocity, to the slower and more studious labors of the appellate 
court, but he soon demonstrated that there al.so he was in his proper place, and fully 
-equipped for his new duties and responsibilities. His opinions were almost without 
exception terse and brief, with no waste of words and little elaboration of argument, 
but marked alwaj^s lay the strong good sense and sound judgment which were his 
chief characteristics. He easily won the respect and the friendship of his associates, 
and came to be universally regarded as a prudent and careful and able judge. And 
so his life and his work ran on until 1887 when his term expired. He might have 
been again chosen for the five years remaining before reaching the age of seventy, 
but resolutely declined, saying that he needed rest, and was entitled to it after twenty- 
six years of judicial labor. 

But rest, with him, meant only change of occupation; to duties less exacting and 
laborious, but still requiring the exercise of all his ability and discretion. 

He possessed in an tmusual degree the qualities of a thorough business man. In 
the management of his own affairs he was .systematic, thrifty and prudent; averse to 
anything like waste or extravagance, and inclined to a plain and simple life. His finan- 
cial prudence and ability found a wide field and a severe test in the management of two 
large estates committed to his care as executor. The first came to his hands heavily 
burdened with debts accumulated by the owner in a determined struggle to hold his 
assets against the sacrifice of a falling market. To Judge Boardman, who seldom 
approved of a debt and dreaded its risks, the situation was peculiarly disquieting, but 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 11 

he met the emergency both with skill and courage and saved the large fortune entrusted 
to his care from loss or sacrifice, and transmitted it unharmed to the daughter who -\^•as 
substantially the sole legatee. Naturally he became the executor of her will, and was 
compelled to hold the estate through a long and severely contested litigation which 
ended in the diversion to private and personal use of a large residue which the testatrix 
had devoted to a worthv public purpose, and the educational benefit of the j^outh of the 
land. 

Judge Boardman was a director of the First National Bank of Ithaca from its organi- 
zation, in 1864, to the time of his death, and became its president, succeeding in that 
office the Hon. J. B. Williams in 1884. He became a trustee of the Cornell University 
by vote of the alumni in 1875 and was re-elected b^^ the trustees in 188o. Upon the or- 
ganization of the Law School of the University he was appointed its dean and became 
active and efficient in promoting its success. 

In all these positions his business sagacity and prudence were of great value to the 
interests which he served. In the investment and management of the large endoAA'- 
ment of the university and the appropriation and administration of its income, in the 
care of the bank and a watchful oversight of its finances, in the control of the estates 
committed to his trust, he found heavy burdens and large responsibilities which were 
borne with far more than the usual ability. To these duties it was a pleasure to him 
to add his governing aid to the law school and his advice in its management, always 
thoughtful and wise. And so in these labors his days were usef ull}" spent after the 
close of his judicial career. 



EDWARD S. ESTY. 

The genealogv of the Esty family is traced back to the early settlement of ^lassa- 
chusetts. In the year 1796 the family of Elijah Esty started from Roxbuiy, INIass., 
for what is now the State of New York. Their journey was made with an ox team 
and a single horse. Reaching 'Westmoreland, now in Oneida county, N. Y., they 
established a primitive home. The wife of Elijah Esty, who was his companion in 
the wilderness, was, prior to marriage, Sally Winslow Williams, a direct descendant 
of the Puritans who came over in the ilayflower in 1643. After t-\A-o ^^ears spent in 
the arduous work of clearing up a forest, Elijah Esty, who Avas a practical tanner 
decided to engage in that business, and for that purpose removed to what is now the 
cit}- of x\ubum, then called " Hardenburgh's Corners." There he e.stablished a 
small' tannery and carried on the business until his death in 18r2. 

While the family of Elijah Esty were living in Westmoreland, Joseph Esty, father 
of Edward S. Esty, was born, June 20, 1798. At the death of his father the estate 
was badly involved and the family were thrown upon their own resources. Joseph, 
then fourteen j^ears old, took up the business of his father and was apprenticed to 
Ezekiel Williams, of New Hartford, N. Y. He subsequently returned to Albany, 
where R. & J. Patty built a tannery under Mr. Esty's supervision. In 1822 Mr. Esty 
removed to Ithaca, where he purchased a small tannery of Comfort Butler, borrow- 
ing a thousand dollars for the purpose. This he operated successfully, and a few 
years later purchased land on the comer of Tioga and Green streets and there built 



12 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

a larger tannery, which he conducted until 1852. He was then succeeded by Ed- 
ward S. Est}', his .son, and the subject of this sketch. Joseph Esty was a man of 
marked characteristics. Nurtured through his personal experience in a school of 
rigid economy; possessed of excellent business judgment; of undoubted integrity, 
he so conducted his business and his investments that he acquired a well-earned for- 
tune. He was a trustee of the village in 1829, and in the .same year .served as over- 
seer of the poor for the town; in 1836 he was elected supervisor. He was chosen a 
director in the old Ithaca Bank, and was finally one of the trustees .selected to close 
•up its aiTairs. He was an original stockholder in the First National Bank, was made 
a director in the first board and .so continued until his death. He was also made one of 
the trustees of the Ithaca Savings Bank when it was chartered in 1868. He was a 
prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, and without his previous knowledge 
was chosen for the offices of deacon and elder, being an office bearer in the church 
for fifty-five years. He died in the year 1881 at the advanced age of eight^^-three, 
in the enjoyment of the utmost respect of the community. His wife was Mary 
Selover, daughter of Isaac Selover, of Auburn. 

Edward S. Esty was one of three sons of Joseph Esty, and he survived both of his 
"brothers. He was born in Ithaca, Juh' 17, 1824, and died in Boston, Mass., Octo- 
ber 2, 1890. His education was obtained in the public schools and the Academy 
of Ithaca. As before stated, the large tanning business established by his father 
came into his control in 1852; but he had many years before that date begun an as- 
sociation with his father. After the business came into his pos.session he greatly ex- 
tended it, establishing tanneries at other points, and became one of the largest and 
most successful producers of leather in. this section of the State. 

Mr. Esty was a Republican in politics, and was chosen to fill some of the higher 
State offices. In 1858 he represented Tompkins count}^ in the Legislature, where 
liis sturdy honesty and conrageous resistance of wrongs made him quite obnoxious 
to unscrupulous political leaders. In 1884-85 he represented his Senatorial District 
in the State Senate with distinguished ability and manly courage. 

The confidence of his fellow citizens in his business ability was evidenced in their 
association with him in the organization of the First National Bank, of which he was 
a director until his death, and vice-president after 1883. 

But it was, perhaps, in his liberality towards, and his solicitude for, the cause of 
education that Mr. Esty left the deepest and most beneficent impression upon the 
community. He early .showed a devoted interest in Cornell University, and one 
of its largest legacies may be traced directly to Mr. EsLy's influence. He was man}"- 
3^ears a trustee and vice-president of the Cornell Librar}- Association. In later years 
he was made trustee of the academy and its treasurer, and the prosperity of that 
institution was largely due to his prudence and business sagacity. When the acad- 
emy ceased to exist and the present school s^^stem was establi-shed, Mr. Esty was 
made one of the commi ssioners and was president of the board from its organization 
until his death. To the duties of this office he gave un.sparingly of his time, energy, 
business wisdom, and enthu.siasm ; and it is not too much to say that to him more 
than to any other one person is due the present excellence of the Ithaca schools and 
school buildings. 

In 1873-4 Mr. Esty passed nearly a year in traveling in Europe, whence he wrote 
a series of interesting letters to his home paper. He gave $10,000 for the organiza- 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 13 

tion of the "Children's Flome," an institution which has conferred great benefits up- 
on the community. Indeed, in all benevolent and charitable undertakings, or other 
enterprises for the public good, Mr. Esty was found in the front rank of supporters. 
Mr. Esty left a devoted wife, Amelia Wilgus, to whom he was married May 12, 1846, 
and three children ; Albert H. Esty, Amelia W., wife of Calvin D. Stowell, of Ithaca, 
and Clarence H. His sons, who were since their majority associated with him in 
business, continued the same until about a year ago, when it was merged into the 
United States Leather Company. 

A proper estimate of Mr. Esty's character, the respect in which he was held both 
at home and abroad, the friendship of his associates, can be gained from extracts 
from various publications at the time or soon after his death. The Board of Direc- 
tors of the First National Bank adopted the following memorial: 

"In the death of Edward S. Esty this board has lost a valued and most efficient 
member. 

"He was one of the organizers of the bank in 1863, and its vice-president for the 
past seven years. Fi'om the beginning of the bank's existence until the time of his 
death, as a director, his counsel and services have been held in the highest esteem 
by his associates. 

"The same business capacitor and wisdom with which he conducted his own affairs 
and those of his family, were always at the service of the bank, and to whatever busi- 
ness success it may have attained, his ability contributed in no small degree. His 
extended knowledge of commercial, affairs, his broad and enlightened views, his wide 
acquaintance with men in all spheres of life, and his just appreciation of character, 
are well known in this community. Here, as in every other position of trust occu- 
pied b}^ him, he managed the interests confided to his care with an eye single to 
their safety and welfare, and with no other thought than of devoting to them the 
best of his talent and abilities. 

" While enterprismg and progressive in the management of his affairs, his judg- 
ment was always guided by prudence. By his sagacity ^and scrupulous integrity he 
commanded the respect of his fellow directors, and his kindly nature, evidenced by a 
never failing courtesy, won their affection. 

"As vice-president of the bank he has discharged his]^duties with tact and discre- 
tion, and with entire satisfaction to his associates. 

"But not alone nor chiefl}^ for his financial ability and rare business capacity will 
he be remembered. To these qualities were united in his well rounded character a 
sympathetic nature ; an enthusiasm for all that is noblest and best, as well in small 
and restricted circles, as in the more ambitious fields of State and National concerns [ 
a personal interest in individual worth ; a contempt for all forms of baseness, tem- 
pered by a charitable recognition of the infirmities of human nature ; a readiness to 
assist in the development of all that tends to the uplifting of mankind. 

"A leader and benefactor in the community, he was in every relation of life a true 
man. Such a life is in itself an educational influence of inestimable worth, and must 
be an encouragement to all who are striving for the realization of high ideals of pub- 
lic and private conduct. 

' ' It is the desire of his former associates to place upon record an expression of 
their appreciation of the great service Mr. Esty has rendered to the bank, and of 



14 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

their feeling of profound sorrow at his sudden death, and to this end it is directed 
that this paper be entered in full on the minutes of the Board." 

The Board of Education of the city of Ithaca, at their meeting held October 7, 
unanimously adopted the following as a tribute of respect to their deceased president, 
Hon. E. S. Esty: 

"The death of Hon. E. S. Esty is a source of sincere sorrow to his associate mem- 
bers of the Board of Education. His long business career in our community, char- 
acterized by unswei-ving integrity and a prompt response to every call af duty, had 
won for him the confidence, respect and esteem of all our citizens. Often called to 
serve in places of trust and honor, his public duties were discharged with the same 
conscientious fidelity that has made his business life a success. As president of this 
board for more than sixteen years since its organization, April 14, 1874, his most 
earnest efforts were freely given to build up a system of public school education that 
would be worthy of his native city, and with great satisfaction he saw that system 
develop from year to year. Our well equipped school buildings, erected through his 
persevering efforts, will long stand as enduring monuments to his wisdom and sagac- 
ity. 'A cultivated Christian gentleman of refined tastes, a faithful and devoted 
friend, a judicious and trustworthy counselor, a generous benefactor of the needy 
and distressed, a capable, far-sighted leader among men, an earnest worker for the 
prosperity of his city, Mr. Esty's death is an irreparable loss. May we revere his 
memory and strive to imitate his virtues. 

' ' Resolved, That in the death of Hon E. S. Est}^ this board has lost a member 
and presiding officer of great worth, whose many sterling qualities had AA^on for him 
the entire confidence, the greatest respect and the highest esteem of his fellw-mem- 
bers, and our schools have lost a warm and earnest friend, whose untiring labors 
were unstintedly given in their behalf. 

'■'^ Resolved, That Ave tender to the family of Mr. Esty our sincere sympathy in this 
their sore bereavement." 

At a meeting of the trustees of Cornell Librarj^ on Tuesday, October 14, the fol- 
loAAdng resolutions AA^ere adopted : 

''Resolved, That in the death of Hon.E. S. Esty, the Cornell Libraiy Association, 
of which he was for five years the honored president, shares an irreparable loss, with 
the city in Avhich he lived, and with the State itself ; that the wisdom and integrity 
with which he has presided over our deliberations, and the financial solicitude and 
ability Avith which as treasurer of the librarA^ f und, he promoted the welfare of the li- 
brary, deserved and will receive our enduring gratitude. 

' ' Resolved, As trustees of the library, that we sincerely- deplore the great affliction 
which has thus suddenly fallen upon the family and relatiA^es of Mr. Esty, and desire 
to convey to them, our assurance of profound s^-mpathy for them in their deep dis- 
tress." 

From the New York Tribune of October 11th. 

"THE LOSS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. 

"The cause of education, both of the common schools and higher education, lost 
one of its most efficient friends in the death last week of ex-Senator Edward S. Esty, 
of Ithaca. He was an intimate friend of Ezra Cornell, and in full s^^mpath^^ Avith 
him when, in 1865, he decided to devote a considerable part of his fortune to the es- 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 15 

tablishmeut upon the hills overlooking the beautiful Cayuga Lake of a university 
that Avould furnish a broader practical education than any of the older institutions 
provided. Among Mr. Cornell's friends at Ithaca few were so sanguine of the final 
success of the undertaking as Mr. Est}'. 

"When Cornell UniversitA^ was established upon a firm basis Mr. Esty became 
greatly interested in the idea of building up in this community^ a system of schools 
which, beginning with the lowest forms, should be graduated to the highest kind of 
instruction preparatorj- to university- studies. Twenty 3'ears ago, when Cornell 
Universitj' was barely beginning its work, the character of the schools of Ithaca was 
about on a level with, but in no way superior to, that prevailing in other to^^nas of the 
State of 10,000 inhabitants. Mr. Esty undertook to arouse public sentiment in favor 
of his cherished plans 

"In 1874 the Board of Education of that citj- was organized, with Mr. Esty as its 
president, an office which he continued to hold until his death. He lived to see his 
ideas carried to the most successful consummation. It would be difficult to find a 
more 'complete and admirable school system than that which exists to-day in that 
little cit}' of less that 15,000 inhabitants. So widely and favorably have its advanta- 
ges become known as an adjunct to the universit}' that of the 400 or more students 
that now enter Cornell each 3'ear a very considerable number are- the sons of parents 
Avho have either sent their children or have come to live with them there, that they 
may receive'.the best and most appropriate preparation for their college work. In 
fact the standard of [the requirements for entrance to the university is said, upon 
good authority, to have been considerably raised by the influence of the work in the 
Ithaca schools. For this success chief credit is freeh' conceded to Mr. Esty. At 
this week's meeting of the Board of Education resolutions were adopted expressing 
the appreciation felt for his services for education in that community." 



THE TREMAN FAMILY IN TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

This family, whose name is so familiar to all residents of Tompkins count}-, and 
whose members have been conspicuous in the communit}- from its earliest settle- 
ment, are of English descent, their direct ancestry being from Sydenham, County 
Devon in that country. The familj- derived its designation at a very remote period 
from the manor of Tremayne, in the parish of St. Martm, on the banks of Helford- 
Haven. The first one of the name to emigrate to America was Joseph Tremaine who 
came over in 1666 and settled at New London, Conn. He had five children, two of 
whom were sons named Joseph and Thomas, respectively. Thomas was the father 
of four sons named respectively John, Simeon, Nathan and Benjamin. John Tre- 
maine, of this family, was a farmer by occupation and lived near Pittsfield, Berkshire 
county, Mass., a section from whence many of the pioneers of Tompkins count}^ 
came. He was a man of more than ordinary natural ability and possessed of high 
character. He was honored with various public offices in all of which he was dis- 
tinguished for integrity and efficiency. He was the father of eight sons whose 
names were Philip, Gains, Julius, John, Daniel, Jared, Abner and Jonathan. 



16 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Of these sons Abner was the one with whom we are most deeply interested in the 
early images of this sketch. His father became a resident of Hillsdale, Columbia 
county, N. Y. , and there his children were born. Abner's birth occurred on the 25th 
of December, 1761. He passed his boyhood and reached an age of responsibility just 
as the struggle for freedom by the American colonies was being inaugurated and 
with four brothers patriotically assumed his share in the memorable contest, although 
it is recorded that some members of another branch of the family residing in New 
York city remained loyal to the British king and fled to Nova Scotia on the evacuation 
of the city by the British. Abner Treman was sixteen years of age when he enlisted 
in Colonel Van Courtland's regiment and was assigned to the Fifth Company, serving 
until the close of the war. His courage, firmness and ability were such that he was 
selected by General Washington himself, as one of those to assist in the capture of 
Stony Point, on the Hudson River. General Wayne was in command of the expe- 
dition ; Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury had the immediate command of the right wing^ 
which was composed of one hundred and fifty volunteers, and these were led by 
twenty men under Lieutenant Gibbon as a forlorn hope. Of these twenty men Ab- 
ner Treman was one. He was in General Sullivan's army and accompanied him on 
his expedition through the Wyoming Valley and up the Susquehanna. He was suc- 
cessively corporal, sergeant and sergeant-major. It appears from the records at 
Washington that he was honored with a Badge of Merit for faithful service. He re- 
ceived as a bounty for his services in the Continental army six hundred acres of land 
located in what was then the county of Herkimer. The Indian title had been ex- 
tinguished, and the State of New York had divided a large tract of land into twenty- 
eight townships of one hundred lots each, and each lot containing six hundred and 
sixt}^ acres of land, to pay, as a bounty, to her soldiers who were in the army of the 
Revolution. Abner Treman's number drawn was Lot No. 2, Township No. 22. It 
proved to be a strip of land three-fourths of a mile wide, and about two miles in 
length, on which is now located the beautiful village of Trumansburgh. He came 
in 1792 with his wife, three children, his brother Philip and Philip's son Benjamin and 
his wife's brother (John McLallen), with his bounty warrant to take possession of his 
land. He immediately commenced clearing up his land and gave a man a deed of 
one hundred acres of it for one year's service to work on it. In 1794 he concluded to 
build a grist mill, and went east to Chenango Point, now Bingham ton, to purchase 
the necessary machinery. On his return he stopped all night at Davenport's tavern, 
which was located a mile from here on West Hill. It was in the month of February, 
and there came on a snow storm which covered the ground about two feet deep. He 
left the tavern at nine o'clock in the morning; after walknig all day and until about 
midnight he arrived at the house of Mr. Wayburn on Goodwin's Point, and about 
two milesfrom home. He could go^no farther, he was exhausted, frozen and nearly 
dead. They kindly cared for him, and as far as they knew did what was for the best, 
but they imprudently put his feet into warm water ; one of them had to be cut off, 
and it was this that made him a cripple for life. He died August 18, 1823, aged six- 
ty-one years. His brother Philip located in Ledyard, Cayuga county, and there 
reared a family, the descendants of whom in 1892, celebrated the centennial of their 
settlement there, 

Abner Treman took up land on the site of what is now the village of Trumans- 
burgh. The settlement at this point has had several names, but its present one is de- 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 17 

rived wholly from the fact of Mr. Treman's settlement there. It was first caUed 
" McLallen's Tavern," and it is said that at one time it was known as "Shin Hollow." 
Upon the authority of De Witt Clinton it was also, and much more appropriately, 
known at an early day as "Tremaine's Village." Just how or when the iinal tran- 
sition to its present name occurred is not known. 

Mr. Treman had married, Mary McLallen,i daughter of John McLahen, several 
years before his migration westward. For their dwelling he built the first house on 
a lot opposite the present M. E. Church. It was of course a primitive log cabin, its 
roof covered with bark. There several of his children were born and on the same 
lot he eventually erected the house which is still standing. 

It has been written of Abner Treman that he was a man of marked characteris- 
tics, full of life and animal spirit, of robust physique and powerful voice, brusque and 
sometimes rough in speech, generous and charitable, yet exacting as to his rights ; 
he was respected by all good citizens and feared by the bad. The blood that flowed 
in his veins was good and strong and he transmitted to his posterity the sterling 
qualities which he possessed in so eminent a degree, and his children and children's 
children in turn became prominent and representative people wherever they lived. 

Mr. Treman's eldest child was Mary Treman, afterwards Mrs. Leroy Valentine, 
born in Columbia county in 1788 and died in 1869. His eldest son, Jonathan, was 
also born in Columbia county, July 17, 1790; married Annis Trembly and died in 
1853. Annis Treman, another daughter of Abner, was born June 27, 1792, and be- 
came the wife of Gen. Isaiah Smith. Calvin Treman was born September 13, 1794, 
married Ann Ayers, and died in 1849. Ashbel Treman was born September 1, 1796 ; 
married Mary Ayers in 1817 and died in 1837. Lucinda Treman was born August 
17, 1793, and married Jeremiah Ayers. Jared Treman was born October 5, 1800 ; 
his first wife was Mrs. Louisa Paddock ; his second wife was Wealthy, the widow of 
Dr. S. E. Clark; he died July 11, 1889. Abner Treman, jr., was born January 12, 
1803, and married Jemima Thomas, January 30, 1823. He died January 30, 1883. 
Charlotte Treman, born June 30, 1806, married Minor King. Alfred Treman was 
born January 31, 1811, and married Mary Ann Trembly. Erastus Treman was born 
July 31, 1813, married Mary Buck, who survives him. 

Ashbel Treman, son of Abner and mentioned above, was the father of Leonard, 
Lafayette L. and Elias Treman, three men who have been long identified with the 
business interests of Ithaca, and two of whom are still active in the affairs of the city. 
He also had two daughters, Mary C. and Ann F. , as will have been seen by fore- 
going dates. Ashbel Treman died at a comparatively early age and his sons were 
early made to realize that they must succeed in life, if at all, by their own efforts. 

Leonard Treman, the eldest of the three brothers justmentioned, was born at Meck- 
lenburg, then in Tompkins county, June 18, 1819. His early education was obtained 
in the district schools of his native village, finishing with a term in the Ithaca Acad- 

^ John McLallen, then nineteen years old, came with his brother-in-law in 1792 to 
what is now Trumansburgh, employed by Mr. Treman as a teamster. Obtaining a 
piece of land from Mr. Treman he built thereon the first public house in the present 
town of Ulysses. It was this fact which gave the settlement at one time the before- 
mentioned name of "McLallen's Tavern." Several of Mr. McLallen's descendants 
were men of character and good repute in this locality, 
c 



18 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

emy in the winter of 1834-5. In the latter year he took up his first occupation on his 
own account by engaging as clerk in the store of Wood & Nye in Ithaca, where he re- 
mained two years, when his father died and he returned to Mecklenburg. His early 
tastes were wholly turned towards a mercantile career, and with the purpose of mak- 
ing that his life work he again came to Ithaca and entered the employ of Edmund G. 
Pelton, who was carrying on the hardware trade. From that time onward until near 
the time of his death he retained his connection with that business. In the year 1844 
his brother, Lafayette L. (a sketch of Avhose life follows this), joined him, and the firm 
of L. & L. L. Treman was founded as successors of Mr. Pelton. The business pros- 
pered as most business will when superintended by men of ability, integrity and in- 
dustry. On the 1st of February, 1849, Elias, the youngest brother (also noticed a 
little further on), came to Ithaca and joined the firm, the style becoming Treman & 
Brothers. On the 1st of February, 1857, Leander King, a cousin of the Tremans, 
who had been long and faithful in their employ, was admitted to the partnership and 
the style was again changed to Treman, King & Co., and so remains at the present 
time, though other changes have been made in its membership. 

In the year 1849, when Elias Treman came into the firm, they acquired a foundry 
and machine business then located on the East Hill on the south bank of the Casca- 
dilla Creek. These works were subsequently burned and the business was then 
transferred to Cayuga and Green streets, and was very successfully conducted under 
the firm name of Treman & Brothers and distinct from the hardware trade. Under 
the firm name of Treman & Co., Leonard Treman also established a general hard- 
ware business in Watkins, vSchuyler county, which was continued until a few years 
ago. 

While these extensive operations would seem to have been sufficient to satisfy the 
ambition of most men, as well as to emploj' one's whole time, such was not the case 
with Mr. Treman or his brothers. They foresaw the future inportance of the village 
and its needs, and were the builders and owners of a large portion of the stock of the 
Ithaca Water Works, which has continued in the family ever since, and they took a 
large share of the stock of the Ithaca Gas Light Company. Mr. Treman was made 
president of the former company in 1864 and of the latter in 1870 and held the oihces 
until his death. They are now filled by his brother, as noted further on. He was 
elected president of the village in 1850 and again in 1868-9; was a director of the 
Ithaca and Newfield Plank Road Company in 1850; of the Ithaca and Athens Rail- 
road Company from 1869 to 1874, and of the Cayuga Lake Railroad from 1871 to 1874. 
He was a charter trustee of the Ithaca Savings Bank from 1868 and president at the 
time of his death, and for many years was a trustee of the Congregational church. 
It hardly need be added that these various important positions were filled and their 
duties administered with the same faithfulness and ability that had long character- 
ized the conduct of his private affairs. In the business and social life of Ithaca his 
position was an enviable one and was honored by him in the same degree that it hon- 
ored him. 

Mr. Treman was married to Almira Corley, of Ithaca, on the 20th of October, 1846. 
They had three children, two of whom died in infancy, and the third is the wife of 
John W. Bush, of Buffalo. 

Lafayette Lepine Treman was born at Mecklenburg, April 3, 1821. He received 
his education in the common schools supplemented by a period of study in the Penn 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 19 

Yan Academj'. In that village he found his first employment away from home as a 
clerk in the hardware store of James D. Morgan. In the year 1844, when he was 
twenty-three years old, he came to Ithaca and joined with his elder brother, Leonard, 
in the hardware trade under the firm name of L. & L. L. Treman, succeeding Ed- 
mund G. Pelton. 

This young man was possessed of exceptional natural business ability, which he 
had assiduously cultivated during his clerkship in Penn Yan, and when the two 
brothers joined their interests in Ithaca it was with a firm determination to accom- 
plish just what they ultimately did accomplish, the building up of a successful and 
extensive trade in an establishment that would be an honor to the place and bring 
them a justly earned competence. This determined purpose has governed Mr. Tre- 
man ever since, and while other interests have in later years claimed much of his at- 
tention, he has never permitted his allegiance to his first legitimate business to falter. 
The qualifications before noted soon gave Mr. Tieman an acknowledged position 
among the most enterprising men of Tompkins county, while his reputation for 
staunch integrit}^ led to his being called to several positions of trust and responsibil- 
ity. He served for a time as secretary of the Ithaca and Athens Railroad before its 
consolidation with the Lehigh Valley system. He early became a director in the 
Tompkins County Bank, and in 1873 was chosen its president, a position which he 
still holds. Under his skillful financial guidance this sound old institution is known 
as one of the most successful of the banks in the interior of the State. In 1888 he was 
made president of the Ithaca Gas Light Company and the Ithaca Water Works Com- 
pany, both of which positions he still occupies. In their management his counsel has 
always been for enterprising liberality towards the public, a policy that has at the 
same time been to the interest and prosperity of the companies. He is also a direc- 
tor and one of the principal promoters of the Lyceum Company, which has just 
completed one of the finest opera houses in the State. He is also one of the original 
Board of Directors of the Ithaca Trust Company. In all of these positions Mr. Tre- 
man has won the entire confidence and respect of those with whom he has been as- 
sociated. Modest and retiring in his temperament, with unfailing courtesy for all 
-and a broad charity and kindliness for the weaknesses of human nature, Mr. Treman 
has found a warm place in the community outside of his large circle of business con- 
nections. 

He is a member of the St. John's Episcopal church and since 1847 has continuously 
held. the office of warden, contributing cheerfully of his means to the building up of 
the cause of religion. 

Like other members of his family Mr. Treman is a Democrat m politics, but en- 
tirely without desire or taste for public office. 

On the 9th of April, 1849, Mr. Treman married Eliza Ann Mack, daughter of the 
Hon. Ebenezer Mack, one of Ithaca's most prominent early citizens. Their children 
are as follows : 

Ebenezer Mack Treman, born December 13, 1850. 

Jeannie Mead Treman, widow of John S. Waterman, of Cumberland Hill, R. I. 

Anna Louisa Treman, now residing in Ithaca. 

Elias Treman, the youngest of the three brothers, was born in Mecklenburg, De- 
ceinber 9, 1822, attended school in his native village and finished in the Penn Yan 
Academy, after which he entered the employ of Morgan & Armstrong in Penn Yan 



20 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

as clerk in their hardware store (where his brother was already engaged) and re- 
mained there six years. In 1847 he came to Ithaca and entered the employ of the 
then well established firm of L. & L. L. Treman. becoming a partner in said firm 
on February 1, 1849, the style being thereby changed to Treman & Brothers. In 
this connection he has ever since remained. Uniting his admirable business qualifi- 
cations with tho.se of his brothers, the foundrj^ and machine shop before mentioned 
was built up and the hardware trade largely extended. When the building of the 
water works was taken up he was made one of the directors of the company, and also 
in the Gas Company, which positions he holds at the present time. He is also a di- 
rector in the Tompkins County Bank; also in the Ithaca Savings Bank, in the Ithaca 
Tru.st Company, and a member of the Board of Education. At the present time a 
large .share of the burden of directing the mercantile business of the firm falls upon 
his shoulders. He is a Democrat in politics, like his brothers, but also like them has 
never become an aspirant for public office, though he has capably filled the position 
of president of the village of Ithaca. Mr. Treman enjoys to the fullest extent the 
confidence and re.spect of the community. 

Mr. Treman was married on July 6, 1853, to Elizabeth Lovejoy, of Owego. They 
have three children: Elizabeth, married on December 21, 1882, to Mynderse Van 
Cleef, one of the leading attorneys of Tompkins countj^ (they have two children). 
Robert H., born March 81, 1858, now a member of the firm of Treman, King & Co. ; 
graduated from Cornell University in the class of 18p8. He is a director in both the 
Water and the Gas Companies; also in the Tompkins County Bank and is a trustee 
of Cornell University; married Laura Hosie of Detroit, Mich., June 24, 1885 (they 
have one child). Charles E., born October 11, 1868, a graduate of Cornell in the 
class of 1889, and is employed as a clerk in the business of Treman, King & Co. 

Ebenezer Mack Treman, the oldest child of Lafayette L. and Eliza Ann Treman, 
was born in Ithaca, December 13, 1850, and received his education in his native 
place, entering Cornell in the class of 1872. He became associated with the large in- 
terests of his father, though not a member of the hardware firm. He is secretary 
and superintendent of both the Water and Gas Companies, positions which require 
executive ability of a high order and fully occupy his time. He is also president of 
the recently formed Lj-ceum Company, and the erection of the new theatre in Ithaca 
is the realization of plans which he has had under consideration for many years. He 
is a young man of popular social qualities and highly esteemed in the business cir- 
cles of his native city. He married first April 22, 1884, Eugenie McMahan, Lyons, 
Iowa. She died August 17, 1886; he married second on April 23, 1891, Isabelle Nor- 
wood, adopted daughter of Miles L. Clinton, of Ithaca. 

The other children of Lafaj-ette Treman have been mentioned. 



THADDEUS vS. THOMPSON. 

Thaddeus S. Thompson was born in the town of Ithaca, May 22, 1838, a son of 
Samuel, a native of New England, and one of the earliest settlers of this county. 
For many years he was the proprietor of a hotel in the town, and was one of the en- 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 21 

gineers in the street construction of the city. In poHtics he was Democratic. Sam-^ 
uel died in 1873, aged seventy-eight years. Of his three children, our subject is the 
only son. He was educated in the old Lancastrian School, and after leaving .school 
served an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade, which he followed nineteen vears, 
being eleven j-ears with the D., L. and W. Co., seven years with Foster Hixon and 
nearly two years with the N. Y. and E. at Elmira. 

In 1876 he engaged in the meat business, abandoning his trade on account of his 
weak eyes. For three years he ran a market on Farm .street, and for one year at the 
corner of Plain and Seneca .streets. Since 1880 he has been in the grocery business 
at 29 West Mill street, starting with a small building and a small stock; but in 1887 
he erected his present commodious store, and carrries a complete stock of groceries 
and provisions. 

In 1893 Mr. Thomp.son was elected city supervi-sor on the Democratic ticket, and 
was re-elected in March, 1894. He was a candidate for sheriff in the fall of 1893. 
He is a member of the I. O. of O. F., having pa.ssed all the chairs, and is also a mem- 
ber of the Encampment. He is a charter member of Cascadilla Lodge K. of P. , has 
held all the offices, and was the representative to the Grand Lodge. He is a mem- 
ber of Hobasco Lodge No. 716 F. and A. M., Eagle Chapter No. 58, St. Augustine 
Commander}' No. 38, Ithaca Council No. 68 R. and S. M., and Damascus Temple, 
Mystic Shrine, of Rochester. He is a director, secretary and treasurer of the Co- 
operative Building Bank of New York. For thirty-eight years he has been a member 
of the Ithaca Fire Department, in which he has held all the offices. In 1892 he was 
president of the board, and for fifteen years was engineer of a .steamer. He is a life 
member of the State organization. 

On January 17, 1861, he married Rhoda Carr, of Auburn, andthe}^ have one daugh- 
ter, the wife of John Wilgus, architect, of Ithaca. 



CHARLES S. SEAMAN. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Ithaca, April 9, 1848. His father was Daniel 
J. Seaman, who, during more than twenty j-ears, carried on a livery business in Ith- 
aca. 

Charles S. Seaman was educated in the old academy in his native village, and 
found his first employment after leaving school in the grocery of Geo. W. Frost, 
where he soon acquired a good general knowledge of correct business methods. His 
father was the owner of a near-by farm, and the ^^oting man afterwards worked on 
that to some extent, and then engaged in the livery. 

After his father's death in 1887 he assumed the management of the business, and 
has since successfully conducted it. 

Mr. Seaman is a Republican in politics, and has been an active worker in the party. 
Social and courteous with all, he early became very popular with his fellow citizens, 
and in 1893 received the nomination for sheriff of the county. He was elected b}' a 
flattering majority, and now holds the office, for which he is peculiarly adapted. 

Mr. Seaman is a member of Fidelity Lodge, F. and A. M., Eagle Chapter, St. 
Augustine Commandery, and Damascus Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He has been 



22 LANDMARKvS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

a member of the Republican County Committee, and chairman of the City Committee 
at times. He is a member of Ithaca Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; Cascadilla Lodge K. of P., 
and Taughannock Tribe I. O. R. M. 

Mr. Seaman married, in 1875, Gussie C. Space, of Basking Ridge, N. J. 



MYRON N. TOMPKINS. 

This brilliant and successful member of the Tompkins county bar was born in the 
town of Newfield, Tompkins county, on the 3d of October, 1859; he is, therefore, one 
of the younger members of the profession in this county. 

The grandfather of Mr. Tompkins was Nathaniel, a native of Hudson count3^ 
N. Y., and one of the pioneers of Newfield. His son, Bradford R. Tompkins, was 
born in Newfield, where he has passed most of his life and still lives, a respected 
citizen. Bradford R. Tompkins married Rachel Bloom, a descendant of the early 
pioneers of that name ; she is deceased. They had thi'ee children, all of whom are 
living. 

Myron N. Tompkins received his education in the common schools, supplemented 
with two years in Cornell University. He had early determined to follow the pro- 
fession of the law, and had read extensively before he left the university, and to such 
good purpose that after less than one year in the Albany Law School, from the fall 
of 1879, to May, 1880, he was admitted to the bar. He was then thoroughly equipped 
as far as mere education goes, for his life work, and it was not long before the re- 
sults of his study were supplemented by the still more valuable acquirements to be 
secured only in the field of active practice. 

After his admission Mr. Tompkins came at once to Ithaca and began practice as a 
partner of the late Merritt King. After a few years this connection ceased, and 
since that time he has been associated with several different persons. He is now 
in the enjoyment of a volume of legal business that commands his entire energies. 
Mr. Tompkins is adapted by nature for a successful lawyer ; and his natural traits 
are emphasized and made more readily available by the habits -of his life. His 
early formed determination that whatever success he might be able to attain should 
be founded upon integrity and honorable action towards those who placed their 
interests in his hands, has never been deviated from ; while his persistent industry 
and untiring energy continually drive him to the accomplishment of a vast amount 
of business. He has been connected with several important litigations, among 
others the Cornell chlorine case and the Ezra Cornell estate contest. 

Mr. Tompkins is an active Republican in politics, and has been highly honored by 
his constituents. He was chairman of the County Committee one year, and was the 
first recorder of the city from 1887 to 1890, succeeding D. F. Van Vleet. He was 
city attorney from 1891 to 1893, and has been attorney for the Pavement Commission 
since its creation. 

Mr. Tompkins was married on February 15, 1883, to Ada B. Kellogg, of Newfield. 
They have one son and one daughter. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 23 

JAMES L. BAKER. 

Prominent among the younger members of the bar of Tompkins county is James 
L. Baker. Mr. Baker is descended from one of the earliest pioneers of the western 
part of the town of Ithaca. This pioneer was James Baker, great-grandfather of 
James L. Among his cliildren was Lawrence Baker, who had a son named Jeremiah 
Mulford Baker, who was the father of James L. The mother of the latter was Mary 
J. Helms, of Montgomery, Orange county, N. Y. There was a family of six chil- 
di-en, all but one of whom are living; four of them are sons. 

James L. Baker was born in Montgomery, Orange county, on the 2d of February, 
1847. Six years of his life were passed in his native town, when in 1853 his father 
removed to Enfield, Tompkins county, and purchased a farm of William Jewett, 
which has ever since remained as the homestead and still remains in possession of 
members of the family. His father died in October, 1882, and his mother in August, 
1883. 

James L. Baker attended the common schools until he was eighteen j'-ears of age, 
when he entered the Ithaca Academy and there continued his studies until he was 
twenty-one, teaching a pai't of each j^ear to earn the needed money to pay the ex- 
pense of his education. He first taught in the oil region of Pennsylvania, and after 
that in districts in this county. He had early determined upon law as his life work 
and began his studies in the office of Beers & Howard. He was an ardent and ear- 
nest student and was admitted to the bar on the 9th of February, 1871, having pre- 
vious to that date entered the Albany Law School from which he graduated after his 
admission to practice, in May, 1871. Mr. Baker is one of that large and honorable 
class of professional and business men who was forced to rely upon his own efforts 
to reach the goal which his ambition desired. As before noted, a large part of the 
expenses of his education, both in school and as a lawyer, he provided for himself. 
When he graduated from the law school he f oun d himself in debt. Returning to the 
office of Beers & Howard he continued reading until January 1, 1872, when he opened 
an office in Ithaca. He has ever since practiced alone, with the exception of inter- 
vals when he employed a salaried partner. This last mentioned fact is an indica- 
tion of one of Mr. Baker's strongest traits of character — self-reliance. While his 
practice has been of a general character, it has been and now is, very large, and 
has embraced cases of importance ; but he has never felt impelled to share the respon- 
sibilities of his business with others. He has a modest and justifiable confidence in 
his own ability to safely represent the interests of his clients ; and it is perfectly proper 
to state that his success has warranted his course of action. He holds the 
reputation of his profession high and is ever watchful of his own good repute. His 
industry is untiring and he never spares himself in the preparation of the cases 
entrusted to him. It is therefore not a marvel that he has been unusually successful 
in building up a large practice. 

Mr. Baker is a consistent Republican in politics. He was chosen village attorney 
for the last time before the organization of the city government, and was the first 
city attorney. He has also been special county judge and was a prominent can- 
didate for the office of county judge in 1891. 

Mr. Baker is a conspicuous member of the Order of Knights of Pythias, which he 
entered in 1874, having been a member of Cascadilla Lodge since that time. He 
is a past grand chancellor of the State of New York, and past supreme representative. 



34 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Mr. Baker was married in 1878 to Annie M. Cooper, of Trumansburg, formerly of 
South Danby, daughter of Alanson Cooper, one of the old and most respected 
residents of that town. 



DEXTER HUBBARD MARSH. 

Among the pioneers of Groton village was the father of D. H. Marsh. His name 
was Lucius H. Marsh, and his wife was HuldahFmney. He had a farm just outside 
of the village and later in life also operated the grist mill one mile north of the village. 
He subsequently engaged in the mercantile business in the village with Martin S. 
Delano, in which he continued until 1858. He was a man of excellent character, good 
ability and enjoyed the respect of the community. He was the father of four children, 
of whom the subject of this sketch was the youngest. The eldest was Eugene A. Marsh, 
now postmaster of Groton, and formerly for six years was deputy county clerk of 
Tompkins county. The next son was Hiram C. Marsh, of the firm of Hiram C. Marsh 
& Son, extensive job printers of Chicago. The fourth child is a daughter, Creusa J. 
Marsh, who married Dr. L. A. Barber, of Auburn, and is deceased. 

Dexter H. Marsh was born August 16, 1840. He received his education in the 
Groton Academy, and early evincing a taste for mercantile business, he entered his 
father's store, where he rapidly made himself entirely familiar with the best business 
methods. In 1858 he succeeded his father in trade, and successfully conducted the 
store seven years. At the end of that period he sold out his stock to his brothers, 
E. A. & H. C. Marsh, and in association with Charles Perrigo, organized 
the First National Bank of Groton, Mr. Perrigo being elected president, and Mr. 
Marsh, cashier. For twenty-five years Mr. Marsh successfully and honorably con- 
ducted the institution, Mr. Perrigo remaining nominally as president, but the larger 
share of the burden of responsibilty resting upon Mr. Marsh. The capital of the bank 
is $100,000, and it now has a surplus of §50,000. On the 14th of January, 1890, he 
was elected president and now fills that office. 

Mr. Marsh is a man of resources and with mind broad enough to comprehend the 
management of varied interests; and during the period of his connection with the 
bank he has become prominently identified with various projects. He was foremost 
in organizing the Crandall Typewriter Company, and the Groton Carriage Company, 
of both of which he is president and both being successful industries. He is also a 
director in the Groton Bridge Company ; secretary and treasurer of the Dwight Farm 
Land Company, and a member of the manufacturing firm of N. R. Streeter& Co., of 
Groton. In most of these companies he was the chief promoter and organizer and is 
now the largest stockholder. He has been a director in the Southern Central Railroad 
twenty-five years. In all of these active relations Mr. Marsh has secured the confi- 
dence and respect of his associates. 

He is essentially a self-made man, having begun his business career with but small 
means, consisting of his earnings during the period of his early clerkship in the store. 
In politics he has been active in the Republican party, but has always declined to be 
its candidate forofiice. He has always been actively interested in temperance and 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 25 

church work, being one of the officers of the Congregational church, and at one time 
superintendent of the Sunday school. He has been a member of the church thirty- 
three years. 

Mr. Marsh was married on December 3, 1862, to Welthea M. Backus, of Groton. 
They have two children living— Florence Lillian, wife of Frank J. Tanner, treasurer 
of the Typewriter Company; and Carrie S. Marsh; a son was born to them in 1871, 
but died in infancv. 



ALONZO B. CORNELL. 

Few counties, of the same relative importance in population, have, during their 
civil history, exerted greater influence in the public counsels and administration of 
the State of New York than Tompkms county. Its domain was first reclaimed from 
aboriginal control by settlers under the leadership of the distinguished State engineer 
and surveyor, General Simeon De Witt, who had selected it as his future home on 
account of its romantic scenery and its natural strategic location, affording the most 
advantageous point of union between the Susquehanna River and Lake Ontario. 

Under such auspices men of education, energy, and enterprise were induced to 
come from the older counties bordering the Hudson River, and from other States, to 
cast their fortunes into the early development of the county. They established and 
maintained a superior system of local education, and, as a natural result, their de- 
scendants have proved to be worth}^ representatives of an honored ancestry. One 
of the most conspicuous of the native sons of Tompkins county is Alonzo B. Cornell, 
the twenty- fifth governor of the State of New York, who was born at Ithaca, Janu- 
uary 22, 1832. 

Governor Cornell was the oldest son of the eminent philanthropist, the Honorable 
Ezra Cornell, founder of Cornell University, who was associated with Professor S. F. B. 
Morse in the original development of the Magnetic Telegraph in America. Educated 
at the Ithaca Academy until the age of fourteen, when he became a telegraph oper- 
ator, young Cornell entered upon the activities and responsibilities of a business 
career, in which he soon became conspicuous for success and rapid promotion, and 
early attained an enviable position in the telegraphic profession. 

After more than twenty years of active experience in all of the various grades of 
telegraph service, from that of operator to general superintendent. Governor Cornell 
was in 1868 elected a director of the Western L^nion Telegraph Company, and has 
been re-elected to that position at twenty-five successive annual elections by the stock- 
holders of that great corporation. For more than twenty years he has been a mem- 
ber of the Executive Committee and for the past twelve ^^ears chairman of the Law 
Committee. From 1870 to 1877 he was the senior vice-president, and during the 
}-ear 1875 was designated by the directors as acting president, and discharged the 
onerous duties of that position during the prolonged absence of President Orton in 
Europe. Mr. Cornell was an early promoter of and for many years controlled the 
management of the Gold & Stock Telegraph Company, the American District Tele- 
graph Company, and the American Railway Electric Light Company. 



26 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Having in 1861 acquired by purcliase the line of steamboats on Cayuga Lake, Mr. 
Cornell assumed the personal management of that valuable property. He instituted 
many improvements to the great satisfaction of the traveling public. Under his 
liberal and intehigent direction the prosperity of the enterprise rapidly increased 
until he parted with its control by sale at a largely advanced price. Mr. Cornell was 
for several years an officer of the Tompkins County Bank at Ithaca, and in 1864 he 
united with several personal friends in organizing the First National Bank of Ithaca. 
He was the first cashier and subsequently vice-president, and for more than twenty- 
five years was one of the directors of that successful financial institution. He has 
been a trustee of the Cornell Library at Ithaca from its first organization, and for 
the past twenty years has been the president of its Board of Trustees. He has been 
a trustee of Cornell University from its foundation in 1865, and has given much 
valuable service to the administration and development of that great institution of 
learning. 

While pursuing a life of ceaseless activity in business affairs, Mr. Cornell found 
time to devote much attention to political interests. He became affiliated with the 
Republican party upon its original formation, and has ever since exerted an impor- 
tant influence in its counsels both local and general. He was elected chairman of 
the Tompkins County Republican Committee in 1858, and served in that capacity 
until 1866, when he became a member of the New York Republican State Commit- 
tee, of which he was elected chairman in 1870, and served continuously until he was 
nominated for governor of New York in 1879. He rendered valuable service to his 
party in affecting its reorganization in 1870-71, and his management of the Republi- 
can campaign in 1872, which resulted in the triumphant re-election of President 
Grant, won for him eminent repute as a sagacious and effective political organizer. 
The results of that exciting and important canvass were largely credited to the wise 
and vigorous measures undertaken and sustained under his inspiration and leader- 
ship. His services were generously acknowledged by many of the leading Republi- 
cans of the United States, who united in tendering him a magnificent souvenir testi- 
monial which is one of his most valued possessions. He was one of the New York 
State delegates-at-large to the Republican National Conventions of 1876 and 1880, 
and was also a member of the National Republican Executive Committee from 1876 
to 1880, and he has been a member of the Union League Club of New York since 
1867. 

As the supervisor of his native town of Ithaca in 1864 and '65, Mr. Cornell began 
official life and discharged the onerous duties incident to the closing years of the 
civil war in such manner as to command the grateful aiDpreciation of his constituents 
of all political predilections. In 1868 he was selected by the Legislature as one of 
the first Board of New Capitol Commissioners, and the same year he was nominated 
for the office of lieutenant-governor by the Republican State Convention, but the 
Republican ticket of that year was defeated by the outrageous naturalization frauds 
perpetrated by Tammany politicians in New York and adjacent counties. 

Upon the accession of General Grant to the presidency in 1869, he appointed Mr. 
Cornell to the important position of surveyor of customs for the port of New York. 
He soon discovered the existence of an extensive conspiracy between customs officials 
and dishonest importers to defraud the government of its revenue, and was soon 
brought into active conflict with the conspirators. The penalties resulting from his 




ALOS^I® ©aSOKMELL, 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 27 

energetic enforcement of the revenue laws were quite unprecedented in the entire 
history of the nation. In 1870 President Grant nominated Mr. Cornell for assistant 
treasurer of the United States at New York, but he promptly declined the appoint- 
ment, preferring to continue the important work of customs reform which he had 
so successfully begun and carried forward. He continued to discharge the duties of 
surveyor with marked success until December, 1872, when he tendered his resigna- 
tion to the secretary of the treasury to accept a seat in the New York Legislature. 

At the annual election in 1872 Mr. Cornell was elected Member of the New York 
State Assembly from the Eleventh Assembly District of New York city, and upon 
the organization of that body he was chosen speaker by acclamation in the Republi- 
can caucus of ninety-six members. This unusual distinction was conferred upon him 
despite the fact that he had never before been a member of a legislative body, while 
nearly a dozen members of long experience had been earnestly supported by their 
friends as competitors for the position. It was considered a well merited tribute to 
his efificient services in the great campaign just closed, and he achieved still higher 
honor by the marked success of his service as speaker of the Assembly. Few men 
have won equal repute as presiding officers even after many years' experience. 

Declining a proffered re-election to the Assembly in 1873, Mr. Cornell resumed 
active duty as vice-president of the Western Union Telegraph Company, and devoted 
himself to the service of that corporation until February, 1877, when he was again 
called into the federal service by President Grant, by whom he was appointed naval 
officer of customs for the port of New York. After the accession of Mr. Hayes as 
president, he called upon Mr. Cornell to resign the chairmanship of the New York 
Republican State Committee, as the condition of remaining naval officer. This he 
regarded as an invasion of his civil rights, and declined to comply with the presi- 
dent's request, whereupon a successor was nominated, who was rejected by the 
Senate by a very decided majority, thus vindicating Mr. Cornell's position of inde- 
pendence from presidential dictation. 

Shortly after the adjournment of Congress in 1878, Mr. Hayes suspended the col- 
lector and naval officer of New York for alleged interference in political affairs, and 
appointed successors, who were finally confirmed after a heated controversy in the 
Senate. That this action was not approved by the great body of Republicans was 
singularly demonstrated by the fact that at the subsequent elections Mr. Cornell was 
elected governor of New York, and Mr. Arthur was chosen vice-president of the 
United States. 

The Republican nomination for governor of New York in 1879 was earnestly con- 
vassed by the friends of several strong candidates, but Mr: Cornell proved to be 
sufficiently the favorite to command a majority vote of the delegates in convention, 
and was therefore nominated on the first ballot. The political campaign was vigor- 
ously contested and resulted in the election of Mr. Cornell to the governorship by a 
majority of more than forty thousand over Governor Lucius Robinson, who was the 
Democratic candidate nominated for re-election. 

Inaugurated governor January 1, 1880, Governor Cornell urged upon the Legisla- 
ture the importance of reformation in the State revenue laws, and under his admin- 
istration laws were projected and enacted which have very largely increased the 
revenues of the State. He recommended the eligibility of women as school officers 
and approved a bill providing that women should both vote at school meetings and 



28 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

render public service as scliool officers. He brought the State Prisons up to a self- 
supporting basis and conducted them upon thorough business principles, free from 
all political influence or dictation. He abstained from the abuse of the pardoning 
power, which had often been a discredit of preceding administrations. His appoint- 
ments to office were noted for fitness for duty required, and it is gratifjnng to record 
that no scandal ever resulted from anj^ appointment made by him in the conduct of 
the executive office. 

The most prominent characteristic of Governor Cornell's administration was the 
sturdy and independent exercise of the veto power. Friends and foes admitted the 
resolute and impartial hand with which he protected the public interest from spoli- 
ation ; special legislation sought for selfish private interest was firmly resisted and 
improvident appropriations were ruthlessly vetoed. The National Guard was re- 
duced in numbers by disbanding inefficient organizations and the remainder com- 
pactly organized into a strong and. effective bod3^ A State camp of instruction was 
established, and under the influence of the new regime the citizen soldiery of New 
York has become noted for the superiority of its apjDearance and discipline. 

The scandalous condition of many of the county jails and poor-houses was vividlj^ 
portrayed by Governor Cornell in his successive annual messages to the Legislature 
and the deplorable situation of helpless debtors imprisoned in the New York county 
jail for trifling amounts of indebtedness was vigorously denounced by his trenchant 
pen Under pressure of his urgent recommendation the Legislature created the 
State Railway commission which has rendered effective service in the regulation and 
elevation of the important public interests under its jurisdiction. 

The establishment of the New York State Board of Health, which was accomplished 
pursuant to enactment of law in the first year of Governor Cornell's administration, 
has proved to be one of the most important and beneficent steps in the progress of 
the State toward a better and higher civilization. By this simple instrumentality 
the majesty and power of the people are rendered available for the prompt and 
effective remedy of local evils which the neglect of ignorant and inefficient town 
officials too often permitted to become dangerous to the public health. Thus disease 
and death have been driven from many an humble cottage b}^ the strong arm of the 
State. 

For more than thirty years there had been continued agitation for the repeal of 
the usury law, which had generally resulted in a drawn battle in the Legislature. In 
his annual message in 1882, Governor Cornell recommended a form of modification 
of the usury law which commanded the approval of public sentiment so entirely that 
the law was amended in conformity with his suggestion by the unanimous action of 
both Houses of the .Legislature. The result of this modification of the old law has 
been extremely favorable to borrowers, and has done more to equalize the importance 
of New York with London, as a monetary center, than anj^ other event in our 
history. 

Contrary to the general custom of his predecessors in the executive office. Gov- 
ernor Cornell confined his annual messages to the discussion of State affiairs only, 
carefully avoiding any reference to federal politics. He took this course in the be- 
lief that all of his influence was due to the people of the State who had entrusted him 
with their great commission, and that it was his duty to devote himself exclusiveh' 
to their service, leaving federal affairs to be cared for by the representatives in either 
branch of Congress, who had been especially selected for that purpose. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 29 

An occasion of unusnal political excitement throughout the State of New York 
occurred in the second j^ear of Governor Cornell's administration, in consequence of 
political differences between the president of the United States and the two senators 
representing this State, which resulted in their resignations. This action precipi- 
tated an angry controversy, under which the Republican majority in both branches 
of the Legislature was divided into bitter partisan factions. This unhappy condition 
continued two months and thus prolonged the legislative session of 1881 beyond all 
precedent. It is not surprising that this remarkable experience resulted in the 
return, at the ensuing election, of a Legislature of opposite political complexion in 
both houses. 

Despite the natural embarrassments proceeding from the disturbed condition of 
Republican politics, Governor Cornell's administration had given such satisfaction to 
the people that he was strongly supported by them for renommation at the Republi- 
can State Convention called to select a candidate as his stjccessor. His renomina- 
tion was, however, bitterly opposed by active friends of the federal administra- 
tion and a coterie of disappointed politicians who had failed to secure satisfactory 
recognition from the governor during his official term. It is an undisputed fact 
that a decided majority of delegates to the Saratoga Convention of 1882 were elected 
in favor of his renomination, but the minority faction, led by unscrupulous men, 
werp enabled by various discreditable means, including both bribery and forgery, to 
so manipulate the State Committee as to secure control of the temporary organiza- 
tion of the convention adverse to the governor's friends. LTsing this point of advan- 
tage they arbitrarily unseated nearly forty regularly elected delegates and thrust 
into their places bogus contestants, thus fraudulentlj- reversing the true complexion 
of the convention as originally elected. 

By such forbidden and abhorent means,, the deliberately expressed choice of a large 
majority of the true hearted Republicans throughout the State was ignored, and the 
renomination of Governor Cornell, which had been so confidently expected, was de- 
feated by a small majority and the rival candidate was formally nominated. 

These extraordinary proceedings of the State Convention aroused the deepest 
indignation among Republicans throttghout the State to such an extent that the 
successful candidate, although of eminent personal respectability, was repudiated at 
the election by a majority of 192,000, and the Republican party was plunged into an 
abyss of degradation from which it required j^ears of patient labor to redeem it. 

Retiring from the gubernatorial office at the age of fifty. Governor Cornell re- 
sumed his residence in the city of New York and devoted himself to business pursuits, 
having extensive interests in various electrical, railway and insurance corporations. 

In his domestic life Governor Cornell has been peculiarly fortunate. He was mar- 
ried November 9, 1852, to Elen Augusta, daughter of Deacon George Covert, of 
Ithaca. Four boys resulted from this union, of whom one died in infancy and one 
met with an accidental death at the age of eight, while two have grown to mature 
life and are happily married. Mrs. Cornell was a lady of superior accomplishments, 
and her home was always the seat of cordial and refined hospitality. As a presiding 
genius of the Executive Mansion at Albany Mrs. Cornell will long be remembered as 
one of the most charming and agreeable ladies known to public life. After a long 
and painful illness she was called to her rest May 11, 1893, lamented by a wide and 
devoted circle of friends. The following year the governor was again married to a 
jrounger sister of his first wife. 



30 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

FRANCIS M. FINCH. 

Hon. Francis M. Finch, associate judge of the Court of Appeals of the State of 
New York, was born at Ithaca, N. Y., June 9, 1827. His parents were of New 
England extraction. His father, Miles Finch, was appointed surrogate of Tompkins 
county, March 27, 1823, but afterwards engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he 
continued until a short time before his death. Even in his youth Mr. Finch mani- 
fested a remarkable literary talent, which he still retains, though he stoutly avers 
that "the practice of law has chastened and choked it down." If he had followed 
his own strong inclinations, he would doubtless have drifted entirely into literature 
and become, perhaps, one of those who "care not to make the laws of a nation so 
long as they can make its songs." He was one of the editors of the Yale Literary 
Magazine during his senior year, and took an oration at Commencement. At that 
time, and in fact throughout his life, he has been pecuharly felicitous in making 
impromptu speeches. His college songs, "Gather ye Smiles," "Smoking Song," 
"Nathan Hale," " Linonia," and later "The Blue and the Gray," with others, 
thrown off in his moments of relaxation, have, to use the language of another, "been 
crystallized and set with the classic gems of the recognized poets of the country," 
while many of his graver poems will live long after he has passed away. But young 
Mr. Finch early forsaw that literature was a precarious vocation, and the promptings 
of a sense of sterner duty compelled him to turn regretfully from its inviting paths 
and plunge into the law with all his native vigor and earnestness. He studied his 
profession in Ithaca, and was admitted to the bar in little over a year. Mr. Finch's 
pi-actice was of rapid growth ; he was a gentleman of fine scholarship, a hard stu- 
dent, a clear and persuasive reasoner, a wise, reliable counsellor, conscientious in a 
marked degree in the fulfillment of his relations to his cHents, and tenacious in the 
advocacy of their rights, and he soon took a commanding position among the ablest 
lawyers of the Sixth District. The most important cases were confided to him, and 
his opinions upon legal questions were eagerly sought by the most eminent of his 
bfethren at the bar. Early in General Grant's first presidential term he was ap- 
pointed collector of internal revenue for the Twenty-sixth District, New York, which 
office he resigned after holding it for four years. At the organization of Cornell 
University, Mr. Finch became warmly interested in the institution, was one of its 
trustees, and its counsel and friendly adviser through its early troubles. In May, 
1880, Mr. Finch was appointed judge of the Court of Appeals of the State of New 
York to fill a vacancy of six months. In 1881 he was reappointed to fill a vacancy of 
one year. In the fall of 1881 he was elected to a full term of fourteen years, which 
will expire December 31, 1895. Mr. Finch possesses a natural mental grasp which 
seems able to take in the manifold bearmgs of a subject, to perceive its resemblances 
and harmonies, as well as its inconsistences, almost at a glance; he has a judicial tem- 
perment without bias. In speech he is methodical, correct, rounded and concise ; 
his critical analysis of a subject, or resume of a case, covers all its points and leaves 
no gaps to fill. His opinions have been always characterized by the utmost fairness 
of spirit, depth of learning, and thorough research. In short it may be truly said that 
he possesses all the elements necessary for the high judicial position which he has so 
ably filled. He is approachable, genial, and affable ; and while he possesses large 
perceptive faculties and keen discrimination, he is almost philosophically tolerant. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 31 

His chief relaxation is his large and well selected library, to which he turns with 
delight from his arduous legal and judicial labors. 

On the death of Hon. Douglass Boardman in the year 1891, and the consequent 
vacancy in the deanship in the School of Law in Cornell University, Judge Finch 
was unanimously elected by the trustees of that institution as dean of the Law 
School. Since his election he has found time outside of his duties on the bench to 
give much time and thought to the development of the school, and to prepare and 
deliver before the law students a series of lectures, which are masterpieces in their 
literary style and legal acumen. Judge Finch has always taken a warm interest in 
all things relating to the progress of his native place, and has identified himself with 
various business enterprises of local prominence. He is now vice-president of the 
Ithaca Trust Company and a director of the First National Bank of Ithaca. Mr. Finch 
was married May 25, 1853, to Elizabeth A., daughter of Robert May Brooke, of 
Philadelphia. She died on March 28, 1892. He has three children: a son, Robert 
Brooke, and two daughters, Mary Sibley and Helen Elizabeth. 



MILO GOODRICH. 

Mild Goodrich was born at East Homer, N. Y., January 3, 1815. His parents, 
Philander and Almira (Swift) Goodrich, were in humble but respectable circum- 
stances, and had then recently emigrated from their native place at Sharon, Conn. 
Soon afterwards they purchased a farm near the Marl Ponds, in the town of Cort- 
landville, where the childhood of the subject of this sketch was spent, and where his 
education was commenced. 

He early manifested a great fondness for books, and at the age of sixteen com- 
menced to teach the district school, where his education up to that time had been 
obtained. For the succeeding few years he pursued his " studies, first at Homer 
Academy and afterwards at the Oberlin Institute, then a new institution in Ohio, 
designated to enable students to sustain themselves while completing their educa- 
tion ; but he found it necessary to teach school during the winter months, and never 
fully succeeded in completing the course of study which he had designed for him- 
self. In 1888 he commenced his law studies at the office of Judge Barton, of Wor- 
cester, Mass. , where he was admitted to practice law in the year 1840. 

He then seems to have anticipated the advice afterwards given by Horace Greeley 
and went West to what was then the Territory of Wisconsin, where he remained two 
years practicing law at Beloit, at the expiration of which time he returned to his 
native county. 

In the year 1844 he married Eunice Eastman in the town of Groton, N. Y., and 
soon afterwards removed to the adjoining town of Dryden, which was his home for 
the succeeding thirty years, and where by untiring energy, united with great natural 
strength of mind and a vigorous physical constitution, he rose from the lowest to the 
highest grade of his profession. His business was at first confined to the local courts, 
where his success as a lawyer first developed, but he soon became a prominent 
figure at the circuits of Tompkins and adjoining counties, where his power as an ad- 



32 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

vocate before juries will long be remembered. He loved his chosen profession and 
practiced it for the success which he attained in it, rather than for pecuniary com- 
pensation for his efforts, which was, with him, a secondary consideratioli. He was 
common and unobtrusive in his manners, generous with his means, and exemplary 
in his habits. 

He early took a serious and active interest in public affairs; held the appointment 
as postmaster at Dryden in 1849 ; served as superintendent of schools soon after, 
and w^as subsequently elected a member of the House of Representatives of the 
Forty-second Congress. He w^as also elected a delegate to the Constitutional Con- 
vention of the State of Ne^v York in 1867, where, as a member of the Judiciary Com- 
mittee, he alone submitted a minority report favoring on elective judiciary with a 
term of fourteen years, which was subsequently adopted. 

In the year 1875 he removed to Auburn, N. Y., where he continued his practice in 
the higher State and United States Courts until near the time of his death, which 
occurred April 15, 1881. His wife and three children survived him, the former of 
whom now resides near her early home in the town of Groton, and the latter consist 
of George E. Goodrich, Avho still occupies the old home of his father at Dryden ; 
Frank P. Goodrich, who was until recently an instructor in Yale University, but has 
just accepted a position of Professor of German in Williams College, Mass., and 
Fannie Schweinfurth, who now^ resides at San Francisco, Cal. 

It would be useless for the writer of this brief sketch to attempt to convey to a 
stranger to Milo Goodrich an adequate conception of his magnetic power as a speaker, 
or his native ability and commendable attributes as a man. He was self-made so far 
as his early advantages were concerned, and had certain original qualities which 
impressed themselves upon those w^ho came in contact with him, and w^hich causes his 
memory to be cherished by those who knew ,him. 



JEREMIAH W. DWIGHT. 

Jeremiah Wilbur Dwight M'asborn in the village of Cincinnatus, Cortland county, 
N. Y., on the 17th day of April, 1819. He was the eldest son of Elijah and Olive 
vStandish Dwight. A sister, Mrs. E. S. Farnham, of Owego, N. Y., and a brother, 
R. R. Dwdght, of Harford, N. Y., survive him. 

In 1830 his parents moved into the town of Caroline, Tompkins county, N. Y., 
where as a boy he attended school, worked on a farm and assisted his father in his 
blacksmith shop. In 1836 he moved with his parents into the town of Dryden, w'here 
for two years he w'orked on a farm and in his father's shop summers, attending 
school during the winter. In 1838 he entered the store of A. Benjamin, in Dryden 
village; as a clerk ; later with A. L. Bushnell, with whom he became a business 
partner ultimately, forming a business partnership known as Dwight & Ferguson, 
which continued for many years. In 1852 he erected a stone store which is now^ in 
the village of Dryden, which was operated for some years under the old firm name. 
He then ^organized the firm of J. W. Dwight & Co., of which he was the head, his 
store becoming the business center of the eastern portion of Tompkins county. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 33 

In his business life in Dryden he won the respect of all, and was soon chosen to 
places of trust. He was one of the incorporators of Dryden village ; was also one of 
the organizers and incorporators of the Southern Central Railroad, of which he was 
always a director and vice-president. He was also trustee and president of the 
Southworth Library Association. 

Mr. Dwight showed an eai-ly interest in politics, and was one of the charter mem- 
bers of the Republican part3^ In 1857 and 1858 he represented his town in th§ Board 
of Supervisors of Tompkins county, being chairman of that board both years. His 
services were so acceptable in that capacity that in 1859 he received the Republican 
nomination for member of assembly, and was a member of that body for two years. 

At the breaking out of the war he became greatly interested in the organization of 
the various regiments raised in this part of the State, being appointed a member of 
the War Committee for his senatorial district by Gov. E. D. Morgan. In 1868 he 
was a delegate to the Chicago Republican Convention, voting for the nomination of 
General Grant for the presidency. 

In 1876 ]\Ir. Dwight was elected to the Forty-fifth Congress; was re-elected to the 
Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh Congresses, retiring March 4, 1881 being the only 
member in the history of his district sent for three successive terms. In 1884 he was 
a delegate to the Republican National Convention, held at Chicago, and was among 
the sujDporters of James G. Blaine for president. Mr. Dwight, as a politician, was 
noted for his loyalty to principle and for his utility of resources ; always a stalwart 
Republican, putting forth his earnest efforts for party unity and advancing the cause 
of Republicanism. 

In 1880 he organized the corporation known as the Dwight Farm & Land Co., of 
which he was the president until his death. This company purchased over 60,000 
acres of land in the Red River valley, in North Dakota, 10,000 of which was put 
under cultivation, and was known as one of the largest wheat farms in that section 
of the country. He was also a partner of John McGraw, of Ithaca, N. Y. , in exten- 
sive pine land operations in the State of Wisconsin. They were also largely inter- 
ested in real estate in Jersey City, N. J. 

He was gifted with keen commercial faculties, able judgment, sterling integrity, 
and a high moral character. He was also known in a quiet and unostentatious wav 
to be a generous benefactor, ever ready to proffer the hand of aid and the voice of 
sympathy to his fellow men, and particularly to the soldiers of the late war. He 
accepted the christian faith, and was a devout listener to the gospel when presented 
according to the laws of love and reason. 

Mr. Dwight married Rebecca A. Cady, daughter of Hon. Elias W. Cady, who 
survives him, with four daughters and one son. Mr. Dwight's death occurred No- 
vember 25, 1885. He was laid at rest in Greenhill Cemetery in Dryden village. 



E. C. VAN KIRK. 

E. C. Van Kikk, the present recorder of the city of Ithaca, was born in the town 
of Enfield on the 23d of June, 1836. He is a son of Enoch Van Kirk, a respected 



E 



34 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

farmer of that town and a member of the Van Kirk family, who have been prominent 
in the history of Tompkins county. Enoch Van Kirk was born on the homestead, 
where he still lives, on the 22d of January, 1809. His wife was Sophia Curry, of the 
town of Ulysses. Besides the subject of this sketch they had one son, F. C. Van 
Kirk, who now occupies the homestead with his father. 

E. C. Van Kirk received his education in the district schools and the Ithaca Acad- 
emy, which he left when he was about seventeen years old to begin teaching in the 
common schools of the county. This vocation he followed nine winters, working at 
home most of the summers. On the 11th of August, 1863, he enlisted in Company 
G, 109th Regiment N. Y. Vols. , and served honorably to the close of the war. In the 
battle of Spottsylvania he received a peculiar slight wound across the bridge of his 
nose. Soon thereafter he was taken from the ranks to secure his services as a clerk 
and accountant on the quartermaster's and adjutant's reports and accounts. This 
deprived him of opportunity to gain promotion, and his service in the clerical work 
mentioned was of such value that he was not again permitted to return to the ranks. 

Returning at the close of the war, Mr. Van Kirk purchased a farm in Enfield. 
Before entering the army he had married Henrietta, daughter of David Purdy, of Ith- 
aca, and they took up the labor of the farm in expectation of continuing it indefi- 
nitely. But he remained on the farm only from April 1, 1866, to the 1st of January 
following; this course was adopted on account of his receiving, in the fall of 1866, 
the nomination for sheriff, followed by his election to the office. The nomination 
was made wholly without the knowledge or consent of Mr. Van Kirk ; it was, how- 
ever, none the less acceptable, and he entered upon its duties with a determination 
to so perform them as to win the approbation of his fellow citizens. He sold his 
farm and removed to Ithaca, where he has since resided. At the close of his term 
of three years as sheriiT, and an interval of three years, he was again elected sheriff, 
serving down to 1877. Mr. Van Kirk showed special qualifications to fit him for this 
responsible office, and his two administrations were marked by active and careful 
watchfulness of the interests of the county. 

In 1877 he was appointed deputy postmaster in Ithaca, serving thus until 1883, 
when he received the appointment of postmaster from President Arthur, holding the 
office until the regular appointment of his successor. During the following year and 
a half he conducted the Tompkins House in Ithaca, after which he spent a portion of 
the years 1887-8 in California and Mexico. After a short period of business engage- 
ments, he was appointed in the summer of 1889 as special inspector of customs at Platts- 
burg under President Harrison. This position he filled to the entire satisfaction of 
those to whom he was responsible until June, 1893. Mr. Van Kirk has correspondence 
and certificates from persons high in office in connection with the customs department, 
testifying to his ability, integrity, and courtesy while in the office of inspector, of 
which he feels modestly proud. He was retired by Secretary Carlisle for political 
reasons. Returning to Ithaca, Mr. Van Kirk was tendered the nomination for the 
office of recorder of the city of Ithaca, and was elected in March, 1894. In the 
various stations to which Mr. Van Kirk has been called, it is his due to state that he 
has never betrayed a trust. He is a member of the Unitarian church; is a Mason, 
a Knight Templar, and member of St. Augustine Commandery. He is recognized 
as a prominent factor in the Republican party in the county and served in one .cam- 
paign as delegate to the State Convention. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. gS 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk are Ida A., Mary S., Anna, George H., 
Luc}^ H. , and Nellie P. 



FRANK J. ENZ. 

This prominent business man of the city of Ithaca was born in Wurtembm-g, Ger- 
many, on the 10th of April, 1889. His father was a respected citizen of that country, 
engaged in the baking and hotel business, and died there in 1869. During his later 
years and down to the time of his death he served as chief magistrate of his native 
village. The boyhood of Frank J. Enz was spent in his native place, where he 
attended school until he was fifteen years old, when his early ambition to better 
his position led him to join the great tide of emigration that is constant^ flowing 
from Europe to America. Without means other than sufficient to defra}^ his travel- 
ing expenses, the boy left his fatherland in 1854, alone as far as any relative was con- 
cerned, and without influential friends, to seek his fortune in a strange land. 

Arriving in New York city in the spring, he found temporary employment in a 
bakery for about nine months, where he was found by Luther Lewis, a farmer in 
what is now the town of Ithaca, on West Hill. Mr. Lewis was in need of help for 
his farm, and had the good judgment to foresee the value to him of the faithful Ger- 
man boy. Young Enz came home with the farmer and worked faithfully for him 
from 1855 to 1860. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, who became almost foster parents, Mr. 
Enz is wont to ascribe the foundation of his later success and his rapid education as 
an American citizen. He became naturalized in 1860, and cast his first vote for 
Abraham Lincoln. 

The young man had now reached his majority, and at once sought for a wider 
field of effort, which resulted in his beginning a period of service for the firm of An- 
drua, McChain & Co., of Ithaca, extending over a period of eighteen years. That 
firm, as is well known in this part of the State, were large dealers in school books, 
paper supplies, etc., and before most of the railroads were built in this section, kept 
several peddlers' teams on the road selling their goods. One of these was placed in 
charge of Mr Enz, and it need scarcely be said that he conducted the business of his 
employers with the same energy and determination, the same good judgment and 
the same integrity that has for many years characterized his methods in his own 
business affairs. 

During the last two years of his service for Andrus, McChain & Co. Mr. Enz trav- 
eled on the railroads. The confidence reposed in him by his employers, and his own 
devotion to their interests rendered this long business connection mutuall}- satisfac- 
tory. 

In 1878 Mr. Enz, who had accumulated some means, and a fund of business 
knowledge and experience, became associated with Thomas G. Miller, in Ithaca, in a 
similar line to that in which he had been engaged — wholesale paper, etc. The firm 
has been successful in every sense and stands high in the business community. In 
1886 they purchased one of the Ithaca paper mills, formerly owned by Andrus & 
McChain, and now turn out large quantities of brown paper. 



36 Landmarks of tompkiNvS county. 

Mr. Enz is a Republican in politics, uncompromising, and devoted to the interests 
of that party. He, moreover, is possessed of a natural talent for the innumerable 
phases of practical political work, and his fellow citizens long ago learned that fact. 
In 1885 the local party was considerably disorganized, if not demoralized. The 
County Committee was considerably in debt and no one seemed to be able to find a way 
out of the difficulty. It was a happy thought that led to the effort which resulted in 
placing Mr. Enz in the responsible position of chairman of the committee. He 
finally accepted it, and in a year he had cleared away the debt and had the local 
forces splendidly organized. It seemed easy enough for him to do this ; he simply ap- 
plied his sturdy common sense and sagacious judgment, and his large experience as 
a bu-.iness man, to the situation, and promptly accomplished his purpose. 

His party rewarded him by the nomination by acclamation for the Assembly in 
1887. He was elected by a remarkable majority, and the succeeding year was again 
placed in nomination by acclamation and returned to the Legislature by a majority 
increased over that of the previous year. These honors were worthily bestowed, and 
the people of the district never had the shadow of cause for regret at their choice. 
Mr. Enz was placed upon the important Ways and Means Committee during both 
terms; on the Committee on Trade and Manufactures, of which he was chairman, in 
he first ^^ear, on the Committee on Printing of which he was chairman in the second 
year. 

While not a brilliant speaker in public, Mr. Enz never lacks for words to forcibly 
impress his views upon others, and in the Assembly he at once took a prominent po- 
sition as a clear headed, energetic, honest legislator, who was sent there to represent 
the best interests of his constituents and the people of the State, and who would be 
satisfied with nothing but their best interests. It was during Mr. Enz' s term that 
Ithaca obtained a city charter and other important legislation for Tompkins countj^ 
was carried through. 

Since his retirement from, public office Mr. Enz has continued his active participa- 
tion in local politics, where his practical work is always appreciated, as well as effec- 
tive, and is now the chairman of the Republican County Committee. His acquaint- 
ance in this part of the State is very extensive and of long standing, and the great 
respect in which his character for manliness and integrit}^ is held in the city of his 
home will in all probability lead to his further elevation to responsible public 
station. 

Mr. Enz was married in 1862 to Martha J. Snow, of Caroline, N. Y. 



CHARLES M. TITUS. 

As a resident of Ithaca for over forty years, as a public spirited citizen, enjoying 
the confidence of his fellows, as a recipient of political honors time and time again the 
highest in the town, as a member of the State Legislature twice re-elected, and as a 
gentleman universally recognized as enterprising and honorable in all his transac- 
tions, the incidents of his life are very properly a part of the history of Tompkins 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 87 

county, and space awarded him is so appropriate as to need no apology for its allow- 
ance. 

The life history of Mr. Titus is the history of thousands denied early pecuniar}"- or 
even educational advantages beyond the most ordinar}^ but who by force of charac- 
ter, energy of purpose and adherence to business rules, step to the front and occupy 
positions of great prominence before the public. 

The father of Mr. Titus removed from Trenton, N. J., at an early da5^ and died 
before reaching middle age. The mother of the subject of this sketch was a Miss 
Sarah Ann Gilbert, of Jacksonville, whose father was a pioneer in this county, serv- 
ing as a soldier in the war of 1812. 

As the father of Mr. Titus died when he was a mere child, stern necessit}^ soon 
taught the boy he must depend on his own exertions for success and advancement. 
He began his active life, meeting and overcoming difficulties which Avould have ap- 
palled and entirelv dismayed almost any one of less self-reliance and less determina- 
tion to win a place among the workers of the world. 

He was born at Jacksonville, in this county, on the 29th of December, 1832, and 
his education was limited to the district school, and circumstances allowed him but a 
ver}" brief period of time for even that. When a mere bo}^ he entered a drug store 
at Trumansburgh, remaining there for a time, and establishing a character and rep- 
utation for efficiency and trustworthiness. Ambitious of a larger field, he came to 
Ithaca and entered the employ of Mr. H. F. Hibbard, then a prominent general 
merchant. He soon won the confidence of his emploj^er, and his services were high- 
ly appreciated. 

Stead}^ application to duties and confinement in doors told upon his health, and 
he became convinced that outdoor employment must be secured. A traveling sales- 
man, exhibiting an extensive line of American inade sewing silks of all the various 
shades, attracted the attention of Mr. Titus, and he thought he saw therein the ojj- 
portunity he had sought of establishing an outdoor business, becoming a salesman to 
the trade of products of eastern silk manufacture in this and other States. 

For man}^ years in the early fifties Mr. Titus put forth his efforts as a wholesale 
dealer of fancy goods with reasonable success. Not content to buy silks of eastern 
producers, he with others formed the firm of C. M. Titus & Co., erected a building, 
introduced the best machinery then known, and entered upon the manufacture of 
silk threads of the higher grades and superior quality. The business was carried on 
in a building, afterwards burned, upon the site of the present H. V. Bostwick wood 
working industry. The products of the firm were readily absorbed by the trade in 
New York city, and this led to an expansion of the business, and a general jobbing 
house was opened there and continued until fire destroyed the stock and broke up the 
enterpri'se. Because of the threatening aspect of public affairs, Mr. Titus then en- 
gaged with Bowen, Holmes & Co., a leading dry goods house in New York city. 

At this time, the fall of 1860, thoughtful men saw in the trend of affairs a great strug- 
gle must sopn take place upon sectional lines, and, moved by patriotic motives, Mr. 
Titus severed his New York connection 'and started for Springfield, 111., intending to 
offer his services to Mr. Lincoln, whom he was confident must be elected, ready to be 
assigned to any position in which he might be useful in the approaching crisis. En- 
route to the West he reached Northern Penns^dvania when the wonderful oil produc- 



38 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

tion just commenced, and he saw great opportunity for his active temperament 
therein. 

He was insensibly drawn into the excitement of oil speculation, and became an ex- 
tensive producer and operator. Selecting Oil City as his oihce point, he soon identi- 
fied himself with- the early history of that place. He was one of the promoters of the 
Oil City bridge, spanning the river there. He was also one of the organizers and a 
director in the First National Bank. He was selected at a public meeting of oil pro- 
ducers to represent their interests at Washington relative to the war tax upon petro- 
leum, which mission was successfully performed. 

When but twenty-three years of age he purchased his present residence. The 
grounds attached were then vacant, but they now contain six fine dwellings. He has 
held Ithaca as his home all the years since as a boy he came from Trumansburgh. 
Concluding to give up his business in Pennsylvania, and feeling that he must have 
active employment to hold him at his home, he purchased the manufacturing plant 
for many years conducted by J, Foster Hixson. Associated with William L. Bost- 
wick, the firm of Titus & Bostwick was organized, manufacturers of machinery and 
agricultural implements. This firm introduced the well known and useful implement, 
"The Ithaca Steel Toothed Horse Rake." The business was very successful, and 
afterwards Mr. Titus disposed of his interest therein to Mr. George R. Williams, in 
order that he might devote his energies to the improvement of what was known as 
the Bloodgood Tract, consisting of some 400 acres of marsh and hillsides on the south 
bounds of the village, which he ditched, drained and otherwise greatly improved. 
About one-half of this tract was sold to the late John McGraw. Within the part re- 
tained by Mr. Titus was laid out that beautiful roadway known as " Titus Avenue," 
which he located, built and bordered with trees now grown to great size. The ex- 
pense of this entire work was borne by the enterprising projector. 

In this vicinity and part of the purchase are some of our finest streets and avenues, 
as well as many of the most costly and desirable residences in the city. The'present 
Fair Ground lies within its borders. Since 1871 he has carried on a very large farm, 
supplying much of the milk consumed in Ithaca; and also farmed 500 acres of lands, 
the most productive in the county. Through portions of these lands streets are soon 
to be laid out and fine dwellings erected thereon. He built the "Titus Block" on 
West State street in 1876, as well as many residences and bu.siness buildings, before 
and since. 

The father of Mr. Titus possessed a mechanical and inventive temperament and 
was the inventor and patentee of the device and manner of making lead pipe in con- 
tinuous lengths. The son, inheriting the inventive and mechanical temperament of 
the parent, has produced and patented some valuable devices. For several years he 
has been engaged as a promoter, with others, in bringing forward and perfecting 
what is now known as the "Peerless Type Writer." This machine is fully believed 
in by Mr. Titus, as destined to take the lead of all machines now in use. The man- 
ufacturing of it upon an extended scale has just begun in this city, and Mr. Titus is 
to receive a royalty upon each one produced. 

When the railroad from Ithaca to Geneva was projected Mr. Ezra Cornell was deep- 
ly interested in the success of the enterprise, and recognizing Mr. Titus's abilities, 
insisted he should assume the responsible position of its president. Mr. Titus be- 
lieved the interest of the road could be better secured, substituted the name of Mr. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 39 

Thomas Hillhouse, of Geneva, that gentleman was made president, but soon after- 
wards resigned. Mr. Cornell then insisted his first choice should be adhered to, and 
Mr. Titus assumed the arduous duties of the position, and although almost insur- 
mountable difficulties appeared, carried the enterprise through to successful com- 
pletion. This link in the chain is a part of the through route of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad from New York to the West. 

Deeply imbued with advanced Republican principles, Mr. Titus has always been 
active in the counsels of the party, helloing to place the first Fremont banner in Ithaca 
in 1856. In addition to being upon the Republican electoral ticket in 1868, and his 
supervisorships, he has served three terms in the Assembly, and was unanimously 
selected as the candidate of the county for the senatorship of this district in 1893, 
but his nomination was defeated by a combination of delegates from the other coun- 
ties. 

Mr. Titus was married on the 11th of June, 1855, to Isabella Johnson, youngest 
daughter of Ben Johnson, the ablest member of the bar of Tompkins county. At his 
comfortable residence in this city, graced by the presence of his wife, is dispensed 
hospitality of the highest character, crowned by dignity, and enjoyed by hosts of 
friends who feel the value of the family acquaintance and friendship. Mrs. Titus 
made an extended European tour in 1892. 



GEORGE W. MELOTTE, M. D. vS. 

George W. Mei.otte was born in the city of Watertown, Jefferson county, N. Y. , 
on the 23d of April, 1886. His father was Gabriel Melotte, a skillful mechanic, of 
French ancestry, and died in 1866 in Watertown. His mother was Mary Schwarts- 
figeur, a native of Montreal, Canada. There were six children in the family, of 
whom three are now living. 

The subject of this notice was educated in the Jefferson County Institute at Water- 
town, and early in life determined to adopt the profession of dentistry. Reaching 
his majority he entered the office of Dr. S. M. Robinson, in Watertown, where he re- 
mained five years. Here his taste for the profession, as well as his skill, were rap- 
idly developed by constant practice and the persistent study of whatever works were 
then in print relating to the profession. An incident occurring during this period is 
worthy of record, as showing the early development of that natural mechanical tal. 
ent which became conspicuous with him in after years. It was the construction of an 
artificial nose for a resident who had been unfortunately deprived of that member. 
Governor Roswell P. Flower, at that time a clerk in the post-office of Watertown, 
was delighted at the successful operation, and to this day often refers to it. 

In 1861, at the close of five years. Dr. Melotte removed to Potsdam, N. Y., where 
he remained through another five years, in the enjoyment of a good practice and 
striving constantly for further excellence as an operator. In 1866 he came to Ithaca 
and purchased the business established by Dr. A. H. Fowler, who upon his retire- " 
ment published a card stating that "when he left Ithaca his patrons would find in 
Dr. Melotte a gentleman worthy of their continued patronage and competent to build 



40 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

up the largest dental practice ever established in Ithaca." It is well known that this 
has proved a prophetic statement. 

As before indicated, Dr. Melotte is possessed of exceptional mechanical and inven_ 
tive genius. He continued in regular practice until 1883, in which year he went to 
New York to perfect himself in the then new branch of dental work, known as crown 
and bridge-work, under Dr. Sheffield, one of its inventors. He also brought back to 
Ithaca with him Dr. CharlesP. Grout, an expert in that work, who remained two months, 
giving the doctor further instruction. In this important branch of the profession Dr. 
Melotte became an expert, and has done work for prominent persons from many of the 
large cities of this State. Since that time Dr. Melotte has made important discoveries 
and has a number of valuable inventions connected with his profession and the jewel- 
ers' trade. He has taken out nine separate patents for dental appliances and apparatus. 
A few years since he formed a partnership with Wm. Hazlitt Smith, of Ithaca, in the 
manufacture and sale of these devices, Mr. Smith attending to the business manage- 
ment, and employing Charles M. Clinton, the expert Ithaca mechanic, to manufac- 
ture them. Under this arrangement, the dental appliances are sold only by the S. S. 
White Dental House, of Philadelphia. These inventions have given Dr. Melotte's 
name an honorable and familiar character in every State in the Union, and are ad- 
vertised all over the world in four different languages. Dr. Melotte was examined 
by the State Dental Censors, May, 1887, and was given the degree of M.D.S., 
Master of Dental Surgery. 

In 1890 Dr. Melotte was chosen delegate from the United States to Berlin at the 
International Medical Congress, in the section of Dentistry, and where he acted as 
clinical demonstrator. He visited Paris where he was entertained by the world-re- 
nowned Dr. Bing, a noted crown and bridge worker and inventor, and appeared by 
special invitation at clinic before the dental college of that city. He also visited Lon- 
don where he gave a clinic at the great establishment of Ash & Sons, the largest deal- 
ers in dental goods in the old world. From there he attended by invitation the British 
Dental Association at Exeter, where he gave demonstrations in crown and bridge 
work. He returned home on the 6th of September, 1890. Dr. Melotte has been 
since 1893 a non-resident lecturer in the Buffalo Dental College, and in every way 
stands foremost in his profession in this country. 

Otitside of his profession Dr. Melotte's life is one that is in every wa}' honorable 
and enviable. His business has always been conducted upon a basis of integrity and 
dignity; his genial temperament and courteous social qualities have made him 
friends of all his acquaintances. As a member of the Masonic order he has been 
past commander of St. Augustine Commandery and prelate of the same for 
sixteen years. He is prominent m the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having 
filled the chair of noble grand and of chief patriarch in the Encampment branch. 
He has long been a member of the Episcopal chtirch and vestryman of St. John's in 
Ithaca twenty-two years. 

Dr. Melotte was first married in 1860 to Adela Gould, of Pamela, Jefferson county, 
N. Y., who died in 1862, leaving one daughter, now Mrs. J. P. Hale Armstrong, of 
Minneapolis. He afterwards married Mrs. Loraine Brown Pinney, who is the 
mother of two daughters, the elder of whom is a graduate of Cornell Universit)^ 



-^^^.^*^^^>. 




BIOGRAPHICAL. 41 

JOHN C. LACY. 

The ancestry of John C. Lacy in the male line is directly descended from the De 
Lacys who came from Normandy with William the. Conqueror, and were Earls of 
Lincoln in England, man^^ of whom are prominently mentioned in the histories of 
that and subsequent times. The name first appears in connection with the celebrated 
Hugh De Lacy, to whom the English King, Henry, made grant of the whole province 
of Meath. De Lacy had the powers of a Lord Palatine. In 1186 De Lacy was 
assassinated while inspecting a castle that had just been erected by his orders. He 
left two sons, Hugh and Walter. The name appears at different dates and places, 
but the neighborhood of Bruff, Count)^ Limerick, seems to have been their chief 
stronghold. One John Lacy represented Kilmallock in the Parliament of Dublin. 
When the Williamites had succeeded in throwing a bridge across the Shannon at 
Thomond Gate, Colonel Lacy, with 800 picked men, was ordered to oppose their ad- 
vance. Attainders of 1691 mention Lacy of Kilmallock, one of Ferns, County Wex- 
ford, and one of County Westmeath. Officers of the name after the siege of Limer- 
ick figured prominently on the Continent of Europe, and received patents of nobility 
at the hands of the Russian Czar and the Austrian Emperor. The Lacys are of note 
in the armies of Spain. In the Spanish service against Napoleon First, Don Luis 
Lacy was a distinguished officer and Governor of Catalonia. One account of the 
history of this family states that Charlemagne (Emperor Charles the Great) was an- 
cestor of Lacy. 

The prefix De was dropped from the family name during the seventeenth century, 
after which the name Lacy and Lacey appears very frequently, not only in England 
and Ireland, but in new countries under English dominion. They were among the 
earliest English settlers in this country, and Richard Lacy, the grandfather of the 
subject of this sketch, was an early resident of the State of New Jersey, where his son 
Benjamin was born on the 1st of October, 1768, the fourth of eight sons, whose names 
were John, Richard, Garret, Benjamin William, Thomas, Daniel, and James. Sev- 
eral of these were men of mark, and Garret held the office of judge in his native 
State. All of them excepting Benjamin lived long lives; Benjamin died in Dryden 
on the 1st of October, 1820. There was one daughter m the family who died in in- 
fancy. 

The reader of the preceding history of the town of Dryden has learned that Ben- 
jamin Lacy was one of the early pioneers in that locality, and that he was conspicu- 
ous in the community. He settled in Dryden in the fall of 1801, with his wife, who 
was a daughter of Capt. Cornelius Carhart, commander of a company of sixty men in 
the battle of Monmouth, June 18, 1778. Benjamin Lacy was a farmer, and a 
man of sturdy character, sound intellectual qualities, great benevolence and ever 
ready to aid others who were in trouble. He was one of the foremost among the 
few founders of Dryden village, a part of what was his farm being now embraced in 
the village corporation. In the early years his public spirit and energy was largely 
instrumental in promoting schools and religious institutions and in drawing to that 
point settlers who would aid in building up the place. In 1819 he erected the 
first cloth factory in the town, and in 1820 himself and his brother discovered the 
Dryden Mineral Springs while prospecting and digging for salt. His wife was a 

F 



43 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

woman of more than ordinary traits of character. Their children were Rebecca, 
CorneHus, E.sther, Garret, John C. (the subject of this notice) and Samuel. 

John C. Lacy, third son of Benjamin Lacy, was born in Dryden, October 21, 1808, 
on his father's farm. He followed the occupation of his ancestor during his life. 
His opportunity for attending school was a limited one, on account of the death of his 
father when the lad was only twelve years old. His mother found herself upon the 
decease of her husband with six young children and the property in debt. When 
John C. was fourteen he joined with his brother Garret, who was two years older, 
to work the farm and manage the estate in partnership, and pay off the indebted- 
ness. They succeeded, the partnership continuing until 1857, during which period 
they had from time to time purchased the interest of the other heirs, improved the 
land and the buildings, and paid off all incumbrances. At the dissolution of the 
partnership the greater part of the estate passed to possession of John C. Lacy, to 
which he afterwards was able to add extensively. At his death he was possessed of 
a considerable fortune. He was a man who would have commanded success in any 
sphere of business to which he might have been called, being a thorough and persist- 
ent reader and thinker, and a man thoroughly conversant with all the affairs of the 
day. His estimate of men was accurate ; his judgment was seldom at fault, while 
his natural kindness of heart and benevolence endeared him to the community. He 
was trusted to the fullest extent by all who knew him, his integrity and honesty of 
purpose in all he did being perhaps the most marked characteristic of a blameless 
life. 

In the various local offices held by him he faithfully served his fellow citizens and 
ably discharged the duties that devolved upon him. In the year 1861 Mr. Lacy 
united with the Methodist Church at Dryden village and remained a faithful, 
liberal and consistent member until his death. Of his means he gave freel}^ to the 
cause and efficiently filled the various offices of the church. He was a believer 
in the principles of temperance and became a member of the first temperance society 
formed in the town. 

Mr. Lacy was married in the town of Candor, N. Y. , to Maria A. White, daughter 
of the late Asa M. White, of Wilseyville, Tioga county, N. Y. They had one 
daughter, Ada Belle, who is now the wife of D. F. Van Vleet, one of the leading at- 
torneys of Ithaca. Mr. Lacy died October 4, 1893. 



DE FOREST VAN VLEET. 

In the brief space which can be given to individual biographies it is quite difficult 
to make proper mention in sufficient detail to meet the wishes of the historian, who 
must collate and abbreviate such information as may be drawn from the subject of 
the sketch, too often not as full as the writer desires. The Van Vleet family is of 
the oldest in the original county of Ulster, one of the twelve created by the Act of 
1683. Tunis Van Vleet was the great-grandfather of De Forest Van Vleet, and resided 
in Ulster, as did his grandfather, Hiram Van A^leet. His father, Theodore Van 
Vleet, removed to Fenton, Broome county, at an early day, was married to Rachel 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 43 

E. Turk, the lady, like the Van Vleets, of Dutch descent. From Fenton, the father, 
while De Forest was still young, removed to Candor, Tioga county, where he still 
resides. He has been engaged in the lumber business many years. The mother 
died October 11, 1877, leaving one son and two daughters. 

De Forest Van Vleet was born in Fenton, N. Y., on the 10th of August, 1855, in- 
heriting the sterling character which is so characteristic of the early Dutch settlers in 
counties bordering on the Hudson River. His father believed in the wisdom of giv- 
ing his children the best educational facilities at his command, and they, by their 
natural tastes, their mental qualifications, and their persistence in study, gave him 
subsequent reward. While still 5^oung, and after a period of study in the schools of 
Candor, the son was placed in the old Waverly Institute, an educational institution 
of considerable fame in the past. Here he was prepared for college, and in the fall 
of 1873 he entered Cornell University in the class of '77. He graduated with his 
class. 

This was all in preparation for the profession of law, which Mr. Van Vleet had 
long before determined to follow. In November, 1877, he entered the law" office of 
S. D. Halliday, in Ithaca, and studied under that able attorney until 1880, when he 
was admitted to the bar. 

To the study of law Mr. Van Vleet gave the same unwearying application which 
had characterized his course in college. His natural activity of mind and read}^ ab- 
sorption of the principles of law stimulated his self-reliance and gave him reasonable 
confidence in future success at the bar. Opening an office in Ithaca in 1880, he con- 
tinued to practice alone until February, 1894, when the firm of Van Vleet & Bost- 
wick was formed b}' the admission of Edward H. Bostwick to a partnership. 

Mr. Van Vleet' s practice has been extensive and covered a wide field, while his 
success has been not only gratifying to himself, but such as to extend his reputation 
as a conscientious, able and painstaking attorney. A large share of the corporation 
business has in recent j^ears been entrusted to him, and his office practice has been 
extensive. 

Mr. Van Vleet is a Democrat on principle, believing the doctrines of that party 
most conducive to the best interests of the whole countr3^ He enjoj'S the confidence 
of his political friends in a marked degree, and his efficient services were so gener- 
ally recognized that he was chosen chairman of the Democratic County Committee 
for seven years, and was a very prominent State speaker in the campaigns of 1884, 
1888 and 1892. He served two terms under the former village government as city 
attorney in 1889-1890, and was the first recorder under the act creating that position. 
In these positions Mr. Van Vleet gave entire satisfaction to his fellow citizens by his 
efficient and faithful attention to the duties. In January, 1893, he was appointed 
one of the State Civil Service Commissioners, and now holds that position. 

With great firmness of character he analyzes questions as they arise, and when he 
becomes thoroughly acquainted with the subject, is not easily swayed from his posi- 
tion, and requires good ground ere he changes his opinions. He is, nevertheless, 
strong in his friendship, warm-hearted and generous, and a man whose intercourse 
with his fellows is marked by unselfishness and that uniformity of action that inspires 
confidence in and friendship for him. 

Mr. Van Vleet was married on the 19th of October, 1880, to Ada Belle Lacy, only 
daughter of the late John C. Lacy, of Dryden, whose biography immediately pre- 



44 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

cedes this. In the social life of Ithaca, Mr. aud Mrs. Van Vleet occupy a prominent 
place, and their circle of friends is a large one. 



BRADFORD ALMY. 

Bradford Almy, the present count}^ judge and surrogate of Tompkms county, was 
born in the town of Enfield, this county, February 10, 1845. He comes of an honor- 
able ancestry which is traceable far into the past. His father, also named Bradford, 
was born in Ithaca, October 19, 1819, and died January 12, 1892. His chief occupa- 
tion was farming, and while not a public man, he was somewhat prominent in the 
community and was accorded the full respect of all. He was personally opposed to 
the acceptance of public preferment, but finally accepted the office of highway com- 
missioner after being twice elected against his wishes. He was also a captain 
in the militia in the town of Enfield until the repeal of the old militia law. His wife 
was Marietta Cronk, who was born in the town of Ul3?sses. Her father was of Prus- 
sian descent and came to Tompkms county from Connecticut. Her mother's name 
was Gould, of Stratford, Conn. 

The grandfather of Bradford Almy (the subject) was a native of Newport, R. I., 
where he was born in 1776. He was an early pioneer westward, and first bought 
1,800 acres of land in the towUvShip of Brokenstraw, Bradford county, Pa., but a 
little later came to Covert, Seneca county, where other members of his family had 
settled. There was patriotic blood in his veins, and in 1812 he enlisted, served 
honorably, and was twice wounded at Lundy's Lane. In the then primitive con- 
dition of surgery, the bullets could not be removed from his body, though he passed 
much time in hospitals and suffered several operations. He died in Ithaca, at No 
53 North Aurora street, in May, 1823, while his son, the father of Judge Almy, was 
a child. On the male side the Almys were of Quaker descent, and cam© from William 
Almy, who emigrated from England to Massachusetts in 1680. Through the wife 
of the grandfather of the subject, whose name Avas Paddock, the family is descended 
from William Bradford. 

The children of Bradford Almy and Marietta Cronk were: Bradford, the subject; 
William M., who now owns and occupies the homestead in Enfield; Eliza A., now 
the wife of Arthur W. Hawkes, an attorney at Snohomish, Washington ; Henry C. , 
and Erastus C. , both of Jacksonville, Tompkins county ; Cora M. , wife of John Wixon, 
a farmer of Covert. 

Bradford Almy, the subject, was educated primarily in the common schools and 
the Ithaca Academy. Leaving school he taught a short time in Ithaca village, suc- 
ceedmg which he was several years principal of the largest school in Auburn, N. Y. 
While thus engaged he studied under private tutors at the Theological Seminary in 
Auburn, and thus obtained the course of education usually received in our colleges. 
Mr. Almy had, long before the conclusion of his studies and this period of teaching, 
resolved upon the profession of law as his life-work, and with that object in view, 
began law study while still engaged in teaching at Auburn. Beginning in 1870, he 
gave his whole time to the study of his profession and was admitted to the bar in 
Elmira on the 10th of Maj^ 1872. In the following year he began practice in Ithaca. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 45 

The ancestors of Judge Almy were Abolitionists, his father a Whig and he him- 
self has always been an unwavering Republican, as would nsLturally follow. His 
natural tastes have led him to take an active part in the affairs of his part}^ while 
his devotion to its principles has been, and is, sincere and uncompromising. At 
about the beginning of his practice he was appointed a justice of the peace and was 
afterwards elected to the same office, which he resigned at the end of three years. 
From that time he continued the general practice of law, meeting with a flattering 
degree of success until his elevation to the bench. During this period he served sev- 
eral years on the Republican County Committee and a part of the time was its 
chairman. In November, 1891, he was elected to the office of county judge and sur- 
rogate of Tompkins county for the term of six years. 

Judge Almy is deeply interested in the cause of education, especially in the tech- 
nical and manual features that have been introduced in comparatively recent years, 
He is a firm believer in the theory that through the intermingling of text book study 
with manual training lies the future best welfare of the young. 

Judge Almy is a member of Hobasco Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons ; also 
of St. Augustine Commandery, and of Damascus Temple, of Rochester. 

Judge Almy was married on the 20th of July, 1876, to Fanny E. Vant, daughter of 
John and Mary Vant, of Ithaca. John Vant is a native of England, came to this 
country when six years old, and during most of his life conducted mercantile business 
in Albany. His wife was Mary Reynolds, of Burlington, Vt. Bradford and Fanny 
E. Almy have one daughter, Mabel C, born July 20, 1877, now attending the Ithaca 
High School. 



HIRAM CORSON. 

Professor Hiram Corson was born in Philadelphia on the 6th of November, 1828. 
Up to the age of fifteen he was carefully educated at home by his parents. His 
father, who was an able mathematician, kept him at mathematical studies, and when 
he went to the classical and mathematical school, of which the Rev. Dr. Samuel 
Aaron was principal, in Norristown, Pa., he was far in advance of all students of his 
age in mathematics, the study of which he continued, and completed the extended 
course there pursued. At this school and at the classical school of which the Rev. 
Dr. Anspach was principal, in Montgomery county, Penn., he gave the larger portion 
of his time, for nearly five years, to the study of Latin and Greek, reading extensively 
of the literatures of these languages and the opera omnia of several authors. In the 
fall of 1849 he went to Washington, and was, during the following winter, connected 
with the reporting corps in the United States Senate. He was, also, for a while, pri- 
vate secretary to Lewis Cass. ■ In the following summer he became connected with 
the library of the Smithsonian Institution m Washington, then in charge of the accom- 
plished scholar and bibliographer. Prof. Charles C. Jewett, under whose guidance, 
and in the preparation of the catalogTies of the library of Congress and of the Smith- 
sonian Institution, in accordance Avith the plan originated by Professor Jewett, for 
the stereotyping of a general alphabetical catalogue of the libraries of the United 
States, he made a careful study of bibliography and the management of libraries. 



46 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

He assisted Professor Jewett in tlie preparation of his "Notices of Public Libraries 
in the United States," which was printed by order of Congress in 185L This work 
was prepared in pursuance of a scheme to make the Smithsonian Institution a center 
of bibliographical knowledge. 

Professor Jewetts plan, above referred to, was for stereotyping catalogues by 
separate movable titles. This plan was presented in a paper published in the fifth 
annual report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, together with 
the report of the commissioners, to whom the plan was referred for examination. It 
was proved to be entirely practicable, and far more economical than any other that 
had been devised. 

A serious disagreement which occurred between Professor Jewett and the secretary 
of the Smithsonian, Prof. Joseph Henry, resulted in the removal of Professor Jewett 
from his position, and the grand catalogue scheme, the realization of which would 
have proved a great service to learning, was unfortunately abandoned. 

During the six or seven years of his connection with the Smithsonian Institution, 
Professor Corson attended all the courses of literary and of scientific lectures given 
by the distinguished scholars and scientists who were engaged by the institution at 
that time. He also made, with the abundant material at his command, an extended 
study of English, French and German literatures. In September, 1854, he married, 
in Boston, Miss Caroline Rollin, a native of Paris, a lady who had been highly edu- 
cated in France and German}^ and who has, during her whole married life, done ex- 
tensive literary work, in the way of translations from French and German, and in 
original contributions to periodical literature. In 1859 Professor Corson removed 
with his family to Philadelphia, where he devoted himself, for the six following 
yeai'S, to lecturing on English literature and kindred subjects, in the Ladies' Semin- 
aries of the city and elsewhere. During these years he also prepared students in 
Latin and Greek and mathematics for admission to the University of Pennsylvania. 
For three of those years he had his own lecture room in the city, where, in addition 
to his outside lectures and teachmg, he lectured twice a week for twenty-five weeks 
each year to audiences composed of the most cultivated people of the city. He was 
also an active member during this time of the " Shakespeare Society of Phila- 
delphia." 

In 1864 he received from the College of New Jersey the degree of Master of Arts. 

In March, 1865, he was elected Professor of Moral Science, History and Rhetoric 
in Girard College, Philadelphia, and was, ex officio, vice-president of the college. By 
reason of its too onerous duties, he resigned this position in August of the following 
year, having accepted the professorship, offered him by Dr. Henry Barnard, the 
newly elected president, of rhetoric and English literature, in St. John's College, 
Annapolis. During his connection with St. John's, literary study in the college 
attained to an unusual prominence. 

In 1870 he was elected Professor of Rhetoric, Oratory, and English Literature, 
in the Cornell University. Since the beginning of the academic year, 1890, '91, his 
professorship has been confined to English literature, a new and distinct chair having 
been established of English philology and rhetoric. 

Professor Corson has contributed extensively to various journals and reviews arti- 
cles connected with his line of stud}^ the titles of which alone would occup}' more 
space than can be given in this notice, and has published the following works: 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 47 

'Chaucer's Legende of Goode Women, with an introduction and notes glossarial and 
critical,' 1863; 'An Elocutionary Manual: with an introductory essay on the study 
of literature, and on vocal culture as indispensable to an aesthetic appreciation of 
poetry,' 1864; 'Address on the occasion of his induction as Professor of Moral 
Science, History, and Rhetoric, in Girard College, March 29, 1865;' a revised 
edition of ' Jaudon's English Orthographical Expositor, 1866,' published for the use 
of the Southern freedmen ; a separate edition of the above ' Essay on the study of 
literature, and on vocal culture, etc., 1867;' 'The Satires of Juvenal, with a literal 
interlineal translation, 1868 ;' ' Handbook of Anglo-Saxon and Early English, 1871 ;' 
' Syllabus of a course of lectures on the English language and literature, 1873;' a 2d 
enlarged edition, 1876; ' Jottings 'on the text of Hamlet (First Yolio versus "Cam- 
bridge " edition), 1874;' ' The University of the Future: an address delivered before 
the alumni of St. John's College, July 7th, 1875;' 'The clamis of literary culture: 
an address before the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, September 27, 
1875;" 'The Idea of Personality and of Art as an agenc}^ of Personality, as em- 
bodied in Browning's poetry' (a paper read at the 8th meeting of the London 
Browning Society, June 23, 1882, and published in the Society's Papers, Part III, 
1882); 'The Two Voices and A Dream of Fair AVomen, by Lord Tennyson; with a 
biographical and general introduction, and explanatory and critical notes, 1882;' 
' Response to the toast, " The True Scholar," made at the 6th annual dinner of the 
N. Y. Alumni Association of Cornell University, March 81, 1886;' 'An Introduction 
to the study of Robert Browning's poetry, 1886;' of this work the poet wrote, 'Let 
it remain as an assurance to younger poets that after fifty years' work unattended 
by any conspicuous recognition, an over-paj^ment may be made, if there is such an- 
other munificent appreciator as I have been permitted to find ; in which case let them, 
even if more deserving, be equally gratified.' This work has been the most exten- 
sively used of all the numerous works on Browning's poetry which have been pub- 
lished since the founding of the Browning Society of London. ' An Introduction to 
the study of Shakespeare, 1889 ;' this is an introduction lo the study of the Plays as 
plays. 

The work called forth immediately on its publication the most favorable notices 
from leading journals, literary magazines, and reviews, in the United States, England 
and Germany, evincing a general sense of the need of a higher study of the dram- 
atist than the merely textual study pursued in the schools. ' A Primer of English 
Verse, chiefly in its aesthetic and organic character, 1892.' In this work but little 
attention is given to the mere mechanics of verse; it introduces the student to the 
higher study of verse as an inseparable, organic element of poetic expression. It has 
been extensively used in schools and colleges, and has given a new direction to an 
important line of literary study — important as conducting to the informing life of 
poetical productions. 

Professor Corson was among the earliest engaged lecturers at the Peabody Insti- 
tute, in Baltimore. In January, 1868, he gave a course of lectures there on the poetry 
of Milton to large audiences. During the many years of his connection with the 
Cornell University (at the time of the writing of this article, twenty-four), he has 
been in demand as a lecturer and reader ; and when his university duties have per- 
mitted, he has accepted invitations to lecture and read in various cities and towns of 



48 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the country. In June, 1877, he read before the New Shakespeare Society, in University 
College, London, a paper on the development of Shakespeare's verse as a chronological 
test. He has been a vice-president of the society for a number of years. In 1878, 
in consideration of his literary services, St. John's College conferred upon him the 
honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. In June, 1882, he read a paper on Personality, 
and Art as an agency of Personality, before the Browning Society of London, in 
University College, of which the poet wrote to Dr. Furnivall, the founder of the 
society: " If your society had produced nothing more than Professor Corson's paper, 
I should feel abundantly grateful.' 

Professor Corson has been instrumental in establishing and guiding a large num- 
ber of Browning clubs in different parts of the country, and has carried on an exten- 
sive correspondence with Browning students. He has probably done more to pro- 
mote the study of the poet than any one else in the country. He had conducted a 
club in the university, and had lectured on Browning in various places for some 
years before the London Browning Society was formed, in 1881, Up to that time the 
general reader had hardly looked into the poet's works, which had the undeserved 
reputation of being 'wilfully obscure, unconscientiously careless and preversely harsh.' 
Their quickening power has, of late years, been experienced by thousands, and 
thousands are indebted to Professor Corson for their introduction to this power. 

In the winter terms of 1883, '84, and '85, he lectured at the Johns Hopkins University, 
having been appointed for a period of three years lecturer on English literature. The 
first course comprised ten lectures, five on the aesthetics of English verse and five on 
the poetic ideals of the nineteenth century, as exhibited in the poetry of Tennyson, 
Robert Browning, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning ; the second comprised twenty 
lectures on the poetry and drama of the Restoration period, and on the subsequent 
drama to Sheridan, inclusive; the third, twenty lectures on Shakespeare. Of the 
last course, President Oilman, in his annual report, 1885, says: " Professor Corson, 
whose instructions during two preceding winters had exercised a marked influence 
in this community, gave twenty lectures upon Shakespeare in January, February, 
and March. After two introductory discourses, he discussed ten of the principal 
plays, namely, Romeo and Juliet, King John, Much Ado about Nothing, Hamlet, 
Macbeth, Coriolanus, Julius Csesar, Antony and Cleopatra, Winter's Tale, and Cym- 
beline. It was the speaker's purpose, as he stated it, "to represent the poet's early, 
middle, and late work, and, along with a presentation of the organic structure of the 
plays selected, to indicate Shakespeare's progress in the creation of character, to 
contrast his portrayal of character with that of Ben Jonson and other contemporary 
dramatists, ... in a word to present the plays on the human side rather than 
on the scholastic. ... So large a number of persons desired to hear Professor 
Corson and Mr. Gosse [who gave a course of six lectures on the rise of classical 
poetry in England from Shakespeare to Pope], that the authorities of the Peabody 
Institute kindly opened one of their large halls to the university, and these lectures 
were therefore announced as under the auspices of both foundations." 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 49 

MARTIN BEvSEMER, M.D. 

Dr. Martin Besemer was born in Dryden on the 14th of July, 1848. He has al- 
ways been a very busy man, and has not devoted time to investigate his family tree 
as thoroughl)' as might be ; he considers his ancestors as valuable, only that from 
them he has a heredity of the niedical " diathesis." His mother was Joannah Hutch- 
inson, youngest daughter of Dr. Silas Hutchinson, one of the earliest settlers and 
earliest physicians in the county. Somewhere are }'et preserved the antiquated sad- 
dle bags and poisonous mixtures of the "old fashioned " doctor, which he carried on 
his horseback trips ; often going beyond Owego on one hand, and to Auroi'a and even 
to Auburn on the other. Dr. Silas's father was Dr. James Hutchinson, whose name 
is among the fifty subscribers to CuUen's " Practice," printed in 1781. On the other 
side Dr. Besemer starts his genealogy, like all good Americans, from the first settlers 
in this country. This was J. J. Besemer, a tanner from Central Germany, who set- 
tled about 1765 in Albany. Like all good emigrants he reared a large family and 
died. His son, John Besemer, married a Miss Van Steemburgh, who lived at the 
time of the Revolution in the one house in Kingston that was not leveled to the 
ground by the British. Their son, Josiah Besemer, the doctor's father, departed from 
the shores of the Hudson, and after some wandering came to live on the borders of 
Dryden and Caroline. 

Dr. Martin Besemer has thus a good heredity toward acquiring the medical art and 
combines the elements of German industry, Dutch thoughtfulness, and Puritan 
idealism. His early schooling was at the Ithaca Academy, then a more ambitious 
institution than now, and with Howard Mead, now Judge Mead, and Will Halsey, 
now of Halsey Brothers, Chicago, kept bachelor's hall, and graduated in the course of 
civil engineering. 

His intentions as to life were yet vague, and the following winter he studied in the 
Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie. Meanwhile he had read some medical 
works, and after leaving Poughkeepsie spent about two years in surveying and in 
reading ma(:hematics and medicine. In 1867, at the age of twenty, he came to a set- 
tled conviction and married, choosing Miss Emma Wolcott, one of the daughters of 
Squire Wolcott, of Mott's Corners. 

For the five or six years following he devoted his energies to farming and in still 
further preparing for the study of medicine, which he has always claimed was a 
hereditary impulse, and could not be gainsaid. In 1873 he entered the Cleveland 
Homoeopathic Hospital College, and graduated in 1875, being prosector and demon- 
strator of anatomy the last year, and capturing the Sander's obstetric prize. 

From 1875 to 1885 he was engaged in the practice of medicine in Mott's Corners, 
now called Brookton, and in 1885 came to Ithaca, where he has since lived. Thus 
the doctor has been in active practice nineteen years, part of it full of the hardships 
of a country practice, but latterly a life that is less arduous. Through all the intrica- 
cies of a large practice he keeps a cool, mathematical head, always hurried, but still 
collected, always finding more to do of necessity or charity than he has time for, yet 
compelling himself to regular hours for everything. 

In 1891 the doctor was elected to the Board of Censors of the Cleveland Homoeo- 
pathic Hospital College, and in 1893 was chosen alumnus trustee of the Cleveland 

G 



50 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Medical College. He is a member of the Central New York Society and of the Amer- 
ican Institute of Homooepathy. 

Dr. Besemer has one son following in his footsteps as nearly as may be. He 
graduated from Cornell University in 1889, at the age of nineteen; from the New 
York City University Medical College in 1891 ; from the Cleveland Homoeopathic 
Medical College in 1892. He is now associated with his father in the practice of 
medicine, making pathology and microscopic diagnosis a special study and work, 
with the intention of making a specialty of surgery. 



SAMUEL A. SEABRING, M.D. 

Samuel Augustus Seabring, M.D., was born in the town 'of Newfield, Tompkins 
county, on the 14th of March, 1846. He was a son of Cornelius H. and Susan J. 
(Jackson) Seabring. Cornelius H. Seabring was also a native of Newfield, a respected 
farmer of that town, and son of Samuel, who came with his father (whose name was 
Cornelius) from Pennsylvania, as one of the early settlers of Newfield. Susan J. 
Jackson was born in Newfield, Tompkins connty, in 1818, her parents, Eldad and 
Olive Lawrence, having removed there from Meredith, Delaware county, in 1810. 
Besides Samuel Augustus, Cornelius had a daughter by his first marriage, who is 
deceased, and a living daughter by his second marriage. 

The early education of Samuel Augustus Seabring was obtained at the district 
schools and continued in the well known seminaries of Lima and Cazenovia. At the 
close of his educational period he began teaching in Newfield. He afterwards taught 
in the town of Enfield, and for two years was principal of the Trumansburgh L^nion 
School. At the end of this period he began his professional studies in the Michigan 
LTniversity Medical College at Ann Harbor, and later on attended the Long Island 
College Hospital, from which he graduated in 1871. He then entered upon his pro- 
fessional career in his native town, where he continued until his death. 

On the 3d of January, 1872, Dr. Seabring was married to Margaret Cora Kinney, 
daughter of J. O. Kinney, a well known citizen of Westmoreland, Oneida county, a 
son of John Kinney, one of the early settlers of that county. ' The professional career 
of Dr. Seabring extended over a period of twenty years, and was an eminently suc- 
cessful one in every respect. His natural qualifications, as well as his acquired attri- 
butes as a physician, were such as to insure that success which usually follows earn- 
estness of purpose and personal adaptability to any calling. Tender hearted, modest, 
gentle with the suffering, and with that clear headed judgment which enables the 
physician to successfully diagnose disease, he won not only a large circle of business, 
but a wide circle of friends, who placed in him the utmost confidence and felt for him 
the utmost regard. 

Dr. Seabring was not only a successful practitioner ; his interest in public affairs 
was ever broad and active, and his desire to benefit his fellows was unselfish and con- 
tinuous. A Democrat in politics, living in a town containing a large majority of Re- 
publicans, his fellow citizens evinced -their confidence in him by electing him to the 
office of supervisor of his town in 1888, b}' the narrow majority of fifteen votes. In 






^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL. .51 

the following year he was again chosen to the sanre office by tiie increased majoritj' 
of seventy votes, to be succeeded in 1890 by a majority of 128. Again nominated in 
1891 he received a majority of 155, notwithstanding the fact that the Republicans 
placed in nomination one of their most prominent men and made a determmed effort 
to procure his election. Dr. Seabring was not a politician in the ordinary sense of 
the word. He would not descend to any of the customary methods to secure prefer- 
ment; his strength lay in his clearly expressed intention of serving his feJlow citizens 
to the best of his ability and according to the dictates of his own conscience, without 
reference to consequences to himself. His judgment in public affairs was excellent, 
and he never lacked courage to act upon his convictions; while his fidelity inspired 
confidence in others. 

Dr. Seabring was an honorable member of the Tompkins County Medical Society, 
and the following resolutions adopted soon after his death show the esteem in which 
he was held by his fellow members : 

Resolved, That it is with profound sorrow that this society has to record the death, 
since its last meeting, of Dr. Samuel A. Seabring, of Newfield. 

Resolved, That in Dr. Seabring this societj^ loses an old and valued member. 
For twenty years in active practice in the same community, he commanded its con- 
fidence and love, and was often called by it to positions of honor and responsibility. 
His loss, as the trusted physician, counselor, and citizen, will be widely and deeply 
felt. 

Dr. Seabring's death, from pneumomia, occurred on the 20th of April, 1891, while 
he was in the midst of his usefulness. He is survived by his widow and his son, 
Cornelius O., who reside in Ithaca. 



DARIUS HALL, M.D. 

Dr. Darius Hall was born in the town of Croyden, N. H., April 18, 1809. At the 
age of two years his parents removed to Sempronius, Cayuga county, N. Y. He re- 
ceived a liberal education, and at the age of twenty-two graduated from the Fairfield 
Medical College, the oldest medical college west of Albany. In 1832 he married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Palmer Baker, of the town of Lansing, and the remainder of his 
life was spent in the practice of his profession in that town. As a physician he was 
skilled, kind and successful. Even after failing health prevented an active practice 
he was strongly urged to care for many of his patients whom he had treated during 
his vigorous years. 

In 1849 he was elected by a liberal majority to represent his district in the lower 
house of our State Legislature, and since that time has always held public office in 
the town. His judgment on important questions was eagerly sought, and many 
found in him not only a wise counselor, but a true friend. His kindness and polite- 
ness, and consideration for others, won for him a large place in the hearts of the peo- 
ple. During many years of constant suffering he was resigned and patient, ever re- 
taining the loveliness of an evenly balanced life and character. In his life he was re- 
spected, since his death he has been mourned. 



52 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

The last eleven ^^ears of his life he had been deprived of the wife of his early man- 
hood, as the records show. Mrs. Hall died March 16, 1881. Darius Hall died April 
1'3, 1893. They had been the parents of two children, a son died in infancy, and the 
daughter, Marian, is the wife of Clinton A. Haskin, of Lansingville. 



JEvSSE H. JENNINGS. 

In the history of the town of Danby one of the earliest settlers was Hudson Jen- 
n'ings, who located there in 1807, and the name of Jennings has ever since been 
familiar to every resident of this section as associated with honor, integrity, and 
ability. Hudson Jennings was member of assembly in 1820, and represented the then 
county of Tioga, and was the last member from that county prior to the annexation 
of the town of Danby to Tompkins county. His brother has also represented his 
district in the Legislature of New York State. While they have been a family of 
agriculturists, when the people demanded their services they have left their farms to 
fill the offices of government for which they were eminently fitted. Lemuel Jennings, 
onl}^ son of Hudson and father of Jesse H., was, like his father m early life, a Whig, 
and at the formation of the Republican party espoused that party and held many of 
the town offices of Danby with great credit to himself and his constituents. At the 
building of the Ithaca and Owego Railroad (the second railroad of this State) Lemuel 
Jennings filled the position of assistant engineer in its construction, a position he had 
fitted himself for by private instruction and reading. Lemuel Jennings died in 1884. 
Jesse H. Jennings was the youngest of a family of six children, born in Danb}-, 
February 15, 1857. His early education was derived from private tutors and the 
common schools, after leaving which he entered the law department of Union Col- 
lege, graduating with the degree of LL. B. in May, 1883. His j^ractical education in 
the profession was derived in the office of George D. Beers and William N. Noble. 
He was admitted to practice in 1884, and in 1888 was elected district attorney of 
Tompkins county, to which office he was re-elected in 1891. While he has been the 
incumbent of this office Mr. Jennings has served his county with credit and won re- 
nown for himself in conducting the trial of a number of cases, prominent among 
them being the murder case of " the people vs. Richard Barber," in which he secured 
the conviction of the defendant, " the people vs. Barr," and now his attentions are 
given to the conviction of the parties implicated in the celebrated chlorine poisoning 
case. 

Mr. Jennings is a hard worker, and gives his undivided attention to his profession, 
the only social organization he is connected with being Fidelitj^ Lodge, F. & A. M. 



BENJAMIN SHELDON. 

Benjamin Sheldon was born in the town of Taghkanic, Columbia county, N. Y. , 
April 5, 1845. Edward Sheldon, the father of our subject, was also a native of Co- 



BIOGRAPHICAL, 53 

lumbia county and a farmer, and in 1854 he removed to Tompkins county and set-' 
tied on a farm belonging to John Southworth, where the home of Benjamin has al 
ways been. He is still a resident of this town and a prominent farmer. Benjamin 
was educated in the common schools, and at eighteen years of age he left his father's 
hearth and engaged in the employ of Robert Purvis, a farmer, with whom he re- 
mained twelve years, and then returned to the old homestead. He had bought this 
23lace SIX years previous, in 1869, and has ever since owned it. He has here a beauti- 
ful farm of ninety-four acres, which is devoted to dairy purposes, having thirteen 
cows. Mr. Sheldon is an ardent supporter of the Republican partj? and its principles, 
and in 1886 was elected to the office of assessor by a liberal majority, and re-elected 
to the same office in 1889, and again in 1892, which proves the esteem and honor the 
people of this township have for him. In 1888 he was elected president of Dryden 
Agricultural Societ}^ and re-elected to the same office in 1889. 

Of S'^cial life we can say without intruding on family affairs that Mr. Sheldon has 
been twice married. Fir.st, in 1867, to Miss Lydia Purvis, of the town of Plarford, 
Cortland county, N. Y., who died August 2, 1873, leaving no children. The present 
wife is Olive M., daughter of Thomas Davenport, of Virgil, Cortland county, whom 
he married, December 23, 1874. They have been the parents of four children : Lydia 
E., Leonard E., and Edward B., who all live wnth their parents; the third child, An 
nie, died September 14, 1888, in the fifth year of her age. 

Mr. Sheldon is deserving of a great deal of credit for his present affluent position 
and the prosperous condition of his farm. Stalling with comparatively nothing he 
has acquired a beauti>ful farm, of which the house and outbuildings are of his own 
production and of the best. 



EUGENE TERRY. 

The subject of our sketch is one of the county officials of Tompkins county. He is 
one of a family of twelve children of Leland Terry, a farmer of Covert, Seneca county, 
N. Y., and was born in that town October 22, 1861. As a boy his ambition was to 
secure a good education, and after exhausting the resources of the district schools he 
became a student of Ithaca High School. The year of his majority he taught school 
in the town of Ul3^sses, and in 1883 he entered the State Normal School at Cortland, 
after which he became the principal of Jacksonville School, where he remained for 
five successive terms, It was his intention to follow teaching as a profession, but 
the study of law was too strong an attraction for him to resist, and in 1887 he came 
to Ithaca, and the following three years we find him in the law office of M. N. 
Tompkins. He then spent a year in Jared T. Newman's office, and then became law 
clerk in the office of Almy & Bouton. Bradford Almy was elected county judge in 
the fall of 1891, assuming the duties of the office January 1, 1892, and that was the 
date of Mr. Terry's appointment as Clerk of the Surrogate's Court of Tompkins 
county, an office he still holds. He was admitted to the bar November 18, 1892, at 
the general term of the Supreme Court in Syracuse. 



54 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Mr. Terry was married, November 8, 1888, to Miss Myra S. Taylor, of Jacksonville, 
and the issue of said marriage is two children, Richard T. Terry and Leland W. 
Terry. Our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F. and also of the Royal Arcanum. 



ANDREW B. COOK. 

Andrew B. Cook was born in Genoa, Cayuga county, March 25, 1819, and came to 
Trumansburgh with his parents in 1829. He was educated in the common schools 
of that day, the old Trumansburgh Academy, and the academy at Ithaca, and for 
many years carried on the farm for his parents, being now a farmer and gardener of 
Trumansburgh. Mr. Cook has been an extensive traveler, having visited Ohio and 
many of the Western States, made a tour of the great lakes, navigated our great riv- 
ers, and finally a " '49er " in doubling Cape Horn in the gold excitement of Califor- 
nia. Mr. Cook's father, Burnett, was born on Long Island in 1785, and came to this 
county in 1794. At the age of twenty-one he married Abigail, daughter of Andrew 
Christie, of Middletown, Orange county, and they had eleven children: Charlotte, 
who died young; Sarah M., born in 1809; Mary A., born in 1811; Jehiel S., born in 
1813; Calista, born in 1815; Abigail, born in 1817; Andrew B. , born in 1819; James 
C, born in 1821; Jackson, born in 1823; Elizabeth J., born in 1825; John G., born m 
1827; and Charlotte, born in 1830, after they came to reside here. He died in 1868 
(June 25) aged eighty-two years, and his wife January 14, 1880, aged ninety-five years. 
[The following is written by, and published at the request of, the subject.] This 
family are lineal descendants of an English family by the name of Cook, who came 
over from England and settled on Long Island near Sag Harbor in the year 1743. 
They raised a family of five sons, whose. names were Mitchell, Abram, Stephen, Bur- 
net and Nathan, and the youngest, an only daughter, named Phebe. These sons 
moved from Long Island and settled in Morris county, N. J. They raised families of 
their own. Burnet Cook and Nathan Cook were the two sons who settled in New 
York State. In the year 1794 Burnet Cook, jr., then a lad of eight ^ ears, with his 
father's family numbering eight children, moved from Morris county, N. J., just 
one hundred years ago from the month of June of recent date. It was at this 
point that the family moved in two divisions. The mother with the children, ac- 
companied by other pioneers and friends, moved through Southern New York bj' 
way of the Beech Woods, and arrived at Ithaca and Ludlowville during the month 
of June ; and the father, by shipping his goods by water, pursued his way up the 
Hudson River in a bateau, thence up through the Mohawk River and through Wood 
Creek, reached Seneca River, Montezuma and Cayuga Lake. In this movement of 
the family and goods to Ludlowville, the father; by taking the water route through 
rivers and lakes and through the Montezuma marshes, met with a fatal sickness, in 
a fever brought on by the miasma of these marshes, which infected his physical con- 
stitution, and the water which he drank, and the food which he ate, and the atmos- 
phere which he breathed, and the clothes which he wore, and the very ground he 
walked on, as he traveled through those pestilential districts. On his arrival at Lud- 
lowville the fever became so unmanageable, with all the medical skill and attendance 





hiXM^A^A^M 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 55 

which he received in this new country, that at the end of three weeks from the day 
of his arrival the fever terminated fatally, thus leaving a family of orphans in desti- 
tute circumstances to grow up with the country. The names of this family of sons 
and daughters who were left on the death of their father, Burnet Cook, were, of the 
daughters after their marriage: Hannah King, settled near Genesee River; Sally 
Conkling, settled in Canada near Niagara Falls ; Polly Fulkerson, settled in the town 
of Dryden ; Betsey Allen, settled at Adrian, Mich. ; and Phebe Drake, a daughter of 
Mrs. Cook by a second marriage with Jasper Drake, who later in life married Elder 
Jones and settled in the village of Medina, N. Y^ Silas Cook married and settled at 
Union Springs, Cayuga county; Burnet, jr., settled in Genoa, same county; Lot 
married and remained in Lansing. Each of these families raised a numerous family. 
Their descendants have found homes in many of the Western States. They can be 
traced in a direct line from the Atlantic at Montauk Point to the Pacific slope of the 
Rocky Mountains, including- California and Oregon. Nathan Cook, who accom- 
panied the family of Burnet, sr., from New Jersey and settled in Dryden, married 
Caroline Sanford and raised a large family. He was a distinguished pioneer of this 
county. 



THOMAS J. McELHENY. 

Thomas J. McElheny was born in Dryden, June 6, 1824, a son of James McElheny, 
a native of New Jersey, one of the first settlers of Dryden, and a man of considerable 
prominence in that town. Thomas was the second of seven children; was educated 
in the common schools, and was a teacher for a short time. He next engaged in 
mercantile business in Dryden village, which he followed until 1861, in the meantime 
having served as superintendent of the common schools of that town. . The follow- 
ing four years were wholly given as a member of the war committee of Dryden, in 
recruiting for the ranks, rendering service to the soldiers and their families, and to 
the cause of the Union, by earnest work in the Republican party; and it is the boast 
of Mr. McElheny that the old town has the proud distinction of having answered in 
full every call of the government for soldiers to put down the unholy Rebellion. 

While a resident of Dryden he took an active part in the incorporation and im- 
provement of the village, and the records of the village and of the Agricultural So- 
ciety and Cemetery Association show his faithful and arduous work in the interest 
of the village and town. 

He had always taken an active part in the success of the Republican party, and in 
1865 was elected county clerk by a majority of over 1,400, and removed to Ithaca. 
He was re-elected in 1868, being the first to serve in that office a second term. 

In 1871 he engaged in manufacturing, which he followed for about four years, and 
then turned his attention to real estate speculations. Much of his time was given to 
politics, and he served as chairman of the County Committee in the Garfield cam- 
paign, and several years thereafter. Since January 1, 1889, he has held the office of 
deputy county clerk. He is trustee, steward and treasurer of the First M. E. church 
of Ithaca, and was a delegate from Central New York Conference to the General 
Conference of 1880 at Cincinnati. 



56 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

He has been twice married, first in 185o to Ada Tabor, of Dryclen, by whom he 
had three children, two daughters now Uving. She died in 1871. In 1875 he mar- 
ried his second wife, Mrs. Drake, a daughter of the Rev. V. M. Coryell, of Waverly, 
N. Y. The mother of our subject was the daughter of Judge John EUis, a biography 
of whom appears on other pages. 



JOH^ BARNARD. 

John Barnard was born in Charlemont, Franklin county, Mass., August 19, 1843, 
son of Allen Barnard, a mechanic of that town. A brother of our subject was a resi- 
dent of Ithaca, and in 1853 John came here to make his home. He was educated in 
the Ithaca schools, and learned the tailor's trade. At the outbreak of the war he 
was seized with a patriotic ardor to rescue his country, and enlisted August 19, l86'-3, 
in the 137th Regiment, N. Y. Volunteers. He was unanimously elected corporal of 
Company I), and left Binghamton for the seat of war September 27, 1862. Decem- 
ber 10 his regiment was ordered to reinforce General Burnside at Fredericksburg, 
and it was there our hero first came within hearing of the enemy's guns, but his 
courage was equal to any emergency, and never through the whole course of his mili- 
tary career did he turn his back to the enemy, but always stood up and boldly bat- 
tled for the right. January 18, 1863, he was detailed by Colonel Ireland as one of 
the color guards of the regiment. Ma)- 1, 2 and 3 he participated in the battle at 
Chancellorsville, and July 2 and 3 was engaged on the bloody fields of Gettysburg. 
October 29, 1863, participated in the midnight battle of Wat:hatchie. In this engage- 
ment one out of every three of the whole number were either killed or wounded, and 
the colors of the regiment fell into the hands of our gallant Barnard. After this en- 
gagement he was detailed color bearer of the regiment, vice Baker wounded. No- 
vember 24 the regiment was ordered to march flying light, with only one day's ration. 
This march ended in the famous " Battle above the Clouds," and our bold and dar- 
ing sergeant here earned the title of "The Hero of Lookout Mountain," which he 
has_ever since born. He was m the battle at Missionary Ridge and at Ringgold, Ga. 
January 4, 1864, was ordered to Stevenson, Ala., and while here Sergeant Barnard 
was appointed postmaster, a very responsible position, having the entire charge of 
the mail for over five thousand troops. This office he held rm til Sherman's campaign 
against Atlanta commenced, when he resumed his office in the regiment. He was 
engaged in the battles of Resaca, New Hope Church, Pine Hill, Kolbe Mountain, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and was among the first troops that entered 
Atlanta, September 2, 1864. He was in nearly all the engagements of the Georgia 
and Carolina campaigns, arriving m Goldsboro, N. C, April 1, 1865. He was pres- 
ent at the capture of Raleigh, April 14, and the war having virtually closed. Sergeant 
Barnard started homeward. 

He was engaged in fourteen battles besides numerous skirmishes, and while suf- 
fering all the dangers, exposures and deprivations of the Georgia and Carolina cam- 
paigns, our sergeant was never a day from his regiment, unless detailed for special 
duty. He made every mile of the whole march on foot, carrying a burden that every 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 57 

soldier knows is enough to break down tlie constitution of almost any ordinary man. 
No soldier ever enlisted in the service of his country who is deserving of more honor 
than Sergeant John Barnard. 

After his return to Ithaca Mr. Barnard resumed his trade, which he has since fol- 
lowed in this city. He has been prominently identified with the Masonic Fraternity 
for twenty-seven j^ears, joining Fidelity Lodge, in May, 1867. He has passed all 
of the chairs of the Blue Lodge, nearly all of the Chapter, the same of the Coun- 
cil, and is now Captain General of the Commandery, of which he has been a member 
twenty-five years. He has always taken an active interest in G. A. R. matters, and 
was a charter member of Sidney Post No. 41 at its formation. He has held nearly 
all the offices in the Post, and is now (1894) the commander. 



PETER B. CRANDALL. 

Among those who were attracted to Ithaca in the early days of the university, no 
one took more interest in the development of the university, and in the well being 
of the to\vn and its surroundings, than the late Peter B. Crandall. He was born in 
Bridgewater, Oneida county, N. Y. , July 1, 1816, of parents who had migrated from 
Connecticut. He enjoyed the advantages of a country district school, and by making 
unusual exertions he secured, in addition, instruction for one or two winters at the 
Bridgewater iVcademy. At the age of seventeen he began to teach, and soon had 
debating clubs organized, which were continued quite a number of years with suc- 
cess and enthusiasm. At the age of twenty-one he was put in charge of the schools 
of the town as town superintendent. Later, he was one of the leaders in the organ- 
ization of a farmers' club, which made the first shipment of cheese to England, con- 
tributing funds to pay the expenses of the late X. A. Willard, who was sent over to 
look up a market and take care of shipments. As supervisor of his native town for 
years, and as clerk of the Board, he introduced and successfully carried through 
many public spirited measures, one of which was the construction of substantial and 
comfortable modern brick buildings for the county almshouse, which the citizens still 
point to with pride as being one of the most convenient in the State, to replace the 
old, crowded, unhealthy, tumble-down structure, which was a disgrace to modern 
civilization, although advocated by the average citizen as good enough for paupers. 
As school commissioner, much was done in raising the standard of scholarship for 
teachers, in securing new and suitable school buildings, and in awakening interest 
and enthusiasm in 'the schools on the part of both scholars and patrons. As provost 
marshal of the Twenty-first District of New York, with headquarters at LTtica, in 
the winter of 1864-5, he was brought in contact with corrupt superior officers, Avho 
were in league with bounty brokers to defraud the government by mustering in re- 
cruits, allowing them to desert, taking them to another district for re-enlistment, and 
so on indefinitely ; the towns being heavily taxed to provide the large bounties which 
were necessary to fill their quotas and avoid a draft, the officers, brokers and men 
dividing up these bounties so easily obtained, and the army receiving scarcely any 
recruits. Of the 700,000 to 800,000 men enlisted under the last calls, just before the 

H 



58 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

close of the rebellion, not more than 200,000 to 300,000 ever reached the front, ac- 
cording to congressional estimates. Finding their schem.es thwarted in the Twenty- 
first District by the new provost marshal, hostilities were opened against him. 
These resulted in his temporary suspension from office on the one hand (but the effort 
to secure any evidence to impeach his honesty or ability utterly failed), while on the 
other they resulted- in the trial and conviction of the assistant provost marshal gen- 
eral, who was in charge of the recruiting service of the State, as " guilty of the 
basest forms of official atrocity, and the most monstrous acts of bribery, oppression 
and wrong doing," with the implication of many of his associates. The Honorable 
Roscoe Conkling was prosecuting attorney. The next winter, when the bill for the 
reorganization of the army came up before Congress, Mr. Conkling moved to strike 
out the section which provided for the continuance of the office of provost marshal 
general, on the ground that it provided an unnecessary office for an undeserving 
public servant. In the discussion which followed, James G. Blaine stood up for the 
officer attacked by Mr. Conkling, and this is believed by Mr. Conkling's friends to be 
the beginning of the Conkling-Blaine fight, which became so bitter in later years. 
Outrageous charges were brought against Mr. Conkling by this officer, and presented 
to the senate by Mr. Blame. These charges were referred to a committee to investi- 
gate and report. As many of them referred to the recruiting service, and some to 
the Twenty-first District of New York, Captain Crandall was sent for to aid Mr. 
Conkling in collecting data and arrangmg proofs to be presented before the com- 
mittee. Always an enthusiastic and zealous worker, he set to the task with vigor, 
working under pressure both night and day for weeks. After the committee had 
made its report, which completely exonerated Mr. Conkling and censured Mr. Blaine, 
Captain Crandall returned home overworked and completely exhausted. Although 
a farmer by occupation, much of his life and more of his thought and energy had 
been devoted to public service as a public officer, as already described, and, also, as 
an individual, among his neighbors and elsewhere, whenever he could stand for the 
right and do a deed of kindness; the care of the farm in these later years falling 
largely upon his wife and children. His health now began to fail, lessening his de- 
sire for public service and turning his attention more to the future welfare of his 
family. In casting about for better educational facilities, he was soon attracted by 
Cornell University and Ithaca, where he moved in 1868. At this time the public 
schools of the State were being changed over to the graded system in all the princi- 
pal cities and villages. Ithaca was following the old methods, with all its public 
school children huddled together in the old central building at the corner of Albany 
and Mill streets. He took an active part in the efforts which were made to interest 
the public in the welfare of the school, to secure more adequate quarters, and to in- 
troduce the graded system. In the reorganization which followed; the appointment 
of a Board of Education, with a school superintendent directly responsible to the 
board for the efficiency and co-ordination of the work of the teachers ; the adoption 
of the graded system, with the old academy included as an academic department, 
free to all residents ; and the relief of the old Central building by the construction of 
substantial brick buildings at Fall Creek, on East Hill, and on West Hill, and a 
wooden one on South Hill, for the primary departments ; he labored zealously as a 
citizen and as a member of the Board, until compelled to resign on account of ill 
health. The work thus begun has been continued and developed by able hands and 




p. /I, Cr^...,,^f~0^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 59 

generous hearts, until now the graded school system is classed by the Board of Re- 
gents among the ver}' best in the State. He also took an active interest in the agri- 
cultural welfare of the county, having been one of the prime movers and eai'nest 
workers in the Farmers' Club, which held weekly meetings for the discussion of 
topics and for mutual improvement for many years. This club gave valuable aid to 
Cornell University at a time when it was charged with having violated its charter in 
neglecting to properly provide for the interests of agriculture, and also to the move- 
ment which resulted in the establishment of the State Agricultural Experiment Sta- 
tion, located at Geneva, and the grants from the general government to the agri- 
cultural colleges and stations for experiment work. In more recent years his life has 
been somewhat retired, owing to poor health and advancing years, yet his interest 
m all public affairs continued to the last, and his sympathies were always on the 
side of the oppressed and downtrodden ; always on the side of humanity. ' He died 
June 32, 1892, at the ripe age of seventy-six. His wife, Eunice C. Priest, survived 
him until December, 1893. She was a willing, capable, and most intelligent help- 
mate, who contributed her full share towards the happiness and welfare of the home 
and family. The four children still survive : Kirk P. , Charles L. , Ella L. (now Mrs. 
de Mello), and Clayton — the sons residing in Ithaca and the daughter in Sa6 Paulo, 
Brazil. 



MYNDERSE VAN CLEEF. 

Mr. Van Cleef was born in Seneca Falls, N. Y. , on the 29th day of August, 1853. 
He is a descendant of an old Holland family and his great-grandfather was the first 
permanent settler in that village. His parents, Alexander M. and Jane E. Van 
Cleef, moved to Ithaca in 1869 with their family. His father died August 1. 1879, 
but his mother is still living. He attended the Ithaca Academy and Cornell Univer- 
sit}% from which latter institution he was graduated in the year 1874. While in col- 
lege he became a member of the Kappa Alpha Society. After graduation he took 
up the study of law and pursued his legal studies in Ithaca and at Columbia Law 
School. He was admitted to the bar in September, 1876, and has ever since been in 
the active practice of his profession in Ithaca. 

In 1880 he was appointed United States Circuit Court commissioner for the North- 
ern District of New York, which office he still holds. 

In the year 1881 he was elected trustee of Cornell University by the alumni of 
that institution for a term of five years, and on the expiration of his first term he 
was re-elected by the alumni for an additional term of five years. 

He has never sought political office, but has been content in the practice of his 
profession, in which he has been successful. He is interested in various local finan- 
cial and business enterprises, and is counsel for a number of banking and business 
corporations in Ithaca. 

He is an associate trustee of the Cornell Library Association, a director of the 
Ithaca Mechanics' Society, a local savings institution, and a director in the Ithaca 
Trust Company. 

He was married in 1882 to Elizabeth L. Treman. a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elias 
Treman, of Ithaca. He has two children, Eugenia and Jeannette. 



60 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

BEN JOHNSON. 

Ben Johnson was born at Haverhill, Grafton county, N. H., June 22, 1784. His 
father was a native of Enfield in the same county. He was married in Fayette, Sen- 
eca county, N. Y., November 20, 1817, to Jane, a daughter of Peter Dey, an early 
settler in that part of the State, and died at Ithaca N. Y., March 16, 1848. 

At the time of his marriage the house erected by him on Seneca street, in that 
village, and which is now owned by Dr. William Coryell, was nearing completion, 
and became his residence for the remainder of his days, a period of thirty years. His 
early education was chiefly derived from, the common schools, and was supplemented 
by a little academic training. He had a decided inclination to the law, and as a 
preparation for that profession, entered as a student the law office of Foote & Rum- 
sey of Troy, N. Y. , where he and John A. Collier, who was then a student in the same 
office, pursued their studies together. The two subsequently, at Binghamton, N. Y"., 
formed a law partnership, which was, however, of short duration. For a while there- 
after Mr. Johnson resided in Hector, Schuyler county (then Cayuga) with the Richard 
Smith who became first judge of Common Pleas for Tompkins county, upon its erec- 
tion in 1817, and held sessions alternately at his residence in Hector and at the Colum- 
bian Inn at Ithaca. Mr. Johnson came to Ithaca some years before his marriage, 
and opened a law office on Aurora street, where he pursued his profession single- 
handed until near the year 1819, when he became associated with Charles Humphrey, 
and continued that connection a number of years. 

He subsequently formed a partnership with Henry S. Walbridge, which terminated 
in 1839. He next was associated with Anthony Schuyler, his son-in-law, who had a 
short time previous married his daughter Eleanor, since deceased. 

Mr. Johnson was one of the staunchest members of the Ithaca bar. Erudite, of 
logical mind, and possessed of rare powers in debate, his efforts before the courts 
where he practiced always challenged attention and often admiration. Dry humor 
and sarcasm were allies always at his command, and, upon occasion, used. An in- 
defatigable worker, he kept scrupulously within the bounds of his vocation, concen- 
trating his mental and physical strength upon the cases in hand, from which the temp- 
tation of office could not lure him. His intellect, cool and penetrating, sped its shafts 
straight to the mark, undiverted by the false and the immaterial. 

His nature was social, genial, though quiet and undemonstrative, revealing at 
times a slight eccentricity of manner, the habit of a mind preoccupied by engrossing 
subjects connected with his practice. 

The only public position he was ever induced to accept, and that doubtless from a 
sense of duty, was the office of president of the village, in 1825. His wife died Sep- 
tember 28, 1881, and all the surviving members of the family, save one daughter, re- 
side in Ithaca. 



JOSIAH B. WILLIAMS. 

The subject of this sketch was born at Middletown, Conn., on the 16th December, 
1810, and died at Ithaca, September 26, 188-'. Few residents of our county enjoyed 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 6i 

a wider range of acquaintance than Mr. W. , and to none was accorded higher re- 
spect or firmer belief in the integrity of his character, his sound judgment, his ma- 
tured views on social and business questions, and his unswerving devotion to truth 
and justice. His success in life had its foundation in untiring energy and industry, 
and capacity to grasp advantages naturally flowing from the pursuit of a certain line 
of business, or branch of enterprise. In comparatively , early life he was attracted 
to Central New York by the opening of the Erie canal, and, in company with two 
elder brothers, removed ^o Ithaca, where he resided until his death, eleven years 
since, the brothers accompanying him dying in 1840 and 1849. His industrious 
habits and active mind led him, in company with these brothers, to engage in canal 
navigation, building and running boats, advocating the enlargement and extension 
of the canal system, and suggesting many improvements since proved of great 
practical value. He became interested in the construction of roads, bridges, mills, 
manufactories, churches, schools, and all the accessories of advanced civilization. 
The building of railroads, and the use of steam thereon, engaged his earnest atten- 
tion, and also telegraph lines, opening of iron mines and improved modes of manu- 
facture of iron, were among the enterprises prosecuted by him with earnest and ef- 
fective energy. 

A study of the free banking system of the State so commended it to his mind 
that the Merchants' and Farmers' Bank was established through his efforts, and con- 
tinued as a most successful institution until absorbed into the First National Bank, 
of Ithaca, of which Mr. W. was a prominent officer for years. 

On the death of his brother, Timothy S. Williams, then a member of the State 
Senate, Josiah was chosen to succeed him, serving in that position with great dis- 
tinction from 1851 to 1856. He was a corporator and trustee of Cornell University, and 
continued as such to the date of his decease. His broad views of humanity led him 
to unite with many patriotic men in 1856, in the organization of the "National Com- 
pensation Emancipation Society," holding a vice-presidency therein. The object 
aimed at by its promoters was the purchase and freedom of slaves at the South, with 
funds acquired from the sale of the public lands of the United States. 

Through the long and anxious years from 1861 to the close of the Rebellion, Mr. 
Williams stood at the front in his support of the government, contributing of his in- 
dividual means very large sums, expended in raising troops and in the support of 
families of volunteers. 

His wife, a daughter of the late Charles E. Hardy, still survives him, with a very 
large family of children, all held in high esteem by the entire community. 



JOHN H. SELKREG 

Was born at Staatsburg, town of Hyde Park, Dutchess county, N. Y., on the 10th 
of September, 1817. His father was of Scotch descent, while his mother was of 
New England stock. The mother died in 182B and the father in 1828. The family 
consisted of three girls and two boys, of whom but the subject of this sketch re- 
mains. He attended a private school taught by an elder sister, and a common dis- 



63 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

trict school ; compelled to leave the latter by the breaking up of the family when 
eleven years of age. At the age of fourteen he entered the office of the Poughkeep- 
sie Telegraph, serving as an apprentice to the printing business until he was of age, 
a period of seven years less two weeks. On attaining his majority he became a 
member of the firm of Arnold, Van Anden & Co., publishers of the Brooklyn 
Eagle, then an insignificant weekly journal. His connection with the firm lasted but 
a few months, when he returned to employment in the office where he learned his 
trade. In 1840 he acquired the Poughkeepsie Casket, a semi-monthly literary paper, 
before published by Killey & Lossing, of the Telegraph, and continued it until April, 
1841, when he removed to Ithaca and purchased one-half of the Journal from Alfred 
Wells, sole owner. He continued with this paper as sole or part owner until July, 
1880, when he disposed of his entire interest therein. He was married to Clarissa 
M. Turner, of Poughkeepsie, on the 11th May, 1842. His wife died at Ithaca, April 
6, 1891, leaving one daughter, the wife of Geo. W. Apgar, editor of the Democrat, 
and postmaster of Ithaca since February 1, 1894. Mr. Selkreg has served as loan 
commissioner for Tompkins county two terms, postmaster at Ithaca from July 20, 
1861, to August 20, 1865. He served as member of Assembly in the years 1867, 
1868, 1869, 1870, and 1871, acting as chairman of Ways and Means in. 1869. He was 
elected to the State Senate in 1873, and re-elected in 1875, for the district consisting 
of Tioga, Tompkins and Broome counties, holding the position of chairman of the 
committee on railroads for the full four years. He was the regular Republican can- 
didate for the Assembly in 1882, and although running about 400 ahead of Folger, 
the candidate for governor, was defeated. He was president of the village of Ith- 
aca in 1872, president of the Calendar Clock Company for many years, and a trustee 
of Cornell University and Cornell Library. He was a Democrat until 1856, when he 
supported Fremont, and has continued to act with the Republicans since. 



LEROY H. VAN KIRK. 

Leroy H. Van Kirk, the present county clerk, was born in the town of Enfield, 
Tompkins county, March 22, 1849. His father, Lewis H. Van Kirk, also a native of 
Enfield, and who followed the vocation of a cattle drover and farmer, was born in 
the year 1806, and died in 1872. In 1852-54 he served as sheriff of the county. He 
was a Democrat, and a Republican from the formation of the latter party. His wife 
was Anna Longstreet, a daughter of Gilbert Longstreet, one of the oldest citizens of 
Enfield. She is now living in Ithaca with the .subject of this sketch. The children 
of Lewis H. and Anna Van Kirk are : Louisa, who married Lewis S. Ball, a farmer 
of Enfield ; Oliver P. , also an Enfield farmer, who married Marietta Brown ; Eliza- 
beth and Henrietta, both of whom make their home with their mother and brother 
in Ithaca. 

The subject of this notice was educated in the common schools and the Ithaca 
Academy, and during the latter part of his studies he began teaching district schools, 
which he continued, part of the time in connection with the farm, for several years. 
In 1876 he was elected supervisor of the town, and served by re-election three years. 




rv 



a.t>v^ 



.^^ 4(U^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 63 

filling the position of chairman of the board in 1878. In thi.s office he faithfully and 
ably served the interests of his constituents, and evinced the practical sound sense 
and judgment which are his chief characteristics. 

In the year 1883 Mr. Van Kirk was appointed to a position in the second auditor's 
office of the treasury department at Washington, where he remained three years as 
an accounting clerk of the pay and bounty division of that office in the settlement of 
claims of the Volunteer Army. Returnmg to his home in Enfield he was elected 
county clerk in the presidential election of 1888 for a term of three years, at the end 
of which he was honored with a re-election. 

In the politics of the Republican party Mr. Van Kirk is recognized as an active 
and effectual worker. He has several times been placed on the County Committee, 
and in 1893 was its chairman. Genial and courteous,, of sterling integrity, he has 
firmly established himself in the confidence and respect of the community. Mr. Van 
Kirk is unmarried. 



WILLIAM L. CAREY. 

William L. Carey, the subject of this sketch was born on the 4th of December, 
1843, in the town of Chemung, Chemung county, N. Y. He is a son of D. N. Carey, 
a farmer, and a, native of Orange county, N. Y. His mother was Clara Brewster, 
also of Orange county, and both are deceased. The children of D. N. and Clara 
Carey were two daughters and William L. 

After finishing his studies in the common schools Mr. Carey began his long career 
as a railroad man in April, 1863, at the bottom of the ladder, as a freight train brake- 
man, running between Hornellsville and Susquehanna, on the Erie Railroad, at the 
rather discouraging salary of one dollar a day. He continued in faithful service un- 
til 1872, when he located at Ithaca as a brakeman on a passenger train on the Ithaca 
and Athens Railroad. Three months later he was advanced to train baggagemaster 
and express messenger, in which capacity he served nine years, running between 
Sayre, Geneva, and Lyons. In 1881 he was promoted to passenger conductor be- 
tween Ithaca and Cayuga, on a branch of what is now the Lehigh Valley system. 
From August, 1890, he acted in the same capacity between Ithaca and Auburn until 
May 13, 1894, when he was given the longer and more responsible run through to 
Sayre. In all this thirty -one j^ears of railroad service Mr. Carey points with justifia- 
ble pride to the fact that he has never been discharged or suspended. 

Mr. Carey is a Democrat in politics, and in 1884-5 was trustee of the village of 
Ithaca. He is secretary of the Old Reliable Conductor's Life Association, which po- 
sition he has held since 1883, and was eight successive years a delegate to the con- 
ventions of the association. 

Mr. Carey is the principal organizer of the Cook Land Company of Ithaca, and one 
of the three owners of the valuable tract which the company is improving and selling ; 
it is situated in the eastern suburbs of Ithaca village. 

Mr. Carey was married in 1865 to Emma V. Vaughn, daughter of Crispin Vaughn, 
of Montrose, Pa. They have no children. 



64 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

CHARLES INGERSOLL. 

Charles Ingeksoll was born in Lodi, Seneca county, November 12, 1846, a son of 
Monmouth H. Ingersoll, born September 18, 1811, who for many years conducted a 
flouring mill near Lodi, and was afterward with the Seneca Falls Woolen Company 
as a salesman. He was engaged in the nursery business in Hector for about seven 
years and in 1872 removed to Ithaca, where he was employed as a bookkeeper with 
the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company and Coal Company for fourteen years. He 
has four children, of whom our subject is the oldest son. Charles was educated at Sen- 
eca Falls Academy, and at the breaking out of the war enlisted (in August, 1864) in 
the U. S. Navy, serving until December, 1865, as a sailor before the mast on board 
the flag ship Lancaster of the Pacific Squadron, under Admiral Pearson and Cap- 
tain Henry K. Davenport. After the war closed he spent two years with Hoover, 
Stone & Co., jobbers in hats, caps and furs, of New York. In 1868 he went with his 
father in the nursery at North Hector, where he remained for eight years. In 1876 
he came to Ithaca, where he started as a cartman and rapidly accumulated a stock 
of horses and wagons, and did a large part of the carting of the city. He next 
bought an omnibus line which he ran until 1890, when he started a! livery stable, 
which he now conducts. He has always been a Republican, and was trustee of the 
city from the third ward. In 1890 he was nominated to the office of county treas- 
urer, holding the office from 1891 to 1893, and was re-elected in the fall of 1893 for 
the same office. He married, in 1871, Jennie Hazlitt, of Hector, and they have one 
son, Monmouth, in class of '97, Cornell LTniversity. 



SAMUEL J. McKINNEY. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Ithaca, September 21, 1860, a son of James 
McKinney, who died in Ithaca in 1861 at thirty-four years of age. On the maternal 
side his mother's maiden name was Mary Campbell, and she Hved to rear the family 
from whom the father was taken when the youngest was only a babe, and after she 
was spared to see these children prosperous and successful men, she too was taken, 
dying December 15, 1893. 

Samuel was given a liberal education in the schools of Ithaca, and after leaving 
school was employed m the dry goods store of Tillot Kinney until twenty years of 
age. In 1880 he entered the plumbing establishment of Jameson & McKmney (the 
junior member of the firm being his brother), where he learned the trade and became 
a competent mechanic of that time. In March, 1889, he established a business for 
himself at 23 South Tioga street, where he has ever since been engaged. He em- 
ploys from twelve to sixteen hands and does a great portion of the Cornell University 
work, besides a large share of the residence work of this city. In connection with 
his regular line of work he acts as agent for some of the best manufacturers of the 
country. Prominent specialties are the McConnell Water Filter and the Torrid Steam 
Heater, manufactured by W. H. Drake, of Hackettstown, N. J. 

Mr. McKinney is a Republican in politics, and one of the workers of the party in 
this city, and a member of the K. of P. He was married March 15, 1889, to Miss Ida 
M. Blakeslee, of the town of Newfield. 




.-^^A^i^l/ed- Cy-n^c^eidtx-lC 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 65 

LEWIS P. HAND. 

Of the representative farmers of the town of Ulysses none stands higher than our 
subject. Born in the town of Covert, Seneca county, N. Y., March 6, 1814, he can 
look back on his four score years with pride of his acts and know that his has not 
been a misspent life. His early education was only what could be derived in the 
common schools of his nation, and he early chose the occupation of his ancestors, 
farming, which he always followed until one year after passing his seventieth birth- 
day. January 25, 1841, he married Miss Mary D. Corey, daughter of William Corey. 
She was born in Genoa, Cayuga county, N. Y., March 16, 1816, and was the helpmate 
of Mr. Hand until February 26, 1892, when "she was called up higher." As true 
Christians they had early in life joined the Baptist church, of which Mr. Hand has 
been a deacon for over twenty years. 

The ancestry of our subject were first found in this country in the New England 
States. His father, Abraham, was born in East Hampton, L. I., in 1767, and was a 
farmer and mechanic by occupation. He married Abigail Winnans, daughter of 
Silas Winnans, who served seven years in the Continental Army during the War of 
the Revolution, and after leaving the armv settled in the town of Covert, where he 
spent the balance of his days. Of their twelve children eight grew to maturity: 
Harriet, Maria, Jesse, Eliza, Rozilla, Ovid, Lewis P., and Samantha. The father 
died in 1855, and his wife March 21, 1850. 

Lewis P. Hand came to the town of Ulysses in 1856, buying a farm of ninety-four 
acres, which he has cultivated for grain and dairy. He is a staunch Republican in 
politics, and about 1870 was elected to the office of excise commissioner as a temper- 
ance member of the board. A grand niece. Miss Florence Hammond, is the only 
relative of the household to comfort his declining years. 



STEPHEN M. PADDOCK. 

It is said that the " most interesting part of history is the biography," and if the 
lives of all our citizens were as varied as that of our subject, history could be made 
complete in biography. Mr. Paddock was born in the town of Enfield, Tompkins 
county, August 1, 1820, was educated in the common schools, and his first regular 
employment was as a dealer in live stock in Chicago and vicinity. November 18, 
1858, he married Mary A. Potts, of Burdette, Schuyler count)-, N, Y. , who still lives 
to comfort Mr. Paddock in his declining years. 

Having no children, in 1867, Mr. Paddock introduced into his family two sons of 
Leland Terry, Frank and Eugene, whom they have reared and educated, and they 
have proven a credit to the watchful care and guidance of their foster parents. 
Eugene is clerk in the surrogate's office at Ithaca, and Frank is a farmer and the 
town collector. Mr. Paddock's father, Ephraim, was born near Boston, Mass., and 
was an iron worker. He married Mrs. Annie McNeil, nee Mandeville, and they had 
I 



66 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

five children: Sarah, William, Elsie A., Stephen M., and Moses. Mrs. Paddock's 
father, James Potts, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1787, and came to this 
country in 1805. He married Margaret Bower, of Ulysses, January 6, 1819, and they 
had five daughters: Mary A., Jane E., Margaret B., Matilda W., and Emma M. 
James Potts died April 17, 1877, and his wife January 18, 1867. She was born nea^- 
Edinburgh, Scotland. 

At the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. Paddock, while not going to the front, 
rendered valuable aid for the suppression of the Rebellion , and showed the inherited 
spirit of his grandfather, Bradford, who served in the Revolution. 



CHARLES F. BLOOD. 

Charles F. Blood was born in Bath, Steuben county, N. Y., January 13, 1826. In 
June, 1838, he came to Ithaca, taking advantage of the educational facilities ofifered 
by the county seat of Tompkins county until he reached the age of nineteen, when 
he entered the mercantile business in the store adjoining the Culver Block on East 
State street, in which location he continued business until the year 1872. In the 
spring of 1872 he erected the store No. 9 North Tioga street, being a part of the Ma- 
sonic Block, where he continued in the mercantile business for ten years longer, dis- 
posing of his business in 1882, after an almost uninterrupted business career of forty 
years. About the year 1883 he engaged in the manufacture of window glass, and 
was one of the promoters of, a stockholder in, and treasurer of the Ithaca Glass 
Works during its existence and until it merged into The United Glass Company. 

For years he took an active interest in the militia of the State, was a charter mem- 
ber of Company A, 50th Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y., known as the Dewitt Guards, 
which was organized in January, 1852. On May 28, 1856, he was elected second 
lieutenant, and on August 25, 1862, its captain. His company was not mustered into 
special service during the war until August 25, 1864, when, under special orders pro- 
mulgated from general headquarters of the State of New York, he as commander of 
Company A proceeded with his command to Elmira, N. Y. , and reported to the act- 
ing assistant provost marshal, by whom they were mustered into the service of the 
United States for one hundred days. Owing to the intelligence of the men compos- 
ing the company, comprising as they did representative business men of the city, 
nearly the entire command were detailed on special and important duties during 
practically the entire period of service, until having served the period of enlistment, 
they were mustered out of the service December 2, 1864. 

In December, 1864, Mr. Blood was elected lieutenant colonel of the 50th Regiment, 
on December 11, 1866, was elected colonel, and on September 20, 1875, was elected 
to the position of brigadier-general of the 28th Brigade, N. G. S. N. Y., serving in 
that capacity until his retirement from the service, after a military service of fully 
twenty-five years. 

He served for a like period as a fireman, being for many years a member of Tornado 
Hook and Ladder Company No. 3, and afterwards a member of and for several years 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 67 

captain of the Protective Police. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, a member of the Masonic Fraternity and twice its eminent commander, a di- 
rector of the Ithaca Savings Bank, a stockholder and director of the Ithaca Trust 
Companjr, and for many years an elder and trustee in the First Presbyterian church 
of Ithaca. A member of the first Paving Commission of the city, appointed by Mayor 
St. John and reappointed by Maj'or Bouton, his various real estate and building en- 
terprises have always evidenced his interest in the growth and material prosperity 
of the city of Ithaca. 



SHERMAN COLLINS. 

Sherm.a.n Collins was born in the town of Lansing, October 16, 1864, a son of 
H. W. Collins, for a great man jr years a manufacturer of lime in Lansing. Sherman 
is his only child. He was educated in the common schools and Ithaca Academy, and 
after leaving school came into the store of R. C. Christiance, first as chore boy, and 
rapidly rose to clerk, manager, and proprietor, buying the business in November, 
1892. He was joined in partnership in February, 1893, by F. D. Johnson, making 
the firm name Collins & Johnson. The lime business in Lansing is also conducted 
by him. Mr. Collins has always been an ardent Republican, but never aspired to 
office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Fidelity Lodge No. 51, Eagle 
Chapter No. 58, St. Augustine Commandery No. 38, and a member of Ithaca Coun- 
cil and noble of the Mystic Shrine, a member of the K. of P. , and college society Phi 
Sigma Kappa. He married, September 26, 1890, Elizabeth M. Crandall, of Willi- 
mantic. Conn. He owns a beautiful cottage at Lakeside, on the lake, in the town of 
Lansing, and socially, as well as in his business relations, is one of the most popular 
of the younger citizens of Ithaca. 



EUGENE BAKER, M. D. 

Dr. Eugene Baker is a native of Northampton, Fulton county, N. Y., where he 
was born on the 16th of April, 1853. His father, Daniel Baker, was a prosperous 
farmer, in that county, and remov^ed to Tompkins county in 1861. After his prelim- 
inary education the son was prepared for college at the Ithaca Academy, and entered 
Cornell University in 1873, graduating with honor in the class of '78. The succeed- 
ing year he took a special course in the Chemical and Physiological Laboratories of the 
university. Being now fully equipped for the study of his chosen profession. Dr. 
•Baker entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, from which he 
graduated with the degree of M. D. in June, 1882. 

Dr. Baker opened an office first in Mecklenburg, N. Y. , where he met with grati- 
fying success during a period of two years and gained valuable experience in prac- 
tice. Seeking a larger field he removed to Ithaca in September, 1884. Here he was 



68 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

soon recognized as a physician whose thorough study, as well as certain natural 
characteristics, titted him for the profession, and who was worthy of the confidence 
of all who might seek his aid. From that time onward to the present Dr. Baker has 
been in the enjoyment of a constantly increasing practice; and his success has 
placed him among the foremost practitioners of the county. He was elected to the 
office of president of the Tompkins County Medical Society, serving two years, and 
now (1894) holds the office of vice-president. 

Dr. Baker was married in 1889 to Mary L. Colling, daughter of Dr. A. H. Colling 
of Utica, N. Y. 



CHARLEvS A. STILES. 

Charles A. SriLES is a native of Broome county, N. Y. , and was born in Bingham- 
ton. His father is Fred Stiles, also a native of that county, where he is largely 
interested in the invention and manufacture of tobacco and cigar machinery. He 
has two sons, Edwin, who is a compositor on the Boston Globe, and Charles A. , Avho 
is the younger. 

The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Binghamton and was prepared 
for college under Prof. E. R. Payson, of the Binghamton High School. Entering 
Cornell University in the fall of 1887, under a State Scholar.ship, he graduated hon- 
orably in 1891. Pie excelled in mathematics, for which he has a natural taste, and 
after graduating took a four years post-graduate cotirse. Mr. Stiles, believed he 
could succeed as a teacher, and pailicularly in the preparation of students, and he 
began at once after graduating, first as a private tutor, which he continued with the 
mo.st gratifying success until April 4, 1898. By the date named he had become con- 
vinced that there was an urgent need for a preparatory school in Ithaca, which 
should be especially adapted for two clashes of pupils: Those who have been in at- 
tendance in academies and high schools where the curriculum is not sufficiently com- 
prehen.sive to conform to the requirements of the entrance examinations; and those 
who by virtue of position have not been in attendance in any school for a consider- 
able time, but now wish a rapid and thorough preparation for the university. 

The school year is divided into four terms as follows; Fall term runs from October 
to December; Winter term runs from January 3 to March 33; Spring term from Ap- 
ril 3 to June 14 ; Summer term from July 5 to September 20. While these are the 
regarlar subdivisions of the year, pupils may enter at their own convenience and be 
taught privately until they are sufficiently advanced to enter the regular classes. 
However it is urged and advised that so far as possible that they enter at the begin- 
ning of some one of the terms. 

This Preparatoiy School has been from the first a thorough success. This is due 
largely to the fact that pupils who have studied here have entered the university with 
the desired mental equipment obtained in the shortest time and at nominal expense. 
Starting the first term with thirtj^-nine pupils, there were in the second term, forty- 
nine ; in the fall term forty-seven ; and fifty-three at the present time. A complete 
academic course is given, with a private course in mathematics, Latin, physics and 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 69 

chemistry. Four assistants are employed, all of whom are graduates of Cornell; 
and steps are now in progress for extensive enlargement of the facilities of the school. 
The location is the new Reed Block, corner of Buffalo and North Aurora streets. 

Professor Stiles has received the degree of B. S. from Cornell, and to his natural 
and acquired qualifications as a teacher, adds social characteristics that win friends 
wherever he is known. 

He was married June 2, 1892, to Rachel Chandler, daughter of Monmouth J. Chan- 
dler, of Farmer Village. 



REV. HIRAM GEE. 

Hiram Gee, was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland county, N. Y. , April 29, 1820. His 
father, Edward Gee, came from Orange county, N. Y., in 1810, and was among the 
first settlers of Cortland county. He located upon 640 acres of land, allotted to his 
father, Thomas Gee, for services in the Revolutionary War. Thomas Gee, the 
grandfather of our subject, came from the North of Ireland about the year 1765, a,nd 
settled in Orange county. 

At the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, Thomas Gee entered the service of 
his adopted countrj'^, and was soon promoted to the position of adjutant-general. 
He was with Sullivan's army in his campaign against the Indians, and probably vis- 
ited the section where Ithaca is now located. His records and bool<: of Military Or- 
ders of the Sullivan Campaign came into the hands of our subject, and were by him 
presented to Cornell University, and they are now in the historical department of 
that institution. Mr. Gee now has his grandfather's discharge from the army, over 
the genuine signature of General Washington. 

Our subject came to Ithaca in 1840, and was a clerk in the store of the late David 
Hanmer for about two years. In 1842 he removed to Burlington, Pa., where he en- 
gaged in mercantile business with the late Dr. William Coryell as a partner. This 
business was continued about nine years. While at Burlington he married Emily 
Palmer, youngest daughter of Edmund Palmer, of Nichols, N. Y. Mr. Gee was con- 
verted in 1850, and soon made preparations to enter the ministry. He joined the 
Oneida Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1851, and was stationed at 
Marathon, N. Y. He subsequently served the following charges: Greene, Oxford, 
Homer, and Ithaca (Seneca street). He was then made presiding elder of the old 
Auburn District, and served his term of four years. In 1872 his wife's health failed, 
and he was compelled to abandon the active work of the ministry, and has since 
made Ithaca his home. During his location here he has not been indifferent to his 
calling, but has responded to calls far and near, and has, probably, done more preach- 
ing without compensation than any man in the conference. 

In his business affairs he has been successful, and has been able to show his devo 
tion to his church and its educational institutions by contributions for their support 
amounting to more than $50,000. He has no children. 



70 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

GEORGE B. DAVIS. 

George B. Davis was born in the village of McLean about fifty years ago, and 
after passing through the common schools entered the Homer Academy, from whence 
he went to New York Central College, supporting himself by teaching part of the 
time, -being so engaged during the years 1862-63 in Syracuse. From there he went 
to the war, and during the last year of the Rebellion served in the Untited States 
Military Telegraph Department, under General Eckert ; this being a branch of the 
Signal Corps, a most efficient and necessary adjunct of the army. At the close of the 
war he occupied a position in the Interior Department at Washington, and while 
there entered Columbia College, and took a two years course in law, receiving the 
degree of LL. B. Mr. Davis began practice in Ithaca in 1876, and for several years 
was associated with Hon. Samuel Halliday, when both were young lawyers struggling 
to establish themselves. In his profession Mr. Davis has been pre-eminently success- 
ful. The case that probably gave him the greatest distinction, was the celebrated 
" Barber Trial," which occurred in 1888. A young Englishman was indicted by a 
special grand jury for a most atrocious murder, being caught almost in the act. The 
young man was in a fair way of being executed forthwith. Mr. Davis undertook his 
defence, and after a long legal and medical contest, the Court of Appeals virtually 
decided that the prisoner was a victim of epileptic insanity, and irresponsible. The 
case was extensivelj' discussed by the leading alienists both in this country and 
England, and the able defence elicited most favorable comment. Any measure 
having for its object the public good, is sure to enlist his sympathies and support, he 
being especially interested in educational matters. He was for many years an officer 
of the Grand Lodge of Masons in the State, and did efficient service in the payment 
of the large onerous debt of that body, and establishing the Masonic Home. He is 
a public spirited citizen, a courteous gentleman, and an esteemed member of societ3^ 



THE RUMSEY FAMILY. 

James Rumsey, son of Simon (a native and lifelong resident of Orange count5% 
N. Y.) was born April 4, 1759. He served a short time in the Revolution, and helped 
build Fort Montgomery on the North River. About 1800 he removed to Aurora, N. Y. , 
to live with his brother Moses, and came thence, in 1806, to Enfield, where he bought 
100 acres of land, comprising a part of the farm of his son George. Clearing a small 
plat he erected a log house and moved his family into it in the winter of 1807, and 
died on the homestead, August 22, 1842. A typical pioneer, he was prominent in 
town affairs, and being a carpenter by trade assisted in building the first Christian 
church edifice at Enfield Center. His wife, Martha Horton, born November 26, 
1765, died here June 11, 1827. Their children were: Jonathan, born November 23, 
1784, died December 10, 1872; Elizabeth (Mrs. Reuben Russell), born April 25, 1787, 
died January 30, 1864; John, born June 27, 1789, died May 20, 1814; James, jr., born 
April 29, 1792, died February 11, 1869; Joshua, born July 18, 1794, died April 12, 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 71 

1862; Solomon, born June 11, 1797, died December 26, 1860; Hannah (Mrs. S. J. 
Nobles), born March 17, 1800, died March 2, 1872; Horton, born September 28, 1802, 
died May 23, 1824; and George, born July 31, 1808. George Rumsey, the sole sur- 
vivor of this family and the only one born in Enfield, is the oldest living native of the 
town. What is now Trumbull Corners, in the town of Newfield, was originally and 
long known as Rumsey's Corners from the fact that David Rumsey and David 
Rumsey, second cousins, were respectively the first blacksmith and merchant there. 
Burr Rumsey, a son of James, jr. , is a farmer near the original homestead. Mr. 
Rumsey has been supervisor of Enfield, his residence, and also justice of the peace. 
For some years past he has spent a portion of his time at the West, leasing his farm 
to a tenant. Mr. Rumsey enjoys, to a marked degree, the confidence and respect of 
his fellow citizens. 



PART III. 



FAMILY SKETCHES 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



Avery, Edward M., was born in Groton, February 28, 1849, a son of Oliver and 
Hannah (Webb) Avery, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Edward M. was educated 
in the common schools and Groton Academy, and at the age of sixteen began work 
as a machinist with Perrigo & Avery, becoming a journeyman after three years, dur- 
ing part of which time he attended school. Having become a practical machinist, he 
worked at his trade for some time, and about 1873 was advanced to the position of 
foreman, and when the business was merged into the Groton Bridge Company he con- 
tinued in the same capacity, which position he now fills. October 9, 18T7, he married 
Lina, daughter of Alanson and Maria Field, and their children were : Henry Gardner, 
born October 37, 1878 ; and Harold Field, born August 2, 1880. For two years our 
subject was a member of the Board of Education, and for many years has been active 
in the M. E. church, acting as chorister for fifteen years. He is now one of the trus- 
tees and stewards. Nehemiah Webb, a former resident of Genoa, came with his 
family to Groton about 1823, where he followed his business of tailoring for thirty 
years. He died in 1853. 'His wife was Abigail Backus, and their only child was 
Hannah, born January 7, 1806, who married OHver Avery, April 3, 1825, and died 
March 22, 1883. 

Atwater, Manning, was born in Enfield, February 22, 1844, was educated in the 
public schools, Trumansburgh Academy, Lima Seminary, and Genesee Wesleyan Col- 
lege. September 29, 1862, he enhsted in Co. E, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was wounded 
in the battle of Fredericksburg. For four weeks he was in Harewood Hospital in 
Washington, and when convalescent he was home on a furlough, and later was as- 
signed to the Invalid Corps. He was honorably discharged October 11, 1864. Upon 
his return he took charge of the farm, with his brothers. In 1869 he became a mer- 
chant in Trumansburgh, and has so continued. October 8, 1873, he married Louisa 
Pratt, of Trumansburgh, and they have two living children: Mabel A. and Herbert 
D. , both ' residing- at home. Mr. Atwater's father, David, was born in Ulysses, 
March 30, 1800, and was a millwright and farmer. He married first Harriet Norton, 
and they had five children. For his second wife he married Amanda Daggett, form- 
erly of Vermont, and they had eight children : Harriet, Irvin, Manning, Anna, Da- 
vid, Elijah, Clarinda and Charles. His father died February 5, 1864, and his mother 
survives, aged eighty-two years. This family is of New England origin on both 
sides. Mr. Atwater is a member of Truman Post, No. 572, G. A. R. 

Atwood, George W., was born in New Hampshire, February 10, 1826, a son of Na- 
than, of New Hampshire. The latter followed for a number of years the trade of 



4 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

finishing woolen dress goods, and then took up farming, ending his life at this occu- 
pation, being instantly killed by a fall from a tree- In 1825 he married Dolly 
Farnman, of New Hampshire, and they had six children, as. follows: George W., 
Harriet N. , Eda B., Mary F., Dolly A., Lucy G., our subject being the oldest child, 
aged now sixty-seven years. In his early life he worked at farming, then for three 
years worked in a hotel for a Mr. Wilson, at Hillsborough, N. H. He then went 
to work for the D. L. and W. Railroad, in 1851, which he followed for thirty-four 
years. After this he bought the farm on which he now lives. He settled down to 
this business, building a new house in 1861. In 1856 he married Mrs. Clock, wid- 
ow of William Clock, of Caroline, and they had two children, Julia F., and Emma 
E., the latter deceased. Mr. Atwood's farm consists of 100 acres. He is a Mason 
of Caroline Lodge No. 681, and is a Democrat. 

Allen, Isaac, who was one of the most active persons in founding West Groton, 
and who also established the first store at that place, was a native of Vermont and 
came to this town in 1804. He built a l(;g cabin on the corner lot east of Perr}- W. 
Allen's residence, and after that his father, Joseph Allen, and family became resi- 
dents of the town. During the war of 1812 Isaac Allen, and also a brother, was en- 
gaged in the service. Isaac was a bridge builder, and constructed a large bridge over 
the Potomac River at Washington, also assisted in building the first bridge across 
Cayuga Lake ; but in Groton followed farming and owned an extensive tract of land 
reaching half a mile north and a mile south of the present village of West Groton. 
He was for many years justice of the peace. At the time of his death, March 3, 1825, 
he was the owner of 315 acres of good land, which was divided among his children. 
In 1823 he built the first store in the locality (the old building still stands opposite 
P. W. Allen's house), stocked it with goods and placed it in care of James I. Brinker- 
hoof. The wife of Isaac Allen was Susan Sellen, daughter of the pioneer Deacon 
John Sellen, and their children were as follows: Amanda, who married Rev. Joseph 
W. Stearns; Marilla, Perry W., Louisa and Napoleon W. Perry W. Allen was born 
in Groton February 10, 1818. He worked in a store and was afterward proprietor 
of a mercantile business at West Groton for several years. For twentj^-seven years 
Mr. Allen was either postmaster or deputy at West Groton. March 14, 1848, he mar- 
ried Charlotte E. Clement, by whom he has had three children : Warner C. , Ethan W., 
and Flora J. Mr. Allen is a Democrat, was the son of a Democrat, but not until re- 
cently has he been active m political life. He was the first three-years assessor elec- 
ted in the town. For a number of years he was a member of the County Committee, 
and still stands high in the councils of his party. 

Alexander, Mary J., is the widow of Jeremiah Alexander, who was born in New- 
field, December 30, 1818, was educated in the common schools and took up farming 
as an occupation, settling on the old homestead consisting of 160 acres. Robert, his 
father, was born in New Jersey and first settled in the town of Lansing, then moved 
to Newfield, where he married Lucinda Howell, by whom he had ten children. Of 
these Jeremiah was the youngest, and he died at the age of forty-seven years, leaving 
a family of four children, two being married and away from home. Mrs. Alexander 
manages the home farm, and is a member of the M. E. church. Her late husband 
was assessor, trustee of the church and school trustee, and in politics was a Repub- 
lican. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 5 

Barnum, R. W., was born in Dryden, February 32, 1823. His father came from 
Gorham, Conn., in 1818 and bought the cloth and carding mill on the site of the 
Rockwell Woolen Factory. R. W. Barnum was educated in the common schools, 
-after which he began farming, and at the age of twenty-five married Alvira A. Gil- 
lette, who died in 1866. In L869 he again married, his second wife being Sarah J. 
Hill. In 1844 he bought part of the Hoagland pi-operty of sixty-two acres, and has 
also purchased adjoining lands; being now the owner of eighty-eight acres of some 
of the best lands in the locality. He is a man who keeps well abreast of the times, 
.and is thorough!}' well-informed. 

Bostwick, Hermon V., was born in the town of Enfield, December 1, 1841, a son 
of Orson Bostwick. The latter was a native of Connecticut, born in New Milford in 
1804, who came into this county about 1828, buying a square mile of land in Enfield, 
which had a fine growth of timber (pine), and which brought him a large profit. He 
was the father of four children, two who reached adult age : William L. Bostwick, a 
cashier of the custom house, and our subject. Hermon V. was educated in Ithaca 
Academy, where he prepared for college, and entered Hamilton College with the 
•class of '64. He then managed his father's farm, and in the spring of 1865 came to 
Ithaca, and was for two years engaged in grain dealing and building boats for the 
canal in partnership ' with Willard King. While so engaged he also established a 
cooperage business, which he has ever since conducted. Mr. Bostwick is a Repub- 
lican in 23olitics. He has always been prominent in church work, is now treasurer 
and junior church warden in St. John's church. He is a member of the Sigma Phi 
fraternity and of the Protective Police of the Fire Department. In 1867 Mr. Bost- 
wick married Emily Dibble, a native of Michigan, and they have three children liv- 
ing: Charles D., who graduated in Course in Arts, class of 1893, and is now in the 
Law Department of Cornell University ; and a son and daughter who are students. 

Baker, William H., was born in the town of Dryden, January 39, 1857, and was 
educated in the common schools and Dryden Academy. After leaving school he 
clerked in the store of H. F. Pratt and then went to Ithaca and connected himself 
withD. B. Stewart, returned to Dr^^den in the spring of 1881 and purchased stock of 
H. F. Pratt, remaining there for nine years in the same store and then moved into 
the stone store and took his brother into partnership, the firm now being known as 
Baker Bros. They carry the largest and finest stock of groceries, crockery, fruits, 
confectionery, and canned goods in the town of Dryden. He was married at the 
age of twenty-seven to Ella Hoagland, daughter of Harrison Hoagland. Mrs. Baker 
passed away April 5, 1891, leaving two children, one son, Harrison, and one daugh- 
ter, Nellie. Our subject is one of the leading merchants of his town, taking an act- 
ive interest in school matters, being secretary of the Board of Education, etc. 

Burlingame, Dewitt C, deceased, was born in Harford, Cortland county, N. Y. , 
August 15, 1843. His father, Alanson Burlingame, came from Lebanon, Madison 
county. Our subject was educated in the common schools and afterwards took a 
Ijusiness college course. At twenty-nine he married Mary Cook, daughter of John 
Cook, of Towanda, Pa., and they are the parents of one son, Alanson D., who is now 
a student at Union College, a young man who promises to be able to take a promi- 
nent position among his townspeople. Our subject died June 1, 1889, leaving a Avife 
and son to take up and carry out his many business mterests. 



6 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Burch, Chester D., was born in Drj^den, February 8, 1844. His father, John Burch, 
was born July 8, 1811, in the town of Dryden. The grandfather, John Burch, came 
from Herkimer county in 1808 and married Bet.sey Topping; he was a soldier in the 
war of 1812. John Burch, jr., married Abagail Hart, of Dryden, and .settled on lot 
39, where he passed his life and died at sixty-nine years of age in 1880. Chester D. 
Burch received his education in the common schools and finished under Prof. Jack- 
son Graves at the Dryden Academy. After leaving school he returned to his father's 
farm, and at the age of twenty-two he married Ida I. Gaston, daughter of Edwin R. 
Gaston, of Etna, and they are the parents of one son, Frank L. Burch. In 1878 he 
bought of his father sixty-five acres on lot 39 ; in 1887 he bought another part of his 
father's estate; in 1893 he bought and owns the R. B. Gardner farm, having 150 
acres, on which he raises hay, grain and stock, making a specialty of dairying. He 
is a Republican. He is a trustee of the M. E. church. In 1890 he was elected presi- 
dent of the Dryden Agricultural Society and still continues to serve in that position. 
He is also vice-president of the Dryden Cemetery Association, and vice-president of 
the Tompkins County Agricultural Society. 

Bush, Hattie, was born in Ithaca, the daughter of Seymour Koots, one of the old 
residents of the town, and a practical farmer. At the age of twenty' our subject 
married Luther B. Bush, of the town of Lansing, and soon moved on to a farm in the 
northeast part of the town of Ithaca, where Mr. Bush is recognized as a practical and 
successful farmer, keeping abreast of the times, and taking a deep interest in educa- 
tional matters. Mr. and Mrs. Bu.sh have a family of three sons and two daughters, 
now in school. Mr. Bush is a Democrat in politics, but devotes his energies to 
achieving success as a farmer. 

Bradley, Daniel, who during many jrears of residence in Groton was better known 
as "Deacon" Bradley, was a native of Massachusetts and came to Groton among 
the early settlers. His children were as follows; Columbus, who lived and died in 
Syracuse; Daniel, of the .same place: Marilla, who married first Jesse Atwater, and 
after his death Dr. Chadwick ; Joseph, who died in Syracuse; Hannah, who married 
Sidney Gooding; David, now of Chicago; Mary; Esther, who married Roswell Glov- 
er ; Lemi, who died in Groton ; and a daughter who died young. Daniel died in this 
town about 1860. Lemi, son of Daniel, was born in Groton June 12, 1822, and spent 
his life on the farm. November 3, 1846, he married Urania Hart, and they had these 
children; George,- now in Missouri; Daniel L. , a contractor and builder of Groton^ 
who married Mary, daughter of Corbright Morgan; William H., now in Minnesota: 
and iVda, who died young. Lemi Bradley died April 1, 1864, and his wife June 11, 
1868. 

Bishop, Alonson, M. D., was born in Exeter, Otsego county, in 1831, and educated 
at Marathon and Garrettsville Academies. In 1859 he began the study of medicine 
in the ofS.ce of Drs. Bradford and Maynard at Marathon, and after two years went 
to Albany Medical College. From there he went to Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital 
College, graduating in Februarj^, 1863. He practiced m Speedsville, Tompkins coun- 
ty, a short time and then came to Ithaca, where he was located until 1868. That 
year he spent in the New York Homeopathic College, where he took the degree of 
M. D. Returning to Ithaca he resumed his practice with Dr. E. J. Morgan, sr. , 
which existed until 1880, when he located in New York cit3\ After nine j^ears of 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 7 

Tnetropolitan practice he returned to his native county, and formed a co-partnership 
with his former partner, Dr. Morgan, sr. The firm of Drs. Bishop & Beaman was 
established in 1893, the junior member being Charles P. Beaman, of Philadelphia, Pa. 

Brown, Ebenezer, the pioneer head of a large and highly respected family of Lan- 
sing, was born in Connecticut and came to Orange count}^ N. Y. , at an early da}'. 
About 1794 he located in Lansing. Three children, Martha, Maria and Eunice, came 
Avith the family to this locality, and these children were born in Lansing: William, a 
soldier m the war of 1812, -who was wounded on the Canadian border and died at 
Black Rock ; Benoni, who still lives, aged ninety-five 3'ears ; Sarah, who married 
Joseph Head ; and James, who died in Ithaca. After the death of his first wife, Eb- 
enezer married Sarah Gee, the children of this union being: Electa, who married Al- 
vin Allen, and Julia, who became the wife of John Lanterman. Ebenezer died in 
1846. Benoni Brown, familiarly known throughout Lansing and Groton as Deacon 
Brown, was born April 22, 1798, and has always lived on a farm. In 1836 he mar- 
ried Hannah L. Townley, by whom he had ten children : James W. , who died in in- 
fancy; Effingham T. ; Mary J. (wife of C. W. Conger); Ebenezer E. ; Addie R. (wife 
of J. G. Cobb); Fannie A. (wife of Wm. H. Fitch); Benton; Ellen (wife of C. H. 
Bacon); Charles (who died in the ami}- in 1864); and Sara (wife of W. L. Cogshall). 
Hannah L. (Townley) Brown, died in July, 1876, aged seventy-one. Deacon Brown 
has been a prominent figure in local affairs for many years. For more than half a 
century he was deacon in the Congregational church at West Groton. He has been 
supervisor and held other town offices. He was originally a Democrat, but since the 
war has been a Republican. His father, Ebenezer Brown, was a Revolution ar}^ sol- 
dier, and was one of the lifeguards of General Washington. The body of life guards 
was composed of fifteen soldiers. When he came to Lansing there was but one house 
where Ithaca now is, and that was a double log house, kept as a tavern by a man by 
the name of De Munn. 

Buck, George E., was born in the town of Ithaca, July 20, 1854, a son of Edward, 
a native of Connecticut, born in East Glastonbury in 1812, who came to this section at 
the age of about eighteen. He was a dealer in jewelry, and a few years later estab- 
lished a grocer}^ and restaurant on Aurora street. He was a Republican, and during 
the last year of his life was door-keeper at the Capitol at Albany. He died in 1866. 
Of his four children our subject was the first son. The second son is a gradu'ate of 
the Boston School of Pharmacy, in which city he has since conducted a drug store. 
One son died at the age of seventeen ^^ears, and a daughter married H. W. Butler, of 
Iowa, she being now deceased. Her son is Edwin Butler. George was educated in 
the old Lancasterian School, and at the age of thirteen was taken out of school and 
put to work ; he entered the grocer}^ store of Stewart & Manchester as clerk, remain- 
ing one year. He was then employed variousl^r until 1879, when in partnership with 
F. C. Mead he established a grocerj- at the corner of State and Corn streets. In 1881 
they removed to the corner of Seneca and Plain streets, where he is now located. In 
1884 Mr. Mead died, and our subject became sole proprietor, conducting one of the 
best exclusive grocery stores in the city, no tobacco being kept in the place. Mr. 
Buck is a prominent worker in the State Street Church. He is also a member of the 
Royal Arcanum. In 1879 he mai-ried Libbie Matthews, of Ithaca, and they have six 
children. His mother is still living at the age of seventy-six. 



8 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Brooks, Arthur B. , was born Januar}'- 10, 1845, in vStratford, Conn. His father, 
Frederick, moved with his family to this countr}^ in the spring of 1853, havmg pur- 
chased the hatting business of Isaac Tichenor, which bushiess he carried on until his 
death in 1871. Arthur B. was educated in the old Ithaca Academy, and at the age 
of sixteen entered the employ of George Halsey, and then occupied the store in which 
Mr. Brooks is now located, remaining with him for six months, during which time he 
assisted in moving the stock to the store now occupied by White & Burdick, and then 
went with Schu^-ler & Curtiss for about four years. In 1867 he went in partnership 
with John and J. C. Gauntlett, under the firm name of Gauntlett & Brooks. Mr. 
John Gauntlett died in 1876, but the business was continued by the surviving part- 
ners until 1890, when J. C. Gauntlett retired from business, and since then it has 
been conducted by Mr. Brooks alone. In 1893 he moved from the old stand, which 
for forty years had been occupied as a drug store, to his present location No. 30 East 
State street, where he first began as a clerk. His present store has been entirely re- 
fitted with new and modern fixtures. Mr. Brooks is putting up a number of prepa- 
rations, which are meeting with a ready sale, and also carries a full line of druggists' 
supplies, toilet articles, cigars, etc. In 1870 he married Mary, the daughter of John 
Gauntlett, and they have two sons, Alfred C, a graduate of Cornell University, class- 
of '93, architecture, and John G., a graduate of the Ithaca High School, and is now 
studying pharmacy under his father. 

Banfield, Isaac, was born June 7, 1813, in the town of Danby, and received his ed- 
ucation in the common schools of his day. At the age of twentj'-four he married 
Laura Lewis, daughter of Eli and Cena Lewis, who died September 15, 1843, from 
which one child survives, Mrs. Susan Gardner, of Springport, Mich. At the age of 
thirty-three he again married Harriett C. Mabee, daughter of John and Catherine 
Mabee, who died March 10, 1853; one child, George F., of Danby, surviving. And 
August 3, 1853, he again married Laura Tuthill, daughter of Gideon and Marguett 
Tuthill, who lived until March 22, 1888. Mr. Banfield is a Democrat in politics, and 
one of the respected and substantial citizens of the locality. 

Brewer, Byron, was born in Pultneyville, Wayne count^^ on the bank of Lake On- 
tario, June 1, 1845. The life he led as a boy, sporting, fishing, and sailing boats on 
the lake, fitted him admirably for the life of a sailor, and he followed the life of a sea- 
man for some eight years. He is one of the few whalers, once so numerous, we 
sometimes run across and whose reminiscences of those times when whaling was a 
large and profitable industry is perhaps more highly prized than any part of his sub- 
sequent life. After fourteen years of active life in the Western States he returned 
to this State, and in 1882 bought the old "White Mill" at Freeville, which he has- 
made into a modern mill, making a specialty of fancy buckwheat flour, which is well 
and favorably known throiighout the State and in many loealities in Western and 
Southern States. In 1890 he took his son, Geo. A. Brewer, into partnership with 
him, and the firm is known as B. Brewer & Son. They are among the leading and 
substantial citizens of the town. 

Brown, Holden T. , was born in this town September 25, 1812. His father, Abra- 
ham Brown, was a native of Westchester county, and the maternal grandfather of 
our subject, Isaac Tripp, was a native of Rhode Island. Abraham Brown settled in 
Tompkins county when about thirty years of age, and followed chiefly farming. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 9 

though he kept hotel also for about thirty years, the bui Iding- standing within eighty 
rods of our subject's present home. His first hotel was a log house, btit soon after 
he built a frame house, and had a large patronage, often having twenty- 
teams and their occupants to provide for at once. His wife was Susanna, daughter 
of Isaac Tripp, and they had six children, the youngest of whom was our subject, 
Holden T., who married in 1839 Margaret Crawford, of Newfield, bv whom he 
had ten children, one deceased. The others are as follows: Hiram H., IraT. , H. W., 
E. A., Margaret A., Abraham M., Delia, Lina, Charles H., and May E. Mr. Brown 
is a Patron of Husbandry and in politics a Republican. Mrs. Margaret Brown died in 
1872. 

Barden, John, was born m New Hampshire in 1825 and is a descendant of old New 
England stock. The first of the familj^ came to this country from Scotland early in 
the 17th century and suffered in common with others from the French and Indian 
wars. He was educated in the common schools of his day, after leaving which, he 
was for a time in his father's store and factory. In 1846 he engaged in railroad busi- 
ness. He assisted in the construction of the Northern Railroad of New Hampshire, 
and the Nashua and Wilton Railroad. In 1849 he came to Ithaca with contractor 
P. W. Jones, to construct the present Ca^aiga and Susquehanna branch of the D. 
L. & W. from Ithaca to Owego. The spring following he went to Scranton and was 
engaged in building the road from there to Great Bend. When the road was com- 
pleted he returned to Ithaca, where he has resided until the present tune. Mr. Bar- 
den is a Democrat, and in 1889 was elected mayor of the city of Ithaca, Avhich office 
he held two years. He has been director of Tompkins County Bank for over twelve 
years. He has been twice married ; his first wife was Eliza A. Coddington, and his 
pi-esent wife Abby S. Shaw, of Towanda, Pa. 

Buck, Benjamin, came from Great Bend, Pa., in 1805, with his wife and twelve 
children. Three more were born to them after coming here. He settled near the 
Baptist church in East Lansing, where he died in 1850, aged eighty-eight ^^ears. 
Daniel Buck, his second son, married Sallie Garrison, and settled on a farm in East 
Lansing, He died in 1856. He was a deacon in the Baptist church for more than 
forty years. By his marriage he had twelve children : Simeon, Levi, Nancy, Almi- 
ra, Louisa, Lorana, Benjamin, Phoebe, Lydia, Daniel, James, and Alvah B. The 
latter, Alvah B. Buck, Avas born August 12, 1834, and has always been a farmer. 
December 30, 1858, he married Helen M. Hatch, who died September 25, 1865. Oc- 
tober 11, 1866, he married Harriet E. Hatch, sister of his first wife, and they had 
four children: Fred H., Earle D., Ellard A., and Leon F. Alvah is a successful far- 
mer, living in Groton, who bought the " Hatch Home Famn" of 115 acres. Ede 
Hatch was born September 20, 1760. He was a native of Connecticut and served 
with the American army in the Revolution. He married Eunice Chapman, and in 
1815 with his wife and nine children removed to New York State. ' About 1825 he 
settled on a farm in West Groton with his youngest son, Eleazer. In 1838 Eleazer 
married Maria Haring. She died in 1853, and in 1854 he married Lorena Buck (now 
Mrs. Alanson Tallmadge). The children of his first marriage were: Helen M., Sa- 
rah J., and Harriet E. Eleazer Hatch was a successful farmer and was prominently 
connected with the Baptist church. He died March 15, 1871. Phoebe Buck married 
Simeon Conger, January 7, 1846, and had five children: Annette, Eddie, N. P. Wil- 



10 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

lis, Charles Fa}-, and Fred B. Simeon was a mechanic and book-keeper at Groton 
village. He was also an occasional preacher, but was not ordained. He died in 1866. 

Booth, John Isaac, was born in what is now Schuyler county, November 9, 1838, 
the son of John Isaac and Hannah (Thompson) Booth. The father was a farmer 
and school teacher, and our subject was brought up to farm work, while in the wm- 
ter he attended the district school. Later on he attended the Burdett Academy. At 
the age of sixteen he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked about five 
years. About 1860 Mr, Booth came to Groton and found employment in the Separa- 
tor works, where he remained five ^^ears, and then entered upon a more active career 
as one of the firm of Williams & Booth, general furniture dealers and undertakers. 
About 1868 Mr. Williams retired from the firm, and a year later Smith Booth became 
associated with the business, and so continued until 1880. For eight years thereafter 
J. I. Booth was sole proprietor, arid in 1888 George Alvin Booth acquired an interest in 
the firm, and the present firm of J. I. Booth & Son was formed. Their factory and sales- 
rooms on Main street are well stocked and supplied with all the machiner}' and equip- 
ment necessary for the conduct of their extensive business, and it is almost needless 
to say that from the time of its original beginning, in 1866, the business has been 
abundantly successful, while its senior proprietor has ever been regarded as one of 
Groton's first business men. In 1866 Mr. Booth married Sarah M. Hard, of which 
union four children have been born : Henrietta, wife of David L. Morey, of Bridge- 
port, Conn. ; George Alvin, in partnership with his father; Emmett Ray, vice-presi- 
dent of the Owego Bridge Company; and Bertha Belle, wife of Guernsey B. Will- 
iams, who holds a resposible position in the large mercantile house of D. McCarthy & 
Co., of Syracuse. 

Boice, James, was born in Caroline, Ma}^ 24, 1843, a son of Emery, who was born 
in Ulster county, March 3, 1806, and came with his parents to this county at the age 
of ten years. Here he followed farming all his life, beginning with his father, Abram 
Boice, who gave the name to Boiceville, where he owned a farm of 150 acres. Emery 
started in life on the Erie Canal, which he followed two years, then began work on 
the farm. His wife was Penelope Krum, of Ulster county, by whom he had two chil- 
dren : William K. and James. The latter has followed his father's occupation of farm- 
ing, and was at home with his parents until the age of twenty-three, when he mar- 
xied Margaret F. Thomas, daughter of Benjamin Thomas, of Dryden, now Caroline, 
December 0, 1865, and about April 1, 1867, they settled on their present place of 135 
.acres. Mr. Boice is at present special agent of the dairy department of the State 
Agricultural Department, having received his appointment from Governor Flower in 
1893. Mr. and Mrs. Boice have had two children: Arthur J. and Nellie E. Our sub- 
ject is a Mason of Caroline Lodge No. 681. He is a Democrat, and has served as as- 
.sessor and supervisor. 

Bull, Justus, was born in Caroline, August 30, 1823. His father, Aaron, was one 
of the pioneer settlers of the town of Dryden, being a native of Connecticut, who set- 
tled on the place now owned by Aaron Schutt. He began with a limited stock of 
funds, but his father in-law gave him fifty acres of land, on which he started, and at 
that time Caroline, as it is now known, was a settlement of Dutch. Aaron Bull at 
.one time kept a hotel in this town (about 1807), some ten years before the county of 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 11 

Tompkins was set off, and he became the owner of a tjreat manv acres of vakiable 
land in this section, and also owned a distiller\- and a saw mill. In IS.K) he went west 
and bought State lands in Wisconsin, which cost him several thousand dollars, and 
at his death he was preparing to retire to the West. He died April 21, 1859, aged 
seventy-five years. His wife was Mary Kruni, and they had ten children. Our sub- 
ject has always lived in this town, where he was educated for a school teacher. In 
1865 he married Amelia Rightmire, a native of Somerset county, N. J., and they have 
had five children: Julia E., born June 16, 1866; Durward B., born March 28, 1868; 
Maggie, born August 4, 1870; Ma}- E., born November 5, 1872; and Kate, born April 
29, 1875. All were educated in the Brookton School and .at Ithaca High School, and 
two in the Normal School at Cortland. One daughter has taught seventeen terms, 
being very successful in her work. Three of the children are school teachers, and 
the son lives at home with his parents. Four of the family are members of the Bap- 
tist church. 

Robertson, Burnett F., was born in Dryden, Aj^ril 12, 1845. the oldest of three chil- 
dren of Oakley and Sylvia Robertson. Burnett was brought up on a farm and edu- 
cated in the district schools and Groton Acadeni}-. He lived at home with his j^ar- 
ents until his marriage on February 17, 1869, to Laura L., daughter of Volney and 
Samantha vStevens, of West Groton. Soon after his marriage our subject, with his 
brother, purchased the home farm, where he lived nine years, and then exchanged 
with his father for a farm north of McLean village. Here he lived till 1884, then re- 
moved to the Volney Stevens farm in West Groton. He is a Prohibitionist in poli- 
tics. Yolne}' Stevens was the son of pioneer John Stevens, and was born January 13, 
1809. He married Samantha, daughter of Nathan Benson. She was born March 
21, 1808, and they had five children: Persis M., Manson, Ellen, Nathan B. (a mem- 
ber of Companj' F, 109th Regiment, who served three years), and Laura L. , wife of 
our subject, Burnett Robertson. Volney Stevens died September 22, 1875, and his 
wife Januar}' 20, 1876. 

Benton, Orange N., was born in A'irgil, Cortland county, November 15, 1824, one 
of eleven children of Frederick and Rachel Benton. He lived on his father's farm 
until sixteen years of age, then started for himself and learned the carpenter's trade. 
In 1854 he married Phoebe Ann Mix, }^oungest daughter of Ethan and AVelthea Mix, of 
Groton. Mr. and Mrs. Mix came to Groton in 1813 from \"ermont. Imbued with true 
New England spirit, a tract of land was cleared and a handsome home built. They 
raised a family of nine children. Mr. Mix became a man of pi-ominence in town af- 
fairs, being twice elected supervisor. He died in 1870, and his estimable wife a j^ear 
later. Orange Benton and family came to Groton in 1866 and bought the old Hop- 
kins farm, a mile east of the village. They have had three children: Emily E., a 
teacher in the Groton L^nion School; Elmer M., who died in 1893 in Moravia, N. Y. 
He was a Christian gentleman, whose earnest, faithful work in places of trust lives 
after; and Olia S., who died in 1887 while visiting in Minneapolis, Minn. ]\Ir. Ben- 
ton has had marked success in selecting and raising colts to fine horses, and has sold 
some of the handsomest carriage teams in the State. 

Besemer, John J., was born m Caroline, July 12, 1822. James, his father, 
was also a native here, and lived on the farm now owned by J. A. D. Cooper. 
He followed farming all his life, and married Sallie Depew, taking the farm her 



12 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

widowed mother then lived on, which farm he worked to within a 3-ear of his death, 
our subject then coming to the farm on which his father died, where he has since 
remained. James and wife had five children, of whom John J. was the second. He 
married Nelly C. Eignor, daughter of John. Eignor of Caroline. He bought a farm 
on what is known as Bald Hill, where he stayed ten years, then came to his present 
place, known as the homestead. He is the father of seven children: Oscar, Charles, 
Frank, Arthur, John, Edwin and Erma; the first three children all died during the 
year 1863 ; the others are all in business for themselves, except Erma, who lives at 
home. Arthur is a physician in practice in Dundee ; John works his father's farm, 
and lives on the farm ; Edwin is a salesman on the road. The children were educated 
in the High School at Ithaca, with the exception of Edwin. John J. had the benefit 
of a common school education. He is a Granger and also a member of the M. E. 
church at Slaterville, and in politics a Republican. 

Benson, Nathan, was one of the early settlers in the western part of Groton, 
and was the head of a respected family in whose honor the locality known as 
Benson's Corners received its name. Mr. Benson was a man of influence in the 'early 
history of the town, and was identified with many of the prominent measures for the 
welfare of the locality. In his family were four boys and five girls, one of the former 
being Chandler Benson, subject of sketch. Like his father. Chandler was an im- 
portant inan in West Groton, and is remembered as having been a successful farmer. 
He died March 8, 1872. Mr. Benson was three times married. His first wife was 
Maria Townley, by whom he had three children: Eveline, Addie and Elvira. His 
second wife was the daughter of Lewis Townley, and of this marriage there were no 
children who grew to maturity. Mr. Benson's third wife was Philena Buck, by 
Avhom he had three chilaren: Giles H., Charles F. and Orlin D. Mr. Benson was 
originalljr a Whig and afterward a Republican, and was frequently elected to the 
office of assessor. Moreover, he was a successful farmer, and left a good farm to 
his children. Giles H. Benson was born in Groton, May 15, 1849, and has always 
lived in the town. October 25, 1871, he married Mary, daughter of John H. Haring, 
of Lansing, and they have one child. Mr. Benson lives on part of the old home 
farm, and his buildings are among the best in town. 

Baldwin, M. M., M.A., LL.B.— By Mrs. B. H. Parhaman. Ehsha Baldwin, 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch,, was born in New Marlborough, Conn. At 
the earh* age of sixteen he enlisted in the army of the Revolution and served six 
years, much of the time under Generals. Lee and Washington. He was in the cele- 
brated battles at Brandywine and Monmouth. In the latter he stood but a short 
distance from General Lee, and distinctly heard the altercation between him and 
General Washington. His grandchildren loved to gather around him and listen 
with bated breath while he portraj'ed the fearful sufferings of Washington and his 
heroic army during that dreadful winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge. At the close of 
the war Mr. Baldwin retired from the service with only a few dollars of nearly 
worthless Continental money. He married, and, after several removals, settled at 
Clarence, Erie county, N. Y. , where he brought up a large family of children. In 
1818 he was granted an annual life pension, and his certificate was signed by Hon. 
John C. Calhoun, secretary of war. General Anson, the seventh child, was married 
to Huldah A. Murdock in April, 1819, the Rev. Glezea Fillmore, officiating. Miss 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 13 

Murdock was a daughter of Joshua Murdock, one of the first settlers of A'enice, 
Caj-uga county, and a sister of Hon. Lyman Murdock, projector of the "Murdock 
Railroad," so called. Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A. Baldwin soon settled at Royal Center, 
Niagara county, where three children were born to them: Marvin, Charlotte and 
Calvin. Here, at Royal Center Academy, Marvin accomplished a full college course 
of stud)^ under the excellent management of Donald G. Eraser, A.M., and Edward 
D. Kennicott, A.M. He soon afterwards received the degree of M. A. from Genesee, 
now Hobart College, New York, under Dr. Benjamin Hale, president. Mr. Baldwin 
then entered the law and land offices of Hon. Washington Hunt, first judge of 
Niagara county and afterwards comptroller, member of congress and governor of 
the State. Before commencing practice he attended the Dane Law School of 
Harvard Universit}', under Hon. Joseph Storj^ of the United States Supreme Court, 
with whom he read "Stoiy on the Constitution," and Hon. Simon Greenleaf, author 
of Greenleaf on "Evidence." He afterwards attended a course of lectures before 
the senior class of the Hamilton College Law School, and received the degree of 
LL.B. in course. In 1847 Mr. Baldwin married Francina, daughter of Isaac Morse, 
esq., a sister of Dr. Julius G. Morse, late of San Francisco. Finding the law un- 
■suited to his taste, he decided to devote his life mainly to teaching. He has occupied 
successfully the proud and honorable, if onerous, position of principal of several 
of the best academies and seminaries of New York, leaving them m a much better 
and more flourishing condition than he found them in. He also received numerous 
appointments from the state superintendent of public instruction for instructing in 
teachers' institutes and for lecturing in important counties of this State. In Jul}', 
1861, after six years of faithful labor as principal of Medina Academy, Mr. Baldwin 
located at Groton, N. Y. , where he managed the Groton Acrdemy for eleven j^ears to- 
general acceptation. In 1873 he sold to the school district his entire interest in the 
academy, of which he had purchased the stock in 1862. In March, 1882, the first 
building burned down, and a new one of brick has since been erected and finished at 
.an expense of about §20,000. * "- * For a third of a century, a good!}' portion of 
a long and useful life, has Prof. Baldwin spent in teaching, and many who have 
been his pupils now occup)- honorable positions in the world and in the home, doubt- 
less remember many noble sentiments inculcated with the curriculum of knowledge. 
In a recent conversation one of his pupils said : ' ' Prof. Baldwin was my ideal of a 
teacher. I venerated him then, I venerate him 7ioiu." A multitude now living 
would doubtless sincerely echo these heartfelt words of tribute to an earnest, zealous, 
noble-minded principal. A. M. Baldwin, Ph.B., M.D., was prepared for college at 
the Groton Academy under his father's instruction ; then passed two years at Hamil- 
ton College, two years at Cornell University, and then one year at Leipsic University, 
Germany, after which he engaged as principal of Groton Academy, Leavenworth 
Institute, State Normal School at Muncey, Pa., and Williamsport High School, with 
about sixty teachers under him; when, finding this calling too confining for health, 
he read medicine with the then celebrated Dr. Reinhalt, of Williamsport, and enter- 
ing the Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, was chosen for the second 
year president of his class, and received his degree of M.D. in regular course. He 
^'as then married to Miss Kate M. Shoemaker, of Muncey, a graduate of the National 
School of Elocution and Oratory, Philadelphia, in the class of 1879. Dr. Baldwin 
"has ever since resided and practiced in the village of Groton, with eminent success. 



14 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Boyd, Andrew, was born April 17, 1832, educated in the village of Silverstone, Eng- 
land, and at the age of twenty-three came to this country and settled in the town of 
Caroline. In 1857 he went to Kansas, where he was a spectator of the burning of 
Ossawatamie by the Missourians at the time of the Free Soil troubles. In 1859 he 
went to Pike's Peak and located a mining claim, living on the game of the place, elk, 
antelope, deer and buffalo being very plenty. In the fall he returned to Kansas, 
travehng 200 miles across the country at night to avoid hostile Indians. Our subject 
has had a varied and extremely exciting experience as a trader and miner in all the 
Western States, spending foui-teen years at that business. He returned to Tompkins- 
county in 1871, where he married Laura, daughter of Spencer Hungerford, of the 
town of Caroline, who died in 1881. He married second Lucy A., daughter of Will- 
iam Wake, of Canton, she being a graduate of the Normal School of Fredonia. Mrs. 
Boyd has borne him two children : Mildred, and one who died. Mr. Boyd is a Re- 
publican in politics, and is active in religious and educational matters, being a mem- 
ber of the Episcopal church at Candor. In 1873 he bought a farm of 140 acres, where 
he now resides, and is regarded as a practical and successful farmer. 

Boardraan, Truman, was born in Covert, Seneca county, February T, 1810. He re- 
ceived a common school education, and in early life became an agent; afterwards fol- 
lowing farming until 1863, when he sold his farm and moved to Trumansburgh. He 
was supervisor of the town of Covert three years, and was also State senator in 
1858-9. He was member of assembly in 1881, and was trustee of the old Trumans- 
burgh Academy until it was merged into the High School, and was its president sev- 
eral years. He has also been and is now a director in the First National Bank of 
Ithaca, and has been president of Grove Cemeteiy of Trumansburgh for fourteen 
years. June 5, 1834, he married Aurelia C. Whiting, formerly of Winsted, Litchfield 
county. Conn. They had four children: Gertrude, who married David G. Arnold, of 
Ulysses; Myron, a graduate of the medical department, Universitjr of Georgetown, 
Washington, D. C, who married first Almira L. Heustis, and second Annie G. Stutz- 
man ; Herbert, a graduate of the Yale College and of the medical department. Uni- 
versity of Georgetown, Washington, D. C, who practiced in Rochester three years, 
and there died July 4, 1875 ; and Stella, who resides at home. Mrs. Boardman was 
born October 7, 1810, and died April 7, 1893. Mr. Boardman's father, Alhm, was 
born in A¥hethersfield, Conn., in 1774. In 1797 he married Phebe Woodworth at 
Great Barrington, Mass., a native of Fairfield, Conn., and they had twelve children, 
ten of whom grew to maturity. 

Bogardus, Ira, was born in the town of Caroline, April 18, 184(5. Calvin, his father, 
was a native of Caroline also, and was a farmer. He married Maria, daughter of 
Marlin Merrills, and they had five children, of whom Ira was the second. He mar- 
ried in 1872 Charity Rounseville, daughter of Charles J., of Caroline Center, her 
father being at one time member of assembly. Mr. and ]Mrs. Bogardus have two 
children: Harlen and Homer, both now in school. Mr. Bogardus is a member of the 
Baptist church and also of the Grange. He is a Democrat, and has served as road 
commissioner two terms, though the town is Republican, and in February, 1894, he 
was re-elected for two years ; he has also served as overseer of the poor. Mrs. Har- 
riet Krum, an aunt of our subject's wife, was the first white child born in the town of 
Caroline. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 15 

Baker, George H., was born in Paris, Oneida county, May 38, 1846, and was only 
.an infant when his pai'ents moved into Herkimer county, where his boyhood was 
spent, and his early education was derived in the common schools and West Winfield 
Academ}'. At the age of seventeen, in 1863, Prof. S. G. Williams, a half-brother, in- 
duced him to come to Ithaca, where he was employed at first in the office of the Ithaca 
Democrat. He afterward acted as clerk in the stores of Wilgus Bros, three years, 
J. T. Morrison six years, and with James Quigg three 3rears. In 1885 Mr. Baker 
started in business for himself by establishing a meat market at the corner of Cayuga 
and Green streets, where he has ever since been located. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat, and has held offices of honor and trust in his town. January 5, 1892, he was 
elected president of the Tompkins County Agricultural Society, and re-elected in Jan- 
tiar}-, 1893. He was the candidate of his party in 1898 for the office of county treas- 
urer, but the regular Republican majoritj^ defeated him. Mr. Baker married in 1872 
Helen M. Martin, niece of William S. Hoyt, one of the early business men of this 
town. 

Brown, E. A., of Newfield, was born here January 15, 1845. Holden Brown, his 
father, was also a native of this town, born September 25, 1812, and he was a son of 
Abraham Brown, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Newfield in 1820, when the 
localitv was a wilderness. He took up and cleared about 250 acres, and here he lived 
in a log house for the first years of his life in the new settlement. Holden married 
Margaret Crawford and had ten children, of whom our subject was the fourth. The 
latter worked on the farm until twenty-seven years old, when he married Mar}^ 
La Barre, of this town, a daughter of Richard La Barre, and they are the parents of 
four children ; Hattie, Edna, Blanch, and Walter, the son being deceased. Hattie is 
now a student at the Brockport Normal School, and the others are at the graded 
schools of Newfield. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Presbyterian church, 
and of the Patrons of Husbandry. 

Bliss, Luther, the pioneer head of a large family in Groton, was a native of War- 
ren, Mass., born December 5, 1786, and he married, November 14, 1816, Fanny Haw- 
kins, born in Sunderland, Vt., October 19, 1800. Mercy Hawkins and family settled 
in this town in 1806, and Luther Bliss came in 1809. The children of Luther and wife 
were: Isaac, Amelia, Abiel, Sylvester, Lyman, Philo and Phila (twins), Emily and 
Daniel. Luther Bliss was a prominent man in the Congregational church, and was 
-a strong Abolitionist. He died April 17, 1867, and his wife January 27, 1888. His 
son Isaac was born September 9, 1817, and in 1844 married Eunice Lucas, by whom 
he had four children: Ellen Laverna, George Andrew, Emma Lauretta and Harvey 
Ernest, the first and last being deceased. George A. and Emma L. still live on the 
old farm, which has been in the family since 1809. George is a deacon m the Con- 
gregational church at Summer Hill, and Emma is secretary of the Groton Sunda}^ 
School Association and president of the Young People's Christian Temperance En- 
deavor Society of Groton citjr. Isaac Bliss died February 24, 1876, and his wife April 
'24, 1889. Abiel H. Bliss married Lucy J. Webster, and their children were: Lyman 
L. , Harriet L. , Henry R. , Francis A. and Charles C. Abiel died April 6, 1890, and 
his wife February 13, 1869. He married a second wife, Emma B. Lucas, but they 
liad no children. 



16 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Brown, Enos L. , was born in Windsor county, Vt., November 10, 1S22, and came- 
with his parents when about eight years of age to this county. He wasablaciismith 
by trade, and afterwards took up farming, but retired some 3'ears ago. He became 
keeper of the county house in the spring of 1880, and continued there for three years. 
His first marriage was with Cynthia M. Wilcox, of this town, by whom he had three- 
children, all deceased. Charles was a soldier in Company M., 1st A'eteran Cavalry, 
New York Volunteers, was captured and died in Andersonville prison. Mrs. Brown 
died June 6, 1862, and he married second, June 3, 1863, Harriet A. Thompson, of the- 
town of Groton, and they have three daughters: Eva C, Cora E. and Emma M. 
Eva C. married Howard A. Hotchkiss ; Cora married Irving W. Sparks, both families 
living in Winsted, Conn. Emma M. lives at home. Mr. Brown's father, Elam, was 
born in Norwich, Windsor county, Vt., in 1782, and married Candace Sawyer, of his 
native town. Six children were born of this union: Mary, Emeline, Eunice, Abel, 
Orvis and Enos L. The family came to Dundee, Yates county, about 1831, and to- 
this county in 1842. He died about 1857, and his wife in 1833. Mrs. Brown's father,. 
Jacob Thompson, was born in Lansing, this county, in 1804, was educated in the 
common schools of his day, and was a carpenter and farmer. In 1825 he married 
Mrs. Susan Allen, whose maiden name was Sellen, and they had five children: Har- 
ris J., Franklin, Mary A., vSusan S., and Harriet A. He died in 1876, and his wife 
in 1881. Mr. Brown is a member of Trumansburgh Lodge No. 157, F. & A. M., and 
also of the M. E. church of Jacksonville. 

Brown, C. C, of Newfield, was born in Connecticut, February 10, 1815, and fol- 
lowed the occupation of shingle-making, working in the woods. He then took up 
carpentry, and in 1880 came to this locality and has since operated a planing mill 
here, having all the necessary machinery for first-class custom work, and having a fine 
trade. Mr. Brown married first, Harriet B. States, and second, Jane Crawford, the 
latter in 1845. His third wife was Phila C. Miller, whom he married in 1886, and he 
has four children, two by his first wife and two by his second. The oldest son is a 
bookkeeper in New York, and the daughter is in Texas. One son by his second wife 
is in the telephone business, and the other follows farming. 

Bates, Abram, was born in Hartford, Conn. , August 28, 1810. He is a son of Selick 
Bates, who was also a native of Connecticut, but moved to Danby, N. Y. , in 1812, 
where he resided until his death in 1836. He had nine children, of whon-y Abram was- 
the fifth. Their names are : Elizabeth, Sally A., Hannah, Hezekiah, Abram, Isaac, 
Fannie and Charles, All are now deceased except Abram, Hannah and Hezekiah. 
Charles was killed when only twenty-one years of age ; his team ran away and thre^v 
him from his wagon. Abram resided with his father until eighteen years of age, then 
went to learn blacksmithing. For nine months he was with R. L. Cowdiy. For a, 
time after this he worked nights and mornings with William Sanford and went to 
school during the day. Finall^^ after working with various men, he returned to 
Danb}?-, where he opened a shop of his own. He was successful and the second year- 
hired a farm, and operated his shop and farm at the same time for five years. He 
next bought a farm on Ithaca Hill, moved on to it in 1836, and cultivated it for six 
years. In 1842 he bought the farm in Caroline upon which he still lives. He 
married Mary E., daughter of Charles Wright, on November 1, 1832. They had 
nine children: Charles W., Mary J., Francis A., Sarah A., Frederick E., Caroline 



FAMILY vSKETCHES. 17 

A., Mat\iu L., Kate E. and Theron A. Charles W. , Martin L. and Therou A. died 
unmarried. Abram Bates received a common school education, but his children had 
the benefit of hig-h school and academy. Our subject is a large owner of real estate 
in New York and Pennsylvania. He is also a large owner in the Ithaca Hotel, and 
has other property in the city. He takes a great interest in politics, but has always 
declined to hold office. 

Bull, John, was born in the town of Caroline, May 24, 1827, a son of Aaron, a 
native of Litchfield county, Conn., born in 1784, and one of the first settlers here. 
He. bought a farm in the town of Dryden, about a mile north of Slaterville, and was 
engaged in farming, lumbering and shipping to New York city. It is said he took 
the first canal boat to that city. He died in 1859. His wife, Mary Krum, was a 
native of Ulster county, and died in 1865, aged seventj^-nine years. They were the 
parents of nine children, eight surviving, of whom our subject was the youngest. 
He was educated in the common schools, and assisted on his father's farm until 
twenty-two years of age, when he established a general store at Mott's Corner's, now 
Brookton, remaining two years. He next came to Slaterville Springs and established 
a store there, which he has ever since conducted. He has also been a dealer in 
butter and wool, and in a general milling business, his mills being located a quarter 
of a mile east of Slaterville, The mills were bm-ned in 1891. Mr. Bull has served as 
supervisor of Caroline (1856-57), and in 1892 he was again elected to the position, but 
the question arising as to his eligibility, he "being at the time sole trustee of the 
Slaterville school, did not serve, and in 1898 he was again nominated and elected on 
the Democratic ticket, the town bemg Republican. He is a Mason of Caroline Lodge 
No. 681, and one of the directors of the Co-operative Insurance Company at Ithaca. 
In 1849 he married Deborah D. Green of this town and they have three children: 
Dr. Edward L. Bull of Jersey City; John Bull, jr., a lawyer of Elmira; and Mary L. 
at home. 

Bull, Moses, was born in Drj'-den, February 12, 1810. Aaron, his father, was a 
native of Connecticut, Avho moved to Dryden in 1805, and also followed piloting on 
the North River, going as far south as the West Indies. He mai-ried in Ulster 
county, Mary Krum, in 1804. She was a daughter of Henry Krum. He then came 
Avith his wife to this county, clearing up a farm, and remained twelve years on what . 
is known as the Catskill Turnpike, and then he kept a hotel for a number of years. 
After this he bought a canal boat, which plied to New York city and back. Of his 
nine children Moses was the third. He following farming and lumbering as soon as 
he left school, which occupation he has continued ever since. In 1851 he married 
Susa J. Krum of Caroline. Mr. Bull is a Mason of Caroline Lodge, No. 681, and is 
now living retired from active work. He has one son, George M., now located in 
Slaterville Springs, in John Bull's place of business. He married Ella Hollister, 
daughter of Hiram Hollister, and he and wife lived with his parents for five years, 
when Mrs. George Bull died, leaving one daughter. Mrs. Moses Bull died February 
3, 1887, aged sixty years. 

Batt}^ George, was born in Tompkins county, December 6, 1857, was educated in 
the public schools, and reared on the farm. When he grew to mature years he 
learned the butcher's trade and began business for himself, first in Enfield, and later 
in Jacksonville, in which he has been a success from the first. Januarv 29, 1887, he 



18 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

married Emma, adopted daughter of William Booth, of Jacksonville, by whom he 
has two children: William H. and Mildred M. Mr. Batty's father, Charles, was 
born in Lincolnshire, England, about 1825, and married Susan Gilbert, of his native 
countiy. Of their ten children, two were born in England : John T. and William 
W. died at sea; William W. 2d, as above; Charlotte, Mary A., John T. 2d, Katie M., 
Emma J. and Susie. His father died April 7, 1877, and his mother survives. Soon 
after the death of his father, Mr. Batty took entire charge of the family until they 
were able to care for themselves. Through energy, thrift, and sobriety he has ac- 
cumulated a good property. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, and is class leader in 
the M. E. church. 

Bartholomew, Daniel, was born in the town of Dryden, April 23, 1824, and was 
educated in the common schools and finished at the Dryden High School under Prof. 
Robertson. His father, Daniel Bartholomew, was born in Locke, Cayuga county, in 
1798, on June 15, and came to Dryden about 1810. Our subject after leaving school 
took up the carpenter's trade during the summer months and taught school winters. 
At the age of twenty-seven he married Dora A. Wheeler, daughter of Enos Wheeler, 
of Dryden, and thej^ have three children, Lee, Mary and D. Paige. D. Bartholo- 
mew is one of the leading builders and contractors in his town, having erected fifty 
liouses, factories, churches and school buildings. Also has been engaged in buying 
and selling real estate in man)- of the Western States. He has been prominently 
identified with the leading interests of his town, and while he has passed a ver)' busy 
and prosperous life, has found time to take an active and intelligent interest in edu- 
cational and religious matters. 

Burtt, David L. (deceased), was born in New Jersey, and at an earl}^ da- removed 
to Ithaca. He acquired his early education at the district schools, and finished it 
under Prof. Burt at the Ithaca Academ}-. He then adopted the profession of 
teacher, and taught school for a period of thirty-five years, fifteen years of which, 
was in Ithaca, at the same time getting relaxation and recreation in carrying on a 
ifarm. He was a Democrat in politics, and held the office of supervisor for a number 
of years. At the age of forty-one he married Frances M. Shangle, who now survives 
him, and by whom he had three children, two sons and one daughter. Of the sons, 
one, John J., is now engaged in the furniture business at Lockport, N. Y. ; the other 
son, Hugh, and daughter remaining at the home farm. For six years our subject 
was principal of the Fall Creek school, and afterwards was connected with the Lan- 
■casterian school. Mr. Burtt was known throughout the country as an active, ener- 
getic man of unimpeachable integrity. He died June 1, 1893. 

Brown, S. N., was born in the town of Dryden, July 14, 1826. His father. Free- 
man Brown, was born in 1800 and came to Drjj-den in 1804, and settled on lot 23, 
-where his son now resides. Our subject was educated in the common schools, to 
-which he has added through life by reading and close observation. At the age of 

twenty-seven he married Miss Sarah J. Morgan, of Groton, who passed away in 1858, 
.and in 1860 he married Miss Nanc)^ Taylor, daughter of John A. Taylor, of Port 

Byron, N. Y. They are the parents of three children, one son, Edward T. Brown, 
.and two daughters, Miss Estelle Brown and Mrs. Alice Bartholomew, of Binghamton. 

In 1866 he bought the Reuben Brown property of eightj'-seven acres, which adjoins 

the homestead propertj-, having 142 acres of the best farm lands in Dryden, raising 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 19 

hay, grain and stock, and making a specialty of fancy Jerse}' butter from a herd of 
forty pure bred Jersey'- cattle. Our subject is one of the prominent farmers of his 
town. 

Beers, Andrew Jackson, was born in Walton, Delaware county, Auo-ust 13, 1884. 
His early life was spent in his native county, where he was educated. At the age of 
nineteen years 'he went to Erie county, Pa. , where he engaged in contracting for the 
building of the Lake Shore Railroad, in company- with Harvey Beers, his brother. 
He followed this business for about four years, and was injured by a horse falling on 
him, after which he did no active business for several years. He was engaged in 
farming till 1869, when he went into the livery and stage business in Canton, Brad- 
ford county, Pa. , where he remained till 1888. The last five years of his residence in 
Canton he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. In 1888 he came 
to Ithaca and established the undertaking business, which has assumed large propor- 
tions here. He is the leader of the profession in this city, thoroughly competent in 
his work. He has been a member of the K. of P. for about twenty-five years. He 
has been twice married, first to Elthea Fisher, of New York city, by whom he had 
two children: Ella and F. Eugene, the latter a telegrapher in Susquehanna, Pa. His 
present wife is Celia Dann, of Bradford county. Pa. 

Bergholtz, Herman, was born in Sweden, and came to this country in 1883, since 
which time he has been associated with the development of electric lighting and rail- 
ways. He has been connected with the Edison and Thomson-Houston Electric Com- 
panies in the development of the modern electric railway as an engineer and promo- 
ter. He is associated with Horace E. Hand, esq., a Scranton capitalist, in several 
electric railway projects. His education was acquired at the University of Lund, 
Sweden. He is a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. In 
1890 he married, in Philadelphia, Miss Adelina O. Thomson, sister of the celebrated 
electrician. Prof. Elihu Thomson, of the Thomson-Houston Company, and thev have 
one daughter. 

Brown, W. E., was born in Dryden, November 14, 1828, and was educated in the 
common schools and finished at the Groton and Homer Academies. At the age of 
twenty-seven he married Miss Elizabeth Morgan, daughter of Richard Morgan, of 
Dryden, and they were the parents of five children, only two of whom are now liv- 
ing, Frank E. and William E. Our subject resides on part of the original purchase 
of Reuben Brown on lot 23, which he bought in 1804, and which has been in the fam- 
ily ninet}^ years. He also has part of the Calvin Bush estate, who was his grand- 
father on his mother's side. This was also taken up in 1804. In 1856 he bought part 
of the Chapman Fulkerson property, and now has 120 acres of farm land in the town, 
on which he makes a specialty of raising Percheron horses and producing fancy Jer- 
sey butter ; also takes pleasure m furnishing choice foundation stock to those who de- 
sire to build up other Jersey herds. He takes the Republican side in politics, and 
has served as justice of the peace for the past fifteen years. He is actively interested 
in educational and rehgious matters, and has been a member of the West Dryden 
M. E. church for the past fifty-three years. 

Baker, Andrew, was born in the town of Dryden, July 8, 1850. His father, Reuben 
T. Baker, came from Pittstown, Rensselaer county, about 1816, and has always been 



30 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

known as one of the substantial citizens. Andrew Baker was educated at the com- 
mon schools, and finished at the Ithaca Academy tinder Prof. Williams. At the age 
of twenty-three he married Amana M. Peck, daughter of F. H. Peck, of Guilford, 
Chenango county, N. Y. , and they are the parents of three children: Arthur W., 
Francis R., and A. Alvord. In 1884 he bought the old W. T. George property of 100 
acres, now known as " Mapleton farm," on which he makes a specialty of breeding 
pure Jersey cattle. He was the fir.st lo introduce this breed into this county. At the 
lirst exhibition of his herd in Elmira in 1884 he received the gold medal of the New 
York State Agricultural Society, there being, eight other herds in competition. Our 
subject is an intelligent, well read citizen, taking an active interest in school and 
church matters, and known as a practical and successful farmer. 

Burr, Edwin S., was born in Genoa, Cayuga county, August 15, 1857. His father, 
John W. Burr, came to Tompkins county in 1866, and bought what was known as the 
T. Knowd property, which was afterwards bought by E. S. Burr in 1890, and where 
he now resides, having ninety-four acres of some of the best farm lands in Tompkins 
county, and raising hay, grain and stock. Our subject was educated in the common 
schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. At 
the age of thirty-two he married Minnie, daughter of William Crutts, of the t(jwn of 
Dryden, and they have one daughter, Abbie C. He takes the Republican side in 
politics, and is actively interested in temperance principles. He takes an intelligent 
interest in educational and religious matters, and is active in advancing the best in- 
terests of the town, where he is known as a successful and practical farmer. 

Burch, Thomas J., was born in Diyden, May 14, 1841. His father, John Burch, jr.. 
was among the early settlers of the locality. Thomas J. was educated in the com- 
mon schools of his native town, and attended the Dryden Academy. After leaving 
school he enlisted, in Augu.st, 1862, in the 109th N. Y. Volunteers, commanded bv 
Colonel Treacy, and served until the close of the war ; he received an honorable dis- 
charge in June, 1865, having risen from the ranks to be third sergeant of his com- 
pany. After the close of the war he went west and remained four years. Return- 
ing to Dryden he married, at the age of twenty-six years, Isidora A. Hill, daughter 
■of Attstin Hill, and they have two children : Earl G. and Leland H. In 1889 he bought 
the James Sweetland farm of 132 acres, on which he raises ha}^ grain and stock, and 
making a specialt}- of dairjdng. 

Campbell, Thomas B., was born in Fayetteville, Onondaga count}^ January 8, 
1854, and was two years old when his parents moved to Ithaca. George, father of 
OUT subject, was a miller, employed first in Ithaca by the Halseys, then by H. C. 
Williams, where he remained for several years as foreman miller; in 1881 he bought 
a mill in Brookton, where he still remains. Thomas B. was the oldest of seven chil- 
dren ; he was educated in the public schools and Ithaca Academy. At the age of 
■sixteen years he was apprenticed to learn the mason's trade, serving tour years, af- 
ter which he followed the trade as journeyman for three or four years; then he began 
the business of building and contracting, which he has steadily followed since, and 
many of our public and private edifices can attest to his ability in that direction. In 
politics he is a Republican, and in 1889-90 represented the fourth ward in the Board 
of Alderman. He married in February, 1881, Laura F., daughter of Edwin V. Poole, 
n merchant. They have one daughter, Louise. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 31 

Cregar, James F., was born in New Jersey in 1818 and came to this county about 
1844, after spending a few years in Hector and Dryden, he settled in Danby. In 
1866 he bought the William Carpenter farm of ninety acres, on which he now resides. 
He married a second time, in 1873, Ellen A. , daughter of Bela Moore, of Bradford 
counter, Pa. Our subject received his education in New Jersey. He is a Republican 
in politics and takes an active and intelligent interest in church and educational 
matters, having been connected as a member with the M. E. church at Danb}' since 
about 1848. 

Culver, Thomas S., was born in Ithaca, January 1, 1842, a son of Lewis H., who 
was a native of Ulysses, born August 9, 1808. At the age of twenty-two the latter 
came to Ithaca and started a small restaurant where the store of John Northrup now 
stands. The business rapidly increased, and in 1833 he bought the property where 
the Bool Companjf is now located. In 1836 this store burned, and for two years he 
was located at the corner of Ca^mga and State streets, during which time he erected 
the large brick structure where Bool's furniture establishment now is, and he started 
this store with a full line of general merchandise, having the largest business of the 
kind in the county. He was a prominent Democrat and held many of the town of- 
fices. His death occurred July 18, 1876. Of his nine children our subject was the 
second son. He was educated in the village schools and at the Ithaca Academy, and 
was in the store with his father until 1869, when he went to Chicago and remained 
five years. Returning in 1874 he became a member of the firm of L. H. Culver & 
Sons, and on the death of his father it became Culver & Co., dissolving fifteen 
months later. Mr. Culver then moved to Aurora street and bought the toy stock of 
E. I. Moore, turning the establishment into a grocery, which he conducted for three 
}'ears, then built the store at the corner of Aurora and Mar.shall streets, which he sold 
in 1885. For three years he "followed the cigar business. In 1888 he ran a grocery 
in the Coon block, then spent a year on Tioga street, and for two } ears did a road 
business. In 1891 he established a store on West State street, carrying now a com- 
plete line of groceries and provisions. He is a member of the I. O. R. M., of which 
'he is treasurer. In 1863 he married Eliza Jones, of Ithaca, who died in 1869, and in 
1873 he married Fanny Pegan of Chicago. The}^ have three daughters and one son. 

Chapman, Dr. Clark, one of the leading physicians in the southeast part of the town 
for a period of twenty or more 5?ears, was a native of Sharon, Conn., born March 5, 
1797. He was educated at New Haven and graduated from the medical department 
of Yale College, practicing about fifteen years in Connecticut before coming to Gro- 
ton. He also married in the east, his wife being Laura Morey. Their children were : 
Lucinda, who married Zerah Fuller ; Albert G. and Da^dd N. In 1835, for the pur- 
pose of establishing a comfortable farm home for his sons, and also to find a desirable 
field for his professional work. Dr. Chapman came to this town and located on the 
"Salt Road," where he practiced about twenty years. He died in May, 1893, his 
wife having died ten years earlier. While in Connecticut Mr. Chapman was a mem- 
ber of assembly. While in Groton he served three terms as supervisor. Our subject, 
Albert G. Chapman, was born June 30, 1826, and was brought up to farm work, 
which has been his chief occupation during life, though during later years he has 
engaged in poultry raising quite extensively. April 5, 1849, he married Helen, 
daughter of Israel Woodruff, of Groton, and the}- have now living six sons and one 



23 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

daughter. Two o£ the sons have chosen the medical profession, one the mercantile,. 
one is engaged in teaching and two are farming, in connection with other business. 
Mr. Chapman although not politically inclined, was for six successive terms elected 
as supervisor for the town of Groton. He has for many years been connected with 
and an active worker in the Congregational society and Sunday school. He has 
been successful in his calling to the extent of having no fear of want in his late- 
years — and has a pleasant home in which to welcome all his friends. 

Chapman, W. E., was born at -Salisbury, Conn., January 16, 1830. He was edu- 
cated in the common schools and married at the age of thirty -five Diana T. Judson, 
only daughter of Elbert Judson of the town of Danby. Our subject is a supporter of 
the Prohibition party and takes an active interest in church and school matters. He 
bought what was known as the Harvey D. Miller residence in the village of Danby, 
and also carries on a farm of 140 acres, on which he raises large amounts of hay, 
grain and stock. 

Conger, Benn, was extensively and favorably known in connection with the active 
rfianagement of the large mercantile house known as Conger's Store. He was born 
in Groton, October 29, 1856, was educated at Groton Academy and the Union Free 
School, and before the age of twenty-one became connected with his present business. 
In this store, of which he is one of the proprietors, he has charge of the dry goods and 
the boot and shoe department. Notwithstanding his business demands, he has found 
time to indulge somewhat in the various enterprises of the village, connected with 
the fire depai'tment, president of the first Board of Water Commissioners, and was- 
actively connected with the construction of the present water system of the village. 
He has also been one of the village trustees, and is one of the Board of Education. 
June 9, 1880, he married Florence Buck and they have one child, Lawrence J. 

Clinton, Charles M., was born in Newark Valley, Tioga county, N. Y., January 26, 
1834, a son of Samuel Clinton, who moved to Candor in 1841, and in the spring of 
1845 came to Ithaca, locating first on a farm and later moving into the city, where 
Samuel Clinton died in 1858. Our subject is the youngest son of Samuel Clinton, and 
he early developed a taste for machinery, going in 1850 into the machine shop of 
E.' G. Pelton to learn the trade ; there he remained one year, during which time he 
was promoted, and the following year was engaged with Treman Brothers on sewing 
machine work. In 1853 he and his brother, Miles L., started a small shop in their 
residence, their first attempt at model making and experimental work, using foot 
power, and they built a 10 H. P. engine in their little shop. About 1856 they bought 
a power privilege on Cascadilla Creek and built a foundry and machine shop 130 by 
40 feet in dimensions, where they did general job work and manufactured boilers and 
engines. In 1858 they patented the Clinton sewing machine and manufactured 
about 600 machines. In 1861 fire destroyed their works°and in 1862 Mr. Clinton went 
to Yonkers to work in the armory of the Star Arms Co. He returned to Ithaca in 
1863. On December 4, 1863, Mr. Clinton married Addie Rolfe, of Enfield; they had 
one son who died aged six years. In 1864 he engaged in the manufacture of models- 
and experimental work, which he has since followed except about one year. He was 
the designer of all tools used in the Ithaca Calander Clock Co. , and superintended 
the manufacture. In 1868, in company with Lynfred Mood, they patented the Ma- 
rine Calender Clock, which patent they sold to the Ithaca Clock Co. Clinton & Mood 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 23 

also patented a self-dumping horse rake. He and his brother Miles L. patented a 
vegetable slicer, which he now manufactures. He patented a railroad indicator, al- 
so grain binder, and indicator for water meter, and improvements ingrain drills. He 
patented the Clinton fishing reel, the finest trout reel made. He made manj^ im- 
provements in dental appliances, besides all machinery and tools used in his model 
making and machine shop. He has assisted many other parties in perfecting inven- 
tions. Mr. Clinton's reputation as a model maker and experimenter is second to 
none. His last invention is a typewriter, which, in companj^ with James McNamara 
he was working for over two years, and it has proved one of the best machines ever 
invented. It is named the Peerless, and is to be manufactured by the Ithaca Gun 
Co., which is just starting work on it. 

Clapp, Charles, was born in the town of Covert, Seneca county, February 21, 1829. 
He was educated in the common schools of that time, and learned the machinist's 
trade, also pattern making. He married first, in November, 1853, Sarah M. Van 
Noy, and they had one son, Charles S., who is also a machinist, residing at home. 
Mrs. Clapp died in June, 1861, and he married second, December 11, 1862, Sarah W. 
Peck, of Farmer Village. James, father of our subject, was born in Connecticut, 
January 2, 1802, and came to this State when a young man. He married Charlotte 
Remington, of Genoa, Cayuga county, who was born in 1801. They had nine chil- 
dren who grew to maturity: MirtillowR., Charles, John, Walker, William, James A., 
Rachael, Charlotte, ai;d Mary. James Clapp died in 1867 and his wife January 12, 
1881. Mr. Clapp came to Trumansburgh with the Gregg concern from Farmer Vil- 
lage in 1865. 

Cole, James H., was born in the town of Dryden, November 7, 1835. His grand- 
father, James McKee, was among the first settlers m the town. His mother was 
born here October 14, 1804. Our subject was educated in the common schools and 
at the Homer Academy. After leaving school he retuned to his father's farm, the 
old homestead, which was known as the James McKee property and which he bought 
in 1862. At the age of twenty-six he married Anna E. Updike, daughter of Jacob 
Updike of Ulysses, and they are the parents of four children, three daughters and 
one son. In 1865 he sold his farm and came to the village of Dryden in 1866. In 1867 
he bought the Thomas Lewis property and in 1870 built the Grove Hotel, which is 
the leading hotel in the town. In 1866 he bought the George Phillips property on 
Mill street, having forty-one acres of land in the village corporate limits, where he is 
known as one of its leading and substantial citizens. 

Clark, Spencer L. , was born in Caroline in 1838, and from early boyhood has fol- 
lowed farming. At the age of twenty-four he started for himself, working a farm 
with his father and brother, the one he' now owns consisting of 120 acres, mostl}^ 
cleared land. He married in 1862 Mary J. Nixon, of Candor. Tioga county, and they 
have three children, viz. : E. Eloise, Julia F., and Mason J. ; the latter being now 
■engaged in inventing a new appliance for bicycles, the oldest daughter being a school 
teacher in New York city. Mrs. Julia A. Clark, our subject's mother, is now living 
with them at the age of eighty years. They are members of the M. E. church, and 
Mr. Clark is a Republican in politics. 

Crandall, Harris L., was born in Richford, Tioga county, June 31, 1833. Ira, his 
father, was born in Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade, who worked at that and 



24 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

farming. He never came to Tompkins county, though he owned land here. His 
wdfe was Olive Robinson, whom he married in 1831, and they were the parents of 
four children, of whom Harris L. was the oldest, he now being sixty. He also fol- 
lowed the carpenter's trade and farming, and now owns a nice place of iifty-two 
acres in this town. In 1852 he married Mary Royce, of Richford, and they have one 
child, Charles, now thirty-one years of age. ^Ir. Crandall siipports the Democratic 
party. 

Carpenter, Leonard AV., was born in Bridgewater, Oneida count}-, November 18, 
1832. He received a collegiate education and studied medicine with Dr. Budlong, 
of Cassville, Oneida county, graduating from Hamilton College in 1862. He was a 
graduate of Albany Medical College also, and from Cleveland Homeopathic College. 
Mr. Carpenter married first, in 1857, Emeline Converse, by whom he had two daugh- 
ters, Grace, who married Delos Schank, of Rochester; and Carrie L., who married 
Edward Lawrence, of San Francisco. He married second, Ellen D. Weed, of Tru- 
man sburgh, November 10, 1882. Mrs. Carpenter's father, Eliphalet, was born in 
New Canaan, Conn, in 1794, and married, April 26, 1825, Celina Waring, of Walton, 
Delaware county, and in 1835 they came to Trumansburgh. They were the parents 
of nine children. Mr. Weed was justice of the peace in Trumansburgh about twenty 
years, and his decisions were never questioned. He died February 3, 1865, and his 
wife June 30, 1892. Dr. Carpenter began to practice in 1859, and has continued 
since in various places, with the exception of the time he served. in the arm}^, until the 
present time. He enlisted September 4, 1892, in Co. G, 146th N. Y. Vols., and was 
honorably discharged on account of disability December 4, 1863. He is a member of 
Post 391, G. A. C, of Rochester, and also a member of Lodge 660, F. & A. M., of 
Rochester, and of the Commandery of St. Augustine, No. 32, of Ithaca. Mrs. Car- 
penter's father was a soldier in the war of 1812. 

Colegrove, David, was born in the town of Uh'sses, November 16, 1842, was edu- 
cated in the district schools, and is a farmer. His home and farm, where he has re- 
sided for the past twelve years, tells the stoiy of his energy, thrift and industry, well 
seconded by his wife's eff(jrts. October 23, 1864, he married Lavina A. Ward, of his 
native town, formerh^ of New York. Mr. Colegrove' s father, James, was born in the 
town, in 1806, and was a farmer and drover, doing an extensive and profitable busi- 
ness. He married Maria Vaim, formerh^ of New Jersey, and they had nine children, 
two daughters, who died ytjung, and Caroline, John, wSamuel and Susan (twins), 
Eliza, David, and Ella. Mr. Colegrove died March 1, 1872, and his wife in April, 
1893. Mrs. Colegrove' s father, William T. Ward, was born m Westchester count}-, 
N. Y. , December 13, 1812, and married Mary A. Tompkins, of his native place, by 
whom he had ten children; Martha A., Elizabeth A., Charles H., LaviniaA., James 
U., Nathaniel T., Emily E., Mary E., Theodore W., and John G. Our subject's 
grandfather, Silas, was the first of the Colegroves in this country. The ancestry of 
the family is German, French, and Dutch. 

Cady, Ellis W., was born in Dryden, September 25, 1860, and is a grandson of 
Hon. Elias W. Cady of that town. He was educated in the public schools and grad- 
uated from Dryden High School, taking a four years course in preparation for Cor- 
nell University. He changed his plans however, and went west, where he remained 
ten years, part of the time being spent in the wholesale grocery trade. April 29, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 25 

1886, he married Hattie Kyle, of New Orleans, La., and they have one daughter,' 
Florence K. Mrs. Cady's father, David O. Kyle, was born in Mississippi, January 
5, 1840. He Avas a planter and attorney by occupation. He married January 2, 
1858, Maiy Ward, a native of Memphis, Tenn., and they had four childi-en: Thomas 
O., Chadburn,Leola B., Hattie. Both maternal and paternal sides of the house be- 
longed to the best families of the South. Mr. Cadj^'s father, Charles, was born at 
the old home in Dryden, and married Nancy Hiles, of Dryden, by whom he had four 
children; Emma, who died young; Ellis W. , Edward C, and Daniel E. Mr. Cad}?- 
is now a resident of Auburn, N. Y., an enterprising produce dealer, doing business 
under the iirm name of Cadj' & Thorne, one of the largest concerns in the country, 
his son Ellis doing a hne business here in the same line. Hon. Elias Cady, the grand- 
father, served the town (Dryden) as supervisor several terms, and represented the 
county in the State Legislature in 1850 and 1857. 

Bloom, James H., was born in Tompkins count}', January 25, 1825. His father, 
Abram Bloom, was born in the town of Lansing in 1801, and with his father. Cap- 
tain Bloom, settled on a tract of land in the towns of Lansing and Dryden, which has 
descended to his heirs, Abram Bloom and others. James H. Bloom was educated in 
the common schools. A roving disposition prevented him from finishing his educa- 
tion, and he has been over a large part of the L^nited States, being one of the Fort}^- 
niners of California fame, and making the trip b}^ way of the Isthmus of Panama. 
At the age of thirty-five he married Lavina Teeter, daughter of William Teeter, and 
they are the parents of one daughter, Cora S. Piatt. In 1868 he bought the Haliban 
Fulkerson property of seventy-three acres, on which he now resides. Our subject 
is recognized throughout his town as a conservative independent citizen and a prac- 
tical and successful farmer. 

Carr, James M., was born in the town of Drj^den, May 29, 18B4, and was educated 
in the common schools, and finished at Etna under the late Judge Van Valkenburg. 
At the age of twenty-eight he married Mary P. Bower, daughter of Simon Bower, of 
the town of Dryden. He takes the Democratic side in politics, and in March, 1893, 
was appointed postmaster in his town, being the first fourth class postmaster appointed 
in the State. Our subject is one of the prominent men in his village, taking an act- 
ive and intelligent interest in church and school matters, and in advancing the best 
interests of the town. 

Cole, Charles, was born in the town of Dryden August 20, 1848. His father, Jo- 
seph J. Cole, came to the town in 183o and settled on lot 67, which has remained iu 
the possession of the family up to the present time. Charles received his education 
in the common schools and is pre-eminently a self-made man. At the age of thirty 
he married Nancy A. Simons, daughter of Adam Simons, of Dryden, and they have 
one daughter, Anna. In 1892 Mr. Cole bought the J. E. Hiles property on lot 59, 
comprising fifty acres. 

Crandall, Albert, Avas born in 1769, and was one of the original settlers of Tru- 
mansburgh, coming here from Owego in 1806. His son. Minor, was born Maj- 9, 
1802, and was four ^^ears old when he arrived here. He well remembers the journey, 
especially the latter part of it. They encountered many dangers through the wilder- 
ness, and when about half way from Ithaca to Trumansburgh they were enveloped 
d 



36 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in almost total darkness caused by the great solar eclipse of that year. Mr. Crandall 
and his father before him were anxious for the growth and prosperity of Trumans- 
burgh for the greater part of this century. His father died in 1845, aged seventy-six 
years. S. Minor Crandall was identified with the shipping interests of the lake port 
of Trumansburgh (now Frontenac), and held the' confidence and respect of all who 
came in contact with him in business, or in social life. In politics he was a lifelcmg 
Democrat, and from early manhood a devoted Mason. December 20, 1820, he mar- 
ried Eliza Belknap, of this village, formerly of Orange county, and they had seven 
children: Margaret L., who married L. D. Rich of Tioga county ; Ann E., who mar- 
ried J. Parker King-; Susan C, who married Algernon C. Belcher, of Woodstock, 111. ; 
Antoinette A. , who married Wm. Peirson ; and L. EHzabeth, who resides with Mrs. 
Peirson. Two died young. Mr. Crandall died October 24, 1893, and Mrs. Crandall 
died February 19, 18«4. Mrs. Peirson's husband, Wilham Peirson, was born at 
Mount Hope, Orange county. May 8, 1816, was educated in the common schools, and 
was a constant reader and a deep thinker. He came to reside in Ulysses at an early 
day, and to Trumansburgh in 1858, from Jacksonville. He married twice, first Sep- 
tember 20, 1840, Jane Luckly, and went to reside in Tioga county. He was supervi- 
sor, also member of assembly one term. For his second wife, on December 16, 1858, 
lie married Antoinette A. Crandall of Trumansburgh. Mr. Peirson was a merchant in 
company with Mr. David Dumont fourteen j-ears. He died January 1 1888. 

Clark, Harriet, is the widow of Veranus Clark, born in Almond Village, Allegany 
county, N. Y., March 18, 1833. He was educated in the public schools of that day, 
and for many years was a carpenter and builder, though his last years were spent in 
farming. November 3, 1856, he married Harriet Boyer, of Lodi, Seneca county, and 
ihey had four children, Clarence B. , and Adolphe, who are taking charge of the home- 
stead farm for their mother, Mary E., and Maud S. The latter married Walter J. 
iGenung, of Ithaca, and they have one son, Claude. Mr. Clark died July 27, 1890. 
Hugh Boyer, father of Mrs. Clark, was born in Kent county, Md., May 7, 1801, and 
came to this county when twentj^-two years old. He married Mary Paine, of Sag 
'Harbor, L. I., and they had three children: Marshall, who died at the age of two 
years; Harriet, and Augustine, who married Kate Campbell, of New Jerse}-. Mr. 
Boyer died October 11, 1863, and his wife May 17, 1854. Mrs. Boyer's father, Sylva- 
nus Paine, was a soldier in the Revolution. The ancestry of the family is English 
•on both sides. 

Clark, A. M., was born in the town of Dryden, May 14, 1850. He was educated at 
the Dryden Academy under Prof. Jackson Graves. After leaving school he returned 
to the farm of his father, Albert S. Clark. In 1873 he engaged in the mercantile 
iDusiness, which he exchanged for real estate in Cortland in 1875. In 1887 he bought 
the Dryden Stone Mills, which he runs as a custom feed mill, making a specialty of fine 
buckwheat flour, and handling the largest portion of the crop grown in and around 
the eastern part of the town of Dryden. He buys on an average about 6,000 bushels 
a year. The Stone Mill of Dryden has been widely known since it was built by Ly- 
man Corbin in 1845. At the age of twenty -two he married Eva Calvert, daughter 
of M. W. Calvert, of Sterling, Cayuga county, N. Y. , and they have tw^o children, 
one son, Albert H., sixteen years of age, and one daughter, Lena, t\velve years of 
age. He takes the Republican side in politics. He js at present water commissioner, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 27 

president of the Green Hill Cemetery Society, and t:-ustee and treasurer of the Pres- 
byterian church. He has been connected prominently with the Odd Fellows lodge 
for the past eighteen years, being district deputy grand master of Tompkins county 
for the years 1892 and '93. He is also a member of the Masonic Lodge of Dryden 
No. 473. 

Cunningham, John, who for the last sixteen years has been the pastor of the West 
Groton Congregational church, was a native of England, born January 12, 1820. In 
1835 his father and family came to America, locating at Poughkeepsie, where the 
head of the family worked as .shoemaker. John had received his early education in 
England, and in this country attended Oberlin College. Failing health prompted 
him to study medicine, nevertheless he had before resolved to enter the ministry. 
Accordingly, after a somewhat broken preparation he was licensed to preach the 
gospel, entering upon active church work in 1848 at Boonton and Paterson, N. J. 
For thirt^'-six years he has held a pastorate in Central New York, ten years in Swe- 
den, alike term in Wyoming county, and sixteen years in his present connection at 
West Groton. In 1846 Mr. Cunningham was married to Adehne C. Turner, by whom 
he had one son, now living in San Francisco. In 1853 his wife died, and in 1855 Mr. 
Cunningham was married to Frances M. Kinne, of Colchester, Conn. Of the second 
marriage one daughter has been born — the wife of Rev. J. B. Arnold, of Scottsburgh, 
Livingston county. 

Clark, William S., sr. , was born in Bennington, Vt., October lU 1777. In 1806 he 
came to Groton, and built the first dam across the creek, the waters of which he util- 
ized in his business of cloth dressing. Later he removed to Summer Hih, and still 
later to McLean, where he died June 23, 1861. His property and accumulations were 
all swept away by a defect in the title to his lands. He married, October 13, 1799, 
Zilpha Ehsworth, by whom he had these children : Erasmus D. , born July 12, 1802 ; 
R. Ellsworth, born September 17, 1804; Charles V., born February 1, 1808; Laura, 
born May 28, 1811; JerushaC, born October 24, 1813, Sophia B., born January 13, 
1816; and William S., jr., born March 25, 1821. AVilliam S. Clark, jr., is an almost 
lifelong resident of McLean, with the growth of which he has been identified very 
closely. He was born at Summer Hill, and came when an infant with his father to 
this locality, and at the age of fifteen began painting with his father, and also making 
wooden ware at McLean. In 1840 he went to Cortland and learned tinsmithing. In 
1866 he established a shop at McLean, and became a prominent businessman of that 
place, until his retirement in 1886. During these years his income was much in- 
creased by his ability on the violin, being in great demand for dancing parties. He 
also acquired considerable property at the death of his brother, R. Ellsworth. De- 
cember 23, 1848, he married Sarah A., daughter of Thomas Brigden, of Newfield, 
and they had one child, R. A. Clark, who died February 2, 1865. 

Clark, Jesse, was a captain in the Revolution and served throughout the war. His 
devoted wife was with him during much of his army life and two of their children 
were born in camp. Her name was Sarah Foote, and she was a, cousin of that fa- 
mous statesman, Solomon Foote, United States senator. Soon after the close of the 
war Captain Clark brought his family and settled near where Groton is situated, and 
here the pioneer bought 640 acres of land. He built a grist mill on Fall Creek, and 
was the leading man of the region. His children were: Eli, Cynthia, Sally, Millie, 



28 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Jesse, who became a prominent Seneca county lawyer ; was a Van Buren elector, and 
was elevated to the supreme bench; John, whose son Solomon has attained fame in 
the legal profession in Arkansas ; Charles, Alma, Tryphena, Ruth, who lives in La 
Porte, Ind., and who caused to be built the noted Ruth Sabin'sHome; Mrs. Sabin, 
the last of the eleven, died February 28, 1894, aged ninety-two years. Chauncey, 
who practiced law forty years in Wayne county. The pioneer and his wife both died 
in Groton. They were generous contributors to all good causes. Charles, .son of 
Jesse, was born in Lee, Mass. , in 1803, and was three years of age when the family 
■came to this region. His wife was Sophronia Phelps, daughter of Judge Phelps, of 
Preble, Cortland county. They had six children: Franklin B., Chauncey, Martin, 
captain of Co. H, 23d N. Y. Vol Inf., in the late war, a lawyer, who was accidentally 
killed while returning from the service ; Tryphena, Henrietta, who married Erasmus 
Ball, a cashier of a bank in Indiana ; and Baldwin P. , a farmer of Groton. Charles 
was a farmer. He died in 1860 and his wife in 1890. Franklin B. Clark was born in 
Groton, February 14, 1833, and March 31, 1860, married Jane, daughter of James and 
Nancy Spence of McLean. They have had children as follows: Helen, Charles M., 
Frank E., and Irving (both died young), Josephine N., and Irving D. Franklin B. 
is a farmer and resides on the old homestead, a farm of 172 acres. He is a strong 
Republican. 

Cooper, John A. D., was born in Olive, Ulster county, March 21, 1815. His father, 
Charles, was a native of Connecticut, who came to Ulster county, and was a nail 
:maker by trade, though he chiefly followed farming. He married Betsey North, b}^ 
whom he had eight children. Of these John was the fifth child. He lived with his 
-parents till nearly the time of his father's death, and married Mandana, daughter of 
Luther Heath, of Dryden in 1854. He continued to live in a house on the same farm 
•with his father, he buying the place, and later selling his father four acres, where he 
lived till within a year of his death. Our subject has one child by his first wife, a 
daughter, who is married and lives in Brookton. His wife died in 1859 and he mar- 
ried second Mrs. Emily L. Hill, of Candor. He has been a member of the Baptist 
^church for fifty years, and an active v/orker therein. He is a Republican. 

•Curtis, David W., was born in Newfield, November 6, 1822. His grandfather, 
.Amasa Curtis, and family moved from Orange county, N. Y., to Newfield in 1816, 
.and settled on the farm where he lived till his death in 1837. David W., the present 
owner of the homestead, learned the mason's trade, but has chiefly followed farming, 
■owning several farms besides the homestead, in all 675 acres. In 1845 he married 
Amelia Hine, who came from England with her parents in 1834, settling in Newfield, 
where her father was a blacksmith and farmer. Mr. Curtis is a Republican, and all 
the family from the grandparents down have been and are in faith Presb^'terians. 

Crawford, Alpheus, was born in Ithaca, September 4, 1818. His father, H. B. 
Crawford, was a native of Hopewell, Orange county, born May 26, 1792, and he was 
a harness and boot and shoe maker. He also bought a farm, part of which is now 
owned by our subject, and in 1817 he married Maria Rowe, of Montgomery, Orange 
■county, by whom he had four children. Of these our subject was the oldest. The 
latter married, December 22, 1844, Matilda J. Stamp, of Auburn, and they had 
■eight children, one of whom died at the age of thirty-three 3'ears. All are married 
;save two, one son, from whom they have not heard in fifteen years, and the oldest 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 29 

■daughter, who remains with her parents. In poUtics Mr. Crawford is Democratic. 
Alpheus Crawford died February 19, 1894. 

Cannon, J. D., was born in Connecticut, December 21, 1819. In early hfe he was 
employed as clerk in various stores, continuing from the age of sixteen to thirty-six. 
He then gave up this calling and began farming and speculating in farms, having 
owned in Cortland, Tompkins and Broome counties no less than twenty-three farms, 
though he owns at present only the one on which he lives, located near Slaterville 
Springs, and known as the Boice farm. This consists of fifty acres, which cost him 
§4:,O0U. In 1847 our subject married Celinda E., daughter of David Hunt, of Towan- 
da, Pa., and has two daughters living, both married and living near their parents. 
Mrs. Cannon died September 30, 1890. Mr. Cannon was educated in the common 
■schools of Cannonsville, Delaware county, and cast his first vote for William Henry 
Harrison. 

Corcoran, Edward M., was corn in Queens county, Ireland, September 6, 1846, and 
■came to this country in 1863. From Brooklyn, August 18, 1864, he enlisted in Co. M, 
13th Heav;^'- Artillery New York Vols., was mustered in at Fort Ringgold, Va., and 
■ordered for duty to Kurrituck, Dismal Swamp, N. C. , afterwards to Point of Rocks, 
Va. This branch of the artillery was attached to the Naval Brigade, doing water 
^ard dutjr on the rivers in Virginia and North Carolina. They also took part in the 
operations against Fort Fisher, under Admiral Porter and General Butler in Decem-. 
ber, 1864. After the fall of Richmond they went to that place and conveyed Alex. 
H. Stephens and Secretaiy of War Mallory of the Confederacy, to Fortress Monroe, 
when Mr. Corcoran stood guard over Vice-President Stephens. He afterwards 
guarded the prisoners surrendered by General Lee at Appomattox, at Newport News, 
and was honorably discharged July 12, 1865, at Hart's Island. He then went to Penn 
Yan, Yates county, and learned the machinist's trade, came to Trumansburgh in 1868, 
and entered the emplo}^ of Gregg & Co. , where he remained five years. May 12, 1870, 
he married Elizabeth O'Neil, of Farmer Village, who died on November 30, 1893. 
Their children, all living, are in number four sons and four daughters: Dora E., 
Mary E., William H. and Edward B. (twins), Angelo, Margaret, Isabel E., and Jo- 
seph Hendrick, all live in Trumansburgh except Dora E. , who married Daniel J. Egan, 
of Boston, where they live. Mr. Corcoran is a past commander of Treman Post No. 
572 G. A. R., at Trumansburgh, which post he helped to organize, and was the first 
charter member. During 1872-'73-'74 he was in the employ of the Silsby Steam Fire 
Engine Mfg. Co., at Seneca Falls, but on account of ill health left their employ-. In 
1875 he engaged in the grocery business in this town on Main street, where he contin- 
ues. He and family are members of St. James Catholic church. 

Corey, the late Jesse G., was born in Herkimer county in 1805, and came to Groton 
when a child, where he was educated. He came to Ulysses when a voung man and 
located at Jacksonville, where he carried on farming. He married first Harriet Ford 
of Jacksonville, by whom he had two children : William, who married Mary Town, 
of Batavia, and Cordelia, who married Grover J. McLallen, of this town. Mrs. Co- 
rey died in 1867, and he married second, in 1869, Emily B. Church, of Ovid. He re- 
tired from active business in 1860 and came to reside in Trumansburgh. Here he 
died June 16, 1873. Mrs. Corey's father, Asa, was born in Dutchess county in 1786, 
and married Catherine Hayet, of his native place, and their children were as follows : 



30 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

George, Mary, Emily B., Charles and Jane. Mr. Church died in 18o() and his wife in 
1858. Mrs. Corey is the onty surviving member of the family. 

Crutts, Edwin, was born in Dryden, January 31, 1836. His father, Jacob Crutts, 
was also born in the county in 1819. The family originally came from New Jersey, 
the grandfather, Jacob Crutts, being the original settler in 1800. Edwin Crutts was- 
educated in the common schools and finished at the High School in Ithaca under 
Prof. S. D. Carr. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Ellen Whipple, daugh- 
ter of Solomon Whipple, of Barton, Tioga county, N. Y., and they have three daugh- 
ters: Mrs. Alice L. Mix, Misses Emma L. and Ella P. Crutts. In 1891 he inherited 
part of his father's estate of 175 acres. In 1889 he bought the Henry Sayles property 
in Varna, also owns in common with his brother three other farms and village property 
in Varna and the Varna grist mills. Our subject is one of the largest farmers in his 
town, taking an active interest in educational and religious matters, and is recognized 
as a man of sterling integrity and worth. 

Conger, Corydon W., was born in Ithaca, May 19, 1826, the second of six children 
of Jonathan and Thankful (Guthrie) Conger. His father was a weaver and farmer, 
and during the later years of his life a speculator and wool dealer. At the time Cory- 
don started out on his own business career the father had not the means to give him 
any substantial assistance, nor has he ever had any such from any source during his 
many ventures. In 1848 he married Mary Brown, whose father. Deacon Benoni 
Brown, still survives in a vigor truly wonderful, at the ripe age of ninety-six. Of 
this union there are three sons: Frank, born in 1849, Jay in 1854, and Benn in 1856. 
The black Friday of 1857 swept away the savings of nine laborious years, and the fall 
of values at the end of the war wiped out those of six more, but Mr. Conger is of a 
nature which does not resign itself to defeat, and in 1867 and 1868 we find him en- 
gaged in building the five miles of S. C. R. R. which lie in Groton. Having finished 
this he concluded to enter into what had been his lifelong coveted manner of living, 
and a store and small stock of goods were bought in 1870. The sons were taken in- 
to the concern as thej? became of age, and the unbroken fraternal confidence, busi- 
ness ability, and irreproachable integrity of the family have made "The Congers" a 
well known firm, one of the very few strictly cash buyers in Central New York. In 
all things they have found able and enthusiastic helpers m the women of the family, 
Mrs. C. W. Conger, Mrs. Frank Conger (Miss Jennie Conant), Mrs. Jay Conger (Miss 
Florence Hathaway), and Mrs. Benn Conger (Miss Florence Buck), having acted as- 
bookkeepers or saleswomen for a large share of the time since the marriage of the 
sons. Earnest attention to firm business has not prevented the Congers from taking 
eager and helpful part in matters of local interest. Mr. Conger gave great help in 
originating the Groton Carriage Company and acted as its president until it was an 
assured succcess. The Groton Bridge and Manufacturing Co. owes its origin and 
success greatly to this family, who act as members of the Board of Directors and of 
the Executive Committee; the Crandall Typewriter Co., the Groton Water Works, 
the new and commodious school building, the several churches, and the Groton fire 
companies (one of which calls itself the C. W. Conger Hose Company), have benefited 
by the public spirit of Mr. Conger and his sons. With all his other numerous duties 
he has found time to fill the office of president of the Cayuga, Cortland and Tomp- 
kins County Fire Insurance Co. in a very acceptable manner for several years. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. .31 

Frazier, Isaac J., was born in New Jersey, October 17, 1813, and with his parents 
moved in 1817 to Saratoga county, N. Y , where he received his early education in 
the common schools, which he attended winters and worked on the farm during the 
summertime. At the age of twenty-seven he opened a store at Dunning's Street 
Corners, and the same year married Dorothy Ann Usher, of Saratoga county, by 
whom he had six children. Of these, three survive; Sheldon Fiske Frazier, the son, 
enlisted in 1862 and served till the close of the war, since which he has been ordained 
as a minister of the M. E. church. Our subject came to this county in 1845 from 
Saratoga county, making the journey in a wagon and starting in the spring. The 
journey was remarkable, as the waters of the Mohawk River, which he was forced to 
cross, were very high, and the roads almost impassable. He first settled about two 
miles east of Ithaca, where he remained three 3^ears, then in 1848 bought what was 
known as the Wyatt farm, of seventy-five acres, to which he afterwards added, 
raising grain, hay and stock, and paying special attention to dairying. He is a Re- 
publican, and has been a member of the M. E. church since 1889. He is regarded as 
one of the foremost men of the town. 

Fowler, A. H., D.D.S., was born in the town of Ulysses, January 25, 1825, son of 
Stephen Fowler, a mechanic of that town. The early life of our subject was~ spent 
in Trumansburgh, and his first occupation was a short apprenticeship at the tailor's 
trade. Upon reaching his majority he began the study of dentistry in the office of 
Dr. Peter Stanbrough, at Farmer Village, where after one ^^ear he began the prac- 
tice of the profession. In the early fifties Dr. Fowler moved to Ithaca, where he be- 
came a partner with Dr. IngersoU. The years of 1856-'57 he spent in Europe, en- 
gaged in Paris at his profession. For eight years he practiced in Ithaca, and in 1866 
moved to Rochester, returning to Ithaca in 1873, to resume a practice to which he 
has ever since devoted his attention. Dr. Fowler is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, and also of the I. O. O. F. He married, in 1847, Jane A. Du Mont, of Ovid, 
who died July 3, 1890, leaving two children: Prof. Fred C. Fowler, of Cornell Uni- 
versity, and Lida May. 

Frost, George W., was born in McDonough, Chenango county, September 23, 
1842. The early life of our subject was spent on a farm in his native town. He was 
educated in the common schools and as.sisted on a farm until 1863, Avhen he removed 
to Ithaca, engaging in ornamental gardening, which he followed for six months and 
then spent one year with Teeter & Hern, of this town. He was also two.years with 
George P. Covert. In 1867, in partnership with William H. Covert, they bought out 
the business, which they conducted as a firm but four months. Mr. Frost bought out 
his partner and has ever since conducted the business, winning an enviable reputa- 
tion as a successful merchant and the leading grocer of this city. He is a staunch 
Republican, and in 1887 was elected supervisor of the town, and re-elected in 1888 b)^ 
a greatly increased majoiity. In 1892 he was elected one of the two supervisors of 
the city, which office he filled with honor. He has been connected with the First 
M. E. church for twenty-six years, most of the time being an officer. Mr. Frost mar- 
ried, in 1869, Martha Ford, of Chenango county, and they have three children : Fran- 
cis P., a graduate of Cornell University, class of '93, now testing electrical apparatus 
.at the World's Fair; Arthur B., a student, and Mary Grace. 



33 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Francis, Richard, was bora in Connecticut, and before the beginning of the present 
centurjr left his native State with his father's family, and settled in Genoa. In 1800, 
soon after his marriage, he and his wife came to Groton, where they settled on a sev- 
enty-five acre tract of land, the tract now forming part of the farm of A. M. Francis. 
It was on a much traveled thoroughfare, and Richard opened and for many years 
maintained a public house, which during the war of 1812 was a general rendezvous- 
for the militia, as it was also for the citizens of the community. Richard was ensign 
of the company organized in the region, all of the members of which were above the 
average size and height. Mr. Francis was a leading man in the town, and also a 
successful farmer. He took an active part in public affairs, but devoted his best time 
to the welfare of his family. He died about 1850, his children being as follows : Ros- 
well, residing in Virgil, is ninety-one years of age ; Clarissa, who is famous for a re- 
markably retentive memory, married George Fish ; Patterson, born in Groton in 1807; 
Richard, who died in Cortland county ; James, -who died young ; Phoebe, who mar- 
ried David Whipple ; Edwin, who died in Clinton county ; Hadley, deceased ; Gil- 
bert, living in Groton ; and Charles, deceased. Patterson is remembered as having 
been an extensive farmer and saw mill operator in this part of the town. He died 
in 1882, and his wife in 1865. The latter was Julia, daughter of Amos Hart. Their 
children were Adelia, wife of T. B. Smith, and now deceased ; A. Morace, of Groton, 
and Mary, wife of Nathan Darby. A. Morace was bom August 20, 1834, and like his 
father, has led the busj' life of a farmer and lumberman. He married in 1863, Adelia, 
daughter of Joseph Fisher, of Dryden, and they have had seven children, five of 
whom survive. In politics Mr. Francis is a staunch Republican, and one of the lead- 
ers of his party in the town. He has ever refused office, yet in the party councils his 
influence is felt. For four years he was county committeeman from Groton. 

Fitch, AA^illiam Henry, who for the last five years has filled the position of president 
of the Groton Bridge and Manufacturmg Co., was a native of Lansing, bom Novem- 
ber 23, 1825. His parents were AVilliam R. and Aurelia (Dunning) Fitch, William R. 
being numbered among the prominent early lawyers of the county, and was one of 
the county judges several years, and represented the town for five years as supervisor, 
although he lived the greater part of the time on his farm. In his family were four 
children, of whom William H. was the youngest. Our subject was brought up on 
the farm, attended the district schools, and also for two years at the Groton Academy. 
He continued to live and work on the home farm until 1876, when he came to Groton 
and for three years engaged in mercantile business, then returning to the farm where 
he remained seven years. The farm on which he was born has been in the possession 
of the family since 1817. He then came agam to Groton and was elected treasurer 
of the Bridge Company, which position he held until March 1, 1889, when he was 
elected its president. Mr. Fitch was originally a Democrat, but following the Van 
Buren presidential campaign, became identified with the Republican party. In 1872, 
however, he with may others in this vicinity supported Horace Greeley, returning- 
again to the Republican ranks upon the close of that eventful struggle. For four 
years Mr. Fitch was justice of the peace of Lansing, and likewise served three terms- 
as supervisor of Groton. In 1856 William H. Fitch married Fanm^ A., daughter of 
Deacon Benoni Brown, of which marriage two children, Charles C. and Clara B., have 
been born. 



FAMILY SKETCHES, gg; 

Fulkerson. Talmadge D.,was born in Dryden, December 10, 1846. His father, 
Burnett C. Fulkerson, was born in Dryden and spent his life of eighty years in Tomp- 
kins county, in which he was born in 1797. At the age of twenty-two he married 
Parintha Sutliff, who came to Cayuga in 1804. In 1822 he took a part of his father's 
farm of seventjr-five acres, on which he built himself a house and where his descend- 
ants reside to the present day. He raised a family of thirteen children, who lived 
to manhood and womanhood and have been prominently identified in the prosperity 
and development of the country. T. D. Fulkerson was educated in the common 
schools, to which he added through life by reading and close observation. At the age 
of twenty-four he married Elerene Gaston, and they have one son, Laroy H. He 
takes the Republican side in politics and an intelligent interest in church and school 
matters. Our subject has added to the original estate and is recognized in his town 
as a practical and successful farmer. 

Frear, William, was born in the town of Ulysses, August 15, 1836, the youngest 
son of Baltus Frear, a native of Poughkeepsie, who came to this county in 1826, and 
died in 1881. The latter was an active church worker, and assisted in organizing the 
Presbyterian church of Trumansburgh, and also the academy there. The early life 
of our subject was spent oh the old homestead farm, and he acquired his education 
in the Homer and Ithaca Academies. His first occupation was as a farmer in Ulysses, 
which calling he followed till in 1862. He then went to Elmira and learned the pho- 
tographer's trade, which he followed in Jamestown and Ithaca till 1884 and then en- 
gaged in the news and confectionery trade in Ithaca. In 1889 Mr. Frear devised an 
invention for the manufacture of popcorn balls, and in 1890 established a manufac- 
tory, which he has since conducted, employing ten bands in his factory and two 
salesmen on the road. He is a Republican in politics, but has never hel(J ofifrce, 
other than trustee of the village. In 1860 he married Ann A. Hopkins, of Enfield, 
and they have two children living. Mr. Frear is also a member of Hobasco Lodge 
No. 716, Eagle Chapter No. 58, and St. Augustine Commandery No. 38: 

Ferguson, Isaac P., was born in the town of Dryden, November 8, 1823. His fa- 
ther, Isaac Ferguson, settled on lot 48 in 1816, and was obliged to draw his wheat to 
Albany and sell it for fifty cents per bushel to get money to pay bis taxes. Our sub- 
ject was educated in the common schools, but from force of character has added to 
this fund by reading and close observation. He was married at the age of thirty-one 
to Harriet S. Cady, daughter of the Hon. Elias W. Cady, of the town of Dryden. 
He takes the Democratic side in politics, but has paid the subject no attention. In 
the year 1846 he went into partnership with the late Hon J. W. Dwight in the mer- 
cantile business, which he continued for twenty-four years, then going into the coal 
business, also handling lumber, shingles and fertilizers. He is still engaged in thi.s 
business. Our subject has through life been proramently identified with the business 
interests of his town, taking a leading part in advancing its material interests and 
finding time during his active life to attend to educational matters and the leading- 
events of the day. 

French, Edwin C, was born in Dryden, June 13, 1859, and was educated in the 
Graded LTnion School of Dryden. At the age of twenty-seven he married Miss Jennie 
L. Sperry, daughter of Charles J. Sperry. In the year 1879 he went into pai'tnership 



•34 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

with his fatTier in the general line of hardware, and is now a member of the firm of 
C. Frencli & Son. In 1887 in connection with his brother-in-law, Chas. H. Sparry, 
tie opened a furniture store in the village of Dryden, and in 1892 he opened a branch 
store in the village of Moravia, and in each town stood at the head of this line in 
business, carrying the largest, stock and finest goods in this line in each town, their 
business motto being, "Attention and courtesy to all," and fine goods at a small 
margin of profit. Under their management they are now doing five times as much 
"buriness as they did in 1887. While leading an active business life, Mr. French 
finds time to take an active interest in educational and religious matters March 1, 
1894, Mr. French sold his interest in the Moravia store to his partner and became 
the sole proprietor of the Drj-den store, and the firm of French &• Son, hardware 
dealers, became E. C. & J. R. French. 

Egbert, William Grant, was born on a farm in the town of Danby, December 28, 
1868, a son of William L., also a native of Danby, who had three children, our sub- 
ject being the second son. The wife of William L. was Esther Grant, who is still a 
resident of Danby, her husband having died in June, 1881. At the age of fourteen 
William G. went to Syracuse, entering the university there, where he took the mu- 
sical course. He was a member of the Euterpe Society and was Dr. Schultze's as- 
sistant for two years as instructor. He then followed concert giving for a year and a 
half, making seven years in all which he devoted to his studies. He had his first 
violin at the age of eight years. He comes of a musical family, his mother being a 
pianist. In 1890 and 1891 our subject visited the European continent, stud5'ing in 
Berlin principally. He was admitted to the Royal Hochschule on first examination, 
and later became a pupil of Joachim. After this school he studied violin, piano, har- 
mony, history of music, singing, orchestration and conducting. In June, 1862, he 
returned and founded the Ithaca Conservatory of Music, having for the first year 
125 students, and the second year considerably over 200 students. This institution 
is fast becoming one of the finest schools of its kind in the country, and will event- 
ually embrace all of the fine arts. In 1890 Mr. Egbert married Gertrude, daughter of 
George Walker, a banker of Emporium. 

Emig, Peter, was born in Bavaria, Germany, August 12, 1868, and came to Amer- 
ica in 1881, locating first in Syracuse, where he remained but a short time, then came 
to Ithaca, and entered the shop of his brother Adam, who was a member of the firm 
of Paris & Emig. He was employed as a journeyman barber until July, 1893, when 
he bought the shop at the corner of State and Tioga streets, having six chairs and 
emplo5nng five assistants, and has three of the finest bath-rooms in town. Mr. Emig 
is a member of Ithaca Lodge I. O. O. F. , and is chief patriarch af Iroquois Encamp- 
ment. He is also a member of Fidelity Lodge F. & A. M. No. 51. 

Ellis, Benjamin, was born in the town of Dryden, November 30, 1849. His father, 
John Ellis, jr., was a son of Judge Ellis, who was a pi'ominent man in the to^\•n of 
Dryden. Our subject was educated in the common schools and at the Dryden Acad- 
emy under Jackson Graves. At the age of twenty-five he married Ella Harter, 
daughter of Henry Harter, of Dryden. In 1872 he inherited part of his father's es- 
tate of forty-four acres where he has erected a beautiful residence and barns. He 
^raises hay, grain and stock. He takes the Republican side in politics, being assessor 
in his town and trustee of his school and a strong supporter of educational and re- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 35 

ligious institutions. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are the parents of six children, four sons, 
Frank C. , William H. , Earl B. , and Ray, and two daughters. Edna M. and Pearl E. 
Our subject is one of the leading men in his town, where he is recognized as a prac- 
tical and successful farmer. 

Elston, Judson A., was born in Erin, Chemung countj^ June 26, 1851. He was a 
son of Stephen B. Elston, a farmer of that town. Judson A. was educated at the old 
Ithaca Academ}^ and at Starkey Seminary. At the age of twenty-five he entered 
the office of S. D. Halliday in Ithaca, where he began the study of law. At the close 
of one year in this office he attended Albany Law School, graduating in 1878, and 
was admitted to the bar May 8, 1878. His first position after admittance was as man- 
aging clerk for Merritt King, with whom he remained two and a half years, and No- 
vember 1, 1881, embarked on a practice alone, which he has since continued. His 
onl)^ political position was the appointment in 1888 of special county judge of Tomp- 
kins county. October 9, 1873, he married May Ida Lawrence, of this county, and 
they have two children . 

English, Jesse LT., was born three miles southeast of Cornell Universit}^, in the 
neighborhood called Snyder Hill, in the town of Dryden, September 1, 1848. His 
father, Jesse English, was also born in the same town in 1811. The family originally 
came from New Jersey, and during the early days made one or two trips to New 
Jersey and back on foot. They settled on lot 72, which is still in the possession of 
their descendants. Jesse U. laid the foundations of his education in the common 
schools, and is pre-eminently a self-educated man. At the age of thirty-one he mar- 
ried Corilla, daughter of Wm. Teeter, of Lansing, and they are the parents of one 
son, Myron T., born August 4, 1881. In 1880 he inherited 122 acres, a part of his fa- 
ther's property, erecting a handsome residence and barns and raising haj^ grain and 
stock. He takes the Democratic side in politics and an active interest in church and 
school matters. Our subject is one of the representative men of his town and is rec- 
ognized as a man of sterling worth and high integrit}-. 

Ellis, John R. , was born in the town of Dryden, July 27, 182(5. His father, Ira El- 
lis, was born in the town about 1801, and John, the grandfather of John R. , was one 
of the first settlers in this town. John R. was educated in the common schools, to 
which he has added through life by reading and close observation. At the age of 
thirty-five he married Kate, daughter of Abram Boice, who passed a\va}^inl864, and 
in 1869 he married LavillaA., daughter of Wm. West, of Diyden, and they have four 
sons : Horton H. , Wm. W. , Fred S. , and Louis D. He takes the Republican side in 
politics and an active interest in school and church affairs. In 1871 he bought the 
John Ogden farm of seventy-seven acres, where he now raises hay, grain and stock. 
Our subject is one of the substantial men of his town, taking an active interest in the 
leading events of the day. 

Darling, Fred E., was born in Orwell, Bradford county, Pa., April 2, 1852, and 
came to Freeville in 1876 and remained four 3'ears, when he removed to Ithaca. He 
returned to Freeville and established himself in the hardware and general tin jobbing 
business, carrying a full line of stoves, agricultural implements and shelf hardware. 
He takes the Republican side in politics and is at present town clerk, and has been 
president of the village, taking also an active interest in educational and religious 



36 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

matters. At the age of thirty he was married to Olive E. Stoddard, daughter of Al- 
fred Stoddard, of Thompson, Susquehanna county, Pa. He is one of the leading 
merchants of his town, where he is recognized as a conservative, independent citizen. 

Darling, Edward, was born in Groton, March 5, 1837. His father, Reuben Dar- 
ling, came from Vermont and settled at Locke in 1810, and enlisted in the United 
States army and took part in the war of 1812, in which he was a musician. Edward 
Darling was educated in the common schools and finished at the Groton Academy. 
At the age of twenty-two he married Mary, daughter of Charles Niven, of Groton, 
and they are the parents of two sons: Chas. R. , and Fred L. In 1867 he bought the 
Wesley Underwood farm of 110 acres on which he has erected one of the handsomest 
residences in the town. He raises hay, grain and stock, making a specialty of dairy- 
ing. Our subject is one of the leading farmers in the town, where he is known as a 
man of sterling worth and integrity and is recognized as a practical and successful 
farmer. 

De Puy, George G., was born in the town of Caroline, December 14, 1847. His 
father, Henry De Puy, came from Ulster county. Our subject was educated in the 
common schools, to Avhich he has added through life by reading and observation. 
At the age of twenty-two he married Eunice Smith, daughter of Bradford Smith. 
He takes the Republican side in politics and has been president of his village and is 
now trustee, and takes an active interest in church and school matters. Our subject 
is one of the leading men in his town, prominently interested in its advancement. 
For the past eighteen years he has been continuously in the employ of railroads and 
coal companies in New York and Pennsylvania and for the past eight years he has 
been in charge of the Elmira, Cortland and Northern interests in his town. 

Davis, Albert H., was born in the town of Danby, October 1, 1853, on the old 
homestead, where he now lives, also owning two other farms, comprising some of the 
best farming land in the town. He was educated in the district schools, and to this 
lie has added a close observation of the affairs of the day. Mr. Davis married, at 
the age of twenty-four, Sarah J, , daughter of Jesse Mann, of Ithaca, by whom he has 
,a daughter and a son. For nine years he was a resident of Ithaca, being connected 
with the Calender Clock Co. , which connection he severed and returned to his farm. 
He is a Democrat in politics. 

Dewey, Eugene V., was born in Prattsville, Greene county, February 24, 1852, was 
educated in the schools there and learned the trade of a miller with his father. He 
married first. May 14, 1871, Lydia Collins, of Broome county, and they had one 
daughter, Lydia. Mrs. Dewey died in 1872, and he married second Cornelia Barthol- 
omew, of Vestal, Broome county, July 15, 1873. They have three sons: Lindsley A., 
■ Faj^ette and Guy Mac. An.son, father of E. V., was born at the old home in Greene 
county in 1817, and was a miller. His first marriage was with Elsie Fink, by whom 
he had five children: Martin M., Wallace P., Clarence A., Elsie E.,and Eugene V. 
For his second wife he married Catherine M. Cisim, and they had four children : 
Jo!3ephine, Sarah, Viola and William. He died in 1889 and his wife in 1886. Arch- 
ibald Bartholomew, father of Mrs. Dewey, was born in Broome county in 1807 and 
married Mary Loomis, of Yates county. Their children were: John, Caroline, Mary 
A., Henry, George, Charles, Irene, Delphine, and Cornelia. He died May 22, 1887, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 87 

and his wife July 13, 1880. Mr. Dewey is the owner of the Taughannock roller pro- 
cess flouring mill, and has resided here four years. He does a fine line of business in 
custom grinding and merchant milling. 

Dorsey, Lloyd, was horn a slave in Maryland, November 18, 1818, was owned by 
Elijah Griffin, and made his escape from slavery in 1842. He first locatad for ten 
months in Pennsylvania, then came to Trumansburgh. December 18, 1844, he mar- 
Tied Nancy M. Hemans, of Caroline, Tompkins county, by whom he had nine chil- 
dren: William H., James E., George P., Clinton C. Frances R., Charles A., Mary 
A., Lilly L. , and Emma S. The oldest son died July 17, 1857; Clinton C. died Au- 
gust 18, 1859, and Lilly L. died in infancy. Mrs. Dorsey died August 31, 1886. She 
was born November 30, 1819. Frances R. married Rev. Charles A. Smith, formerly 
of Pennsylvania. James E. married Frances Robbins of Owego; they have two 
children : Lilly R. , who married Albert Hall, of Florida, and Richard. Mrs. James 
E. Dorsey died February 6, 1878. Charles A. is not married, is a farmer at present, 
residing at home, where his father has lived over fift}^ years. Mary A. is house- 
keeper for her father, who has spent his life in this town as farmer, gardener, etc. 

Davis, Orlando H., was born November 39, 1841, was educated in the district 
:Schools, and finished under S. D. Carr at Ithaca Select School. He is an independent 
in politics, and an active, energetic business man, carrying on a saw mill, a feed mill, 
and also making a specialty of Refined Hop Tonic Cider, one of the purest and most 
invigorating tonics known, and used largely by invalids for medicinal purposes. Mr. 
Davis also manufactures the well known Buckey's corn planter, and handles and sells 
giant powder and dynamite, the only place in the county where it is kept for sale. 
Mr. Davis's father was born m 1804 in the town of Genoa and died in 1888, having 
•spent his lifetime in Ithaca, where he moved at the age of eleven years. Mr. Davis's 
grandfather bought a military lot of 700 acres about 1813, settling on the same his 
■seven sons. 

Dearman, Henry A., was born in the town of Lansing, March 8, 1838. His father, 
Wm. Dearman, was one of the early settlers in that town. Their ancestors came 
originally from Holland. Henry A. was educated in the common schools, but was 
obliged to take care of himself at the age of fourteen, when Wm. Dearman was killed 
by a fall from a building. Being of an energetic nature, Henry continued his edu- 
cation alone. He takes the Democratic side in politics, and has been committeeman 
for several terms. In 1893 he bought what was known as the Orrie Hill property in 
Freeville where he now resides. In early life he learned the carriagemaker's trade, 
m which he continued until 1853 in the village of Dryden, and then returned to 
Lansing. He is recognized as a man of great strength of character and of integrity, 
bis word being as good as his bond. 

Dimick, Samuel G., was born in Hector, Tompkins count)^ (now vSchuyler), March 
33, 1838. April 4, 1861, he married Catherine Davis, of his native town, and they 
liave three children, two sons and a daughter: AVillis D., who was educated in the 
public schools and Trumansburgh Academ)'. and is a teacher and farmer; Fred A., 
who married Carrie H. Hart, of Trumansburgh, and has one child, Emma C. ; and 
Mary E., who resides at home. Mr. Dimick' s father, Samuel, was born in Delaware 
■county, February 38, 1807, and came to Schuyler county at the age of nineteen. He 



38 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

married Mary Kettle of his native place, and they had seven children : Nelson, Elsie,. 
Adelia, Hannah, Samuel G., Delos and Jefferson. His father is now a resident of 
Lodi, Seneca county, his mother having died in 1879. Mrs. Dimick's father, Reuben 
Davis,' was born in Delaware, August 14, 1800, and came to this State at the age of 
five. He married Catherine Reed, of Cayuga county, and their children were : Mar- 
garet, Lydia, Caroline, Charles, Catherine, Mary, Clarissa, Reuben, jr., and Ella A. 
Mr. Davis died May 5, 1875, and his wife May 27, 1870. Mr. Dimick's two brothers. 
Delos and Jefferson, served in the late war. Delos died soon after his arrival home, 
on account of ill health contracted there. Jefferson was honorably discharged at the 
close of the war. 

Davis, L. C, was born in Marbletown, Ulster county, May 14, 1832, a son of Isaac 
B., one of the early settlers of Marbletown, whose wife was Lavina Freer, daughter 
of James Freer, of Slaterville, and they had six sons. Of this family, L. C. M'as the 
third child. In his early life he learned blacksmithing, which he followed a number 
of years. In 1855 he married Eudora, daughter of Abram T. Harding of Slaterville, 
and he then continued his trade up to 1880, when he took up undertaking, which he 
now follows. He held the office of town clerk nine years in Caroline, and was trustee 
of the school for twelve years, being then compelled to ask them to elect another 
man in his place. Mr. Davis has always taken an interest in religious matters in 
Slaterville, and in politics is a Democrat. He has had four children, two daughters 
and two sons. 

House, Willard E. , was born in the town of Spencer, Tioga county, N. Y. He was 
educated in the common schools and the old Ithaca Academy, and followed teaching 
for a short time. At the age of twenty he began the study of dentistry with Dr. 
David Hines, of Spencer. In 1879 he established an office in Candor, Tioga county, 
conducting a very successful practice for twelve years. He removed to Ithaca in 
1891 where he has since been located. Dr. House is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity and is a Republican in politics. He was married in 1876 to Alice M. Chand- 
ler, of Trumansburgh ; they have one child, Fredd Chandler House, a student of 
Ithaca High School. 

Hanford, William, deceased, was born at Pompey Hill, Onondaga countj^ August 
25, 1816. His parents came to Tompkins county in that year, and settled at McLean. 
William Hanford was educated in the common schools, to which he added through 
life by reading and observation, being pre-eminently a self-made man. At the age 
of twenty-five he married Miss Altha C. Todd, daughter of James Todd, and they 
are the parents of one son, G. Elbridge Hanford, Our subject was one of the lead- 
ing and prominent men of his town, identified in advancing its best interests, a firm 
supporter of the anti-slavery movement even in its earliest days, and at all times of 
the temperance cause. At his death, which occurred on January 18, 1893, his family 
and townspeople lost a firm friend and supporter of life's higher aims and interests,. 
regretted by all who knew him. He had fulfilled his mission. 

Hopkins, George A., was born in Keeseville, Essex count}^ N. Y., September 5, 
1860. He was educated in the district schools, also the High School of that place. 
He has held the position of clerk in several stores. At the age of eighteen he became 
a druggist, and is now a licensed pharmacist. On account of the death of his father,. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 39 

•who was a physician and druggist, he and his brother carried on the drug business 
for five 3'ears at Keeseville, N. Y. He then went to ^'ergennes, Vermont, and re- 
mained one year and then came to Trumansburgh, purchased the Wickesdrug store, 
where he keeps a full line of drugs, patent medicines, and a full line of school books, 
also a good assortment of all kinds of books and magazines, newspapers, etc. Oc- 
tober 31, 1890, he married Cora, daughter of C. F. Hunter, of Trumansburgh. Mr. 
Hopkins is a deacon in the Presbyterian church, and is one of the village trustees. 
His father, Franklin M. , was born in the town of Montgomery, September 15, 1833, 
was a graduate of a medical college m Vermont, and a practicing physician. He 
married Mariette M. Maynard, and the}' had five children: Edgar, who died in in- 
fancy; Nellie, Charles M., Frank H., and George A. He died November 35, 1879, 
and his wife October 14, 1893. This family settled in the United States as earl}- as 
1636, one of them at one time being governor of the State of Connecticut. 

Hiles, John W. , was born in the town of Dryden, September 15, 1838. His father, 
George Hiles, came from New Jersey in 1813 and settled with his father on a farm. 
George Hiles at the age of twenty -two was married to Percy West, daughter of John 
West of Dryden, who came to the town in 1806. Our subject was educated in the 
common schools and finished at the Dryden Academy, after leaving which at the 
age of twenty-three he married Kate Tyler, of Dryden, and they are the parents 
of one son, G. Averv Hiles. John W. Hiles now resides on the farm of 100 acres 
which his grandfather cleared up, and who was obliged to go to Albany on foot 
to make his first payment, it requiring two weeks to make the journey. They have 
now a handsome residence. Mr. Hiles is known throughout his town as a conserv- 
ative, independent man, and a practical and successful farmer, who takes an active 
interest in educational and religious matters, having been trustee of the school and a 
member of the Cemetery Association. 

Hubbard, Wra. B. , was born in McLean, October 14, 1831. His father, Elijah Hub- 
b)ard, came from Pittsfield, Mass., and settled in McLean in 1837 and worked the old 
Samuel Noyes farm. Wm. B. was educated in the common schools and finished at 
the Cortland Academy. At the age of twenty-one he married Sarah A. Mineah, 
daughter of Peter Mineah, of Cortland, and thej^ are the parents of six children, all 
living. In the year 1869 Mr. Hubbard bought the James McKee farm of seventy-five 
acres, where he now resides, raising hay, grain and stock. He takes the Democratic 
side in politics, and has also an active interest in educational and reHgious matters. 
Our subject is one of the substantial farmers in his town, and is an independent, 
•conservative man. 

Hill, O. J. was born in the town of Virgil, June 39, 1840, and educated at the Dry- 
den Academy. After leaving school he taught penmanship, and in 1878 went into 
the mercantile business in the village of Dryden with Lee Bartholomew, and contin- 
ued the partnership for four years, when they separated and went on in the same 
business, which he now carries on with a general line of dry-goods and groceries. At 
the age of twenty-three he was married to Miss Louise M. Watkins, daughter of Ira 
W. Watkins, of Cortland. He takes the Republican side in politics. He enlisted 
in Co.F, 76th N. Y. Infant^5^ October 9, 1861, and received his honorable discharge 
August 10, 1863, returning to the town of Dryden and resuming his former business. 



40 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

While leading an active business life he has found time to take an active interest in 
religious and educational matters, being treasurer of the Dryden Union School. 

Halliday, Samuel D., was born in Dryden, January 7, 1847, was educated in the 
district schools until the age of fourteen, then entered the Ithaca Academy, where he 
prepared for college. In the fall of 1866 he entered the sophomore class at Hamilton 
College, remaining one year. The succeeding year he taught in Ithaca Academy, 
and upon the opening of Cornell University in 1868, entered the junior class, grad- 
uating therefrom, in 1870. Then followed two years of preparation for the bar, to 
which he was admitted in 1872. In 1873 he was elected district attorney by a major- 
ity of 415, being the only Democrat the people had chosen for a county officer in 
twenty years. In June, 1874, he was made a trustee of Cornell University, by a vote 
of the alumni thereof, in accordance with its charter. This position he held for ten 
years. He is now a trustee of Cornell University by virtue of an election by the 
trustees themselves. He represented Tompkins county in the New York Assembly 
of 1876 and 1878 ; was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1876, 
and also in 1880, and a member of the Democratic State Committee in 1884. Since 
his retirement from the Legislature, in 1878, he has devoted himself entirely to the 
practice of law. 

Hill, R. Byron, was bom in Lancaster, Erie county, October 7, 1845, and moved 
with his parents to Chenango county when a child, where he was educated in the 
public schools and studied dentistry with his father. The family have been dentists 
and druggists for several generations. Mr. Hill began business in Trumansburgh 
with his brother, C. C. Hill, in 1874. This continued two years, and he then returned 
to Chenango, county with his father for three years. He began business on his own 
account in February, 1879, with a branch office in Farmer Village one day in each 
week in summer, which has continued since with success. November 10, 1869, he 
married Julia A. Johnson, of Farmer Village, and they have four children : Albert B. , 
who is a dentist with his uncle in Rochester; Grace, Marian and Marguerite. The 
father of our subject, Orville S., was born in Tompkins, Delaware county, in 1817. 
He is also a first-class dentist, who has practiced over fifty years. He married Eliza 
Merritt, of his native county, and had five children: R. Byron, Charles C, Homer H., 
and two who died in infancy. The doctor is a member of Farmerville Lodge No. 
149, F. & A. M. His brother, Charles C, is a dentist in Rochester, and Homer H. is- 
a dentist and druggist in Owego, N. Y. 

Hart, Deacon Charles D. , son of Deacon Amos Hart, the latter being elsewhere 
mentioned, was born January 23, 1801, and died May 2, 1880, aged seventy-nine 
years. His wife, Catharine (Butts) Hart, was born March 20, 1805, and died Decem- 
cember 27, 1887. They had four children: John B., born May 20, 1822, died August 
24, 1883; Edwin F., born December 8, 1827, and died April 16, 1865; Eliza, born 
September 28, 1823, married Daniel Wilcox, and died November 21, 1893 in Iowa; 
Charilla Ruth, born January 9, 1832, died June 14, 1840; Deacon John B., the oldest 
of these children, was one of the substantial farmers ot this town. He was promi- 
nently connected with some important measures relating to toAvn affairs. Also was 
thoroughly interested in church affairs, having been a member of the same church 
(the Baptist) as his father and grandfather. He married Anna E. Breed, and by her 
he had these children : Emma J., who died aged nineteen ; Eugene P., Charles A., 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 41 

Carrie and Edwin, bothof whom died young; Kate E., wife of George P. Hallenbeck, 
and May, who also died young. Eugene P. was born in Groton June 9, lSo6, and 
has always been a farmer. October 7, 1878, Mr. Hart married Helen Amelia, 
daughter of V. B. Gross, of McLean, and they have three children; Cora L., Ed- 
ward E., and Kate A. 

Hanford, Ernest E., was born in Dryden, January 25, 1869, a son of G. Elbridge 
Hanford, a farmer of Dryden, who has acquired considerable prominence as a justice 
of the peace, now serving his third term. Ernest E., our subject, was the oldest son 
of a family of four children. He was educated at the common schools and Dryden 
Academ}^, and after leaving he assisted his father on the old homestead farm until 
1891, when he moved into the town of Ithaca, conducting Jasper Hanford's farm for 
two years. In March, 1893, he bought the Hedden farm of ninety-five acres, which 
he is now conducting as a dairy farm with twenty head of cattle. He finds a' market 
in Ithaca b}^ having a milk route, and handles about 320 quarts per day. Mr. Han- 
ford is a member of Forest City Grange No. 288. In politics he is a Prohibitionist. 
He was married in 1891 to Estella, daughter of Andrew Lormer, a farmer of Dr3'^den, 
and they have two children: Harold L. and Wm. Walter. 

Hill, C. J., was born August 4, 1819, in the town of Danby, and was educated in 
the district schools. At the age of eighteen he was given the charge and care of the 
farm by his father, and when twenty-four years of age he married Hannah M. At- 
well, of the town of Pharsalia, Chenango county, who died four years later. One 
child, a daughter, -Frances Josephine, Avas the fruit of this marriage, but died after 
reaching womanhood. At the age of thirtjr-one he married second Sarah D. Ireland, 
of Danby, and they have had six children, three sons and three daughters, three of 
whom are living. The oldest son, Uri J. resides in Kansas City, Mo. ; C. Elbert 
resides in Ithaca, and the daughter, Hattie Louise, is at home. Mr. Hill is a Repub- 
lican in politics, never having having missed an election since twent}--one years of 
age, and has always been interested in promoting all interests for the moral and 
religious up-building of the town in which he was born. He has been trustee of the 
M. E. church, and is recognized as a public spirited man, and one of Danbj^'s most 
substantial citizens. In 1860 he bought and improved the J. Miller farm, where he 
now lives. Mr. Hill has made as many improvements as any citizen of Danby, hav- 
ing been actively emplo_\ ed from an early age up to the present. 

Hunt, Warren, was born in Middlesex county, Mass., September 26, 1825, of Eng- 
lish descent. He was educated in the public schools of Boston, and his first occupation 
was as clerk in a store. In 1844 he engaged in the flour and feed business and ship-- 
ping at Belfast, Me. He was in that town eight 3'ears, and then engaged in the tan- 
ning business at Liberty, Me. , having also a tannery at Orford, N. H. He also had 
a tannery at Owego, N. Y., coming from the latter in 1872 to Ithaca. His tannery 
having burned, he engaged in the coal business under the Arm name of Hunt & 
Coryell. This firm dissolved in 1877, and Mr. Hunt conducted it alone till 1882, when 
he sold the business and in 1884 became a member of the Cayuga Lake Transporta- 
tion Co., of which company he was president. In 1890 he bought the interests of the 
other stockholders, retaining the original name of the company.. In politics Mr- 
Hunt has always been an active Republican, and in 1888 was the candidate of his 
party for mayor. 
f 



43 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Hasbrouck, Alfred, was born in Ulster county, June 26, 1831. After a thorough 
common school education he read law with J. C. Jones, of Lloyd, Ulster county, and 
was admitted to the bar in February, IS'y'S. He practiced four years in Ulster county, 
then in 1857 moved into the town of Ithaca, and engaged in the leather busine.ss with 
Mills McKinney, remaining only a year. He then returned east for two years. Re- 
turning to the town of Ithaca in the spring of 1860, he again gave his attention to the 
leather business. In October, 1860, he married Sarah, daughter of David McKinney, 
by whom he had one son, a graduate of Cornell University, class of '84, and now 
living in Chicago. Mr. Hasbrouck is a Republican in politics, and while declining to 
take a prominent position, keeps well abreast of the events of the da}-, and takes an 
intelligent interest in educational and religious subjects. 

Hinckley, Louis E , was born in the town of Venice, Cayuga county, March 9, 1855. 
His ancestors were New England people, and his father was a farmer. Louis was 
educated at Syracuse University, class of '75. He engaged in mercantile business at 
Ledyard, Cayuga county, and after his marriage went to Colorado, where he accepted 
a position as cashier of the First National Bank of Fort Collins, which position he 
ifilled until his death, on vSeptember 10, 1886. October 30, 1879, he married Emma 
M. Perry, daughter of Hiram Perry of the town of Lansing, by whom he had one son. 
Perry C. Mrs. Hinckley with her son came to Ithaca about a year after the death of 
her husband. She is a member of the Episcopal Church. 

Hardy, Charles Ehas, was born in New Brunswick in 1798, and his younger days 
were spent in Albany, where he was trained- for the hardware business under the 
Delevan Brothers. In 1820 he established a store in Utica, which he conducted till 
1830, that year coming to Ithaca. While in Utica he married Louisa, daughter of 
Thomas Walker, who died in 1888, After coming to Ithaca he established a hard- 
ware store in partnership with George McCormick, which firm existed until Mr. Hardy 
sold his interest to Mr. McCormick. This is the store now occupied by Mr. Rumsey. 
Our subject died July 7, 1868. He always took an active interest in whatever was 
for the good of the city. He was the father of three daughters; Mrs. J. B. Williams, 
Jane L. Hardy, and Louise AY. Hardy, who died in 1866. The latter 5^ears of Mr. 
Hardy's life were spent in the Merchant's & Farmer's Bank, as cashier. 

Howes, Charles H., was born in the town of South East, Putnam county, N. Y., 
March 16, 1857, and his early life was spent in his native count}-. He was educated 
in the common schools, after leaving which he worked at the carpenter's trade with 
his father until 1875, when he removed to Ithaca for a year, employed in the shoe 
store of W. D. Ireland. In 1876 he begun the study of photography with William 
Frear, with whom he worked si.\ years. He also spent some time in Cleveland, Ohio, 
with J. F. R3-der, them seven months in Rochester in a leading gallery, after which 
he was employed in the Oliver gallery. Oswego, N. Y.. for thirteen months. April 
11, 1885, he returned to Ithaca and bought out his former employer, Mr. Frear, and 
has since conducted the gallery at 40 and 42 East State street. He has added many 
improvements in the galler}^, and for the past three years has been class photographer 
for Cornell University, also Ithaca High School. Mr. Howes is a Democrat and a 
member of Hobasco Lodge No. 716 F. & A. M. In 1887 he married Virginia, daugh- 
ter of Thompson and Marguretta Kyle, of Harrisville, Pa., and brother of Dr. E. H. 



FAMILY SKETCHES-. 4?, 

K3'le, of Ithaca. After a lingering illness of three years she- died on Februar}^ 20, 
1893. 

Holman, Frederick D., was born in Trumansburgh, April 5, 1862, and received his 
education in the public schools, and in the old academy. His first employment was 
as clerk in a drug store, and later he became clerk at the station, in the employ of 
Richard H. Stone, who was station master. He then became telegraph operator and 
assistant station master for about eight years. In 1892 he was promoted station 
master of the Lehigh Valley Railway Company at Trumansburgh. March 20, 1890, 
he married Mary B. Buckley, of his native town, and they have one daughter,, 
Blanche S. Mr. Holman's father, Arthur, was born in 1825 in Ulysses, and he too 
was educated in the public schools. He was a merchant and bookkeeper through 
life. He married Martha, daughter of Joseph L. Iredell of this town, and they had 
four children: Sarah L. , Frederick D., Ellen I., and Levi O., who assisted his 
brother at the station. Frederick D. is a member of Trumansburgh Lodge No. 157 
F. &A. M., and of Fidelity Chapter, No. 77, R. A. M., and St. Augustine Command- 
ery Knights Templar of Ithaca. This famih^ is one of the oldest in the village. 

Hinckley, Henry L., was born in Stockbridge, Mass., February 10, 1841. The 
early life of our subject was spent in his na^tive State, where he was given an aca- 
demic education, and was a bookkeeper in mercantile business. In 1862 he enlisted 
in the 110th N. Y. Vols., and was in service for three and one-half years, retiring- as 
captain. In 1874 he entered the bank of Henry D. Barto & Co., at Trumansburgh, 
of which he was the president and ca.shier until January 1, 1881, when he came to the 
Tompkins County National Bank, where he has been the cashier since. He is a Ma- 
son and a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, 
composed of officers of the army who served through the War of the Rebellion, He 
married, in 1882, Helen M. Noble, Trumansburgh, and they have one child. 

Hildebrant, H. A., was born in Ithaca, September 6, 1851, a son of Charles Hilde- 
brant, a native of Huntingdon county, N. J., who moved to this county in 1824, being 
then eight years of age. In early life he followed boating, after which he took up 
the business of scaling logs in Pennsylvania, then received an appointment on the 
police force in Ithaca, holding the same six years, when he became a farmer in Car- 
oline in 1860. Here he died in 1885. His wife was Angeline Eaton, of Ithaca, and 
they had two children, C. A. and H. A; Charles died in 1885; our subject was the 
youngest. He was educated in the district school, and has always been a farmer. 
In 1881 he maried Alice Owen, of Berkshire, and they have two children : Fannie and 
Mattie. Mr. Hilderbrant is a Republican, and is now serving as assessor. He is a 
member of Caroline Lodge No. 681 F. & A. M. , -^^O 

Haskin, Clinton A., was born in Dryden in 1834. His great -great-grandfather 
was Elkanah Haskin, born in Scotland about 1700, coming to America in 1730. He 
settled in Connecticut, and died in 1870. He had six children, of whom Enoch was 
born in 1740 and married Mrs. Maiw Williams, removing in 1790 to Pittstown, N. Y. , 
where he died in 1833, aged ninety-three. His wife died in 1820. They reared five 
children, of whom Abel, born in 1767, married Claranna Phelps, by whom he had 
three children. He died in Pittstown in 1792. His son, Abel second, born in 1789, 
married Hannah Raymer and settled in Tompkins county. In 1836 he came to Lan- 
sing, where he followed milling and tlie distillery business, retiring in 1853, and 



44 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

leaving the tTade to his son, William. He died in 18T0, aged eighty-one, and his 
wife died eight years later. They had eight children: Charles R., Catherine E., 
LavillaS., WiUiam S., Julia A., Hiram P., Harvey J. and Clinton A. The latter 
—born in Dryden in 18B4— was educated at the old Ithaca Academy, where he re_ 
mained three years, then took up a course of civil engineering in Union College in 
Schenectady, graduating in 1855. For the next six years he followed railroad engi- 
neering. In 1859 he went to Benham, Tex., and was connected with the Washington 
County R. R. Co., for two years. While there the Rebellion broke out, and he re- 
.turned home in June, 1861. In 1863 he married Marian, daughter of Dr. Darius and 
Mary E. '(Baker) Hall, and they have three children: Dr. Herbert P. Haskin, of 
Gaines, Pa. ; Florence E., wife of Allen D. Rose; and Erwin C, who resides at home. 
He is a member of the A. O. U. W. , and a Republican. In farming he makes a spe- 
cialty of Jersey cattle and Shropshire sheep. 

Hutchings, Thomas, deceased, came to the town of Di-yden in 1807 and associated 
himself with his brother John, who came in 1805. The latter, with the assistance of 
Ms brother Thomas, who had learned the blacksmith trade, constructed a flour and 
feed mill, Thomas doing the necessary iron work. The mill was located abotit a 
half mile of the farm residence. John having learned the trade of ship carpenter, 
manufactured the mill stones from the granite rocks found in the fields and these he 
used during his entire life. This mill was celebrated throughout the town, the people 
being obliged to go to Ludlowville for flour until its completion. Thomas Hutchings 
followed farming and blacksmithing, and in 1887 he bought the Abram Carmor 
property of seventy acres, on which his daughters now reside. He was a well known 
man in his town and commanded the respect and good will of all who knew him to 
the time of his death, which occurred January 19, 1865. 

Humphrey, William Ross, was born in the town of Ithaca, April 10, 1820, the old- 
est son of Charles Humphrey, a native of Little Britain, Orange county, born in 1792, 
who came to Tompkins county in 1818 as the attorney for the Newburg Branch Bank. 
He studied law in Newburg, and was a soldier in the war of 1812, in which he was 
.captain. In 1850 his death occurred at Alban\-. He was elected to Congress in 1824, 
and was member of assembly in 1884-35-36-42, being speaker in 1835-36. In the 
county he held the office of surrogate, and was one of the leading Democrats in his 
county. He was clerk of the old Supreme Court for several years, and was located 
at Albany, where he lived from 1842 to 1847, and at the time of his death was attend- 
ing Supreme Court in that city. Charles D., the brother of our subject, after serving 
through the war of the Rebellion in army and navy, died in Utica in 1870. The 
school days of William R. were spent in the old Ithaca Academy, and in 1838 he was 
employed on the surve}" of the Harlem Railroad. The year afterward he entered the 
law office of Bate & McKissock at Newburg, was admitted to the bar in Januaiy, 
1842, beginning practice in Ithaca. In 1849 he gave up the practice of his profession 
and became connected with the Ithaca and Owego Railroad, known now as the Cayu- 
ga and Susquehanna Railroad, which road was rebuilt in 1849 bj- parties who subse- 
quently organized the D. L. & W. Co., and afterwards leased to this company and 
known as the Cayuga Division, of which he was superintendent thirt3^-seven years. 
Eor thirty years he was trustee of the .school district. While superintendent of the 
.D. L. & W. he was also manager of their extensive coal operations at this post. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 45 

handling many million tons of coal in that time. He was a member of the Board of 
Trustees of Cornell University- a number of years, and secretary of the institution. 
He was trustee of the village of Ithaca several years, and charter member of the 
Cornell Library Association, and trustee since 1864. He was charter member of 
Ithaca Lodge I. O. O. F. in 1842, and is the only one living to-day. He has also 
been trustee of the Presb\ terian church fourteen years. In 1848 he married Mary 
H. Wheeler, of Orwell, Vt., and they have four children. Of these, George S. is 
with the C. W. Hunt Mfg. Co., as treasurer in New York city; Charles is in the 
mining business in Salt Lake City; the youngest daughter married C. W. Hunt, of 
New York, and the other daughter resides at home. 

Holden, William, son of John W. and Elizabeth (Brown) Holden, and grandson o* 
John Holden, of Lansing, was born in Lansing, November 26, 1838. Until of age 
he lived on the home farm, and when twenty-two years old he went to Illinois to 
work. December 22, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 10th 111. Inft. for three years. He 
served with his regiment through seven engagements; first, at the siege of New 
Madrid, Mo., while in the Army of the Mississippi, and the capture of 3,000 prisoners 
near Tiptonville, Ky., by his regiment 600 strong after a forced march; the support- 
ing troops came up the next morning in time to guard these prisoners, who were 
gathered from the woods where they were driven the night before. Then being 
transferred to the Army of the Tennessee, he participated in the siege of Corinth, 
Tenn. In the fall of 1862 he was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, where 
he performed the greater part of his service; was at the defence of Nashville, Tenn., 
Resaca, Ga. , and other points of importance ; he was also with Sherman on his fa- 
mous march to the sea. Our subject endured many hardships and forced marches 
in the States of Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. While not 
wounded in battle, he was seriously injured by being accidentally struck with an ax, 
which kept him in hospital four months ; later he was in the hospital service, but on 
recovery he rejoined the ranks and served with credit until he was mustered out at 
Savannah, Ga. , at the expiration of his term of service, December 27, 1864, and re- 
turned to Tompkins county. On the 9th of March, 1865, Mr. Holden was married to 
Catherine E., daughter of Peter Howser, of Lansing, and they have three children. 
They lived four years in Groton, then five years m Lansing, but in 1874, he bought 
the old Miller or Peck farm in Groton, where he has since lived. 

Howe, Dr. John B., was born in Dryden, N. Y., August 15, 1863. He is the elder 
son of Dr. Freeman S. Howe, a prominent dentist in Dryden and Ithaca for over 
thirty-five years. After three years' apprenticeship in ths office of his father, Dr. 
John B. attended the full course in dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, grad- 
uating in 1887, since which time he has practiced in Ithaca. He is now enjoving a 
large and lucrative practice in partnership with his brother. Dr. Fred B. Howe. 

Hopkins, Herman S., the subject of this sketch, now a practicing lawyer of this 
town, was born in Groton, Tompkins county, N. Y., June 19, 1848, and is a son of 
Sidney and Caroline Hopkins. His ancestors were among the first settlers of this 
town, his great-grandfather, Isaac Hopkins, with his family, having moved from 
Washington county, N. Y. , and settled on a farm in the eastern part of this town in 
1800 or 1801. He had a large family of children, among whom were Stephen, Da- 
vid, Isaac, John, Elisha, Hiram, and several daughters, all of whom took an active 



46 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

interest in the early settlement of this town. Of these sons Isaac married Martha^ 
P. Clark, and they had two sons. Volney and Sidney Hopkins. Sidney Hopkins 
married Caroline Howser, and was in his lifetime a prominent citizen of the town 
and took an active interest in its affairs ; he was for a number of years a trustee of 
the Groton Academy, a trustee of the Groton Union School ; was justice of the peace- 
in the town for a number of years, and from 1872 to 1880 he was a U. S. inspector of 
customs at the port af New York, when he returned to Groton, where he died in 1887, 
his wife still surviving him. Herman S. Hopkins was educated at the Grotcm Acad- 
emy and the State Normal School at Cortland, N. Y., graduatmg from the latter in 
1872, and after teaching for a short time, read law in the office of W. W. Hai'e, esq., 
at Groton, and was admitted as an attorney and counselor at law in 1877, and has 
since practiced his profession at Groton. He has taken quite a prominent part in 
town affairs, and has held the ofifice of justice of the peace in the town for a number 
of years ; also held the offices of clerk and trustee of Groton village, and also treas- 
urer of Groton Union School for a number of years. In politics he has always been 
a Republican, frequently representing his town in Republican conventions. 

Chipman, Albert Edwin, was born in the city of Rochester, November 22, 1857, a^ 
son of Albert Chipman, who for twenty years was a baggage master on the N. Y. C. 
and H. R. R. R. He died in 1877. Our subject is the only son ; a sister. Miss Alice 
Chapman, is living in Michigan. A. E. was educated in the public schools of Roch- 
ester. His first occupation was in the office of the Union and Advertiser, and at the- 
age of fourteen he went into the furniture manufactorjr and store of Haun, Smith & 
Spencer, with whom he was employed about five years, and then was two years with 
Minzer & Shale, of Rochester. In 1881 he came to Ithaca and entered the employ of 
Henry Bool in his furniture manufactory, where he had charge of the upholstery de- 
partment for seven years. In March, 1888, he established a furniture store at 10 
East State street, where he has .since been located. In 1891 Mr. Chipman established 
a linen and embroidery department in the store, which has proved a very valuable 
addition to the business. This department is managed by Mrs. Chipman, whose- 
rare taste and good judgment have established her reputation as a connoisseur of the 
art of embroidery. The designs used by Mrs. Chipman are furnished by one of the 
best artists in the countrj^ In the furniture department the stock is exclusively of 
the best quality and latest style. Mr. Chipman's specialt)^ is upholstery, and his long 
experience and ability qualify us in saying he is the most competent workman in the 
line in this city. Of his home life, we can say without intruding on family affairs 
that he was married in 1884 to Miss Joanna Driscoll, daughter of the late Thomas 
DriscoU, a farmer of Lansing. Theyhave two children, Thomas A. and Ruth Ellen.- 

Herrington, Henry S., was born in Dryden September 19, 1835. His father, 
Thomas Herrington, was one of the earl 5'- settlers in the town and was a son of Jacob- 
Herrington, dying on the same farm as the latter in the western part of the town of 
Dryden. Henry S. was educated in the common schools to which he has added by- 
reading and close observation through life. At the age of twenty-two he married 
Margaret Stewart, daughter of John Stewart, of Dryden, and they have had two 
children, one son, J. Heniy Herrington, and one daughter, Jennie E., a beautiful and 
accomplished young lady, who passed away at the age of twenty-eight, a devout 
christian, and a dutiful daughter. He takes the Republican side in politics and an. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 47 

active interest in educational and religious matters, being trustee of his school and a 
member of the Presbyterian church of Dryden. In 1870 he bought the property on 
lot 46, of ninety acres, making a specialty of dairying and potatoes. Our subject is 
recognized throughout his town as a practical and successful farmer and a conserva- 
tive, intelligent citizen. 

Hazen, John P., of Newfield, was born in New Jersey near Belvidere, October 30, 
1850, a son of Jacob Hazen, of New Jersey, who moved to Tompkins county in 1830. 
He then settled in Dryden. and later in Danby, finally moving to this town, and then 
back to Danby, where he passed his life, dying in 1843. His wife was Ann Smith, 
of his native State, by whom he had eight children, our subject being the fourth. 
John P. has always worked at carpentry and farming. January 6, 1850, he married 
Mary Gibbs, of Dryden. He owns a farm of sixty acres, and is a member of the 
Grange. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never cared for public office. 

Halsey, Hugh, the jDioneer head of a family who settled in Lansing about or soon 
after the war of 1812, came from Suffolk county, L. I. He had been a sailor and as 
■such acquired a fortune, but on his last voyage was robbed of his property, and emi- 
-grated to this country a poor man. He had a family of two sons and several daugh- 
ters. One of these sons, Hampton Halse}-, was born April 16, 1801, and in Lansing 
Tjecame a farmer. He married Eliza Ann Sweazey. by whom he had five children : 
Hugh, Rachel, Ezra, and two others (twins) who died at birth. Hampton Halsey 
died in March, 1849, and his wife in August, 1846. Hugh Halsey was born January 
■23, 1822, was brought up and has always lived on a farm. At the age of twenty-two 
he began life for himself, and in addition to his farm work taught school during the 
winter. March 12, 1863, he married Jane H., daughter of Alanson T. Howell, and 
they have had eight children, seven of whom are still living. In politics Mr. Halsey 
is an earnest Republican, and as such held the office of justice of the peace over nine 
years, being first appointed, then elected to fill a vacancy, and afterward elected for 
two full terms. Mr. Halsey's farm is located in the northeast part of the town of 
■Groton, and he is recognized as one of the leading farmers of the locality. 

Hart, A. O., was born in the town of Dryden, July 14, 1833; he gained his early edu- 
cation in the district school. His father, William M., was a native of that town, born 
in 1802, and lived to the age of eighty j^ears. Throughout his life Mr. Hart paid 
special attention to milling and in his later years carried on a flour and feed store m 
Ithaca. Our subject, A. O. Hart, married December 27, 1853, Mary, daughter of 
Isaac Bishop, who died August 3, 1891, leaving no children, since which he has de- 
voted himself more closely than ever to business, buying and shipping large quan- 
tities of live stock, and handling most of the crop of wool produced in his neighbor- 
hood. In spite of his active business life Mr. Hart finds time to take an interest in 
the events of the day, both educational and political, being a Republican in politics. 
Mr. Hart has served as excise commissioner and is now one of the town committee. 

Hedden, Mrs. Louisa, was born m Enfield, March 38, 1834, a daughter of Reuben 
Harvey, a native of New Jersey, born in 1807, died 1893. His parents were Asher 
and Mary Harvey, also of New Jersey, who came to Tompkins county about 1813, 
clearing a home in the woods, where they died. Their three children were Reubein, 
John and Holmes. Reuben married Mary Wager, and they had three children: 



48 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Louisa, Mary A., widow of C. H. North of Avon Springs; and Frances, wife of J. L. 
Parker, of New York city. Mrs. Harvey died in June, 1890. She was an active 
church woman, and a member of the M. E. church. Louisa attended the district school 
and later attended the Ithaca schools, but was forced to leave on account of poor 
health, before her graduation. In 1862 she married Wright A. Hedden, born in Lan- 
sing in 1834, a son of Richard and Emily (Brown) Hedden. About 1869 Mr. and Mrs. 
Hedden bought the farm of 180 acres on which our subject now resides, and which 
she conducts herself, doing a diversified farming, the place being highly adapted for 
fruit growing on the south hill slope towards Lake Cayuga, and on this farm is Hed- 
den' s Station and post -office, the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and a lumber and coal 
yard; also a phosphate house, a steamboat dock, a salt well, and mineral springs. 
The farm has large and commodious buildings, and is a fine place. Mrs. Hedden 
has one daughter, Eloise, born in January, 1864, wife of E. E. Scribner, of Trumans- 
burgh, who is professor in the school. Mrs. Hedden is a member of the Episcopal 
church at King's Ferry. 

Hanshaw, John J., was born in Ithaca, October 11, 1850, a son of Samuel Hanshaw, 
one of the old residents of that town. He was educated in the Ithaca High School, 
and attended the academy under Prof Williams. At the age of twenty-four he mar- 
ried Aurelia Dargee, of Dryden. He is a Democrat in politics, now holding the office 
of justice of the peace, and also takes an active interest in school matters in his dis- 
trict. He is an intelligent farmer, keeping well posted on the leading events of the 
day, he and his father having one of the handsomest farms lying in the northeast part 
of the town, in which they are recognized as thorough and successful farmers. 

Hazlitt, William H., was born in Sussex county, N. J., October 2, 1816, and came 
with his parents to this State when he was seven years old. They first located in 
Danby and afterwards in Mecklenburg in Schuyler county, where he was educated 
in the public schools and became one of that county's enterprising farmers. He mar- 
ried first Elizabeth Johnson, formerly of New Jersey, and second Rachel Atwater, 
of Trumansburgh. James, father of William H. , was born in New Jerse}' about 1780, 
and married Mary Branes, by whom he had ten children: John, David, Anna, Mary 
A., William H., Abram, Sarah, Matilda, James, and one who died young. In 1823 
the family came to this State and located as above, being nine days on the journey. 
James Hazlitt died about 1866 and his wife in 1855. Mrs. Hazlitt' s father, Elijah At- 
water, was born near New Haven, Conn., April 4, 1790, and came with his parents to 
this State when a boy. April 3, 1814, he married Sally Hitchcock, of Catharine, 
Schuyler county, and they had eight children : Caroline D. , David, Russell, Sarah L. 
Lyman, William Y., Rachel O., and Martha M. Mr. Atwater was a leading man in 
this community, having been member of assembly one term, justice of the peace 
many years, and filled other offices. He died November 10, 1851, and his wife June 
19, 1871. Mr. Hazlitt has been a produce dealer and commission merchant here for 
twenty years, and is steward and trustee of the M. E. church, of which he and wife 
are members. 

Hedges, Elijah C, deceased, was born in Caroline, February 11, 1838, and was ed- 
ucated in the district schools. At the age of twent3^-four he married Charlotte H. Teeter, 
daughter of Isaac Teeter, who bore him three children: Mrs. John Elyea, of Danby: 
Isaac, of Kansas City ; and Lamont, who lives at home. Mr. Hedges was a Democrat 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 49 

and took an active interest in educational and religious matters. He had been in fail- 
ing health for some years, so he left the farm and bought a residence in the town of 
Ithaca, but failed to recover his health, and passed awaj? in November, 1883. After 
his death Mrs. Hedges took the management of the farm into her hands, and has 
achieved a merited success. 

Dave}', George W., was born in Somersetshire, England, March 6, 1826. He was 
the youngest of nine children, and came to this country with his parents, John and 
Elizabeth Davey, in 1830 and settled in Auburn, N. Y. Thence the family moved to 
Skaneateles, N. Y., in 1831, at which place his father and mother lived to the advanced 
ages of eighty and sixty-seven years respectively, and his brother John to the age of 
eighty-two. The only surviving members of the famil}^ are George, his sister Eliza- 
beth, of Marcellus, and his brother Edward, who is a prosperous carriage manufac- 
turer at Medina, N. Y. , now eighty years of age. In 1843 George went to Canada 
and one year later thence to Newport, N. Y. , where he learned the trade of carriage 
painting. In 1847 he came to Groton to work for Allen & Carpenter, carriage mak- 
ers. Since that time Mr. Davey has been a resident of Gi'oton village, and has de- 
voted himself almost continuously to his trade until quite recently. In 1870 he be- 
came a member of the carriage manufacturing firm of Hicks, Adams & Davey, of 
Groton. This partnership was dissolved four years later. Mr. Davey was an ardent 
atiti-slavery man, and later found himself at home in the Republican party. August 
22, 1849, he married Mary Eliza, daughter of Stephen F. and Lora (Stowell) Barrows, 
who came from New England in 1824. Mr. Barrows was a farmer and wagon mak- 
er. He was one of the founders and first deacons of the Congregational Church. 
He died December 31, 1854, and his wife March 1, 1888. One son and three daugh- 
ters survived them. Paddock, Mary, Sarah and Wealthea. Mr. and Mrs. Davey have 
three children: Eva, who married D. H. Naramore, resides in Alexandria, Va. ; Mer- 
ton L., a contracting carriage trimmer at Whitney's Point, N. Y. ; and Vernon L. , 
superintendent of schools at East Orange, N. J. The latter was educated at the 
Groton Academy and Cornell University, graduating in 1875 ; was principal of Gro- 
ton Union School (formerly Groton Academy) three years, during which time the 
first graduating course was adopted. He went to East Orange in 1878 as principal of 
the public school, and has since been elected superintendent of the East Orange 
schools. G. W. Davey was early identified with the prosperity of Groton. He helped 
re-establish and maintain Groton Academy, which had been sold at sheriff's sale, and 
was for many year's a trustee of that institution. He was one of the founders and 
first trustees of the Groton Rural Cemetery Association. In 1864, while its president, 
he invented and patented a " Weed Eradicator," which is still used in many places, 
for clearing walks and avenues of weeds by means of horse power. He is also a 
stockholder in the National Bank, and one of the charter members of .the Groton 
Iron Bridge Co. , and Crandall Typewriter Co. , of Groton. He also aided in erecting 
the Congregational house of worship. Mr. Davey has been a Sunday school worker 
from his youth, and in recent years has entered heartily into special Sunday school 
work outside of his own town — organizing town associations in Tompkins county, 
while president of its county association, and adddressing Sunday schools in this and 
other counties. 



50 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Duryee, Richard, was born in Schnectady, N. Y., AjDril 26, 1818, and came to the 
town of Dryden in 1850. He received his education in the common schools, but is a 
self-educated and self-made man. At the age of twenty-one he married Rachel 
Cuykendall, of Skaneateles, who died in 1846, leaving one son, John M. In 1847 he 
married Eliza, daughter of W. H. Sutfin, and they are the parents of two daughters, 
Mrs. Mary J. Simons, and Mrs. Aurelia Hanshaw. In 1866 he bought the other in- 
terest in the Sutfin estate of 115 acres, on which he has built one of the handsomest 
residences in town. Our subject is one of the substantial men of his town, where he 
is recognized as a man of sterling worth and integrity, and as a practical and success- 
ful farmer. 

Dorn, Alexander, was born November 8, 1808. He came from Dutchess county 
about 1825 and settled in the south part of the town, where he lived and reared ten 
sons, and three daughters, and died in 1876. Wesley Dorn, his son, was born in 
Danby February 29, 1840 ; he was educated in the common schools, where he laid the 
foundation of a solid education, which he has supplemented through life by reading 
and observation. At the age of twenty-five he married Sarah J., daughter of Ensign 
Dorn, who died in 1879, leaving two children, one now surviving, Jennie E. Logan. 
He married second, in 1884, Saloma E. Bogardus, daughter of Calvin Bogardus, of the 
town of Caroline, and they have one daughter, Mabel E. In 1885 he bought what 
was known as the Norton farm, having sixty-five acres, where he has built one of the 
handsomest residences in Danby. Our subject is a conservative, independent man, 
recognized throughout his town as a practical and successful farmer. 

Estabrook, Robert C, was born in East Haddam, Conn., April 26, 1810. In his 
earlier years he was a surveyor and a farmer, living at home with his father, Hobart 
Estabrook, who settled in Tompkins county, in 1827, in Pony Hollow, the farm con- 
taining about 500 acres. His father's object in coming here _was the sale of a tract 
of 16,019 acres of land which the school fund of Connecticut had a claim on, and Mr. 
Estabrook never moved back. Our subject moved from Pony Hollow to Newfield 
village in 1860, and now has a place of thirty-two acres and lives a retired life. He is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church ; was married, January 5, 1833, to Polly M. 
Smith, by whom he has had seven children, five surviving. Their golden wedding 
was celebrated January 5, 1883. Mr. Estabrook is a Republican, and has served his 
town as assessor and justice of the peace. 

Field, Ehsha, was born in the town of New Haven, Conn., December 30, 1788, and 
came with his wife and family to Lansing, Tompkins county, in 1823. He was a far- 
mer and an ingenious mechanic, and settled in the southern part of Lansing. The 
descendants of Mr. Field were quite numerous in the county. His children were: 
Hester Ann, born December 28, 1810; Susan, born January 6, 1813; Elizabeth, born 
March 18, 1815; Sarah, born April 27, 1817; Alanson, born July 4, 1819; Selden L., 
born September 11, 1821 ; Henry M., born October 2, 1824; Samuel B., born January 
30, 1827. Ehsha Field died in 1864, and his wife about four years later. Susan 
married James D. Egbert; Ehzabeth married Joseph Apgar; Sarah married Buell J. 
Smith and now lives in Maryland; Alanson maried Maria Terpenning, March 24, 
1842, who was a daughter of J. T. Terpenning, formerly of Ulster county; Selden L. 
married Eliza Personius; Samuel B. married Katherine Tichenor. The descendants 
of Alanson Field were Elisha ; Peter E. , a merchant of Binghamton, N. Y. ; Mary I. , 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 51 

wife of Lerojr Jenks, of Groton ; Henry M., of Lansing; Lina L., wife of Edward M. 
Avery; Ella J., wife of Charles A. Hart, of McLean ; and Florence J., who died aged 
two years. Elisha Field, who for more than twenty-seven years has lived in Groton, 
was born in Lansing, April 1, 184B. He was brought up on a farm and was educated 
in the common schools of his town and also in the Ithaca Academ5^ In 1866 he came 
to Groton and worked as a mechanic for more than eight years in the shops of Perrigo 
& Avery and Charles Perrigo & Co. For five years Mr. Field was in the mercantile 
business in Groton, and in 1879 was employed as draftsman by the Groton Bridge 
Co., with which he has ever since been connected. On May 19, 1868, he married 
Martha A. , daughter of Aaron and Caroline Woodbury. They have two children : 
Carrie M. and George R., both graduates from Groton Union School; later George R. 
was employed for three years in the engineering department of the Groton Bridge 
and Manufacturing Co., and now holds a responsible position in the Risdon Iron and 
Locomotive Works of San Francisco, Cal. Elisha Field was for many years a mem- 
ber of the Board of Education, and is well known in the municipal affairs of Groton 
village, having held several of its important offices. 

Foster, Luther C. , was born in Granville, Bradford county. Pa. , the son of the Rev. 
Peregrine P. Foster, a Baptist minister and farmer. Our subject was educated at 
Farmington Seminary, Farmington, O. For two winters he taught district schools 
and then went to Tennessee, where he taught a private school four and a half years, 
from 1848 to 1853, when he returned to New York State, locating in Elmira. In 1855 
he was appointed principal of school No. 1, which position he held for twenty years. 
When he entered upon his principalship there were only thirty-three pupils in atten- 
dance; when he left, the attendance was 1,100, including two branch schools under 
his supervision. In 1875 he was employed to take the position of superintendent of 
instruction of the public schools of Ithaca, which position he has since held. He at 
once reorganized the school system, and the Ithaca Academy became the Ithaca High 
School. In 1886-87 he served a term as president of the New York State Council of 
School Superintendents. Mr. Foster is a member of the Masonic fraternity with 
Fidelity Lodge No. 51 F. & A. M. He married, in 1854, Charlotte Lindsay, of El- 
mira, and they have six children. 

Green, William La Mar, was born in the town of Lock, Cayuga county, in 1840, a 
son of Wilson and Eunice (Mead) Green, born in Genoa. The grandfather, William, 
was a native of Connecticut, born in 1789, who came to Genoa while a young man, 
with his wife, Susan Fay, and settled on a piece of land, which he cleared. He was 
the owner of vast tracts of land before his death, which was at the ripe age of ninety, 
his wife surviving him only a year and a half. Of their nine children, the father of 
our subject was the oldest. He was a farmer and a speculator in live stock. He had 
five children, as follows: Amy, who died young; Althea, wife of M. E. Bower, of Ge- 
noa; Wilson La Mott (deceased); William L. ; and Watson La Vern, of Lock, who 
died about 1865. Our subject attended the district schools while young, working on 
the farm at the same time. At the age of twenty-two he married (in 1862) Almira 
M. , daughter of Isaac and* Sally (Osmun) Davis, old residents of Lansing, and they 
have had two children : Agnes, wife of Bert Mosely, of Genoa ; and William L. , born 
in 1874, who resides with his parents. Our subject's mother died in 1878. William 
L. bought a farm of 110 acres on lot 51 soon after his marriage, where he has ever 
since lived. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the I. O. O. F, 



63 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Griswold, Luther, was born August 27, 1822, in the town of Dryden and is a de- 
scendant of Edward, who settled in the town in 1802 and who received a grant from 
New York State as a reward for his services in the Revolutionary war, in which he 
was wounded. He selected lot 39, taking up a section of 640 acres, which embraces 
the northeast corner of Dryden village, the site of the present church edifices. Chas. 
Griswold, the father of our subject, was born February 19, 1793, and was killed by 
the falling of a tree March 19, 1834. His son Luther was educated in the common 
schools. At the age of twenty-six he married Miss Lucy Foote, who passed away in 
1862, and in 1863 he married Miss Marietta Mineah, and they have three children, 
Mrs. Celia McClintock, Mrs. Grace L. Goodrich, and Miss Minnnie M. Griswold. 
Our subject takes the Democratic side in politics since 1872, and has served as su- 
pervisor from 1861 to 1865, having been assessor for several terms previous. He has 
been president of the Agricultural Society of Dryden and a director in the Dryden 
and Groton Fire Insurance Co. Luther Griswold now resides on part of the old 
homestead, taking possession in 1849, and in 1850 he bought with his brother Leonard 
part of the John McGraw property of 50 acres. In 1871 he bought the Abram Butts 
property, having 175 acres, and raising hay, etc., and making a specialty of fine 
fruits. 

Gregory, O. H., was born in Berkshire, Tioga county, October 22, 1818, and came 
with his parents to this town when an infant. His father, Henry G., was a clerk in 
the store of General Huntington, at Ithaca, for about six years, then moved on to the 
farm of his father-in-law at Owego, where he died in 1824. Our subject was educa- 
ted in the common schools and lived with his grandfather on the farm until the age 
of sixteen. In 1834 he located in Ithaca, and was for three years a clerk in the .store 
of L. H. Culver, then went into the employ of his uncle, W. T. Huntington, and had 
charge of his brewery for seven j^ears.- In 1844 he established a restaurant, buying 
out the interest of Anson Braman, of the firm of Braman & Rice. Rice & Gregory 
conducted this for several years, and then Mr. Gregory became the sole proprietor. 
In 1861 he bought a store at 18 East State street, which he fitted up for a restaurant 
and conducted until 1872, when he sold to the father of George F. Simpson, and 
since 1872 he has lived a retired life. In 1875 he was elected a director of the Savings 
Bank, and at the death of Mr. Curran in 1879, Mr. Gregory was elected treasurer of 
the bank, which position he filled for four and a half j^ears, then resigned on account 
of ill health. At the election of officers in 1884 he was made vice-president, which 
place he held to the time of his death. In 1843 our subject married Mary L. Martin, 
of Ithaca. They had no children. On the death of Mr. Curran, Avho was one of 
the commissioners on railroad bonding, Mr. Gregory was appointed in his stead, 
holding that position at the time of his death, which occurred on the 29th day of De- 
cember, 1893. He was also at the time of his death bonding commissioner of the 
town, on the Ithaca and Athens Railroad, and the Geneva and Ithaca Railroad, and 
president of the Board of Paving Commissioners, of the city of Ithaca. Mr. 
Gregory was a Republican in politics. 

Griswold, Benjamin, was born in Dryden, June 14, 1822. His father, Nathan Gris- 
Avol'd, came from Fairfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., in 1802. Benjamin Griswold 
was educated in the common schools and finished at the Dryden Academy. At the 
age of thirtj^-two he married Laura E. Hurd, daughter of James H. Hurd, of Dryden 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 5P, 

and the}' have two sons, Harvey D. and Frank, and two daughters, Mrs. Kate Bal- 
lard, and Miss Anna Griswold. In 1850 he bought part of his father's farm of fortj-- 
four acres. In 1860 he bought forty-four acres of Daniel Griswold, in 1865 he bought 
twenty-five acres of Layette Sweetland, in 1870 he bought ninety-one acres of his 
father's farm; from this he sold twenty-seven acres, leaving 175 acres that he now 
owns, devoted to raising hay, grain and stock, and making a specialty of dairying 
and fine fruits, and also having a herd of grade Jersey cattle. Our subject is one 
of the leading farmers in his town, taking an intelligent interest in educational and 
religious matters and in advancing the best interests of his town. He is recognized 
as a man of high character and sterling integrity, whose life has proven his word to be 
as good as his bond. His son, Hervey D. Griswold and his wife, who was Miss Fan- 
nie Sheldon, daughter of Edward Sheldon, are now m India as missionaries of the 
Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. 

Guthrie, William, son of Captain John Guthrie, the pioneer, was born on the old 
homestead farm (situated in the western part of Groton, now occupied by John G, 
Cobb), November 36, 1807. He was reared on a farm, and became a hard worker. 
He lived Avith his father until his marriage, May 1, 1833, his wife being Diana, 
daughter of Isaac Brown. They had three children : (31ive Lavina, born April 8, 1834, 
who married Loomis Knapp and died in Groton ; John, so named for his grandfather, 
the pioneer; and William Nelson, born March 13, 1845, enlisted in 1864 in the 9th 
N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and killed before Petersburg in April, 1865. William Guthrie 
died November 3, 1846. John Guthrie was born August 19, 1838, and was brought 
up on the farm. At the age of twenty-two he began work for himself, and March 23, 
1863, he married. He then bought the old home farm where he has since resided, 
and which he has brought into a state of excellent cultivation, the result of much la- 
bor and good judgment. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie, 
three of whom are now living; Floy A., wife of Frank Sovocool ; JohnC, and Hattie 
B. AVhile perhaps not one of the largest farmers of Groton, Mr. Guthrie is none the 
less enterprising and industrious, and a comfortable home is the result of his efforts. 
He is a Repubhcan in politics, and the entire family are devoted members of the 
East Lansing Baptist church. 

Genung, Homer, was born in the town of Dryden, November 13, 1857. His father, 
Benjamin Genung, was also a native of Dryden and is now seventy years of age and 
a resident of Ithaca. Our subject was educated in Brookton and is a graduate of 
the Homeopathic Hospital College of Cleveland, Ohio, graduating in March, 1884, 
and is now in practice at Freeville, where he settled in May, 1884. At the age of 
thirty-one he was married to Lena B. Stone, daughter of Albert C. Stone, and they 
are the parents of Albert B. Genung. Our subject is one of the leading men of his town, 
taking an active part in advancing its best interests and recognized as a conservative 
and independent citizen. As a practitioner of medicine and surgery, he is ambitious 
and earnest in his work, and progressive in his views. 

George, A. W. , was born in the old homestead, August 4, 1834. His father, John 
George, with two brothers, were among the original settlers in the town, and the 
residence and farm of ninety acres has been in the family for the past eighty ^^ears. 
A. W. George was educated in the common schools, to which he has added through 
life by reading and close observation. He takes the Republican side in politics and 



?)4 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

has been prominently identified in advancing the best interests of his town, having 
been assessor for six years, postmaster for three years, and justice of the peace for 
four years, receiving the nomination for the second time from the three parties, and 
of seven hundred votes received all but three. He was also census enumerator in 
1875. At the age of twenty-three he married Ellen Primrose, and they are the pa- 
rents of two children. Mrs. Edith M. Wright and Elizabeth George. Our subject is 
recognized throughout his town as a man of sterling worth and integrity and a prac- 
tical and successful farmer. 

George, Japhus, was born in Redwood, town of Alexandria, Jefferson count}-, 
Februarys, 1846, a son of Benjamin George,, a native of Vermont, Avho was one of 
the oldest potash burners of those times. He was the father of twelve children, of 
whom our subject was the youngest. His early life was spent in Jefferson county, 
and he was educated in the common schools. As soon as he was old enough he went 
into the glass factory, first as a helper, and then as a gatherer and blower. He re- 
mained in the Redwood factory till 1877, when he went with the company that started 
the co-operative works at Blossburg, staying until the next season, when he went to 
Pittsburgh. In the spring of 1881 he came to Ithaca, and was first employed with 
Hagany. These works burned, and he became interested in the Washington Works, 
having ever since been employed in their factorjr. In 1893 Mr. George, in partner- 
ship with C. Shorter, of Bernhardt's Bay. patented and built a new annealing oven, 
which revolutionized the annealing of glass. He is a member of Alexandrian Lodge 
F. & A. M., and is also a member of the Aurora St. M. E. Church. He was married, 
February 14, 1867, to Mattie McLona, of Redwood, Jeflierson county, and they have 
two children, Benjamin F. , and Mabel. Messrs. George & Shorter have just received 
a patent of a muffler to protect glass being annealed while in the flattening oven. 

Ganoung, William H., was born in LTlysses, October 13, 1827, was educated in the 
common schools, and learned the carpenter's trade. He followed carpentry and 
building until 1877, when he became a farmer. In politics he is a good Republican, 
and has filled the office of road commissioner a great many years. May 18, 18o3, he 
married Eliza Westervelt, of this town, and they have two children: Alice A., and 
James H., both residing at home. James, father of William H., was born in Dutch- 
ess county, October 26, 1801, and came here with his parents in 1812. He married 
Eliza A. Jarvis, formerly of Long Island, by whom he had five children : William H., 
Jonathan, Jarvis, Adeline, and Oliver B. Mr. Ganoung died July 24, 1885. His 
wife was born April 15, 1805, and died November 23, 1890, mourned by a bereaved 
family. Mrs. Ganoung's father, Isaac Green, died when she was a child. Our sub- 
ject's grandfather, Jonathan Ganoung, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his 
father was a captain in the State militia. 

Griffin, George, was born in Devonshire, England, and came to this country in 1870. 
He located first in Syracuse, where he worked for a short time at the tailor's trade, 
which he had learned in his native country. In 1873 he came to Ithaca, being em- 
ployed by C. F. Blood for ten years, and in 1883 he bought him out and has since 
been engaged in the business for himself at No. 9 N. Tioga street. When he bought 
the business it was one of the oldest merchant tailoring establishments in the coun- 
try, having been run over thirty years. Mr. Grffin has advanced with the times and 
has made a decided increase in the amount of business done. He employs from fif- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 55 

teen to twenty hands, and carries a complete line of foreign atid domestic goods, and 
being a practical tailor has charge of all details connectf^d with the business. Mr. 
Griffin is a member of the Fidelity Lodge No. 58, St Augustine Commandery No. 38. 
He was married in 1873 to Miss Mosher, of Cortland count}^ N. Y. 

Graves, Mary Jane Bishop, was born in the village of Ithaca, May 13, 1829, the 
eldest of five children of Joel and Maria Bishop who were natives of Lansing. They 
soon, however, removed to Drj^den, where Mr. Bishop engaged in the manufacture 
of guns. He was a son of Dr. James Bishop. Their children, when old enough, 
were sent to the village school, and Mary at an early age determined to qualify her- 
self for a teacher. She attended school at Homer Academy andCazenovia Seminary 
for several terms, and at the age of sixteen began teaching, receiving for her first 
term ten shillings per week, with the privilege of "boarding around." After having 
taught several terms, during which time she gathered, analyzed, and arranged a 
specimen of each plant in the town of Dryden, she purcha-ed a scholarship, which 
entitled her to a four-years course of study at Oberlin College, Ohio. At the age of 
twenty-two she entered the sophomore class and completed the course and graduated 
in three years. She taught for two years immediately after leaving her alma mater. 
In the summer of 1857 she married Jackson Graves, a teacher in the Pottsville (Pa.) 
Union Graded School. During the three years she resided there she read and stud- 
ied much and and sketched and painted scenes from nature. She and her husband 
accepted an invitation to open a select school in Dryden, N. Y., in the fall of 1860, 
and this developed into what was known for ten years as the Dryden Seminary. In 
the spring of 1861 they bought about three acres of land and erected the building 
now occupied by the Dryden Union Graded School, and for the next ten years our 
subject labored in the school room, where she had the happy faculty of inspiring her 
students to work for their own development, physically, mentally, and spiritually, 
and never failed to gain the confidence of all who knew her intimately. " Do all the 
good you can" was her oft-repeated sentiment. The last twenty-one years of her 
life were spent on the farm in the town of Danby. Her health was not good, but she 
accomplished more by her indtistry and energy than most who were blessed with 
more rugged constitutions. If the way was not open, she devised means to open it. 
The sick and afflicted among her neighbors were objects of her careful attention, and 
she often took the place of a "good Samaritan." At the age of fourteen she united 
with the M. E. church of Dryden, in which she was an active and untiring worker, 
especially in the Sabbath school. She passed to the other side January 21, 1892; 
her faith was strong and her hope bright to the last. One of her last utterances was, 
"I am willing to go whenever my Heavenl}^ Father shall open the way. I have no 
fear of what we call death. It is only the final separation of soul and body I dread." 

Givens, Edward, was born in the town of Dryden on May 14, 1823. His father. 
Col. Charles Givens, was one of the early settlers in the town and a man of promi- 
nence and note. Our subject was educated in the common schools, which he attended 
winters and worked on his father's farm summers, where he now resides. His grand- 
father was the original settler of this property, which has always been in the Givens 
family. At the age of twenty-six he married Jeanette Godfrey, daughter of Philo 
Godfrey, of the town of Dryden, and they are the parents of two children : one son, 
Philo, who died August 23, 1889, at thirty-four years of age, and one daughter, Mrs. 



56 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Fidelia Sims, of Bi'ooklyn, N. Y. Our subject takes the Republican side in politics 
and an active interest in reli'^ious and educational matters. He is a practical and 
successful faimer and a prominent man in his town. 

Givens, AV. R. was born in the town of Dryden, April 15, 1821. His father. Col. 
Chas. Givens, came from Orange county, to the town of Dryden when he was six 
years of age and took a prominent j^art in the affairs of his town, being supervisor and 
holding other offices all his life, until he was obliged to decline the nominations ten 
dered him. Our subject was educated in common schools and finished at the old 
Ithaca Academy, after leaving which he taught school for twelve years, working on 
his farm summers. In 1862 he bought the Fortner place of 150 acres; in 1865 he 
bought the Wm. Trapp property of fifty-eight acres and part of the Scofield property, 
and part of the Allen property, all of which adjoins. At the age of twenty- seven he 
was married to Nancy Lamont, daughter of Archibald Lament, of the Isle of Bute, 
Scotland, and they are the parents of four children, three of whom are living, two 
daughters, Mrs. Raymond Smith, of Ithaca, and Mrs. F. S. Jennings, of Dryden, 
and son Archibald, who is now living at home. He takes the Republican side in 
politics and has held various offices in his town, and has freely supported school and 
church matters. Our subject is one of the leading men in his town where he is rec- 
ognized as a substantial and conscientious citizen. 

Griswold, Leonard, was born April 19, 1820. His father, Chas. Griswold, was born 
in this town, and was a soldier in the war of 1812, holding the position of captain in 
the militia of New York State. After his death, which occurred in 1834, his family 
was awarded a land warrant for his services. Leonard Griswold laid the foundation 
of his education in the log school house, district 16 of Dryden, but is pre-eminently 
a self-made and self-educated man. At the age of twenty-four he married Miss De- 
lana M. Wheeler, daughter of Enos Wheeler, and they are the parents of three 
children, two sons, Jay and Charles D., and one daughter, Mrs. Laura Mahan. In 
1834 he inherited a part of his father's estate including the homestead where he now 
resides. In 1873 he bought the George Hill property in the town of Virgil of eighty 
acres. In 1875 he bought part of the Austin Hill estate of forty-three acres, making 
240 acres, raising hay, grain and stock and making a specialty of dairy farming. 
Our subject is one of the leading farmers in his town, taking an active interest in 
temperance, educational and religious matters and in advancing the best interests of 
his town. I-Ie is recognized as a man of high character and sterling integrity, and 
has been an officer of the Presbyterian church of Dryden for the past forty years. 

Grant, Schuyler, was born in Ithaca, August 22, 1865, a son of Chauncy L. and 
Martha S. (Schuyler) Grant. He was educated at the common schools and Ithaca 
High School, on leaving which, in 1881, he entered the drugstore which was estab- 
lished by his grandfather in 1831, and he, at the death of his grandfather, became 
proprietor. Mr. Grant is a Democrat in politics, a member of Hobasco Lodge No. 
716, F. & A. M., of the Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias. 

Schuyler, George Washington, was born February 2, 1810, at Stillwater, Saratoga 
county, and was educated in the University of the Cit}' of New York, from which he 
graduated in 1837. He studied theology, but subsequently, in order to extricate a 
brother from difficulties, engaged in business in Ithaca. He was elected treasurer of 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 57 

the State of New York November 3, 1863, and served for two j^ears. He was 
appointed superintendant of the Banking Department of the State, January 3, 1866, 
and served till Februarjr 14, 1870; was member of assembly in 1875 and chairman of 
its. Committee on Banks and Banking, during which time he obtained the passage of 
the General Savings Bank law, and a law for the protection of railway employees. 
He was, from January 1, 1876, to May, 1880, auditor of the Canal Department, and 
was the first to propose making the canals free waterways, by the abolition of tolls, 
a recommendation which was subsequently effected by a constitutional amendment. 
As auditor, he was at the same time one of the new capitol commissioners. He was 
a trustee of Cornell University from the time of its organization until his death, and 
was its treasurer (without remuneration) from 1868 to October, 1874, when he resigned. 
Mr. Schuyler married, in 1839, Matilda Scribner. 

Gilford, Norman R., was born near Rensselaerville, Albany county, September 1, 
1838. He was educated in the public schools and Rensselaerville Academy, and 
worked on his father's farm in Schoharie county until he came to reside in Trumans- 
burgh in 1859. He then became a canvasser, and later a clerk in his cousin's drug 
store. October 1, 1861, he enhsled in Co. D, 10th N. Y. Cavalry, and held the 
position of orderly sergeant. He also acted as lieutenant, and was slightly wounded 
in the hand. He was honorably discharged July 24, 1865, and returned to Trumans- 
burgh, where he has been employed in various occupations. He and his brother 
engaged in the drug business in Vineland until 1877. June 6, 1871, he married Annie 
E. Woodworth, of this village, and they have two children : Elizabeth W., who holds 
a position in Bulf alo ; and Lloyd H. , who is now attending school. Mr. Gifford was 
appointed justice of the peace in 1891, and was elected in 1892 for four years. His 
father, Lloyd B. , was born in Albany county, August 24, 1812, and married Martha 
A. Reeve, of Rensselaerville. They had five children : Norman R. , William P. , 
Alexander M., MelvinB., and Adelbert L. Mr. Gilford's ancestors were of Revolu- 
tionary stock, and on his father's side many of them were in the United States Navy, 
and on his mother's side all the sons were in the Revolution. Mr. Gifford was a 
charter member of the first post here, and is a member of Treman Post No. 572, G. 
A. R. , and is commander of the post. Mr. Gifl:'ord is a member of the Baptist church 
and church clerk. 

Gardner, Edward T. , was born in the village of Ithaca, September 26, 1846, the 
only son now living of six children of Ira M. Gardner,. He was educated in the pub- 
lic schools of this city and early took up the trade of his father, lathing the Catholic 
church of this city at the age of sixteen. He rapidly worked into different branches 
of the trade and acquired such proficiency that he soon became a contractor. In 1877 
he went into partnership with Thomas B. Campbell and Robert Richardson, and their 
first large contract was the building of the residence of William H. Sage, after which 
they built the Jane P. McGraw residence, and also the annex of Wells College, at 
Aurora. The summer of 1876 our subject spent in Colorado. vSince the dissolution 
of the above firm Mr. Gardner has built many of the most prominent buildings in 
this city — Small's planing mill, remodeling the Culver block, and others. He has 
made a specialty of glass factory work, and built the United Glass Company's ovens 
and furnaces. He became interested in a new device for annealing glass, and machin- 
ery for handling it, and traveled all through the gas belt of Ohio, Indiana, and Penn- 

h 



58 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

sylvania, setting up these ovens. Mr. Gardner is a member of Fidelity Lodge, Eagle 
Chapter, and St. Augustine Commandery. He is also a member of the L O. O. F. 
and of the Encampment. He belongs to the Aurora Street M. E. church. October 
16, 1878, he married Minnie D. Sandborn, of Ithaca. Their fine residence was erec- 
ted by Mr. Gardner in 1885. 

Gooding Family, The. — Seth Crane Gooding and family moved from the northern 
part of this State and took up their abode about one mile east of Groton village in a 
then comparatively wild and unsettled region. There was a large family of sons and 
daughters, as follows; Sidney; George, who died in Chicago; Williams, who died in 
California; Rodney, who died in Buffalo; David; Matthew, who was killed while 
hunting near Detroit; James, who died at St. Paul; Abbie who died in Groton, and 
Sarah. Of these children only Sidney, David and Sarah are now living. Sidney 
Gooding was born near Whitehall, N. Y., in 1806, and at the age. of nine years came 
with his father's family to what is now Groton. On reaching his majority he pur- 
chased land near his father's farm, and there began his business life as a farmer and 
afterward cattle buyer, both of which were successful ventures for him. His wife was 
Hannah Bradley, daughter of one of the pioneers of the town, by whom he had these 
children: Mary, wife of S. C. Reynolds, and Seth C, the latter a business man of 
Groton village, though still residing on the old home farm of his father. Seth C. 
Gooding was born on the farm where he now lives, June 4, 1842, and like his father 
in many respects, has been an extensive speculator and as well a successful farmer. 
During the war of 1861-5 he was in the government service for a period of six months. 
The present firm of Robinson & Gooding was formed June 1, 1892, and deals exten- 
sively in feed, grain, flour, farm produce,, lumber and coal. In 1867 Mr. Gooding was 
married to Mar^^ E. Browm, of which marriage three children — one son and two 
daughters — have been born. 

Goodrich, L. Levi, was born in Tioga county, July 1, 1837, a son of Elizur Good- 
rich, who was a sea captain sixteen years, and finally having acquired a competency 
in that business he settled on what was known as the Watson farm, from which he 
moved to the place occupied by our subject, and there he and his wife died. In early 
life Levi followed farming, and also traveled quite extensively. He now owns a fine 
farm of 485 acres, the place being noted for its grain product, and he also raises and 
ships great quantities of hay, employing many hands in this branch ; also raises 
blooded cattle. He has built fine buildings on his farm and made other valuable im- 
provements. He has a half-mile trotting track, and has raised some very fine and 
fast horses, that sold m New York for prices running into the thousands. He also 
conducts an extensive milk business, keeping fifty cows. He married in 1870 Clara 
Covert, of Seneca, her grandfather being one of the first settlers of that town. They 
have had three sons : Lewis C. , Chauncey S. and Wirt W. Lewis, who is a graduate 
of the Ithaca High School, class of '91, is now teaching at Speedsville. Chauncey is 
also a graduate of that school, class of '93, and Wirt is now in the grammar school. 
Mr. Goodrich is a Mason, Lodge No. 265 of Caroline, and has alwaj's been an active 
worker in the Democratic ranks. 

Gage, L. A., was born in Silver Lake, Pa., August 13, 1839, and was educated in 
the district school, to which he has added by an intelligent system of reading. After 
leaving school he gave his attention to farming, which he has made his life work. At 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 59 

the age of twenty-six he married Hannah A. Meaker, daughter of Reuben 3. Meaker 
by whom he has had four children: Flora, Matie, Richard J. and Ralph, the last two 
deceased. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and takes a deep interest in edu- 
cational and religious matters. In 1872 he bought what was known as the Patmore 
farm of fifty acres, and in 1879 he built a fine residence, where he now lives. Mr. 
Gage is one of the prominent men of this town, where he is recognized as a conserv- 
ative and practical citizen. 

Gregg, Chauncy P. , was born in Covert, Seneca county, May 26, 1833, and received 
a common school and academic education. He came to Trumansburgh in 1855, 
where he has been an active, thorough business man. He first conducted a hard- 
ware store in company with Biggs Bros. In 1858 he bought the warehouse at Tru- 
mansburgh Landing, and continued it ten j^ears. While thus engaged he began the 
manufacture of mowers, reapers, etc., which he has continued until the present time. 
In December, 1863, he married Sarah Conde, of West Troy, and they have had four 
children; Ehzabeth C. , Holland C, Sarah M., and James G. Mrs. Gregg died Au- 
gust 26, 1886. Mr. Gregg's father, Erastus C, was born in Enfield in 1805, and in 
early life was a merchant and mail contractor. He married Sarah Pratt, of Covert, 
and they had six children: Chauncy P., Alexander H., who married Helen Mund}^ 
of Farmer Village; Sarah A., who married Dr. Hoysradt, of Ithaca; Harriet E., 
Edla E., and Evangeline. Subject's father died in 1887, and his mother survives, 
aged eighty-two years. The ancestry of the famrily on the paternal side is Scotch and 
on the maternal side of New England stock. 

Gross, Van Buren, was born in Marathon, Cortland county, September 22, 1832, 
the youngest of twelve children of Freeman and Susanna (Preston) Gross. Freeman 
was a cooper and builder of distilleries, and in the earl}' history of Cortland count}' 
his services were in constant demand in the building of "stills". Van Buren, our 
subject, was early apprenticed to his brother to learn the cooper's trade. He attended 
the district schools and one term at Homer Academy, and early in 1853 he started to 
make his own way in life, with little capital but the determination to succeed, and not- 
withstanding the hardships and limited advantages attending his early life, he has 
made good his ambitions and hopes. April 7, 1853, Mr. Gross reached Peruville, and 
there entered the cooper shop of Horace Baker, with whom and Harry Hill he worked 
four years. In 1858 he rented the McLean firkin factory, and in partnership with 
T. M. Wicks operated it for three years. Later he was partner with John Lewis and 
still later worked in the same shop for Lewis & Beckwith. He then moved to Mal- 
loryville, where he worked for a Mr. Howe, and the following fall bought the Smith 
Townleyfarm of thirty acres. For several years afterwards Mr. Gross continued his 
work in the shop at McLean, also operating the farm. He finally bought the McLean 
factory, enlarged and added to its capacity, established both barrel and churn-making 
departments," and made it in all respects the chief industry of the village, building up 
an extensive trade, through his straightforward business methods. Mr. Gross is a 
Republican and was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1873-74-75, and when the 
E. C. & N. R. R. was being constructed through Groton he was town commissioner. 
March 29, 1858, he married Azubah A., daughter of Henry and Azubah Teeter, and 
they have four children. 



60 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Gee, Rev. Hiram, was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland county, April 29, 1820. His 
parents came from Orange county and bought a large farm in 1812. In 1822 his 
father was killed in a tornado. He remained on the farm until 1840, when he came 
to Ithaca, and was employed as a clerk for two years in the store of David Haximer. 
He then removed to Burlington, Pa., and engaged in the mercantile business with 
William Coryell. He became a member of the Methodist Church in 1850, and a year 
later began preaching. He was stationed at Marathon for one 3'ear, Coventry one 
year, Greene two years, Oxford two years, Homer two years, Ithaca Second Church 
two years, Ludlowville two years; and was presiding elder of the Auburn and Ithaca 
district four years. He has resided in Ithaca since. Mr. Gee has been most liberal in 
endowments, having given and pledged over $50,000 to Methodist denominational ed- 
ucation, besides over $5,000 to the two churches in Ithaca. Thomas Gee, grandfather 
of our subject, was an adjutant-general in Sullivan's expedition in 1779. His origi- 
nal order book is now in Cornell University. 

Algart, Mrs. Christina, widow of Philip Algart, an old resident of Lansing, was 
born in Canada in December, 1813. She is the daughter of Philip and Mary (La Bar) 
Peck, natives of Pennsylvania. They moved to Canada in 1801, and there lived fif- 
teen years, then moved to Genoa, Cayuga county, where they spent their lives, the 
father dying in 1841 and the mother in 1873. Of their twelve children, three died 
young, and the others were: Sarah, wife of James Wagner, of Michigan; Mary, wife 
of Joseph Bower, of Lansing; Rachel, wife of Samuel Boyer, of Lansing; Elizabeth, 
wife of Barnabas Haws, of Genoa; Barbara, widow of John Snyder, of Genoa; 
Christine, as above; Susan, wife of Philip Kratzer, of Genoa; Daniel. Christine 
attended the common schools of Genoa, and in 1836 married Philip Algart, who was 
bom in Pennsylvania in 1810, a son of Henry and Mary Algart. Philip was a shoe- 
maker by trade, at which he worked for several years at Genoa, having in the mean 
time bought a small farm which he conducted later, abandoning the shoe business in 
1868. He sold his land in Genoa and removed to Lansing, where he bought the f aj;m 
of 100 acres on which he lived till November 8, 1891, the date of his death. He was 
a Republican in politics. He and wife had four children: Rachel, wife of Luther 
Sanford, of Ithaca; Willis P., who lives on the estate with his mother, and Lewis and 
Carrie, both deceased. Willis P. married Ellen, daughter of Samuel and Harriet 
(Goodyear) Knapp, of Genoa. 

Carman, Frank W., was born in the town of Hector, March 7, 1853, was educated 
in the public schools and Ithaca Academy, and for a time followed teaching, but later 
took up farming. March 23, 1881, he married Julia, daughter of John A. and Lucin- 
da Letts, and they have one son, Charles Owen, born February 17, 1883. Mr. Car- 
man's father, Jacob, was born on the homestead in Hector, August 19, 1820, was ed- 
ucated in the schools of his day, and married, Febuary 3, 1847, Julia Waters, of 
Oneida county, by whom he had five children : Garrett S., Frank W., James S., Fred- 
erick, and Alice B. Mrs. Carman's father, John A. Letts, was born in Ulysses, Jan- 
uary 28, 1809, and married May 1, 1834, Lucinda Harrison, of his native town, by 
whom he had six children: Mary, Lydia, Adeline, Sarah, Eliza and Julia. Mr. Letts 
died December 16, 1880, and his wife March 6, 1886. Mrs. Carman's grandfather, 
Azariah, was born in Middlesex county, N. J., August 20, 1778, and married Marga- 
ret Wortman in 18OI, and the same year came to Ulysses. They had six children, as 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 61 

follows: Betsey, Amelia A., Mary, Lucinda, John A. and Ursula. He died in 1861 
and his wife in 1859. Mrs. Carman's great-grandfather, Peter, came with his son 
Azariah to this county, and the old place is now owned and occupied bj? a Miss Van- 
derbilt, one of the fourth generation. 

Evans, Evan D., was born in Myrthur Tydville, AA^ales, June 23, 1849, and came to 
this countr}' with his parents when only eleven years of age. His father located at 
Scranton, Pa., and there our subject's early education was acquired. At the age of 
eighteen he went to Portsinouth, O., where he began the study of photography, a 
business he has ever since followed. In 1874 he went to Corning, N. Y. , where for 
seven years he conducted Evans's Art Gallery. In 1881 he moved to Ithaca and es- 
tablished a gallery at 74 and 76 East State street, now known as the University Art 
Gallery. Each year for the past eleven years Mr. Evans has been elected by the 
Senior Class as the photographer for their division. He has acquired a reputation 
for doing good work, and will not cater to the cheaper grades. He is a Republican 
and a member of the Oil Creek Lodge 303 of Titusville, Pa., F. & A. M. He mar- 
ried in Titusville in July, 1873, Anna L. Reed, of that town, and they have two sons 
and one daughter, students of Ithaca High School. 

Davis, Joshua B., was born in 1833, a son of Joshua Davis, also a native of Lansing, 
who died in 1868. The latter married Phoebe Bacon, who died in 1872. In his boy- 
hood days Mr. Davis attended the common schools, and at the age of twenty-one he 
rented his father's farm on shares, and began for himself. Some years later he bought 
a tract of thirtj^ acres, which he farmed, in addition to his father's place. On the 
death of his father he bought out the other heirs, and since then has bought other 
farm property. He raises a mixed crop of grain, but makes fruit a specialty. He 
has served his town as commissioner and is now postmaster at Lake Ridge. He has 
always taken an interest in the Republican party. In 1865 he married AnnaM., 
daughter of Edward and Charry (Sannis) King, natives of Cayuga county. Mr. Davis 
is the only son of a family of fotu' children, two being deceased. 

Estabrook, William B., was born at Catharine, N. Y., and is a grandson of Capt. 
Hobart Estabrook, who settled at Pony Hollow in 1827, and a son of ex-sheriff Her- 
man L. Estabrook, formerly of Schuyler county. He was admitted to the bar in 1880, 
and practiced law at Havana, N. Y., until 1883, when he removed to Ithaca. He 
was for a number of years stenographer for the courts of Schuyler, Tioga and Tomp- 
kins counties, and filled the position of clerk of Surrogate's Court of Tompkins county 
four years. In 1889 he was appointed by Governer Hill, special county judge of 
Tompkins county. He was official stenographer and librarian for Coui't of Appeals, 
Second Division, during its continuance. At present he is librarian of the Buffalo 
Law Library. 

Emig, Adam, was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 22, 1856, and came to this 
county in 1871. He was for a short time a resident of Syracuse and also of Weeds- 
port. In 1874 he came to Ithaca and was employed as a barber until 1878. That year, 
in partnership with H. Paris, -he bought a shop in the Ithaca Hotel, which the firm 
of Paris & Emig conducted until 1884, and then Mr. Emig was sole proprietor for six 
years. In 1890 he was joined in partnership by Frank Eskenburg. In July, 1893, 
Mr. Emig retired, selling his interest, and since that time he has been engaged in 



63 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

commercial travelini^, etc. He is a Democrat in politics, and in 1893 was made alder- 
man of the Second Ward, and is still a member of the City Council. He was chair- 
man of the Fire Department and Water Works Committee in 1893, and is a member 
of the Finance Committee and other committees at present. He is a member of Fi- 
delity Lodge F. & A. M., Eagle Chapter, and St. Augustine Commandery. He is also 
a member of the I, O. O. F., and of the Encampment. In 1886 he married Elizabeth 
Brown, of Syracuse, and they have two sons. 

Cams, W. J. & Son. — These gentlemen are the proprietors of the "Fountain House," 
which they piirchased three years ago, refitting and furnishing it throughout with all 
modern improvements, baths, etc., and it is now conducted in connection with the 
"Magnetic Springs House." This charming and healthful resort is located in a beau- 
tiful valley, eight miles from Ithaca and Cayuga Lake, and has an altitude of 2,000 
feet above tide water. It has exquisite scenery, fine roads and a pure atmo.sphere, 
besides its magnetic mineral water, and is an ideal locality for the hunter, fisherman 
and tourist. The famous Magnetic Springs have attracted great attention from every 
part of the country. The water is highly impregnated with magnetic properties, and 
many are the cures that have resulted from its use. The water is shipped to all parts 
of the United States, and has been found to give great relief and of ten cures that puz- 
zle to medical science, diabetes; also having cured many other chronic diseases. 
The proprietors make a point of the excellent table which they are enabled to place 
before their guests, they having extra facilities for obtaining pure milk, newlj' 
churned butter, vegetables, etc., fresh from their own farm, and with the best meats 
and fruits from the city markets. The rooms are all large, well lighted, ventilated, 
and connected with the oifice by electric bells, and the service is unsurpassed. 

Drake, William, a native and lifelong resident of Lansing, and a prominent and 
highly successful farmer, was born April 2, 1823, the son of Freeman Drake, of Penn- 
sylvania, who was a carpenter and farmer, and came to this town about 1800. He 
married Catharine, daughter of Henrjr Bloom, an early settler of Lansing, and they 
had nine children: Henry, Caroline, William, Harrison, John, Fanny, Julia Ann, 
George, Lewis and Catharine. William attended the common schools, and worked 
on the farm until the age of twentj^, when he engaged on the farm by the month, for 
his uncle, and about five years later began boating on the lake and canal, but his 
first venture was disheartening. He bought a boat, and soon after was taken ill, and 
had to hire a man to run it, on whom he lost money, and in the fall of the same year 
his boat sank. His illness lasted three years, and at the end of that time he had no 
money left. He then formed a partnership with another man and bought another 
boat, for which they ran in debt, and two months later they sold this boat to advan- 
tage. He then engaged to run a boat by the month for William C. Taber of Ithaca, 
remaining with him eight years. At the end of this time he and another man built 
a canal boat, which they sold, and then he bought a farm in Ithaca, which he con- 
ducted the next seven years. After this he rented a farm for three years, and in 1869 
bought the farm of ninety-two acres on which he now lives, in the mean time having 
bought and sold stock to some extent. In 1849 he married Mary Elizabeth La Bar, 
daughter of William and Margaret (Collins) La Bar, of Lansing, Mr. and Mrs. Drake 
have had three children: Emma A., Isabel, and William Henry, all living at home. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 63 

Ford, James M., one of Lansing's enterprising citizens, is a native of Dryden, born- 
in Freeville, February 18, 1845, a son of Major Ford, who was born in Massachusetts 
and came to Cortland county a yonng man and soon was associated with John Perri- 
go at Freeville, where they combined and bought a grist mill and saw mill, and also 
a mill at Peruville, and soon afterwards they divided, Mr. Ford taking the latter mill, 
where he remained until his death, about 1882. He married Lucinda K. Millard, and 
they had sixteen children, twelve now living. James M. was brought up to milling, 
attended the public schools in Freeville and Peruville with one term in Groton Acad- 
emy, and at the age of seventeen, in August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, 109th Regt. 
under Capt: W. E. Mount, serving two years and nine months, and participating in 
the engagements of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and numerous minor skirmishes. 
At the last named battle he was wounded in the head, and taken to the hospital at 
Fredericksburg, from there to Washington, and thence to Satterlee Hospital, in Phil- 
adelphia, from which he received his discharge May 17, 1865. In this latter hospital 
he was retained as lifer. On his return from the war he worked in a custom mill in 
Union, Oneida county, where he remained fourteen months, then worked in Groton 
for about three years, then in Locke for a year, and in 1870 came to his present loca- 
tion and bought the mill pro|)erty from the W. S. Haskin estate, now known as the 
Lansingville mill. He has made many additions to this property, among them being 
machinery for the manufacture of baskets. In 1867 he married Minerva, daughter of 
Russell and Clarinda (Lauterman) Hall, of Groton, now of Homer. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ford have had six children : Jennie G. , wife of H. S. Bower of Lansingville ; Archie ; 
Helen R., who died aged twenty months; Anna C. ; Major R. ; and Merry L. Mr. 
Ford is a Free Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a Grand Army man. In politics he favors 
the Republican party. 

Bush, Stroud, was born in Lansing on his present farm, May 4, 1840, a son of Dan- 
iel S., whose parents were John and Jane Bush, of Stroudsburg, Pa., of Dutch ances- 
try. Daniel came with his parents to this county in 1804 and settled in Lansing. 
His wife was Rhoda, daughter of John and Elizabeth Manning, of this town, and by 
her he had eight children : vSally, Eli, Jane, Albert, Peter, Daniel, David, Jacob and 
Stroud. Daniel S. died July 11, 1869, and his wife June 9, 1869. Our subject was 
educated in the district schools, working during the summer months and attending 
school winters. On the death of his father he came into possession of the portion of 
the seventy-two acres of homestead on w^hich stood the buildings, and here he has 
ever since resided. In February, 1864, he married Jane Robertson, who was born 
February 7, 1840, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Teeter) Robertson, of Lan- 
sing. Of their three childi-en, Hattie died aged three years; Dana was born Decem- 
ber 28, 1869 ; and Rule Rhoda was born January 29, 1882. 

Hall, Edwin M., was born in the town of Venice, Cayuga county, N. Y., April 9, 
1845, the only son of Pliny Hall, who for a great many years was a merchant of Au- 
burn, Lansingville and Peruville. He is still living, now a resident of Ithaca, in his 
eighty-second year. The early life of Edwin M. was spent in Cayuga and Tompkins 
counties. He was educated in the common schools and Ithaca Academ}^, coming here 
in 1861. After leaving school he went into the mercantile business, the first year as 
clerk with James Quigg, and after that six years as clerk with J. S. Granger & Co., 
dry goods dealers. In 1871 he formed a copartnership with John O. Marsh, and the 



64 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

firm of Marsh & Hall conducted a dry goods store until 1889. They were located at 
the corner of Tioga and State streets. Mr. Marsh died in 1884 and the son was a 
partner until 1889, when the Hrm was dissolved, and Mr. Hall established a carpet 
and general house furnishing goods store, which be has since conducted. He is a 
Republican. He has taken an active interest in school work, and in 1891 was made 
collector and treasurer for the city and school, holding the office two years. He is a 
member of the Masonic fraiernity, Hobasco Lodge No. 716, Eagle Chapter 58, St. 
Augustine Commandery 38. Mr. Hall married in 1867 Miss Bothwell, of Ithaca, who 
died in 1871, leaving one son, now in his father's stoi-e. He married in 1874 Miss 
Rappleye of Farmer, Seneca county, and they have one daughter. 

Hoff, S. S., was born in the town of Tioga, October 17, 1858, was educated in the 
common schools, finishing at Kingston College, from which he graduated in 1878. 
After leaving school he entered into business in Van Etten in a general store. In 
1881 he removed the business to Freeville and continued until 1885, and then ex- 
changed the business for the Junction Hotel property, which he sold in 1886. At the 
age of twenty-one he married Nellie Nourse, daughter of Edwin A. Nourse, of Van 
Ettenville, and they are the parents of four children, two sons, Arthur and Harry, 
and two daughters. Flora and Luella. In 1886 he took an interest in the Freeville 
Cathedral Glass Works, of which he has been superintendent for the past eight years. 
He takes the Republican side in politics, and is now justice of the peace in his town, 
is also trustee of the school, and trustee of the village. 

Hagin, Barnard M., was born in Lansing on the farm he now owns, March 23, 1828, 
the son of Charles Hagin, a native of Ireland, born in 1792, who came to America as 
a soldier in the British army in the war of 1812, being seized in the streets of Belfast 
and pressed into service. Reaching Canada, he made his escape to the American 
side, and a few days later lost his arm in the battle of Lundy's Lane, in the American 
cause. After leaving the hospital he came to Lansing, where he taught school. 
Later he was elected constable and mail carrier between Ithaca and Auburn, which 
latter he followed ten years. He was finally thrown from his horse, dying from the 
injuries received. His wife was Mary Ann, daughter of John Yates and Mary M. 
Smith, by whom he had six children: Francis S., John B., Sarah Ann, Matilda E., 
Charles A., and Barnard M. Mrs. Hagin died in 1873. Our subject was educated 
in the district schools, and his first occupation was as boatman on the canal and on 
Lake Cayuga. Later his employer assisted, him to secure a boat to run at $125 per 
month, he to furnish his crew of two men and board them. At this time he was but 
twenty j^ears of age, and his successful venture in this direction led him to continue 
the business for ten years. He then began buying and selling grain, shipping to New 
York city by canal, which business he has followed since, and of late has dealt largely 
in hay. He has built many canal boats also, for sale. He has also for many years 
owned and superintended the operation of a farm, and has accumulated a large prop- 
erty. He now owns about 300 acres of farmland, on which he resides. In 1848 he 
married Catherine, daughter of Ephraim and Clara (Ives) La Bar, bj^ whom he has 
had four children : Charles, Ernest (who married Julia F. Bush, daughter of Robert 
Bush, of Lansing) ; Clara, Edith, wife of Dr. Walter H. Lockerby, of Ithaca ; Ida Kate, 
wife of Wilson D. Curtis, of Lansing; and Andrew La Bar, who lives at home, and 
assists in the work of the farm. Charles Ernest is interested in the produce and 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 65 

shipping business with his father, and is the buyer. Mr. Hagin was at one time 
slieriff of this county, and served as justice of the peace three terms. He is a Repub- 
ican. 

Houpt, Heniy H., was born in Dryden March 4, 1814. His father, PliilipT. Houpt, 
came to the county about 1800, and bought a farm near Dryden village. Henry H. 
was educated in the comnron schools, and finished at Ovid and Cortland Academies, 
receiving a State certificate for scholarship. After lea\'ing school he taught, and for 
several years was superintendent of the Seneca county schools. In 1884 he gave up 
teaching and came to Dryden, buying a farm known as the old Houpt homestead, 
where he now resides. At the age of twenty-eight he married Catherine P. Smith, 
daughter of Jacob Smith, of Seneca county, and they have had two children, a son 
and a daughter. Mrs. Houpt died in 1883 after a life of usefulness. Mr. Houpt held 
the office of loan commissioner for Tompkins county for twelve years, justice of the 
peace and other minor oiBces, and is now engaged in practical farming and fruit cul- 
ture. 

Campbell, Frank Eugene, was born on a farm in Lansing, December 8, 1852, the 
oldest son of two children of David Campbell. David, the father, was a native of 
Seneca county, born in Covert about 1831. He came to Tompkins county in 1849 and 
settled on a farm, where he died in December, 1865. The mother of our subject, 
Jerusha Bower, was a daughter of John Bower, jr. , of Lansing. She is still living, 
a resident of this town. John Newell Campbell died October 5, 1890, at thirty-five 
years of age. Frank was educated in the common schools and Moravia Academy, 
and after the death of his father, he m company with his brother conducted the old 
homestead farm. The spring of 1880 Mr. Cam|)bell bought a farm of sixty-five acres 
on lot 68, where he has ever since been engaged in general farming. He is a Repub- 
lican in politics, but is not an aspirant to public ofhce. He is a charter member of 
Lansingville Grange No. 283. He marriedin 1879 Emma, daughter of John Hedden, 
of Lansing, and they have three children, Winifred Clare, Ina Jerusha, Earl David. 
A daughter, Lina Camilla, died April IB, 1887, at six 3^ears of age. 

Chatfield, David A., was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., June 1, 1825. His father, 
Wm. A. Chatfield, came to Dryden in 1831 and moved into a new log house on lot 57, 
where he purchased fifty acres of John Cramer and which is still in possession of the 
family. David A. Chatfield was educated in the common schools but is pre-eminently 
a self-educated and self-made man. After receiving such instruction as the schools 
of that day afforded he taught school himself for seven years. At the age of twenty- 
five he married Mi.ss Elizabeth Brown, of Lansing, who passed away in 1861, and in 
1865 he married Miss Mary J. Miller, daughter of Archibald Miller, and they have six 
children; Clarence B., Estella, Warren A., William, Archibald, and David A. In 
politics he is a Republican and has been assessor for three years. He takes an act- 
ive, intelligent interest in educational and religious matters, having been a member 
of the Presbyterian Church for the past forty years and an officer in that church for 
the past thirty j^ears. Our subject is one of the prominent farmers of his town, hav- 
ing a farm of 200 acres of the best land in the town, raising large quantities of hay, 
grain and stock. 



66 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Colton, Edwin H., was born in Dryden, September 27, 1867. His father, Marvin 
B., was among the early settlers of the town. Edwin H. was educated in the com- 
mon schools, and finished at the Dryden Union School. At the age of twenty-one he 
married Nellie E. Lewis, daughter of Lorenzo Lewis. Our subject is a Democrat in 
politics, and takes an active and intelligent interest in all the leading questions and 
events of the day. He is one of the prominent young men of the town, and is iden- 
tified with its best interests. Marvin B. was born in Dryden ; his people came from 
New Jersey, and were early settlers. 

Buck, Edward E. , is one of Lansing's well known enterprising and representative 
young men, born in this town January 31, 1862, son of William N. Buck, also a native 
of Lansing, born in 1825. He was a farmer and a prominent man in the community. 
He was a Republican and served as assessor three years, poormaster eleven years, 
and spent his whole life in Lansing. He died in June, 1887. His wife was Lydia, 
daughter of Jacob Teeter, of Lansing, and they had four children: Lettie, died at 
twenty-nine years of age; Frank Eugene, Ella A., wife of Roswell M. Holden of 
East Lansing ; and Edward E. Mrs. Buck died in 1888. The grandfather of our 
subject was Marvin Buck, who came to Lansing at an early day. Our subject was 
reared to farrh life, and remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age 
when his father died. After the estate was settled he purchased the farm of sixt}' 
acres where he has since resided, doing general mixed farming. In April, 1894, he 
married Hattie, daughter of Cyrus and Helen Knapp, of Dryden. She is the fourth 
of twelve children, of whom the seven eldest are college graduates. In politics our 
subject is a Republican, and was elected in 1893 as collector. 

Bacon, Daniel Lucius, an old and prominent citizen, was born in Lansing, January 
17, 1815, a son of Daniel Bacon, a native of Connecticut, who came to Lansing in an 
early day. His wife was Anna, daughter of Capt. B. Strong, and they had five 
children: Jane, wife of Dr. Lemudl PoM-ers; Sarah, wife of Dr. Daniel Johnson; 
George, Phoebe, wife of Joshua Davis,' and Daniel L. The latter was educated in the 
district schools, and lost his father when a child. His mother married again and he 
remained with her until the age of twenty-one, when he came into possession of 
fifty-seven acres of land, a portion of his father's farm on which he moved and e- ected 
a dwelling, later trading this place for the one he now conducts. He has added to 
his real estate from time to time, now owning two farms, comprising 248 acres. In 
1837 he married Mariett, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Howser) Bower of 
Lansing, and they have had two children: Charles Henry, born October 5, 1841, and 
George Daniel, born July 22, 1843, who died while attending college, in 1863, and 
his wife in June, 1868. Daniel L. is a Republican, but devotes most of his energies 
to home affairs, having accumulated a fine property. His son, Charles H., has always 
remained on the farm with his father. His education was finished at Union College, 
Schenectady. In June, 1863, he married Ella Townley, daughter of Benoni and 
Hannah Brown, of Lansing, and they have had three children: GlenL., born in 1864; 
George Townley, born in 1870; Claud B., born in 1873. Glen is married and has one 
child, Ella A., maTi;ing her the great-grandchild of our subject. The Mafeof Charles 
H. died in 1881, and he married second in 1882 Jennie Sellen, who died the following 
year. His present wife is Minnie L. Bastedo, and they have one child, Alden Charles, 
born in 1889. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 67 

Bull, John E., was born in Dryden, this county, April 24, 1843. Ambrose, his 
father, was a native of Connecticut and came to Tompkins county in 1838, being a 
millwright. This trade he followed in this county also, though for thirty years he 
was unable to do active work on account of rheumatism brought on through exposure 
in building waterwheels, etc. He lived with his son John E. during his declining 
years. He married Katharine Kallam, daughter of James Kallam, and they had ten 
children, of whom our subject was the third. Both parents of our subject lived to be 
ninety years old. He has followed farming all his life, livnig at home with his parents 
for the iirst twenty years and then he enlisted in the 15th N. Y. Cavalry, Co. I, under 
Colonel Robert Richardson, of Syracuse. He never received any serious wounds. 
When he returned home his father gave him a deed of a place of forty-five acres, he 
in turning giving a bond for the maintenance of his father. This farm he sold and 
bought and moved on his present farm in 1866. In 1870 he married Emma Van Pelt 
of Dryden. Mr. Bull follows general farming, though he makes rather a specialty of 
sheeepraising, owning now a flock of 125. He has been a member of the M. E. 
church over thirty years, and is also commander of the Wilson Post, G. A. R., having 
filled that position nine years out of fourteen, and has been delegate to the State 
Encampment every year but two since its organization. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican, and in 1892 was collector of the town. 

Brinkerhoff, William D., father of of Sherman S., was born in Dutchess county, 
March 20, 1834, and moved with his parents to Ulster count)^ when two years old. 
He was educated in the common schools, and at the age of sixteen began to learn 
the miller's trade with his father. January 14, 1854, he married Helen VanNosdall, 
of New Hamburg, Dutchess county, and they have two children: Sherman S. and 
Hattie B. Mr. Brinkerhoff' s family came to Halseyville to reside in 1864. Sherman 
S. has been in the milling business with his father until the present time, with the 
exception of eight years spent as commercial traveler. He married Nina A. Grover, 
of Rock Island, 111., and the}^ have two children, Verne W. and Nina B. Hattie B., 
second child of William D. Brinkerhoff, lives with her parents. John R. Van Nos- 
dall, maternal grandfather of Sherman S., was born in Dutchess county about 1811 
and married Eliza J. Sirine, by whom he had eight children. Mrs. Sherman S. 
Brinkerhoff' s father, Andrew J. Grover, was born in Pennsylvania May 8, 1824, and 
was a practicing physician. He married Olivia W. Hazard, and they had one daugh- 
ter, Nina A. Dr. Grover died October 14, 1876, in Reno, Nev. The mills at Halsey- 
ville had new machinery placed in them for the roller process and the whole mills 
have been renovated for the manufacture of the best flour, also for custom grinding. 
This was completed in 1892. Mr. Brinkerhoff and son are operating these mills 
under the firm name of W. D. Brinkerhoff & Son. 

Beers, John E. , M. D. , was born October 10, 1840, in the town of Danby, received 
his early education in the district school, and is a graduate of the old Ithaca Academy, 
after leaving which he attended the Georgetown University, D. C. , from which he 
received his medical diploma. In the spring of 1862 he joined the medical staff of the 
army, where he remained eight years, returning to Danby in 1874, where he resumed 
the practice of his profession, though without severing his connection with the govern- 
ment, as he was appointed a member of the U. S. Pension Examining Board, serving 
between four and five years. In 1882 he represented his county in the State Legis- 



68 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

lature as assemblyman and has also served his town on the Board of Supervisors for 
sixteen years, his medical practice forcing him finally to decline renomination. Dr. 
Beers is the representative of one of the oldest familes in this town. His father was 
Dr. Eli, and his great-uncle Dr. Lewis Beers, who came to Danby in 18!)4, and both 
have practiced medicine here before him. He is one of the town's leading men. 

Halladay, Benton M., a prominent farmer'of Lansing, was born in Groton, March 2, 
1857, son of Myron, also a native of Groton, born December 3, 1823. He is a Demo- 
crat in politics. He married Sarah, daughter of Henry and Mary Howser. She is 
one of seven children; Julia, wife of Jacob Metzgar of Groton, both deceased ; Cal- 
vin, deceased; Eliza, wife of Charles Witt of Watertown ; Jefferson C, Sarah, Caro- 
line, widow of Sidney Hopkins of Groton, Thompson of Iowa, and Laura J. Mr. and 
Mrs. Halladay had two children, Emerson L., born August 25, 1852, and Benton M. 
Mr. Halladay removed to Lansing in 1870, and settled on the farm now operated by 
the Halladay Bros., where he died in November, 1882. His father was Lyman, also a 
native of Groton. He devoted his entire time to his farm. He married Belinda Arm- 
strong, and thejr had seven children. His wife died in Lansing, on the farm of our 
subject. Elihu and Nancy (Wilson) Halladay were the great-grandparents of our 
subject. His wife was a native of Cayuga county. Subject was reared on the farm 
and educated in the common schools and Groton Union School. After the death of 
his father he with his brother conducted the farm. Sheep raising is one of their prin- 
cipal industries. The farm consists of 197 acres, on which they have erected large 
horse and sheep barns and other necessary buildings and improvements essential to 
such a farm. In politics the Halladay brothers are Democrats. Subject married in 
December, 1883, Carrie L. , daughter of John and Miriam (Howden) Nottingham, of 
Dryden. She is one of five children: Gertx'ude M., wife of Charles Sovocoolof Gro- 
ton; Carrie L., Jennie H., wife of Delmar Singer of Geneva; Arthur J., Elmer Leroy. 
Th'jy have two children, Grace M., born Octobers, 1885, and Frank M., born Novem- 
ber 11, 1887. Subject is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders. Mrs. 
Halladay is a member ot the Rebecca degree of Odd Fellows. 

Hagin, Charles G., was born in Lansing in 1826, a son of Charles Hagin, a native 
of Ireland born about 1790. During the war of 1812 he was pressed into the British 
service while yet in his native country. After landing in America he deserted to the 
American side at the first opportunity, where he fought valiantly, losing his left arm 
in the service. He afterwards came to Lansing, where for many years he distributed 
newspapers on horseback. He was finally thrown from his horse receiving injuries 
which caused his death. He married Mary Ann, daughter of Joseph and Mary 
Smith, who came from Pennsylvania to Lansing among the early settlers. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hagin had six children, of whom two are deceased, Charles G. being the fifth 
child. The latter attended the district schools, and while yet a boy worked on the- 
canal as boatman, later owning his own boats. He bought grain, wool and other 
products, and in 1867 he bought the farm of ninety-eight acres, where he has since 
resided. February 22, 1855, he married Fannie M., daughter of Freeman and Cath- 
arine Drake, who was born November 16, 1831, and died September 16, 1888. They 
had five children: Agnes D., wife of Frank Townley; Hobart G., born in January 
1864, an attorney in Olympia, Wash. ; Freeman; Charles, born April 11, 1866; John 
B., born June 12, 1873, died in August, 1892 ; Carrie M., born December 28, 1874, who 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 69 

keeps house for her father. Mr. Hagin's brother, Frank, and eldest son, enlisted in 
the late war, and were followed b}^ his two younger sons, aged fifteen and seven- 
teen respectivel_v, who enlisted as cavalrymen, and were taken prisoners, but made 
their escape, and all four served three years, returning home without a scratch. 

Hibbard, Family, The. — The first of the Hibbards to come to this count}^ was Henry, 
a native of Windham, Conn., who came here in 1812, and in partnership with Julius 
Ackle}' established the first hat manufactor}' in Ithaca, later adding a store in the 
same line. In 1816 he married Rhoda Ackley, whodie'd without issue, and he mar- 
ried second Nanc}- Tillottson, in 1819, b}^ whom he had two children: Mary, who 
married Thomas St. John ; and Henry Fitch Hibbard. Timothy, the father of 
Henrj', first mentioned, came to this county about 1818, and settled on a farm in the 
northeastern portion of this town, which settlement has ever since borne the name of 
Hibbard's Corners. He died in 1837. Henry Hibbard was one of the most promi- 
nent bu.siness men in the early history of this eit}', taking an important part in all 
enterprises for the public good. He was heavily interested in real estate, and in 1828 
in connection with Ackley & Eeebe built the Clinton House, which still stands as a 
landmark of the county. He died in 1863. Henry F. Hibbard was for a number of 
years the teller in the old Ithaca Bank, and later conducted a general store. In 1853, 
in company with Thomas P. St. John, he established a factory for the manufacture 
of sewing silks, which until 1861 was one of the leading industries of this section, at 
that j-ear however he returned to the* mercantile business. He was at one time 
greatly interested in .speculation, but during his later years withdrew from all active 
business with the exception of his connection with the Savings Bank, of which he was 
a founder. He was a Democrat and served as supervisor at one time. His wife was 
Susan Mack, by whom he had four children: Heniy F. jr., who died in Sioux City in 
1885; MaryL., Mrs. C. T. Stephens, and Horace M., who has been connected with 
the Autophone ComjDan}^ since 1880, having been made treasurer in 1881, which 
office he now holds. In 1891 he was made supervisor. Henry F. Hibbard died 
August 4, 1880, his widow surviving. 

White, Walter Watts, was a native of Windsor, Mass., born July 14, 1813. He was 
a farmer, and in his native State married Laura Bliss, after which he came to Groton 
and located on a farm south of the principal village, Their only child was Ellen D. 
White, who married James H. Eldridge. The latter was a native of Washington 
county, N. Y., born in 1829, and when a lad came with his father, Thomas Eldridge, 
and settled in the west part of Groton. The family afterward moved to Pennsyl- 
vania, but James remained in this town. In 1863 Mr. Eldridge enlisted in Co. K, 
137th N. Y. Vols, but after a j^ear of service, although a strong man in former j^ears, 
he was discharged for disabilities. He never afterward regained his full health, and 
was obliged to abandon farming as an occupation. He kept a hotel in Steuben 
county a few years, and died in 1869. 

Peck, William Mitchell, was born in South New Berlin, Chenango county, Sep- 
tember 21, 1823. He lived with his parents until 1845, and worked on the farm, also 
learned the mason's trade. His family, however, moved to Truxton in 1824, and 
there the young life of our subject was spent. In 1869 Mr. Peck first came to the 
town of Groton, where he was a farmer, but later on returned to Cortland county, 
and at one time maintained a dairy farm of sixty coavs. In the spring of 1872 Mr. 



70 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Peck bought a half interest in a mercantile business in Groton village, his partner 
being Nelson Trumbull. Six months later he retired and purchased the S. B. Marsh 
shoe stock, and with the latter enterprise he was connected for nineteen years, retiring 
in 1891. On November 19, 1845, he married Jane A. Robbins by whom he had eleven 
children, nine of whom grew to maturity. His wife died February 3, 1871, and he 
married second October 25, 1871, Ellen D. Eldridge, widow of James H. Eldridge, 
and daughter of Walter Watts White, the latter an early resident of Groton. Air. 
Peck was an Abolitionist, later a Republican, and finally a Prohibitionist. 

Genung, Joseph A., was born in the town of Dryden, January 17, 1835. His father, 
Aaron Genung, came to Tompkins county in 1801 and settled on lot 93 which is in 
the possession of his descendants. Joseph A. was educated in the common schools, 
and is a self-made and self-educated man. At the age of twenty-three he married 
Mary E., daughter of James Cornelms, and they are the parents of three children, 
two of whom, Mrs. Nellie M. Gillmer and Mary Josephine Genung, survive. Air. 
Genung takes the Democratic side in politics, and an activ^e, intelligent interest in 
church and school matters. In 1868 he bought his father's estate which has been in 
the family since 1801, having 150 acres of land, and raising haj', grain and stock. 
Our subject is one of the prominent farmers in his town, taking part in advancing its 
best interests and is a man of sterling character and high worth. 

Griffin, Benjamin L., Enfield. — William H. Griffin, a son of William and a native 
of Westchester county, N. Y. was a soldier in the war of 1812 and drew a bountj\ He 
came to Enfield about 1816, followed farming, and died here m the spring of 1868. 
He married Joanna Byron, who died March 22, 1873, aged nearly seventy-four. 
Their children were Deborah (deceased), Hetty (deceased), George (deceased), Marj-, 
Stephen (deceased,) Benjamin L. , Albert and Jane. Benjamin L. Griffin was born in 
Enfield, April 2, 1832, was reared a farmer, and on August 27, 1863, enlisted in Co. E, 
140th N. Y. Vols. With his company he joined the regiment at Culpepper, and during 
the ensuing seven months participated in eleven engagements, including the Wilder- 
ness. June 2, 1864, at the battle of Cold Harbor, he was taken prisoner, and for five 
months and eighteen days was incarcerated in the rebel prison pen at Anderson vi lie, 
where he sufi^ered indescribable privations and became emaciated to almost a living 
skeleton. In November he was paroled and on Christmas day reached home on a 
furlough. Sixty days later he returned to Annapolis and was transferred to Co. K, 
5th N. Y. Zouaves, with which he served, notwithstanding his ill health, in the closing 
scenes of the war around Richmond, being in the front line on the day of Lee's sur- 
render. He then went with his regiment to Hart's Island, where he remained until 
his discharge, August 21, 1865. Since the war Mr. Griffin has been an invalid and 
for nine years has not left his bed. The terrible exposure in prison completely ruined 
his once robust health, shattered his once strong physique, and undermined his once 
hardy constitution. Excepting two years spent in Westchester county, he has always 
resided in Enfield. 

George, James H., was born in Dryden, March 1, 1825. His father, William T. 
George, came to the town in 1804. J. H. George received his education in the com- 
mon schools and finished at the select school of Prof. Burt in Ithaca. At the age of 
forty he was married to Miss Mary O. Snyder, daughter of Peter V. Snyder, and they 
have one son, Herbert A. George. He takes the Republican side in politics and has 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 71 

been road commissioner for two years, and justice of the peace for twelve years, and 
supervisor seven years. In 1853 he bought of his father what was known as the Gary 
Gilky property of 100 acres, on which he now resides and raises large quantities of 
hay, grain and stock. Our subject is one of the prominent and substantial men of 
his town, taking an active interest in political, educational and reUgious matters, 
and is a practical and successful farmer. 

Genung, Luther G., was born October 2, 1816, in the town of Dryden, educated in 
the district schools of the day, and remained on his father's farm till the age of twen- 
ty-one. He then married Phoebe, daughter of Moses Banfield, of the town of Danby, 
who bore him four children, of whom one son and one daughter survive. In 1850 
our subject bought the Edson Williams farm, to which he has added several adjoin- 
ing farms. He now has 150 acres of some of the most productive land in the town, 
on which he raises the usual crops of the vicinity, making a specialty of stock raising 
and dealing largely in sheep. In politics he is Democratic. 

Green, Charles, was born in the town of Venice, Cayuga county, October 28, 1866, 
a son of Dewitt C. Green, a harness maker of that town. He was educated in the 
common schools, together with a course at the Ithaca Academy, and at the age of 
fifteen he went to serve an apprenticeship with the Ithaca Cigar Mfg. Co. where he 
spent three years. In November, 1884, he established a manufactory in Ithaca, 
which he has ever since conducted. He employs four hands, and produces 120,000 
cigars yearly. A very popular cigar of his manufacture is the "C. G." which is found 
at all well appomted cigar stands. Mr. Green is a Democrat, and is a worker in his 
party. In March, 1892, he was elected alderman of the Third Ward, the youngest 
man ever appointed to the position in this city. He is still an incumbent, and has 
won popularity and distinction by good judgment in all meetings of the Council. In 
November, 1889. he married Fanny M. Van Natta, daughter of James Van Natta of 
this city, and they have a son and a daughter. 

De Camp, Daniel, is a prominent citizen of Lansing, a son of Morris De Camp, 
born in New Jersey in 1799, who came to this town in 1803 with his parents, Jacob 
and Rhoda De Camp, where they settled on a large tract of wild land and cleared a 
home. Jacob and Rhoda had ten children; Susanna, Gemima, Sally, Betsey, Abra- 
ham, Charlotte, Daniel, Morris and Joseph (twnns), and Clarissa. At the death of 
his father Morris came into possession of a part of this large farm, on which he and 
wife spent their lives. He married Rachel Learn, a native of Pennsylvania, and 
they had eleven children : Harvey who married Sarah, daughter of Edward and Mary 
Schenk, Henry who married Sarah, daughter of Andrew and Hannah Miller, Catha- 
rine wife of Henry Teeter of Groton, Marj-, wife of Ira Osmun of Lansing, Ange- 
line, wife of Jerry Osmun of Lansing, Daniel, Alvin who married Mary, daughter of 
Samuel and Phana Davis, Nelson, who died aged five years, Lovina, wife of William 
A. Singer of Geneva, Armena, wife of Ezekiel Woodruff of North Lansing; and Ma- 
linda, who died aged fifteen. The death of the father occurred in 1890, and that of 
the mother in 1877. Our subject was reared on the home farm, where he lived until 
twenty-one years of age, then managed it himself for two years, after which he 
bought a farm of seventy-five acres where he has since resided, and to which he has 
added until he now has 212 acres. Mr. De Camp also deals in agricultural imple- 
ments and farm produce. In 1855 he married Chloe Ann, daughter of John and Cath- 



72 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

erine Miller of Lansing, by whom he had two children : A.ddie, who died aged six 
years: and Willie M., born in July, 1869, who married Belle Sharpsteen of Lansing, 
and they reside with our subject on the farm. Mrs. De Camp died in September, 1890. 
Mr. De Camj) is a member of the North Lansing Grange, and is a Democrat. 

Douglass, Mrs. Mary A., Newfield, widow of William C. Douglass, w^as born on 
the farm now^ owmed and worked by our subject. James Douglass, father of her 
husband, w^as killed on this farm. One brother, Oliver, died in Libby Prison. 
James, the father, was one of the first settlers in Newfield. William Douglass, hus- 
band of our subject, was a stock raiser and farmer, was a very prominent and active 
worker in the Democratic party, and held the office of road commissioner. He was 
a worker in the County Fair, and died a member of the Masonic fraternity, Fidelit}^ 
Lodge No. 51. He married Mary A., daughter of Joseph Smith, November 19, 1849. 
They had four children: James W., Lena C, Lewis W., and Smith J. Lewis and 
James are both deceased. 

Dick, James, was born in the city of Buffalo in 1850, and his early life was spent in 
his native town. He was educated in the common schools, and in 1869 went as a 
clerk in a coal office in that city, where he remained till 1873, when he came to Ithaca 
to ship coal from here to his firm, E. L. Hedstrom & Co., in Buffalo, which position 
he filled two years, when he was recalled to the Buffalo office. He was on the road 
for them and shipping till 18T8. when he established a business for himself at the 
corner of Meadow and Seneca streets, where he has ever since conducted business. 
He is now handling from three to four thousand tons of Lehigh coal per year, and 
his wood yard has a patronage of from 350 to 450 cords per year. Mr. Dick is a mem- 
ber of the K. of P., and of the I. O. O. F., also the Encampment. In 1876 he married 
Nellie M. Parrett, daughter of John Parrett of this city and they have six children, 
five sons and a daughter. 

Chase, Dr. Abram, was born in Jacksonville, Tompkins county, N. Y., where his 
grandfather practiced medicine before him. He was educated in Trumansburgh and 
Ithaca Academies, studied medicine with his father at the age of seventeen, and 
graduated from the Medical University of Buffalo in February, 1882. September 19, 
1876, he married Mary C. Farrington of Jacksonville and they have six children: 
Fannie J., Walter F., William A., Edith, Ethel M. and Catharine. Henry B., father 
of our subject, was born in Whitestowm, near Utica, January 8, 1822. He graduated 
from the Geneva Medical College in 1845 and married Tamer A., daughter of Joseph 
Genung, by whom he had seven children: Abram, William, who died young ; Fred- 
erick and Edgar H. (twins), George, Henry B. and John J. Dr. Henry B. Chase died 
November 8, 1880, and his wife December 19, 1893. He practiced here thirty-six 
years. Dr. Abram Chase, grandfather of our subject, was born in Dutchess county 
in 1776 and practiced medicine in New Haven, Conn., afterwards in AYhitestown 
near Utica. He married Fannie Davis of Vienna, now Phelps, Ontario county, and 
they had two children : Henry B. and Julia, who died aged twelve years. He came 
to this locality as above noted, in 1823. The ancestry of the family is Scotch, Eng- 
lish and French. The first of the family to come to this country was one William 
Chase, who arrived in the Mayflower and settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

Crutts, William B., deceased, was born in the town of Dryden, August 27, 1836, and 
was a descendant of Jacob Crutts, one of the earliest settlers in the to\vn, taking up 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 73 

most of lot 63. Wm. B. Crutts was educated in the common schools and finished 
under S. D. Carr at Ithaca. He married Miss Olive Brj^ant of Ithaca and they have 
six children, three sons, Fred J., Lewis S., and Jay L., and three daughters, Mrs. 
Minnie Burr, Misses Cora and Carrie. William B. Crutts died owning the Crutts 
homestead farm of 140 acres which has been in the family for three generations, and 
other property, raising hay, grain and stock. WiUiam B. Ci-utts died May 20, 1891, 
leaving a wife and six children to take up his many burdens and carry them to a 
successful completion. He was known throughout his town as a man of high char- 
acter and recognized ability, identified with the best interests of his town, and was 
regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. The Crutts grist mill is 
now owned and operated by the family of William Crutts. 

Clark, Baldwin Phelps, was born on the old home farm of pioneer Captain Jesse 
Clark at Groton, June 14, 1842. He was brought up on the farm, educated at the 
district school at Groton and lived at the old home till 1868, when he bought and 
moved to the Russell Hall farm, remaining there till the spring of 1889, when he 
bought and occupies the Watrous farm, located just north of the village. Mr. Clark 
is an active, energetic and successful farmer, and in connection with his regular 
work is also an extensive dealer in agricultural implements and machines. For more 
than thirt}^ 3'ears he has dealt with farmers throughout this region, and his acquaint- 
ance is vast and varied. He has been twice married: first on March 7, 1867, to 
Libbie Flynn of Cortland; she died in 1875. They had an adopted son; Ralph Stew- 
art. October 4, 1877, Mr. Clark married Lucia McNish, also of Cortland, and they 
have four children : Martin Carl, Ruth Louise, Ruberta Tr3qDhenia, and Laura Marie. 

Bower, Mervin, a native of Lansing was born August 24, 1827, the son of John 
Bower, born in 1799, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Tompkins county with 
his parents John and Rosina (Youngs) Bower. John married Lucretia Bunell, born 
' in 1800, daughter of Henry Bunell of Lansing, and they reared four children : Gei'usha, 
Mervin, Hannah R., and Susan. Mr. Bower died in January, 1887, and his wife June 
3, 1878. Our subject attended the common schools in his neighborhood winters and 
worked on the farm summers. He finally purchased a farm of sixty-two acres, where 
he has since lived and has erected a commodious house and barns. He married in 
December 1860, Wealthy, daughter of Porter and Lucinda (Slocum) White of Lock. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bower have three children: John C, born December 31, 1862; Charles 
R., born August 28, 1864; Ella M., born July 3, 1869, wife of Clifford Townsend of 
Lansing. John C. married Ella Bower, and Charles R. married Emma J. McCar- 
gar. The family are members of the Lansingville Grange Mr. Bower has served 
as assessor and is a trustee of the M. E. church at Lansingville. In politics he is a 
Republican. 

Boyer, Charles, one of Lansing's prosperous farmers, a native of Genoa, Cayuga 
county, was born January 11, 1834, son of Samuel Boyer, a native of Pennsylvania, 
who was born in 1803. He came to Lansing about 1823, purchasing a farm near 
North Lansing, which he sold a year later and removed to Genoa, Cayuga county, 
where he lived forty years. Selling there he returned to Lansing and purchased 
another farm, on which he spent the remainder of his life. He was a Democrat. 
His wife was Rachael, daughter of Philip and Mary Beck, now called Peck in this 



74 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

vicinity. vSiie was a native of Canada, and one of nine children. Samuel was one of 
three children: Jacob, Malinda and Samuel. He died December, 1870. His wife sur- 
vived him sixteen years, and died March 30, 1886. They raised eleven children : John, 
Mary, wife of James Searles of Lansing, both deceased; Margaret, wife of Seymour 
Eccleston of Nebraska City, both deceased ; Jacob, deceased ; Malinda, wife of John 
J. Wilson of Burr, Neb., Charles, Sarah, wife of Lucius Hubbard of Lansing; Lettie, 
wife of Daniel Lane of Lansing; Susan, Emily andRachael, deceased, wife of Jacob 
Teeter of Lansing. Subject was reared a farmer and educated in the common 
schools. He remained on the farm with his father until he was twenty-seven years 
of age, when he purchased the farm where he now resides, and where he has raised 
his family. He has added to his real estate possessions until he now owns over 200 
acres, and does a general mixed farming. In 1860 he married Mary Harriet, daughter 
of Sylvester and Mary (Jacobs) Culver of Lansing. She was born in May, 1840, and 
was one of eleven children. They have had five children : Mary I. , wife of Charles 
W. Strong of Lansing, and they have one child, Lucy, born in September, 1886 ; 
Grace L., C. Jay, Myron H., and Blanch R. Mrs. Boyer, Myron and Grace are mem- 
bers of the North Lansing Grange Lodge. In politics our subject is a Democrat. 

Bower, Charles F. , was born on a farm in the town of Lansing, July 5, 1834. The 
grandfather of our subject, Honteter Bower, was the first of this family to locate in 
this county. He settled on a farm north of Lansingville, and it was there he reared 
a family of fourteen children and spent the balance of his days. Abram was the 
sixth son, born November 10, 1805. He married in 1831 Francina Baker, and they 
were the parents of seven children, of which our subject was the second. Abram 
Bower died in May, 1882. Charles F. was educated in the common school and lived 
on his father's farm until 1861, when he started for himself on a farm of his father's 
in the northern part of the town. He married in June, 1862, Sarah, daughter of Caleb 
Brown of this town, and they moved to their present place, a good grain and hay. 
farm of 100 acres. They have had five children, three now living: Genie L., Anna 
E., end LeRoy C. Warren A., the oldest son, died April 19, 1892, aged twenty-one 
years, loved by all who knew him. His death was caused by the kick of a horse. 

Bush, Francis M., was born in Bristol, R. I., October 11, 1841, received his educa- 
tion in the common schools and the High School, and entered in the mercantile 
business in Bristol as clerk in a dry goods store, where he was employed till 1860. 
That year he went to Niagara Falls, where, in partnership with R. H. Jackson, he 
conducted a store for eight years. In 1878 they removed to Ithaca, where the firm of 
Jackson & Bush existed for seven years. At the end of that time Mr. Jackson with- 
drew from the firm, and Mr. Dean became a partner with Mr. Bush, the firm ever 
since being Bush & Dean. Our subject is a member of the Presbyterian church, and 
also of the Masonic fraternity, Hobasco Lodge, Eagle Chapter, St. Augustine Com- 
mandery. September 20, 1876, he married Mary L. Jackson, daughter of his former 
partner, and they have one son, a dentist of Gloversville. 

Bailey, George W., was born in Virgil, January 19, 1819. His grandfather, Joseph 
Bailey, was one of our first settlers in the city of Ithaca and drew a pension for ser- 
vices in the Revolutionary war. He was with Washington from the date of his 
enlistment to the close of the war, and then returned to Ithaca, and afterwards moved 
into the town of Dryden on lot 19. Our subject was educated in the common schools 



FAMILY SKETCHES 75 

and was obliged to pay part of his tuition in wood, delivered at the school-house. At 
the age of twenty-one he went to work for Moses Tyler at $10 per month. At twen- 
ty-seven he was married to Miss Sally A. Pulling, daughter of Daniel P. Pulling, and 
they have one daughter, Mrs. Clara B. Cloyes. In 1864 he bought the Michael Butts 
property where he now resides. In 1865 he bought the M. E. Tripp propert}-, in 1868 
he bought the Rochester Marsh property, in 1882 bought the Saltsman property', in 
1874 he bought the D. P. Pulling property, and also owns the Edward Branch farm 
in Virgil of 150 acres. Our subject is one of the primiinent men in his town, taking 
an active interest in temperance principles, in church and school matters. He is 
recognized as a practical and successful farmer. 

Brooks, Mi'S. Cornelia, a native of Colechester, N. Y., was born July 5, 1814, the 
daughter of John and Sarah (Hager) Horton, of Westchester and Schoharie counties 
respectivel}^ who settled in Colechester. They reared ten children : Daniel, Peter, 
David, Samuel, Mary, Elizabeth, Enoch, a colonel in the late war ; Cornelia, George 
W., and Benjamin F., allnow deceased except Elizabeth, Enoch and Cornelia. The 
grandfather was William Horton, who served as county judge and member of assem- 
bly three terms. He died in 1830 at the age of ninety. His wife was Elizabeth 
Covert, and they reared eight children. Our subject resided with her parents and 
attended the common school, v^'hich was supported by contributions in those days. 
At the age of nineteen she came to Lansing to live with a married sister and taught 
school about four years. Here she was wedded to Alfred Brooks, a native of Lan- 
sing, born November 25, 1810. He was the son of James Brooks of Philadelphia, 
Pa., who came to Lansing at an early date. His wife was Margaret Hargan, and 
they raised eight children : Mark, Samuel, Hiram, Alfred, Jefferson, Mary, Hannah 
and Margaret. He served in the war of 1813. Alfred was reared to farm life and at 
the age of sixteen began life for himself. He engaged in making shingles for several 
years, then engaged in farm work. Later he began farming for himself on fifty 
acres in Lansing, adding to this forty more acres. In 1860 he purchased a farm of 
145 acres, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a Republican, but 
would not accept public office. His death occurred in 1889 at the age of seventy -nine. 
Ml-, and Mrs. Brooks raised eight children.- Roseltha, Hiram, Sarah (deceased), Mar- 
garet, John L. , James A., Ella, wife of Joseph A. Reed of Ithaca, and Effie D. Hi- 
ram and John now own the farm, which consists of 260 acres of fine farm land. They 
with their mother and sisters live on the farm enjoying a happy home. Peter Hager 
was a captain in the Revolutionary war, and was a second cousin of Martin Van Buren . 
Hagerstown, Md. , took its name from her uncle, who came from Germany. 

Bower, George L., was born December 18, 1838, on the farm which he now owns. 
He is a son of Joseph W., also a native of this tOAvn, who married Mary Peck, and 
reared seven children : Lucinda. wife of Joseph Kratzer of Genoa ; Philinda, wife of 
Lewis De Camp of Lansing ; Mar^^ wifeof Rufus J. Drake of Genoa ; Elizabeth, wife 
of Ferdinand Sperry ; Fanny, wife of Wesley Bloom ; George, Calvin D. The father 
died in 1861, and the mother in 1890. The grandfather came to this place from Penn- 
sylvania at an early day. Our subject attended the district school and worked on 
the farm with his parents, after the death of his father buying the home farm of 101 
acres, and has ever since resided thereon. He raises a mixed crop of grain, and 
makes a specialty of Shropshiredown sheep. He has also erected a large and com- 



76 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

modious house and stables, and now owns a fine premises. In December, 1873, he 
married Sarah Van Zant, daughter of Philip and Susan Kibler of Michigan, and they 
have had four children: Clarence G., born in April, 1876; Lewis L., born August 29^ 
1879; Jacob Bates, born October 16, 1881 ; and Mary E., born August 9, 1884. He is 
a member of the order of Free Masons, and is a Republican in politics. 

Fitts, Paschal, was born in Charlton, Mass., and married Eliza King. Soon after 
they came to Groton and located on the farm now owned and occupied by their son, 
George. Paschal Fitts was a brick-maker by trade, though he followed farming 
chiefly. He acquired a handsome property, and became a man of prominence in his 
town. Of his three children, one died in Massachusetts, Lucy Ann became the wife 
of Ezra Beach, and George, our subject. In 1864, two years after the death of his 
first wife, Mr. Fitts married Mrs. Noyes, and lived at McLean till his death. George 
was born in Groton, March 2, 1836, and has always lived on the farm he now occu- 
pies, the property, which he has materially improved, having been purchased from 
his father. It is now one of the most valuable and desirable farms in the town. 
November 15, 1858, he married Samantha, daughter of John and Samantha Calvert, 
of Cortland county, andthey have four children: Jerome C, Fred E., Jennie E., and 
J. P., the latter, however, having died at the age of seven j^ears. Jerome C. Fitts 
married Lena Hart and now lives on the old Hart farm. They have two children: 
George, aged five years, and Hart, aged seven. The farm joins that of his father, 
making together nearh^ 400 acres of as good land as can be found anywhere. 

Fisher family. The, Enfield. — Gilbert H. Fisher, born in North Castle, Westchester 
county, in 1792, was for several years a merchant in New York. He was captain of 
a company in the war of 1812, and was stationed at Mamaroneck when the British 
made an unsuccessful attempt to land. His wife, Deborah, was the second daughter 
of Daniel Matthews, of Westchester county, a granddaughter of Abel Smith, of the 
same place, and a direct descendant of Richard Smith, the founder of Smithtown, 
L. I., who bought 20,000 acres of land of the Narragansett Indians (Historical collec- 
tions of the State of New York.) Their children were Abel Smith, born in Januarj', 
1816; Charles Wright ; Daniel, born in June, 1820, killed by a horse in White Plains 
in 1835 ; William Matthews ; Dr. George Jackson ; and Dorinda A. Abel Smith Fisher 
was his father's youngest clerk in his dry goods house on Grand street in New York; 
he finally settled in Enfield, had nine children, of whom three sons and one daughter 
survive, and now lives on a farm in sight of Ithaca. Charles Wright Fisher, born 
February 23, 1818, married Sabella Barr, daughter of David Bryson, in 1856. She 
was born December 24, 1818, and died December 10, 1882. He was a great reader, 
and was a wealthy and practical farmer. He went to St. Augustine, Fla., for his 
health and died suddenly May 1, 1892, and was buried in the cemetery at Mecklen- 
burg. Two daughters survive him. William Mathews Fisher, born June 26, 1822, 
settled on his present farm in 1850. September 27, 1846, he married Charlotte Ann, 
daughter of Moses H. and Lavina Marshall, and has been prominently connected 
with the M. E. church at Enfield Center. Their children are Marshall, bom in Oc- 
tober, 1848, joined the Central New York M. E. Conference, and died in De Land, 
Fla., March 27, 1884; Fred B. ; Georgiana, who died j^oung; and David N., born 
January 24, 1858, married Ida Estelle Wortman, and lives with his father. 
George Jackson Fisher, A. M., M. D., born in November, 1825, married, in 1852, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 77 

Mary Boclle, of Mecklenburg, where he began the practice of medicine. He was a 
graduate of the New York College of Medicine, was appointed physician to Sing Sing- 
Prison, and was president of the New York State and the Westchester County Medi- 
cal Societies several years. Bj? invitation ■ of President Lincoln he attended the 
wounded at Antietam after the battle there, among whom were some confederates, 
who afterward gave him an ovation on his visit to South Carolina. Dr. Fisher was 
the author of several medical works, at one time the editor of a medical journal, and 
the founder and president of the Ossining Hospital, where he contracted blood poi- 
soning in amputating a limb of a sick patient, and died in February, 1893. His wid- 
ow, a son Fred, and one daughter, Mrs. Carpenter, survive him. Dorinda A. Fisher, 
born in April, 1828, married Henrj' Haight, of Enfield, has two daughters living, and 
died November 4, 1881, at the home of her brother, Charles W. , where she spent the 
greater part of her life. 

Brink, Andrew James, was born in Burdette, Schuyler county, July 24, 1845. He 
is the son of James Brink, of Genoa, born in Sullivan county, October 21, 1804, who 
was the son of Cornelius and Lydia Brink, of Long Island, who came to Sullivan 
count)^ about 1800, and later to Orange cotmty, where they reared eight children : 
Mrs. Smith, of Bloomingburg; Mrs. Miller, of the same town; Mrs. Harding; Elsie 
Brink, all of the same town ; James, Abram and Hiram. He married second a widow 
whose maiden name was Drake, by whom he had two children Cornelius and Will- 
iam. James, father of Andrew J., was reared to farm life, and remained with his 
father until about twenty-one, when he bought a small farm in Sullivan county, on 
which he lived. Some years later he bought a hotel at Bloomingsburg, Vv-hich he 
conducted about three years, when he sold out and returned to farming. He spent 
some time in Schuyler county, and some time in traveling, finally locating in Genoa, 
where he has since resided. He has always been a Democrat. His first wife was 
Jane Horton, of Orange county, by whom he had six children: Maria, widow of 
Solomon Williams, of Burdette; one who died in infancy; Leander, of Middletown ; 
Martha; Ann Eliza; Francis Hnllister, of Five Corners; Harriet, who resides with her 
father. His wife died in Schuyler county, September 23, 1840, and in March, 1841, 
he married second, Delilah Marton, of Burdette, andthe\ had seven children: George 
W., Andrew J., Charles H., Margaret Jane, Augusta, William C, and Elsie. March 
20, 1891, Mr. and Mrs. Brink celebrated their golden wedding, they being the par- 
ents, grandparents and great-grandparents of fort3'-eight living children. Our sub- 
ject resided Avith his parents until the age of twenty-one, then engaged in work for 
himself for some time, returning to his father's farm later. In 1871 he was engaged 
in the sewing-machine business in New Jersey, and remained three years, and for the 
next three years engaged in farming. He married in 1871, and removed to Tomp- 
kins county. He married, September 26, 1877, Frances J., daughter of Roswell and 
Isabel (Conrad) Beardsley, of North Lansing, born June 2, 1847. Mrs. Brink's father 
has held the office of postmaster ever since the time of President Adams, a term of 
sixty-six years, he having been born in 1809, this being the longest term of contin- 
uous office on record. Mr. and Mrs. Brink are members of the North Lansing Grange. 
Mr. Brink has been a Free Mason since the age of twenty-one. In politics he is a 
Democrat, having held the office of inspector of elections several terms. 



78 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Anderson, B. B., of Newfield, was born August 15, 1815, in Sullivan, bordering on 
Orange county, a son of James N. Anderson, a farmer, and also a native of the 
county, who married Mary Solomon, of Long Island, and had five children, of whom 
our subject was the third. The occupation of the latter has been that of blacksmith 
for the past thirty years, though he has followed farming for some time, and given 
up his trade. In 1845 he married Margaret McCorn, of Newfield, by whom he had 
four children, two daughters and two sons. In 1865 he married Emiline McCorn, 
of Newfield. He was educated in the common schools and in politics is a Democrat. 

The late Daniel Johnson was born in Orange county, October 28, 1801, and came 
when a young man to Taghannic Falls, where he built the first house. He married, 
August 29, 1847, Sarah M. Lee, of Ulys.ses, and they had six children ; Elsie, Fred- 
erick, Mary, Diantha, Edwin S. and Sarali. Mary died aged five years ; Elsie mar- 
ried Henry Blanchard and lives in Ithaca; Frederick married Maria Follett, of 
Ulysses,^ and they reside in Ithaca; Diantha lives at home with her mother ; Edwin 
S. married Anna Smith, of this town, and Sarah married Dr. John Kirkendall, 
of Ithaca. Mr. Johnson died Nove-mber 1, 1885. Mrs, Johnson's grandfather, Jep- 
tha Lee, was born in Dutchess county, March 1, 1764, and was a soldier in the Revo- 
lution, and the farm now occupied by Mrs. Johnson is part of the grant which he 
received for his services. He married Esther Franklin, born February 8, 1764, and 
they had twelve children, two of whom died young, the others being as follows : John, 
Delilah, Daniel, Amos, Luc}', Polly A., Sally A., Hannah, Franklin and William. 

Ives, Charles A., was born in Ithaca, December 9, 1849, the only son of the late 
Joseph N. Ives, who was born in the town of I/ansing September 23, 1833, and died 
November 23, 1891. He was always a member of the Republican part}^ and at one 
time a trustee of the village of Ithaca. He was a carpenter by trade, and his later 
years were spent in the car shop of the Lehigh railroad. For a number of years he 
was interested with W. W. Est}^ in building canal boats in Ithaca, always connected 
with the fire department, and a life-long member of the Presbyterian church. The 
mother of our subject, Fannie M. Coole}-, was a descendant of the old New England 
stock. She died November 7, 1891. Charles A. was educated in the public schools 
and graduated from the Ithaca Academy. He was for ten years employed in the 
hardware store of John Rumsey, and in February, 1877, was appointed by the L. Y. 
Railroad Co. city agent to handle their business in this town. He is a Republican in 
politics and was town clerk for two years, was the last village clerk, and first cit}- 
clerk. He was also, for a term of years, assistant chief of the fire department. He 
married in March, 1878, Janet L., daughter of M. F. Brown, of Ithaca, and they have 
a son and a daughter. 

Johnson, Harlan P., was born in Ithaca, in October, 1888, son of Benjamin L. John- 
son, a native of Delaware count}-, who was for a number of years engaged in the 
transportation business on the Erie canal, running a line of passenger and freight 
boats between Ithaca and Buft'alo, N. Y., which he followed until the building of the 
first railroad through New York State, when he engaged in mercantile business in 
Ithaca, which he followed until 1870, when he retired from business. He was alwaj^s 
active in church and temperance work, and died July 6, 1883. The mother of our 
subject, Lucinda Newcomb, was a native of Vermont, of English descent, whose an- 
cestors came to this country about the middle of the 17th century. She died in April, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 79 

1891. The grandfather of Mrs. Johnson, Daniel Newcomb, was a lieutenant in the 
army of the Revolution. Our subject is the oldest son of a family of three sons and 
two daughters. He was educated in the Ithaca Academy, and on leaving school was 
three years in his father's store. In 1860 he went to New York where he engaged in 
business, first as a clerk and rapidly rose to partnership, living there fourteen years. 
Returning to Ithacain 1874, he has been engaged in various enterprises, now a dealer 
in real estate and investment securities, and representative of some of the old line 
insurance companies. 

Jennings, Frank S., was born in Moravia, February 16, 1857, and was educated in 
the Moravia High School under Prof. C. O. Roundy. He also attended the Medica^ 
Department of the Syracuse University for one year and afterwards graduated from 
the Medical Department of the University of the City of New York, receiving a phy- 
sician's diploma from that institution, and has been a practicing phvsician since. At 
the age of twentj^-three he married Mary Given, daughter of William R. Given, of 
the town of Dryden, to which town he removed in the spring of 1884. He has one 
daughter, Laura Jennings. In addition to his regular practice, he has added the con- 
ducting of a drug store with a full line of drugs, toilet and fancy articles. In 1888 he 
received the appointment of postmaster, andforfour j^ears the post-office was located 
in his present store. He takes an active interest in educational and religious matters, 
being a member of the Board of Education. 

Jones, M. E., was bom July 4, 1864, in the town of Ithaca and educated in the com- 
mon schools. After- leaving school he learned the miller's trade, going into partner- 
ship with J. E. Van Natta, then went to Ohio, and built a hundred-barrel mill for the 
North Jackson Milling Co. Our subject married at the age of twenty-six May Rhodes, 
daughter of George Rhodes, of Ithaca. He is a Republican in politics, and takes an 
active and intelligent interest in church and school matters. In March, 1892, he 
bought the Pugsley farm of seventy acres, where he now resides, raising the usual 
farm crops of hay, grain and stock. Also he makes a specialty of lumbering, cutting- 
pine and hemlock, for which he finds a read}- market in Ithaca. Mr. Jones is known 
as an energetic and prosperous young farmer. 

Janson, Henry, was born in Caroline, January 15, 1828. Daniel, his father, was a 
native of Ulster county, and came here with his parents when three years of age. 
He followed farming all his life on the place now occupied by our subject. His wife 
was Sallie Bush of Tompkins county, and Henry was their oldest son. The latter 
has been twice married, first to Miss McWhorter, by whom he had one son, now living 
on a farm near his father. His present wife was Miss Silsby, of Tioga county. Mr. 
Janson is a Granger, and a Republican. 

Jervis, Benjamin Franklin, son of Timothy and Phoebe Bloomfield Jervis, was 
born at Rome, Oneida county, July2, 1816. He was educated at the Grosvenor Acad- 
emy in Rome. At the age of seventeen he engaged as clerk in the hardware store 
kept by Jas. Sayre & Co. at Utica. In 1834 he was appointed clerk in the Bank of 
Rome. In 1836 he received appointment in the Albany City Bank. His heath fail- 
ing he accepted the place of teller in the Madison County Bank at Cazenovia, N. Y. 
remaining there about two years. These places were filled with satisfaction to him- 
self and to his employers. At the suggestion and under the advice of his oldest 



80 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

brother, John B. Jervis, he engaged in mercantile and milhng business at Rome, 
Annsville and New York City, about twelve years. In 1856 he was appointed cashier 
of the Bank of Cazenovia and held this appointment about iifteen years, at the end 
of which time the affairs of the bank were in very satisfactory condition. He was 
then elected president. Soon after this the bank suffered heavy losses from the 
failure of parties to whom large consignments had been made and from the fire at 
Chicago which nearly destroyed the city and in M'hich the bank held large amount of 
propert3% making this portion of his experience distressingly unfortunate. From 
Cazenovia he went to Toledo, Ohio, and engaged as auditor of the Toledo, Ann Ar- 
bor and North Michigan Railway Co. He remained with that company fourteen 
years, acting in the capacity of auditor and treasurer and secretary — the last two 
years being as secretary and located in New York City, which office he resigned in 
1891 and removed to Ithaca. He was married in 1840 to Miss Louise M. Chandler, of 
Cazenovia, who died at Toledo, July 3, 1879. From this marriage there was one son, 
John Bloomfield, Second, who died March 10, 1869, aged nineteen years. He was 
again married on November 28, 1882, to Miss Martha Marsh, daughter of the late 
Doctor Richard and Rebecca Jacques Marsh, of Rahway, N. J. The Jervis family 
are of French descent, dating back in this country to the seventeenth century. 

Janson, John, was born in Caroline, April 4, 1825, a son of Daniel, who was born 
in Ulster county, and moved to this county when three ^^ears old. Daniel married 
Sallie, daughter of D. Bush, and of their nine children our subject was the second, 
he being sixt^^-eight years old at the present writing. He worked at carpentry for 
about five ^^ears, and since that has followed it more or less, together with farming, 
dui-ing the past forty years. August 21, 1853, he married Anna M., daughter of 
William Van Iderstine, of Caroline, and they were the parents of four children, one 
being deceased at the age of eighteen years. In politics Mr. Janson has always 
voted with the Republicans. 

Hall, John L. , was born Febi'uary 10, 1844, in tlie town of Danby and educated in 
the district school, to which he has added by reading and close observation. He 
married at the age of twenty-two Fannie M., daughter of Almond Pitts, of East 
Charleston, Tioga county. Pa., by whom he has had two children, a son and a 
daughter. He is a Republican in political views, and has held the office of school 
trustee for eight years. In 1868 he bought the farm of 100 acres where he now lives, 
and on which he raises large quantities of grain, hay and stock. Our subject is 
known as a conservative man of high principles and as a man who takes great inter- 
est in the welfare of his town, being one of the leading members of the old Farmer's 
Club, of which he was presiding officer several years. 

Houtz, Col. George H., was born in the town of Dryden, July 16, 1835. His father, 
John H. Houtz, was engaged in the merchandise and milling business, building the 
Etna mills in 1835, which at his decease, which occurred in 1869, was continued by 
his son. Col. George H. Houtz. Our subject received his education in the common 
schools and after leaving school at once joined his father in his many business inter- 
ests. He takes the Republican side in politics and has been town clerk for twenty- 
five consecutive years, but an active business life has prevented the acceptance of 
many nominations tendered him. Our subject is one of the prominent business men 



FAMILY SKETCHEvS. 81 

in his town, a man nolcl for his ability and energy, prominently identified inadvane- 
mg its best interests and in edueational and religions matters. 

Houpt, Theron, was born in the town of Ovid, Seneea county, June 22, 184iJ, and 
reeeived his earh^ education in the common schools, finishing at the Dryden Acad- 
emy, under Jackson Graves. At the age of thirty he married Laura E. Tyler, 
daughter of Richard C. Tyler, of Vn-gil, Cortland county. In 1890 Mr. Houpt bought 
the R. C. Tyler property, and in 1898 purchased a part of the Anson Stickle estate, 
owning eighty-six acres in all, and raising hay, grain, etc. He however makes a 
specialty of winter dair\ ing. He is a well-known citizen, and takes a thorough in- 
terest in educational and religious matters. 

Farrington, Warren G., was born at Jacksonville, Ulysses, January 19, 1840, was 
educated in the public schools and follows farming. December 27, 1865, he married 
Charlotte Tichenor, of Trumansburgh, and they have had five children: W. Sherman, 
Edgar H., Clarence M., George L., and Leroy. W. Sherman married Nettie Craw- 
ford, of Ithaca, and they have two children, W. Russell and Ruth. Edgar H. mar- 
ried Anna Riddle, of Jacksonville, and they have a daughter, Hazel. Mr. Fiarring- 
ton's father, William, was born in Dutchess county, November 15, 1807, and was a 
shoemaker in early life, later taking up farming, but returning to the boot and shoe 
trade again in Jacksonville. He married Catherine Kelley, formerly of New Jersey, 
and came to this county in 1832. They had four children ; George K. , Warren G., 
Martha M., and Mary C. William died in 1892, and his wife in 1890. Mrs. Earring- 
ton's father, Sherman Tichenor, was a native of Dutchess county, who came to this 
region, where he married Amy Rudy, of Trumansburgh, bjr whom he had three 
daughters; Charlotte, Lucy, and Emma. Mr. Tichenor died in 1887, and his wife 
in 1880. 

Cormish, Mary, widow of Dyer Cormish, was born in Newfield in 1839. Dyer 
Cormish, her deceased husband, was born in Lansing July 20, 1829. His occupation 
through life was that of a farmer. His father, Hiram, was a native of Tompkins 
cfjunty, always following farming, owning his farm until within a few years of his 
death. He married Abigail Patchen, of Lansing, and they had seven children, the 
husband of our subject being next to the oldest. He died at the age of sixty-four 
years. He was alwaj^s an active Republican. 

Cole, Frank C, was born in the town of Caroline, April 30, 1853, a son of William 
D., a native of Pompey, Onondaga county, who died in Ithaca in 1889. William D. 
was the father of nine children, of whom Frank was the third son. The latter was 
educated at the public schools and at the age of seventeen he began learning the 
tinner's trade. He afterwards came to Ithaca, where he was employed with ]\Ir. 
Fillingham for eight years, and then went with Treman, King & Co., as foreman, 
where he has ever since been engaged. Mr. Cole is a member of the K. of P., the 
I. O. R. M., and of the R. A. In 1871 he became a member of the Fire Department, 
andhe isnowserving his fifth term as chief. In 1876 Mr. Cole married Lydia A. Kings- 
bury, daughter of John H. King.sbury, a retired grocer of this city, and they have 
had two children, Vjoth deceased. 

Cooper, William, was born in Ulster county, September 29, 1808. His father, 
Charles, was a native of Connecticut, who settled in Ulster county on a farm, and 
k 



83 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

moved iu IHIC) to lliis county, where in 18G4 he died. He married Betsey, daughter 
of Orsemous North, of Ulster county, and they had eight children. William, our 
subject, lived at home until his twenty-third year, when he started for himself. He 
also worked for the D. L. & W. Railroad a short time. At the age of twenty-five in 
November, 1882, he married Abigail, daughter of Henry Seely, of this county. He 
has had four children: Charles H., Ezelia, Elosia, and Homer, the latter two de- 
ceased. Mr. Cooper's education was acquired in the common schools and he has lived 
on his present farm ever since his marriage. He is Republican in politics. 

Chase, D. Wesley, was born in Groton, April 6, 1827, a son of David K., a native 
of Vermont, born June 5, 1797, an axmaker and shoemaker by trade, who came to 
Gi'oton with his parents about 1800. In 1819 he married Bathsheba Leonard, born m 
1808, a daughter of Andrew and Anna (Morton) Leonard, natives of Vermont, and 
they had four children: Leonard W. , Hardin W. , D. Wesley, and Anna Jane. In 
1838 Mr. Chase went to Toledo, O., where he spent the remainder of his life. His 
widow married Aaron Hotchkiss, and died in Cortland. The parents of David were 
Amariah and Sophia Chase, of Vermont, who came to Groton and settled on the 
soldier's claim of Mr. Chase, he having served in the Revolution, and been in General 
Wa.shington's service. The family dates back in America, to one Aquilla Chase, son 
of Sir Robert Chase, who was grandfather to Sir William Townley, who joined Charles 
Stcvv-art at Manchester and was taken prisoner at the Battle of Bannockburn. He 
was executed for high treason, his property confiscated, and in 1844 the estate was 
released from confiscation by Lord Brougham. Aquilla came to Hampton, N. H. 
from Cornwall, England, in 1639. He was born in 1618. D. Wesley Chase was 
bound out at the age of seven to a farmer named Martin Howe where he remained 
until fourteen years of age, then learned the blacksmith's trade, farming on shares, 
etc., and in 1852 went to California where he engaged in mining for two years, then 
returned to Lansing. Later he bought two farms in Homer, which he conducted for 
seven years then sold and went to Groton, where he bought and sold again. In 1870 
he removed to Lansing and bought a place of 106 acres, where he has since lived, 
and to which he has added fifty acres. In 1846 he married Phoebe Ann Howe, 
daughter of Martin and Zillah (Buck) Howe, of Lansing, who was born in 1823. Mr. 
and Mrs. Chase have had five children : L(jviuus and Lovina (twins), born in 1847 ; 
Oscar E., born in 1850; John Wesley, born in 1852; Marietta, born in 1860, wife of 
George H. Strong, of Lansing. Lovina married J. J. Chase, of Mason, 111. Lovinus 
died at the age of eleven. Oscar was killed by the cars in Cincinnati, O. 

Beers, Fred E., was born in Waverly, June 29, 1861, and came to the town of 
Danby with his father, A. J. Beers. In 1863 he bought what was known as the George 
Adriance property, comprising 260 acres, and here he now resides. A. J. Beers died 
February 24, 1891, leaving his estate to our subject and his brothers. In 1885 he 
bought the property known as the Allen place, of eighty acres. Fred E. Avas edu- 
cated in the district schools, to which he has added by reading and intelligent obser- 
vation, akso taking a course of business preparation at Eastman's Csllege, Pough- 
keepsie. Mr. Beers is a Republican in politics, and takes much interest in educational 
matters, having served as trustee of the school for some time. He is also steward of 
the M. E. church of South Danby. He handles fertilizers, etc., and his principal 
crops are hay and grain. At the age of twenty-one he married Annie, daughter of 
George Denniston, and they liave one daughter, Mertie. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. MR 

ivlandeville, the Rev. Gerrit, was born at Pompton Plains, Morris county, N. J. , 
on the 9th day of April, 1775. Of his ancestors, we only know that they came from 
Holland at an early day and settled near New Amsterdam. His father was a far- 
mer, presumably a good one, certainly a careful one, as we learn from an anecdote 
which has come down from Revolutionary times, in which it is said: General Wash- 
ington, w^hile making his house headquarters, paid his farming a compliment by tak- 
ing him to task as being unduly particular, in taking up and resetting- one of a long- 
line of posts in a new post-aud-rail fence, because it had not been set quite deep 
enough. According to the Dutch custom of that time, of educating the bright boy 
for a preacher, Gerrit seems to have been dedicated to the ministry while quite 
young, and his studies directed towards it. He entered Hackensack Academy at au 
early age, and made so good progress that at the age of thirteen he was fitted for the 
high school of Flatbush, Long Island, known as Erasmus Hall. Here he completed 
his classical studies; becoming very proficient in Latin, Greek and Hebrew, as well 
as Dutch, in which language he preached much of the time while on his first charge ; 
in fact, Dutch was his mother tongue, and Engli.sh the second language he acquired. 
He studied divinity under Dr. John Livingston, and entered the ministry of the Re- 
formed Protestant Dutch Church when twenty-two years of age. He was first set- 
tled in the town of Warwarsing, Ulster count}^, N. Y. , where, and in the adjoining 
town of Rochester, he preached alternately about five years. While there he married 
a Miss Maria De Witt, of Warwarsing, a cousin of Simeon De Witt; and there his 
first son was born. At that time the conquest of the we.stern wilderness had become 
the great ambition of the enterprising of the East ; and Central and Western New 
York were the Great West to New England andNew York then. Scouts went thither 
and brought back wonderful stories of the grandeur of its forests and the fertility of 
its soil ; often bringing some of the earth with them to prove their statements. Ar- 
mies for the conquest of this northern El Dorado were being recruited in every ham- 
let of the East ; and Warwarsing contributed its full quota, no doubt stimulated in 
this by their townsman, Simeon De Witt, surveyor-general of the State, who had taken 
much interest in the settlement of Central New York. The subject of this sketch 
concluded to join the army of occupation; so one day in 1804 he mounted his horse 
and started for the wilds of the West- — more wild then, perhaps, than now can be 
found between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. After a long ride through the wild- 
erness he reached the hamlet of Ithaca at the head of Cayuga Lake. Here he found 
a Presbyterian Church newly organized, consisting of thirteen members, to whom he 
preached, and from whom he received a call to be their settled pastor. In the follow- 
ing year he brought his family from Ulster county, and was installed pastor of the 
little church. He held service here and at Trumansburgh on alternate Sundays until 
about 1812, when he removed to the town of Caroline in the same county, where he 
organized a Reformed Dutch Church — the church of his fathers — with which he re- 
mained connected during the remainder of his life, as pastor for twenty-five years, 
and as occasional supply until his death. Mr. Mandeville was a man of much learn- 
ing and abili'ty ; and his influence was for good, in the literary advancement of the 
town of his adoption, as well as were his moral and religious teachings. He taught 
school, preached, and cleared up a new farm, leading a life uneventful, perhaps, but 
active and useful. The Rev. Theodore L. Ci:yler was one of his pupils; and that 
eminent divine tells with pleasure of the years he spent in study, on tlie farm among 



<S4 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the hills of Caroline, with the good dominie. Those social reforms which came into 
prominence during his lifetime, temperance and abolition, had, as was fitting, his 
most earnest advocacy. He proclaimed and talked against the drink evil, when to 
do so was to run counter to the current of general thought and practice, even among 
the educated and moral class of that community. And so with slavery; while its 
apologists had the chief seats in the synagogue, it met with his most unqualified 
condemnation. While the cause of temperance made great advances during his 
life, becoming popular instead of being a term of derision, abolition was still a by- 
word and reproach at the time of his death in 185?.. Of his ten children, seven sur- 
vived him. 

Lawrence, Azel, was born m Otsego county, N. Y. , December 81, 1822. His father 
came to Tompkins in 1835. Azel Lawrence was educated in the common schools to 
which he has added through life by reading and close observation and is pre-emi- 
nently a .self-educated and self-made man. At the age of twentj'-seven he married 
Mary A., daughter of Isaac S. Smith, who was a very prominent contractor and 
builder in the town. They are the parents of one daughter, Mrs. May I. Elston, of 
Ithaca. In 1855 he bought the Isaac S. Smith farm of 110 acres, raising hay, grain 
and stock. He takes the Democratic side in politics and an active interest in educa- 
tional and religious matters. Our subject is one of the leading and .substantial men 
of his town, of conservative character and recognized integrit}-. He has been a di- 
rector in the Dryden and Groton Fire Insurance Company for twelve years, and is 
identified with the best interests of the town. 

Lormor, James, Sr., was born in the town of Dryden, August 4, 1818, and was ed- 
ucated in the common schools, after leaving which he went to farming, which he has 
made his life business, being known throughout his town as a successful and practi- 
cal farmer. At the age of twenty-six he was married to Lorinda Hamblin, who died 
in 1853 leaving two children, and in 1855 he married Minerva E. Hopkins. The}' 
have had four children, three of whom are now living, two sons and one daughter, 
James E., William H. and Isabella H. Those who have passed away are Margaret 
C, the eldest, Mary E., and one son, Lee H. In 1862 he bought what was known as 
the Godfrey property of sixty-five acres ; in 1870 he bought the Bradshaw property' 
of seventy acres, and in 1872 he bought the Carpenter place on South Hill of sevent}' 
acres, and in 1878 he bought a beautiful residence in the village of Dryden, wheie he 
now resides. He also owns a farm in Virgil, Cortland county. Our subject is one 
(jf the substantial men of his town, being respected for his energy and ability. 

Lormor, Robert H., was born in Dryden June 10, 1845. His father, William Lor- 
mor, came to the town of Dryden in 1826, and settled at Malloryville, where he 
bought a farm and remained for thirty-eight years. Robert H. was educated in the 
common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close ob.servation. 
At the age of thirty-one he married Loretta Givens, and they are the parents of one 
son, A. T. Lormor. In 1885 he bought the Thomas Givens property of 110 acres, 
raising haj^ grain and stock, and making a specialty'- of dairying. Our subject is 
known throughout his town as a conservative, independent man, taking an intelligent 
intere.st in church and school matters, and identified in advancing the best interests 
of his town. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 85 

Lang, John B., was born in Stockport, Columbia county, N. Y., December 23, 183B. 
When about two years old his parents moved into the State of Massachusetts, town 
of Great Barrington, where his boyhood days were spent and his education acquired. 
At the age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to learn the machinist trade at 
New Hartford, Conn. At the expiration of his apprenticeship he returned to Great 
Barrington. where he worked at his trade for afew months, then accepted a position 
with the Curtis Calendar Clock Co., of Hartfoi-d, Conn., with whom he remained 
three years in Hartford and one year in New York city. He then went to Pittsfield, 
Mass., where he remained working at his trade until ISfiS, when he removed to Ith- 
aca, and formed a partnership with James S. Reynolds in a general foundry and 
machine business, under the firm name of Reynolds & Lang, which business has 
continued ever since. In 1870 the fii-m commenced the manufacture of steam engines 
in connection with their other business, and now make the building of engines a spe- 
cialty. Mr. Lang is a Republican and served the then village of Ithaca fourj^ears as 
trustee. He is now the president of the local board of the Central City Building and 
Loan Association (of Syracuse, N. Y.), and is a trustee of the First Baptist Church; 
also secretary of the East Lawn Cemetery, and a trustee of -Y. M. C. A. In 1856 he 
was made a Mason in Daskam Lodge No. 84, and is now a member of Hobasco 
Lodge No. TlfJ this city. Mr. Lang married Frances G. Patterson, of Glastonbury, 
Conn. Three children have been born to them, of which one, Bessie G., is now liv- 
ing; is sixteen years of age, and a student of the Ithaca Conservatory of Music. 

Latta, Elmer M., .was born August 6, 1829, and educated in Orange county. At 
the age of twenty-one he came to Candor, where he was employed as foreman on the 
building of the D. L. & W. R. R., remaining with this company nine years. In 1888 
he located in Ithaca, where he has ever since made his home, with the exception of 
a year and a half spent in Iowa. In 1858 he went into the wood working shop where 
Mr. Hollister now is, and in 1875 he engaged in the ice business in this town, which 
he followed thirteen years, and has since been in the shop. Mr. Latta is a Republi- 
can in politics and has held the office of trustee of the village of Ithaca during the 
years 1872-73-76-77-78-79. He is a member of the Park Baptist Church, of which he 
is a deacon and a trustee. He is also a member of the R. A.., and a director of the 
P. C, also of the Y. M. C. A. In 1853 Mr. Latta married Louisa Hollister, of Ithaca, 
and they had one son, Frank E., born January 1, 1855, and graduated from the "old 
Ithaca Academy" in June, 1878; he was injured April 7, 1879, by being thrown from 
his horse, which resulted in his death three days after. 

Lane, Jacob, was born in Ulster county, April 8, 1820. His father, Richard Lane, 
was a native of that county, and moved to Tompkins county when our subject was 
but six years of age. He married at the age of twenty-five Edie North, of Ulster 
county, and they had eight children, of whom Jacob was the third. He has alwa}^s 
followed farming and lumbering, working at home till the age of twenty-five, when 
he married Sarah Hoose, a native of Caroline. They had two daughters: Frank A., 
who married at the age of nineteen a Mr. Charles Regodar ; and Mary who married 
at the age of twenty-one Mr. De Witt Van Etten. Mr. Lane has been twice married-; 
his jiresent wife was Elrie J. Hollister, of the town of Candor. 

Lyon, Marcus, was born in Cayuga count)^ September 23, 1827. His early life was 
spent in his native county. He was educated at Yale College, graduating with the 



86 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

class of 1852 and came to Ithaca the same year, where he began the study of law 
with the late Judge Boardman. He was admitted to the bar in 1854 and in 1856 was 
elected district attorney by a majority of over 1200, being apjiointed by the combined 
vote of a candidate supported by the Democrat and American parties and was re- 
elected in 1860. Soon after this Judge Lyon removed to the West, resigning his po- 
sition. Returning he resumed the practice of his profession, and was appointed 
postmaster in 1869. In 1873 he was elected county judge and twice re-elected, mak- 
ing twenty-one years he was connected with the judicial bench of this county. He 
has been prominently identified with the public schools of the county, and served 
one term as school commissioner for the second district. He is a member of the Ma- 
sonic order and a Knight Templar. He married in 1855 Susan, daughter of Philip 
Schuyler, and they have had five children : Philip Schuyler, a graduate of Cornell, 
was killed in a cable car accident in Chicago June 1, 1890 ; Lucy is the wife of Walter 
C. Kerr, of New York; Laura is the wife of Otis L. Williams, New York; Mary lives 
at home, and Newell is a student in Cornell University. 

Lamont, John D., was born in the Highlands of Scotland, July 3, 1834, and came 
to the United States with his parents m 1843. His father, Peter Lamont, settled in 
the town of Dryden the same year, coming from Albany to Ithaca by canal boat. 
Our subject was educated in the common schools and finished at the Cortland Acad- 
emy, after leaving which he taught school winters and worked on his father's farm 
summers. At the age of thirty-one he was married to Miss Laura Givens, and they 
ai-e the parents of one daughter. Miss Emma Lamont. In 1865 he bought what is 
known as the Ananias Scofield property of fifty acres, to which he afterwards added 
over seventy-five acres adjoining, making a beautiful farm of 127 acres. He also 
owns a timber lot bought of A. S. Clarke. In 1878 he erected a handsome residence 
which he now occupies. He is a Republican and also takes an active interest in ed- 
ucational and religious matters. Our subject is one of the leading men in his town, 
being recognized as a conservative, independent citizen and a practical and success- 
ful farmer. 

Lewis, Lorenzo, was born in Harford, Cortland county, Jutyll, 1834. The family 
came from Vermont and settled in Cortland county. Lorenzo Lewis was educated 
in the common schools, but is pre-eminently a self-made and self-educated man. He 
bought his time when fourteen years old, giving his father $50, and came to Tomp- 
Icins and hired out to Deacon John Tyler. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss 
Harriet C. Hair, daughter of Joseph Hair, who .passed away in 1882, and in 1889 he 
married Miss Clara Mespell, and they have one son, Ernest W. Lewis, and two 
daughters, Mrs. Nellie Colton and Grace C. Lewis. In 1854 he bought part of the 
Deacon Tyler farm, and in 1859 he bought the balance of the Tyler estate. In 
1862 he bought part of the Olivia Tyler farm, and m 1863 he bought part of the 
Wm. Hubbell farm, having 122 acres, raising hay, grain and stock, and making a 
specialty of dairying. Our subject is one of the leading farmers in his town, identi- 
fied with the best interests of his town and keeping abreast of the times. 

Luckey, Henry, was born in Poughkeepsie, November 12, 1831, and came here with 
his parents when an infant. He was educated in the common schools, with two years 
at Ithaca Academy, and has always followed farming. Feburary 16, 1853, he mar- 
ried Susan, daughter of James Colegrove, of Ulysses, and they have one daughter. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 87 

Marietta, wlio married Ja}- C. Mott, of this town, and lias two ehiklren ; Mabel L. 
and Homer C. Robert T., father of our subject, was born m Dutchess county at the 
old homestead September 17, 1807. He was a well educated man, and November 12, 
1829, married Barbara Du Bois, of his native town, a lady of French Huguenot na- 
tivity. They had one .son, Henry, as noted above. He died January 1, 1889, and his 
widow married second William Willis, of Enfield. She died August 29, 1875. Mrs. 
Luckey's father, James Colegrove, was born June 22, 1806, and August 19,1827, he 
married Maria Vann, who was born near New Brunswick, N. J., September 14, 1805. 
They had ten children, seven of whom grew to maturity : Caroline, John, Susan, and 
Samuel (twins), Louisa, David, and Eleanor A. Mrs. Luckey's grandfather, Samuel 
Vann, lived to the age of 105 years. An ancestor of Mr. Luckey was a soldier in the 
Revolution, and our subject owns the musket he carried ni that war, together with 
. many interesting heirlooms of the family. 

Lupton, G. M., was born in the town of Dryden, August 15, 1827. His father, 
Nathan Lupton, came from Orange county, N. Y., about 1800 and was one of the 
hrst settlers in the town. Our subject was educated in the common schools and fin- 
ished at the Dryden Academy and afterwards returned to his father's farm. At the 
age of twenty-seven he married Caroline Weaver, daughter of Henry B. Weaver, 
and they are the parents of four children, three sons: Henry B., Seward G., and Ed- 
ward B. and one daughter, Hattie M. At the death of his father, which occurred m 
1864, he inherited the Lupton homestead of 250 acres, where he now resides. In 
1870 he bought what was known as the Piatt Knickerbocker property of 100 acres, 
having 850 acres of some of the best farming land in the town. He takes the Dem- 
ocratic side in politics and an intelligent interest in educational and religious matters. 
Our subject is one of the largest farmers in his town, where he is recognized as prac- 
tical and successful. 

Lormore, James C, was born in Newark Valley, Tioga county, N. Y., April 22, 
1842, and educated here in the common schools and finished at the Dryden High 
School. His father, Thomas Lormore, came to the town of Virgil in 1857 and pur- 
chased the Tyler farm of one hundred acres. In 1866 he bought the Amos Lewis 
place to which he removed. Our subject enlisted March 17, 1862, in Co. I, Seward's 
Infantry, N. Y. Volunteers, and served in Burnside's expedition into North Carolina, 
South Mountain and Antietam, Burnside's march from Maryland to Fredericksburg, 
and was also at the bombardments of Forts Sumter and Wagner. He went up the 
Shenandoah Valley with Sheridan. December 25, 1864, he left for Washington and 
wes incorporated in Gen. U. S. Grant's army lying between the James and Appo- 
mattox Rivers. He received an honorable discharge April 17, 1865. On returning 
home he was married to Ella Tanner, daughter of Barnham S. Tanner, of Dryden 
and they are the parents of one son, Eugene Lormore. He takes the Republican side 
iu politics, and has served his town as street commissioner, overseer of the poor, etc. 
In the spring of 1893 he opened a ready-made clothing and gent's furnishing store, 
in Dryden, in which line he is the leading merchant in his town. 

Luther, Orson, was born in Groton, January 1, 1833. His father, Philip Luther, 
came from Dutchess county in 1802 when he was nineteen years of age. Orson Lu- 
ther was educated in the common schools, to which he has added by reading and 
close observation. He lived on his father's farm until he was twenty-one, and then 



m LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

married Miss Mary ]>. Shurwcjod, daughter f)f William Sherwood, of Varna. He left 
the homestead farm in 1859 and moved to Varna, living there six years, and in 1867 
bought the Red Mills of Freeville, which he remodeled and soon established a well 
deserved reputation throughout the town and county, and remained there fifteen 
years. In 1881 he sold the mill and moved into the village of Freeville, where he has 
taken a prominent part in advancing its best interests, being president of the village. 
He has filled the offices of road commissioner and assessor. He is Democratic in 
politics, and the town being strongly Republican indicates the standing of our sub- 
ject, a man who deserves and retains the respect of all with whom he comes in con- 
tact. 

Lormor, Andi'ew W. , was born in the town of Dryden, July 7, 18B5. His father, 
Thomas Lormor, came to the county in 1812 and in 1815 bought the property of John 
Lawrence, of New York city, consisting of 106 acres, where his son now resides. 
Thomas Lormor died in 1874 at the age of eighty-two years, a man of ability and 
strict integrity. Andrew W. Lormor was educated in the common schools and is a 
self-educated and self-made man. At the age of twenty-seven he married Miss Har- 
riet Ford, daughter of Major Ford, of Peruville, Tompkins county. They have three 
children, one son, Thomas M., and two daughters, Mrs. Ernest W. Hanford, of Ith- 
aca, and Miss Nellie Lormor. He takes a decided interest in temperance principles, 
and also in educational and religious matters. He is a practical and successful far- 
mer, making a specialty of dairying. 

Lathrop, Joseph A., was born in Cayuga county, February 8, 1853, and came to 
Tompkins in 1893. In 1892 he bought the Daniel Bills farm of sixty-eight acres, on 
which he makes a specialty of dairying, running a De Laval cream and milk separa- 
tor and a Babcock milk tester, and has just built a model dairy room, and produces 
fancy Jersey butter from a pure Jersey herd. At the age of thirty-six he married 
Jennie, daughter of John W. Burr, of Dryden, and they are the parents of one son, 
Fred B. Our subject is one of the most progressive and intelligent farmers of his 
town, taking an active part in advancing its best interests. 

Landon, Albert H., was born in Brookton, May 14, 1856. In early life he followed 
farming with his father, Sextus B. Landon, and at the age of eighteen started for 
himself, learning the trade of millwright, at which he worked for seventeen years. 
He has built a fine residence in Brookton, and on October 1, 1892, he married Cora B. 
Ault, daughter of Freeman Ault, of Elmira, the wedding taking place in his own 
home. Mr. Landon has never aspired to political office, but is a Reiiublican in politics. 

Lament, A. B., was born in the town of Dryden, October 16, 1855. His father, 
A. B. Lament, was also born in the town of Dryden, March 10, 1830. He spent his 
life as a farmer, where his son nowresides. The family originally came from Edin- 
burgh, Scotland. Our subject was educated in the common .schools and finished at 
the Union School, of Moravia At the age of eighteen he married Alice M. Hubbard, 
daughter of W. B. Hubbard, and they are the parents of three children, two sons, 
Lee H., and Chas T., and one daughter, Louise P. Lament. He takes the Demo- 
cratic side in politics, and an active interest in school and church matters. He is 
one of the prominent farmers of his vicinity, having 200 acres of fine farm land, and 
raising large quantities of hay, grain and stock. The family inherit from their 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 89 

Scotch ancestry the trait of thrift, and are known as conservative and independent 
men. 

Luce, George N., was born in Lansing, October 20, 1839, tlie son of Israel Luce, 
also of this town, who was born in 1802, and was a millwright and carpenter. The 
latter was a prominent man in the town, and held various offices of trust. He was 
also colonel in the State mihtia. He married first Lemira Comfort, by whom he had 
these children : Emeline, who died young, Eleanor (deceased), James, Catharine (de- 
ceased), Warren, Sarah and Franklin. Franklin was a soldier and died in Libby 
prison. He married second Catharine, a sister of his first wife, and they had these 
children : Matilda, George N. , Mary, Martha, Chauncey, Emma and Willis. Israel died 
in 1883, and his wife in 1893. He was a son of Franklin Luce, one of the pioneer settlers 
of this town. George N. Luce was educated in the common schools, and remained 
on the farm until the age of twenty-seven, when he began for himself, and in 1871 
he bought the place of seventy-five acres on which he has since lived. In 1866 he 
married Rebecca M. Teeter. Mrs. Luce's mother died September 19, 1891, at the age 
of seventy-six years, mourned by all who knew her. Our subject and wife have had 
five children: Hattie E., born October 6, 1867, wife of Alson E. Buck, of Lansing; 
Maggie M., born May 31, 1874, died young; Frank, born May 11, 1878, died in in- 
fancy ; George R. , born April 23, 1883 ; and William A. , born November 14, 1885. 
Mr. Luce is a Prohibitionist in politics, and he and wife are members of the Baptist 
Church. 

The first Le Barrecame to this country from France in the year 1730. He was a 
French Huguenot, and came over with others during the reign of Louis XIV. He 
lived to be one hundred and five years old. As he settled near Philadelphia, his chil - 
dren married mostly among the Germans and Hollanders. He had one son and one 
grandson who lived to be over one hundred years old. One of his descendants, 
George LaBarre, married one Catherine Bloom, who moved from Pennsylvania to 
Tompkins county with a family of six boys and one girl. After living here several 
years he returned, with all of his family except two (Abraham and John) to the vicin- 
ity of Williamsport, Pa. Abraham, who married (before coming to this county) one 
Anna Christina Stribi, left seven boys and three girls, of whom there are four living 
in the town of Lansing at the present time, viz. , Jesse, Henry and James Le Barre, 
and Catherine Le Barre-Fish. Of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren there 
are seventy-five : nearlj^ all residing in this county. John married Jane McGowan 
and left one son, Wm. Le Barre, who still resides in Lansing. Caleb B. was born in 
Lansing August 15, 1839, the son of Elijah, of Lansing, born in 1809, who was the son 
of Abraham Le Barre, the first settler by that name in Lansing. He was a soldier 
in the war of 1812. Elijah married Amanda, daughter of Richard and Lj'dia Man- 
ning, of Ithaca. They reared six children : Ira, who died while young ; Caleb B. , 
Johanna, wife of Warren Miller, of Farmer, Seneca county ; Amy, deceased wife of 
Charles Price, of Ithaca; Richard V., Lydia, wife of Theron Manning, of Ithaca. 
Our subject was reared to farm life, and attended the district schools until the age of 
fifteen, then entered the Ithaca Academy. About 1867 he, with his brother Richard, 
bought a farm in Dryden, which they traded some time later, and finally our subject 
bought the place where he now resides, and is engaged in mixed farming and dairy- 
ing, having for nine years sold milk at retail in Ithaca, selling now at wholesale. 
1 



90 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

May 31, 1859, he married Helen, daughter of Joseph and Letitia Iredell, of Jackson- 
ville, N. Y. , born March 6, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Le Barre have had two children: 
Allen E., born July 38, 1860; and Myron, born January 4, 1863. Our subject and 
wife are members of the Grange at Ithaca, and Mr. Le Barre is a Democrat in poli- 
tics. Allen E. married Laura Welch, by whom he has two children: Nellie and Her- 
bert; Myron married Susan Bennett, by whom he has two children, Harry and 
WiUie. 

Kirby, Jonas W., was born in Northamptonshire, England, October 8, 1828, and 
came to the United States at the age of sixteen, locating in the town of Caroline, and 
moving two months later to Ulysses. February 18, 1854, he married Martha E. 
Richardson, formerly of Connecticut, and they have one adopted son, Christopher M., 
who is a stenographer in the Fisheries Department at Washington, D. C, and is 
studying in the Columbia haw School of that place. Mr. Kirby's father, Thomas, 
was born at the old homestead in England in 1806, and married Rachel Welch, of Cas- 
grove, that shire, by whom he had four children: Jonas W., Reuben, Thomas and 
Robert. The family, except Jonas W. , landed at Ithaca May 15, 1843. He died 
May 81, 1887, and his wife May 15, 1841. Mrs. Kirby's father, William Richardson, 
married Esther Barnes, of the town of Canaan, Conn. , and they had six children ; 
Polly, Gilbert, Edward, Huldah, William and Martha E. Mrs. Kirby's mother died 
when the daughter was six years old. The latter lived in Dutchess county four years 
then came to Ulysses with Jacob Arnold, in November, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. 
Kix-by were residents of the town of Caroline eleven years. He is a member of Tru- 
mansburgh Lodge No. 157 F. & A. M., also of Fidehty Chapter No. 77, R. A. M, and 
of St. Augustine Commandery of Ithaca No. 38. He has served as assessor fifteen 
years. 

Kyle, Edmond H., M. D., was born near Pittsburg, Pa., September 37, 1848. He 
was educated in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, after tak- 
ing a private preparatory course. His degree was granted from the university in 1876, 
and he immediately located in Havana, where he remained but a short time and then 
removed to Enfield, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession until Sep- 
tember 11, 1883, the date of his coming to Ithaca. The doctor has now an enviable 
reputation as a successful practitioner, and has a host of friends. He was for three 
years coroner of the county. He married in 1873 Ida A. Rice, of Pennsylvania, by 
whom he had four children. She died July 30, 1891. 

King, Sylvester, was born in Ulysses near Wihow Creek, December 1, 1836, and 
was educated in the schools of that day, following farming. November 17, 1849, he 
married Rachel King, of Greenwood, Steuben county, and they have one daughter, 
Addie A., who married Edward P. Boughton, of Trumansburgh, and their four chil- 
dren are: Harry M., Arthur E., Edward P., and Rachel K. Mr. King's father, John, 
was born in Chenango county, N. Y., in 1793, and came here at an early day. He 
married Elizabeth Genong, of Chenango county, and they had ten children who grew 
to maturity: Jehiel, Lucy, Judah, Hiram, Orrin, Sylvester, Aaron, Orsemus, Judson 
and Adonirum. They came to reside in this county about 1814, where his father died 
in 1875 and his wife about 1870. Mrs. King's father, Jeremiah, was born in Dutch- 
ess county, N. Y. , in 1784 and came to this county in an early day. He married Sarah 
Campbell by whom he had thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity: 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 91 

Chauncey, Nancy, Diantha, Delaney, Cordancy, Samantha, John P., Hannah, 
Howells, Ann Catharine and Rachael. The father died in 1870 and the mother in 
1846. Mrs. King's father Avas a soldier in the war of 1812. 

Kirkendall, John S., M. D., was born in the town of Danb)^ January 31, 1854, a 
son of Samuel Kirkendall, a farmer. Our subject was educated in the common schools 
and Ithaca Academy, and at the age of twenty-one he began the study of medicine 
in the drug store of George W. Schuyler, going from there to Pulte Medical College, 
Cincinnati, where he spent one year, then to the Cleveland Homeopathic College , 
where he spent two years. He graduated from Cleveland College in 1880, commenc- 
ing practice with Dr. David White, in Ithaca. Here he remained till August, 1888, 
and then went to New York, where he was with Drs. Agnew and Webster, making a 
special study of eye and ear work, at the New York Polyclinic. In January of the 
foUowmg year he returned to Ithaca and resumed practice, occupying a foremost po- 
sition in the practice of his profession. Five months of the year 1890 he spent in 
Moorefield's Eye and Ear Hospital in London, England. In 1886-87 he held the of- 
fice of village trustee, and in 1887 was api^ointed by President Cleveland pension ex- 
aminer for this district, and was reappointed under the present administration. 
December 8, 1881, he married Sarah M. Johnson, of Jacksonville, by whom he has 
one daughter. In August, 1893, he gave up his general practice and now devotes 
his time exclusively to his specialty, that of the eye and ear. 

Willson Herbert G., was born in the city of Ithaca, March 16, 1865, the youngest 
son of Wm. W. Willson (see biography). Herbert was educated in the common 
schools and Ithaca High School, and after leaving school he went into his father's 
store, where he remained until March 15, 1893, when he bought the hat store of Geo. 
W. Culver at No, 64 E. State street, where he has since conducted a business. He 
has a fine store, with twenty-six feet front and fifty feet deep. He carries a complete 
line of hats, furs, trunks and satchels, and is a representative of "Knox, the Hatter " 
of New York. Mr. Willson is a member of the Presbyterian church, and an active 
member of the Y. M. C. A. of this city. He was married in 1889, on October 2, to 
Donna L. , daughter of William Frear (see biograph}^). 

Wheeler, Levi J., was born in Farmer Village, April 23, 1844; was educated in the 
public schools, removed to Trumansburgh in the fall of 1861, and embarked in the 
mercantile business first as clerk and afterwards on his own account. This he con- 
tinued until 1884. In 1885 he established the banking house of L. J. Wheeler & Co., 
and has since carried on the banking business with much success. Mr. Wheeler has 
been prominent m all public enterprises in Trumansburgh, having been instrumental 
in the erection of the new Union School and Academy building, and is still president 
of the Board of Education. 

Young, Ezra, jr., was born in Ulysses, November 21, 1860. He was educated in 
the public schools, and began clerking in his father's store at the age of twelve years, 
In 1888 he bought a half interest in the business, which he has conducted since in his 
father's absence [in Florida. November 7, 1889, he married Grace Fulmer, of his 
native town, and they have one son, Lawrence, born January 16, 1891. Mr. Young's 
father, Ezra, sr. , was born in Putnam county in 1823, was a merchant in New York 
cit}^ for a time, then came to Trumansburgh about 1858. He married Mary Willis, of 



93 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Ulysses, and they had five children: Ezra, jr., Arthur, William, Paul and Grace. 
The family resides in Orlanda, Fla. Ezra Young, jr., is a member of Taughannock 
Lodge No. 20, I. O. O. F., of Trumansburgh. 

Yaple, J. J., was born in Caroline, February 18, 1834, and has followed farming 
from his boyhood, working at home with his father until he began for himself. This 
he did in the spring of 1855, working for over eight years by the month, and then 
working three years for Edward Hungerford. About three years previous to this he 
bought a farm, which he now lives on, consisting of 112 acres. In 1863 he married 
Mary, daughter of Smith Head of this town, and they have had two children: Affie 
M., a teacher in Caroline and a graduate of the Ithaca High School, who has taught 
eight terms; and Frank S., who resides at home. 

Lobdell, Denton M., was born July 31, 1838, a son of Henry Lobdell, of Goshen, 
Orange county, born in 1795, and in 1826 came to East Lansing with his family, where 
he bought a farm. His wife was Dorothy Denton, of Orange county, by whom he 
had six children: Caroline, Amelia, Ebenezer, Stephen I., Jacob, and Denton. The 
grandfather of the latter was Ebenezer Lobdell, a native of England, who came to 
America and settled in Orange county. He raised ten children: Ebenezer, Jona- 
than, Nathan, Isaac, Henry, Mary, Deborah, Minerva, Annie, and Chloe. Denton 
was reared to farm life, and at the age of sixteen he, with his brother, rented and 
conducted their father's farm. At the age of twenty-three he bought a farm in East 
Lansing, sold the farm three years later, and interested himself in the manufacture 
of brick in Groton. A year later (1868) he sold his interest there and bought the farm 
where he has since resided. He married in 1861 Melissa (born in 1841) daughter of 
Edwin G. and Cordelia Morgan, of South Lansing, They had five children: Charles, 
born in 1862; Dorothy, born in 1865, wife of Jason Newman, of North Lansing; 
Arthur, born in 1867; Ruth A., born in 1872; and Bertha, born in 1876. Mrs. Lob- 
dell died in March, 1879, and in 1882 he married Catharine, daughter of Calvin and 
Caroline De Cam^D, of Lansing. Mr. Lobdell is a Free Mason and a Democrat. 

Lyon, Nelson E. , is the successor of the old firm of Lord & Burr, whose business as 
general merchants was founded about 1830. He has resided in Ludlowville since 
1868. He was born in Wetumpka, Ala., January 10, 1838, a son of Isaac and Fran- 
ces (Smith) Lyon. Isaac was a native of New York and moved to Alabama in 1836, 
where he was engaged in the banking business. He died in Rochester, N. Y. , in 
1839, and his widow married second Wells Southworth, of West Springfield, Mass. , 
where they went to reside, Nelson E. remaining with his stepfather until the age of 
thirteen. He was educated at Westfield, Mass., Academy, Northwest Grammar 
School in Philadelphia, Pa., and the academy at Norristown, Pa., after which he en- 
gaged in the jewelry business in Rochester, N. Y. In 1858 he accepted a position as 
actuary of the City Fire Insura,nce Company of New Haven, Conn., remaining there 
about two years ; from thence he went to St. Louis, Mo. , and again engaged in the 
jewelry business. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861 he removed to New 
York citjr, which place he made his home for the following five years, during 1861 
and 1862 furnishing army supplies to the war department for different sections of the 
United States. In the fall of 1862 he fitted out an expedition to the Pacific coast of 
South America, taking divers and diving gear from Boston, the object being to locate 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 93 

the treasure of the ship Leocadia, which was wrecked off the coast of Ecuador in the 
year 1801, having on board a large amount of Peruvian specie en route for Old Spain. 
The wreck was located by means of a son of one of the divers, who dove on the ves- 
sel in 1812. The expedition was afterward extended on to the pearl fashing banks of 
Salango, off the coast of Ecuador, in 1863. The following year he returned via the 
Isthmus of Panama, and on the voyage, while off the coast of Florida, their vessel 
(the Northern Light) was chased by a confederate cruiser (the Florida) and nar- 
rowh^ escaped capture. On returning to the United States he settled in Lambert- 
ville, N. J., in the jewelr}' business, and in 1868 removed to Ludlowville, N. Y. , where 
he has since resided, and succeeded' to the general merchandise business of Lord & 
Burr. In 1873 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and has held that 
oihce continuously ever since. He has also served as notary public for nearly the 
same length of time. In 1884 he was appointed postmaster under the administration 
of Grover Cleveland. In politics he is a Democrat, and for many j^ears a member of 
the Executive Committee of the county organization. He is also a Mason and an Odd 
Fellow. In 1865 he married Lucie R. , daughter of General Adams C. and Abb)' 
Davis, of Lambertville, N. J. Their children are: Frances R. , Elizabeth 1)., and 
Lucie E., the latter of whom was married to Newton D. Chapman, M.D., of Ludlow- 
ville, N. Y., in 1893. 

Wj'ckoff, Jesse, the pioneer of thisfamih' m Lansing, was born December 15, 1785, 
and his wife, Susanna Brown, was born May 25, 1789. Their children were as fol- 
lows: John, Ira, Levi, and Anna. Ira was born October 25, 1812, and died June 12, 
1884. He married Julia Ann Ozmun, and their children were: William O., John, 
Levi, Ai, Ira Alvin, Julia Ann, wife of Tompson Metzgar, Sylvester, Henrj', Charles 
H., and Susie. His wife died February 23, 1871, and he married second Cristina 
Metzgar, by whom he had four children: Louie B., Frank, George, and Jesse. 
Charles H. Wj'ckoff is well known throughout Tompkins county as an extensive and 
successful poulterer. He was born in Lansing, October 9, 1851, the son of Ira 
Wyckoff of that town. At the age of fifteen he left the farm and learned the machin- 
ist's trade, at which he worked about twelve j^ears. Leaving his trade he then es- 
tablished a marble business at Ludlowville, which he conducted about two years, and 
then established a milk route in Ithaca. In March, 1881, Mr. W3'ckoff bought the 
Fisher farm in Groton and came here to reside. In connection with his farm work 
he began studying the subject of poultry raising, and in 1883 began that enterprise, 
starting with a flock of less than 100 fowls. Being successful he increased the capac- 
ity of his yards, until finally he raised from 1,500 to 2,000 chickens, all thoroughbred 
White Leghorns, and now operates a highlj^ successful business, both in the line of 
general farming and poultry raising. September 25, 1874, he married Lillie Ida, 
daughter of James and Nancy Bidwell, of Uhrichsville, O., and they have one son, 
Elmer Leroy. 

Metzgar, Caspar, who for many years was known as one of Groton' s enterprising- 
farmers, Avas born in Cayuga county, a son of Jonas and Mar}^ (Merwin) Metzgar. 
Caspar married Esther, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Newman, and had eleven 
children, as follows: Serepta, wife of Henry Smith; Satira, wife of Matt H. Stevens; 
Amelia; Newman; Margaret, wife of King Wildman ; Almena; Miles; Frank E. ; 
Horton ; Leo, who lives on the homestead farm ; Flora, wife of Hosea Curtis. Cas- 



94 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

par died in Groton, January 23, 1883, and his wife died in February, 1873. Frank E. 
Metzgar was born in Groton, September 5, 1853, and has lived on his present farm 
for the past eighteen years. The buildings he himself erected, and though contain- 
ing only sixty-two acres it is among the most desirable in. Groton. October 26, 1875, 
Frank E. married Susie, daughter of Ira and Julia Ann (Ozmun) Wyckoff, and they 
have had four children. 

Egbert, Peter V. , a native of Lansing, born February 19, 1836, was a son of John 
C, a native of New Jersey, born in 1794, who came to Tompkins county at an earl}^ 
day witli his parents, James and Elizabeth (Cool) Egbert, of New Jersey, who reared 
seven children. Of these John C. was the oldest. He was reared to farm life, but 
was a natural mechanic, and throughout his life did much work in that line. He was 
also engaged for manj' years in the Inmber business, and furnished material for man}- 
of the earl}' buildings in the vicinity and in Cayuga county. He married Azuba 
Wickham, of Cayuga county, by whom he had six children. William J., John M., 
Peter V. , Sally Ann, wife of Zenas Tichenor, of Lansing, Cynthia, and Azuba, who 
died aged twenty. Mr. Egbert took an active part in the affairs of his town and 
county, particularly in its military affairs of that date, being colonel of a rifle regi- 
ment. He died in 1870, and his wife about five years later. Our subject was reared 
on the farm, and attended the common schools until the age of sixteen, when he and 
his brother William went to California, in 1852, via the Isthmus of Panama; was de- 
tained two weeks in Panama, and after four days at sea was caught in a gale and 
wrecked, but by persistent bailing by the passengers and crew were enabled to reach 
the port of Acapulco, Mex. , and four days later resumed their journey. Over fort}- 
of the four hundred passengers died during the gale and were dropped in the sea. 
They remained in California three years, during which time they engaged in ranch- 
ing, threshing, etc., having shipped a ten horse power threshing machine around 
Cape Horn, which arrived at San Franciseo several months later and which, as far 
as known,- was the first large thresher in the State, and which earned for its owners 
over three thousand five hundred dollars in gold, as a result of its first season's use. 
Mr. Egbert, in 1856, married Elizabeth Teeter, daughter of John and Julia (Bloom) 
Teeter, of Lansing, and they have five children: Charles M., born in 1859; ClellaM,, 
wife of J. D. Raymond, of Ithaca; John T., who married Amadella Townley; Mary 
Alice, wife of La Verne Main, of Lansingville ; and WiUis R. The subject of this 
sketch, after marrying, bought and sold several farms in this county, and one in 
Cayuga county, on which he lived six years, also lived in South Jersey three years, 
and in 1872 made a trip overland to California. In the fall of 1872 he bought his 
present farm, where he has since remained. Mr. Egbert is of English ancestry, who 
were among the very earl}' settlers in and about New York. 

Kimple, John, who died January 12, 1851, wa an early settler on the lake shore in 
the town of Lansing, and there he established a good farm, coming from New Jersey. 
His wife, Elizabeth, died March 20, 1850. Their children were William and John, 
both of whom are dead ; Sylvester, who lives in Lima, N. Y. ; Daniel, who died 
young ; Rachael, who married Alex Gray. William Kimple lived in Lansing, and 
later moved to West Groton. December 22, 1820, he married Mary, daughter of John 
H. Houpt. She was born June 14, 1791 in Lansing. Their children were Pythena, 
wife of Lewis Cutter; Elizabeth Ann, and Henry N. William died January 16, 1887, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 95 

aged ninety years, and his wife ]\Iary died June 6, 1870, aged seventy-nine years. 
John N. Houpt (father of Wm. Kimple's wife, Mary Houpt) was born in New Jersey, 
moved fi'oni there on to a farm on the east side of Cayuga Lake in the town of Lansing 
about 1798. Mr. Houpt married Ann Snyder and died at the age of ninety years ; 
Ann (Snyder) Houpt died in the year 1796. Henry N., youngest child of William and 
Mary, was born May 6, 1839, and has alwa3?s lived on a farm. In April, 1861, he 
bought the Henry Carter farm, west of West Groton village. November 29, 1860, 
Mr. Kimple married Ellen S. , daughter of Daniel S. and Saphronia Swazey, pioneers 
of Groton. They have no children. 

Guthrie, John, a native of Connecticut, moved to Aurora, N. Y. , and at the age of 
twenty-one came to Groton, where he died March 16, 1846. His wife was Olive AVil- 
son, whom he married September 7, 1800, and they had ten children ; Polly, Thank- 
ful, Maria, William, Nancy, Saphronia, JohnW. , Alson, Lyman H., and Olive W. 
The children of Daniel S. and Saphronia (Guthrie) Swazey were: John S., who died 
young; Ellen S., wife of Heni-y N. Kimple, and Olive W:, who died in Groton, Sep- 
tember 8, 1887. Daniel S. Swazey died in Groton May 4, 1889. He was a farmer 
and a man highlj^ respected in the town. 

Krum, M. C. was born in Ulster county July 20, 1815, a son of Simon Kruni, born 
January 9, 1793, and he was a son of Hendrick W. Krum. At the age af twenty-one 
Simon built a log house for himself, and in place of this there now stands a fine 
building. July 3, 1813, he married Catharine Coons, daughter of Michael Coons, and 
they had six children: M. C, Ephraim, Nathan, Sarah, Susan Jane, and Catharine. 
Our subject lived with his grandfather, Michael Coons, for twenty-two years. He 
married Louisa M., daughter of Dennis Babcock, of Dryden, and they had three 
children, only one now living, H. S. Krum, who resides on a farm of his own near 
hisfather. George L. Krum died aged thirty, leaving a widow and one child, 
who is now nineteen and lives in Cleveland, O. Mr. Krum is a Republican, and has 
served as supervisor, overseer of the poor, etc., also trustee of the church and a 
member of the school board in this town. 

Kline, Peter, was born on the old homestead farm, one half mile north of where he 
now lives, June 6, 1823. His parents came to the town of Ithaca from New Jerse}- 
and bought a farm of a Mr. Cradit, who owned at that time one of the original sec- 
tions of the township of Ithaca, containing 600 acres. June 3, 1863, he married Em- 
eline Winter, of Phillipsburgh, N. J., by whom he had four children, two now living, 
a son and a daughter. Mr. Kline is a Republican, and has served as assessor four- 
teen years. He is interested in educational matters, and recognized in his town as a 
man of high ability and of sterling worth. He is a member of the Congregational 
church of Ithaca. 

Kelley, Dennis, was born in Lansing November 22, 1830, a son of John Kelley, also 
of Lansing, born Januar}' 9, 1795. His wife was Elizabeth Osbourne, of Lansing, 
born in 1802, a daughter of William and Margai'et (Toane) Osbourne. They had 
seven children : William, Jane, JohnF., Mariette, Clarinda, Dennis and Lewis. The 
grandfather of our subject was John Kelley, a native of Orange county, who came to 
Lansing about 1793. Our subject lost his father when he was but eight years of age, 
and he then lived with his sisters for a time. At the age of twentj-four he married 



96 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Sarah, daughter of Jacob and Christiana (Ozmun) Shoemaker, who had filled the 
place of parents to him from his boyhood. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley then went to farming 
on a small place of thirty acres belonging to Mrs. Kelley, and in 1860 he purchased 
fifty-seven acres more. In 1865 he sold this farm and removed to Michigan where he 
bought a farm, sold it the same year, and returned to Lansing with his family, with 
team and wagon. He bought another farm a year later, scjld and purchased the 
North Lansing hotel, which he conducted about four years. This he sold and bought 
another farm of 130 acres, which he still owns. Since 1890 he has leased his farm and 
devoted much time to carpentry. For many years he dealt in farm machinery, etc. 
Mr. Kelley is a Republican, and has served as constable and assessor. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kelley have had three children : D. M., born March 12, 1855, a practicing physician 
in Brookston, Ind. ; Alma C, born Augu.st 1, 1857, wife of Daniel A. Tarbell ; and 
Clarence W., born May 8, 1861. Mrs. Kehey died October 25, 1890, in her fifty-sixth 
year. 

Kennedy, J. H., was born in the town of Dryden, December 11, 1838. His father 
was a native of Mount Pleasant, Pa., and was engaged in the business of tanner and 
currier. In 1835 he came to the town of Dryden and established the same business, 
which he followed up to the time of his decease, which occurred in 1882,' Our subject 
was educated in the common schools of Dryden and after leaving school engaged in 
business with his father, the same business which he now carries on, making a spe- 
cialty of fine uppers and harness leather, and having an average 3-early production of 
20,000 sides. At the age of thirty-two he was married to Persis E. Sykes, daughter 
of Geo. M. Sykes, of Berkshire, Tioga county, Pa. They have four children, one 
son, William W. , and three daughters, Carrie, Cora and Jennie. Our subject is Re- 
publican in politics and has been supervisor of the town for six 3'ears and chairman 
of the board for two years. He has also been a member of the Board of Education 
for several years, and is a trustee of the Presbyterian church, taking an active inter- 
est in educational and religious matters. 

Kellogg, Joseph, was born in Newfield, November 18, 1825, a son of David, of Ver- 
mont, born in 1799, who came to this county when thirteen j^ears of age with his 
father, Joseph, and his grandfather. The latter was an active and public spirited 
man, who kept a public house two miles south of the village of Newfield. David, 
father of our subject, married Sarah Colgrove and they had six children. Joseph 
worked at home until the age of twenty-eight, and in 1855 he married Samantha Ham, 
of Newfield, a daughter of Samuel Ham, and they have two children; the son is in 
Portland, Ore., and the daughter is Mrs. Tompkins, of Ithaca. He is a member of 
the Grange, and is a Democrat, having held the office of road commissioner. 

King, the late J. Parker, was born in Covert, Seneca county, January 25, 1822, and 
was educated in the public schools and Lima Seminary. He served as supervisor of 
Trumansburgh and the town of Ulysses several terms, and was'a teacher and super- 
intendent of schools many years. April 12, 1849, he married Ann E. Crandall, 
daughter of one of the oldest residents of Trumansburgh. Mr. King came to Tru- 
mansburgh when three years old, from Seneca county, a member of one of the old 
families of that county. He died April 7, 1893. He was a true friend, a worthy hus- 
band, and good neighbor. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 97 

Haskin, Hiram L., was born in the town of Lansing April 2^ 1858, a son of Will- 
iam S., who was also a native of the county, and a leading Republican of that town. 
Hiram L. was educated in Ithaca High school, with one year in Cornell Univei'sity, 
class of '80, and a course in Eastman's Business College. Entering the employ of 
the well known drug firm of White & Burdick, in a short time he became an efficient 
druggist, and in 1881 formed a copartnership with Judson B. Todd and bought the 
west end drug store, one of the oldest establishments in this line in the county. 
This store was established in 1832 by B. S. Halsey and has always been conducted 
by capable and enterprising men, but at no time has it been more commejrcially 
prominent, or accorded a more liberal patronage, than it has since the name of our 
subject became connected with it. His efforts have met with a generous apprecia- 
tion at the hands of the public, and to-day the west end drug store ranks well up 
among the most successful retail business enterprises of this county. In 1891 Mr. 
Haskin bought out the interest of Mr. Todd, and has since conducted the business 
alone. In politics he is a Democrat, has held the position of treasurer of the County 
Committee, and was chairman of the Young Men's Democratic Club in 1888. He 
has been an active member of the Fire Department ten ^^ears, is a past grand of 
Ithaca Lodge I. O. O. F. , having passed all of the chairs, and a member of the Knights 
of Pythias. He married in 1884, Emma Hayes, of Macon, Mo., by whom he has one 
daughter. 

Horton, Randolph, was born at Truxton, Cortland county, N. Y. , on the 23d day 
of September, 1850. . His father, Isaac Horton, was a native of Massachusetts, while 
his mother, Elnora Buell, claims Truxton as the place of her nativity. Mr. Horton 
at the age of fifteen entered the Cazenovia Seminary, intending tu pursue a course of 
study^ there, but his parents soon after removing to Cortland village he entered the 
famous old Cortland Academy, remaining there till the opening of the Cortland Nor- 
mal School; he pursued his studies in the academical department of the last named 
institution, graduating from the classical department at the age of twenty. He then 
entered Cornell University at Ithaca, and after completing his studies there returned 
to Cortland and commenced the study of law in the offices of Waters & Eggleston. 
He was admitted to practice as attorney and counselor in 1877, and at once settled in 
Newfield. Here he was soon after elected supervisor, which office he has filled for 
eleven terms and is at present the chairman of the county board. He has also been 
chairman of the Board of Education. His time and attention have, however, been 
mostly engrossed in the pursuit of his profession, which he has practiced with marked 
diligence and success. Recently he has formed a law copailnership with D. M. 
Dean, of Ithaca, and has with his family, removed to that city to reside. May 18, 
1881, Mr. Horton married Adah A. Puff, daughter of J. L. Puff, a prominent mer- 
chant of Newfield ; the}^ have two children, Edith L. , now five years of age, and 
Carroll R. , now two years old. Mr. Horton is an Odd Fellow, and in politics a Dem- 
ocrat. 

Dudley, P. S., was born in Newfield, May 3, 1824. George Dudley, his father, was 
born in the town of Ithaca, and was a son of William, who went from Wales to Bris- 
tol, England, then to this country, he being a blacksmith and farmer. George Dud- 
le}- left home when a boy and became a merchant, locating in this town. He mar- 
ried Fannie, daughter of Ira Smith, of Ulysses, and they had six children. Of these 



98 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

our subject was the second. His occupation until he was twenty-four was farming. 
At the age of eighteen he lost his father, and the working of the homestead devolved 
upon him. He worked this five years, then went as a clerk, and later bought the 
business and the lower mills, running the store from 1848 to 1859. Selling the store 
he bought the upper mills and operated both mills for twenty years, and then dis- 
posed of them. He then invested in North Dakota lands, and is also owner of a 
block of buildings in Newfield. His education was acquired in the common schools. 
He married first, in 1850, Catharine J. Puff, by whom he had two children, the daugh- 
ter dying in infancy, the son, George F., being a physician and a graduate of Cornell 
in 1873. Our subject is a Mason, a member of King Hiram Lodge No. 784, and has 
held the office of supervisor of his town in 1850, being re-elected in 1860. In politics 
he is a Republican. 

Winton, Samuel Hinman, was born in the town of Catharine, Schuyler county, Oc- 
tober 17, 1818. Both the paternal and maternal ancestors were from Connecticut, of 
Scotch descent. Samuel H. was educated in the common schools of his native town, 
and at the age of eighteen he came to Ithaca and engaged as clerk in the general 
store of Mack & Ferris, where he remained five years, and in 1841 became a partner 
with F. M. Camp, and the firm of Camp & Winton existed for seven years. Mr. 
Camp died in 1848, and Mr. Winton bought of the heir his interest and conducted 
the business alone for nine j^ears, successfully. About this time he engaged in the 
lumber business in Canada with his cousin and remained for a number of years, at 
the same time attending to the commercial business here. After a few years he sold 
his store and, in partnership with A. Neyhart, engaged in the produce trade, which 
became very extensive andprosj^erous, they making a specialty of butter. After the 
death of Mr. Neyhart our subject continued the business alone for two years, then 
organized a firm for wholesale dealing in groceries under the name of Winton, De- 
lano & Co. This firm existed three years, then became Winton & Grant. Upon the 
death of Mr. Grant, Mr. Stewart became a partner, and they added the manufacture 
of cigars. In 1889 Mr. Winton sold his interest to his partner, and has since devoted 
his time to the management of his extensive property. He was for many years a di- 
rector of the Tompkins County Bank and is a Democrat. In 1845 he married Caro- 
line A. Ackley, of Ithaca, who died January 3, 1883, leaving two children: Emily A., 
wife of F. W. Brooks, of Ithaca; and Henry A., with D. B. Stewart & Co. 

Webb, Frederick M., was born in Caroline, February 15, 1822. Peter Webb, his 
father, was born in Virginia, being brought to this county in 1805 by John James 
Speed at the age of fifteen as a slave. He was placed on a farm between Caroline 
and Slaterville, and remained with Mr. Speed until he became of age, then he bought 
his time, paying §384. He was married in 1819 to a slave belonging to Charles Patillo, 
who was brought here when she was eight years old with tweiity other slaves, who 
procured their freedom through the neglect of their master to register them. They 
had eleven children, of whom our subject was the second. His mother was living as 
a slave when he was born. His property comprised part of the farm known as the 
old Speed place, where his mother worked as a slave. In 1852 he married Lucina 
Barton, of Union, Broome county, by whom he had two children: Simon Peter and 
Mabel L., having lost six children. The son follows farming, while the daughter is 
a successful teacher of music, having attended the conservatory at Ithaca. They are 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 99 

members of the Baptist church at Brookton. Mr. Webb was a Repubhcan. He died 
December 16, 1893, aged seventy-one years, ten months and one day. 

Ladd, Daniel, a native of Connecticut, on April 14, 1808, married Abigail 
Crossman. In 1810 he settled in Locke and thenceforth became identified with 
the earh" histor}' of this region. The children were as follows: Celia, born No- 
vember 1, 1809, died in Wisconsin in 1851; Clarissa, born July 18, 1811, now liv- 
ing in Cortland; Benjamin F., born March 2, 1814, now living in McLean; William, 
born January 28, 1816; Sullivan, born October 6, 1819; andLeander, born December 
11, 1823. Daniel Ladd, the pioneer, was a farmer and school teacher, and held sev- 
eral responsible positions in the community; he died September 2, 1868. Leander 
Ladd "was brought up to farm work, and at an early age he began work for himself, 
following at various times pail making, painting, cabinet work and carpentrj^ His 
mother died when he was four years old. In 1850 he married Mary F. Brown, daugh- 
ter of John R. Brown, of Groton, and their children were as follows: Abigail E., who 
died aged fifteen years ; Carrie Belle, who married Dana G. Ingalls and lives in 
Cortland; and Mary, who died aged five years. John R. Brown was a soldier in the 
War of 1812-14, and was wounded at Fort Erie, and was a son of John Brown, an 
old revolutionary soldier, who was at one time one of the minute men of Boston. He 
was a native of Connecticut and a pioneer of Dryden. 

Krum, Landon D., was born near Slaterville Springs in the town of Caroline, 
December 5. 1882, on the farm now owned by Mr. Darius Schutt, then belonging to 
Mathew Krum, father of our subject. Mr. L. D. Krum's early life was passed in the 
town of Caroline, where he has many relatives who are among the first residents of 
the town. He was educated in the district schools there, and then learned the black- 
smith trade with Sawyer & Winfield, who had the largest establishment in the town 
in those days. Ai:ter finishing his trade, on December 30, 1844, he married Mary A. 
Mott, of his native town. April 3, 1845, he came to the town of Ulysses, locating in 
the southeast part, at the place named after him, " Krum's Corners," at which place 
he has conducted business ever since. He has four children : one daughter, Amelia 
A., and three sons, Lafayette, Albert J., and Herbert B., all of whom are living. Mr. 
Krum's father, Mathew Krum, was born in Ulster county, N. Y. , in 1777, where he 
spent his early life and until he married. His wife's name was Margaret Van De- 
mark, whose people also were among the first settlers of .Ulster county, and many of 
her relatives now reside in the different towns of the State. They had twelve chil- 
dren, as follows: Henry, Polly, Catharine, Sylvester, Stephen, Lydia, Jane, Eliza, 
Sarah, Abram, Landon, and Ruth. In 1806, in company with his wife and two small 
children, Mr. M. Krum left Ulster county for Slaterville, to found a home there, with 
a number of other residents of Ulster county, who had decided to make their homes 
in what was then quite a wilderness. Fording the river at Unadilla they came to 
Owego, Tioga county, and from there cut their way through the woods by following 
marked trees. Twelve days were consumed on the route from Owego to Slaterville, 
twenty-eight miles. They arrived at their new home June 12, 1806. Henry, the old- 
est brother of L. D. Krum, married Harriet Rounseville, who was the first white 
child born in the town of Caroline. Mrs. Mathew Krum died at her home near Slater - 
ville Springs in December, 1837, and her husband at the same place in April, 1863. 
Lieut. Gysbert Krum is the founder of the Krum family of Ulster and Tompkins 



100 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

county. In an Indian treaty made between the savages and Col. Richard NicoUs, 
the first English governor of the Province of New York, dated February 23, 1681, 
his name appears as witness. The Krum family were among the friends of liberty, 
and their names appear among those who fought in 1775 and 1812. They were 
originally from Holland and are of Dutch descent, as were many of the early settlers 
of the State. Mr. L. D. Krum, the subject of our sketch, is one of the oldest resi- 
dents of that part of the town in which he resides, and is held in the highest esteem 
by all who know him. He is a member of the Trumansburgh Lodge No. 157, F. & 
A. M., and Fidelity Chapter No. 77, R. A. M. He is the only one of the large family of 
twelve children, who were reared near Slaterville Springs, that now resides in Tomp- 
kins county. In the town of Caroline he has several nephews and many other rela- 
tives, among whom are the Boices, Bulls, Schutts, and Thomases, all of whom are 
descendants from the early settlers there. 

Winslow, John, A.M., M.D. , was born at Lynn, Mass., March 14, 1836, of colonial 
ancestry, being the sixth in direct descent from Kenelm Winslow, a brother of Ed- 
ward, the first governor of Plymouth Colony. His early life was spent in his native 
State and in Maine. He was prepared at Phillips Exeter Academy for Harvard Col- 
lege, where he was graduated in arts in 1859. After teaching two years he began 
the study of medicine at the Harvard School in Boston. His course there was inter- 
rupted in 1862 by the demand for surgical work in our civil M^ar; and to this service 
the next three years were devoted, he being on duty the most of that time as acting 
assistant svirgeon, U. S.' army, at Mount Pleasant General Hospital, Washington, 
D. C. At the close of the war, refusing an arm}?- commission, he resumed medical 
study in New York, taking the degree of M. D. in 1866, at Bellevue Hospital Medi- 
cal College, and the next year an ad eundem degree at the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons. Two years more were spent in the hospitals of Boston and New York. 
Engaging in practice in the latter city he was for several years attending phj^sician 
to the out-door department of Bellevue Hospital, assistant sanitary inspector of the 
City Board of Health, and demonstrator of anatomy at the Woman's Medical College 
of the New York Infirmary. For the seven years of his residence in the city he was 
on the editorial staff of the Medical Record. His health failing from overwork, in 
1872 he came to Ithaca, where he has since followed general practice. He has been 
a number of times elected president of the Tompkins County Medical Society. In 
1882 he married Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton Bishop, who had then a daughter of four 
years. Two sons have since been born to them. - 

Gunderman, WiUiam A., was born August 30, 1815, at Vernon, vSussex county, 
N. J., about twenty-eight miles from New York city. His father had been a soldier 
in the Revolution and belonged to the New Jersey line of the Continental army. Mr. 
Gunderman when a 3'oung man went to Chemung county, N. Y. , where he was em- 
ployed about four years as a farm laborer. Having in that time accumulated a few 
hundred dollars he bought with it a small drove of cattle and drove them to New 
York in connection with a visit to his home. This was the beginning of his career 
as a successful drover in Central New York, and which he followed actively for the 
next ten years and to a less extent during his business life. In 1851 he married Lucy, 
daughter of Reuben Woodford, of Danby, and the same year purchased of Luther 
Smith the farm in Danby, upon which he resided till his death October 24, 1893. His 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 101 

wife died August 18, 1872. Mr. Gunderman had four children, two sons and two 
daughters: Ehzabeth is the widow of Carlton S. Wattles, of Ithaca; Delphine is the 
wife of Willis S. Hall, a farmer of Danby; Frank D. Gunderman resides on the old 
homestead; William R., the other son, was for about ten years the proprietor of the 
Elm Tree Mills of Danby, destroyed by fire September 8, 1889. He then removed to 
Ithaca, and has since been the proprietor of the Esty Grain Elevator at the Inlet. 
This elevator is one of the landmarks of old Ithaca. It was built about the middle 
of the twenties, and contemporaneously with the completion of the Erie Canal, by two 
brothers, Levi and Harrj^ Leonard, and has since been conducted by various parties, 
among the best known being Timothy S. Williams and his brothers, Henry W. 
Sage, who had at different times a number of partners in his business, Barnard & 
Wood, Wood & Esty, William W. Esty, and lastly W. R. Gunderman, the present 
proprietor, who has carried on business since October, 1889. 

Whitney, M. C, was born in Steuben county, September 17, 1828. John, his father, 
was a native of Pawling, N. Y., born February 3, 1802, Avho came to this county in 
1818 with his father, Daniel Whitne)^ His mother was Lydia Newbury, who lived to 
be 103 years old. John Whitney married, November 22, 1827, Lucinda, daughter of 
Moses Lovell, her father being a pioneer settler of Tompkins county. They had'ten 
children, of whom our subject was the oldest. He was educated in the public schools 
at Newfield and Enfield, and married October 13, 1850, Eliza Durand, of this county, 
daughter of Samuel Durand, and they have three children: Frank C. is a graduate 
of Cornell LTniversity, and taught for four years. He taught language in the Ithaca 
High School and was principal for two years in a school in Skaneateles, Onondaga 
connty, when he entered the Theological Seminar}^ and fitted himself for the minis- 
try, being now a Baptist preacher in Minnesota. The two daughters have both 
taught school, and both are now married. 

Weatherell, William H., was born in England, May 14, 1833, and came to this 
countrjr in 1853, settling in Elmira. He married Miss Park, of England, before 
coming to this country, and in 1879 he settled in this county, town of Newfield, buy- 
ing the two mills of the place, both of which he operated for some time, now owning 
the lower one. This mill has a capacity of twenty barrels of wheat flour and 300 
bushels of buckwheat, making twenty-five pounds to the bushel. Mr. Weatherell has 
had six children, three surviving. One son and one daughter live at home. In con- 
nection with his mill Mr. Weatherell has a machine for cutting and making shingles, 
which is proving a good departure. They have a capacity for making about 15,000 
every ten hours. 

Bishop, Asa, came in the 3-ear 1810 from Marbletown, L'lster' county, to what is 
now called Tompkins county, and purchased several hundred acres of land. A por- 
tion of said purchase passed into the hands of his son, John Bishop. The latter 
moved from Ulster countjr to occupy the land (something over a hundred acres) now 
lying in the vicinit}^ of Caroline Depot, Tompkins county, then called the town of 
Catharine, County of Tioga. John Bishop and his family made the trip by means of 
an ox team and wagon. The farm which had come into their possession was in the 
midst of a pine forest. There, on the banks of a small stream, they immediately set 
about building a log cabin (the ruins of which may still be seen). There they lived 
about two years when a new and more commodious log house was built on another 



102 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

portion of the farm. In about the year 1834 they erected a large frame dwelling 
house, which still stands but a few rods from the ruins of the old log cabin built in 
1811. The family of John Bishop then consisted of John Bishop, wife and three chil- 
dren. Seven others were afterwards born to those two early settlers of Tompkins 
county. Emeline Bishop, one of the ten children of John Bishop, has given us many 
an interesting incident of the early years of the present century. She could distinctly 
remember when Ithaca was almost in the heart of a huge pine forest. I well remem- 
ber hearing her tell of the one little store the town of Ithaca possessed in the year 
1816. Can remember her telling how she walked from her home through the forest, 
some six miles, in order to make some purchases from Ithaca's only store. This 
daughter of John Bishop finally came into possession of the old homestead, where 
she lived until about two years since, dying at the advanced age of eighty-five years. 
Her life was a most industrious one. It might be said of her "that she knew no 
rest." She was often found at break of day busy about some household care, having 
toiled the whole night through. She was ever busy weaving or spinning, baking and 
brewing, yet ever ready to lend a helping hand to the sick and needy. As she com- 
menced in the pioneer days, so she toiled on active and energetic till almost the laist 
day of her life. She married James Miller in the year of 1840, and widowed by his 
death in 1885, she continued to live at the old homestead until her death two years 
since. Two sons survive her, one, Dr. C. D. Miller, now living in Poughkeepsie, 
N. Y. ; the other, H. L. Miller, into whose possession has fallen what remains of the 
old homestead, which entered the family some eighty-four 5^ears ago. Of John 
Bishop's large famih^ but one remains, Mrs. Delight Schutt, nearly eighty-four j-ears 
of age. 

Warner, Frank A., was born in the village of Ithaca, September 4, 1843, the second 
son of Seth Warner, a native of Vermont, who came to this village in 1829 and en- 
gaged in the boot and shoe business, in which he continued the most of his life. He 
died May 1, 1882, aged seventy-five years. Frank A. was educated in the old Ithaca 
Academy under Professor Carr. After leaving school he engaged in the boot and 
shoe business, being located where C. M. Stanley now is. He married in 1864 Ar- 
villa Kellogg, daughter of Joseph Kellogg, and joined the firm of W. H. Kellogg & 
Co., manufacturers of tobacco and cigars, selling out to Farrand & Platts in 1866. 
He then removed to Jamestown, N. Y. , and engaged in the same business, returning 
to Ithaca in 1868. Soon after he established a grocery at 56 and 58 West State street, 
which has been gradually changed to a general dry goods and wall paper store, and 
is doing a large and prosperous trade, They have six children, the son (who is the 
eldest) is in the store with his father; Male, the eldest daughter was married in 1891 
to L. L. Spafford, of Tampa, Fla. , where they now reside ; leaving four daughters at 
home. 

Williams, George O., was born February 25, 1870, on the farm where he now lives. 
He was educated in the city of Ithaca and finished in the academy at that place un- 
der Prof. L. C. Foster, superintendent of schools. At the age of twenty-one our sub- 
ject married Mary E., daughter of Joseph Allen, of the town of Newfield, Mr. Will- 
iams is one of the largest farmers in the town of Ithaca, raising hay and grain, but 
making a specialtj' of tobacco, and also su2Dpl3nng a large number of people in Ithaca 
with sweet cream, the product being about forty quarts per day. In politics he is a 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 103 

Republican. The father of our subject was born on the same farm where he now 
resides in 1825, and witli George O. (who now carries on botlr his own and his fath- 
er's farms), has always taken a prominent position in the town. 

Wood, Charles, was born in New York, 10th mo. 2nd, 1824. He was educated in 
that city, and also at the Friends' Boarding School at Westtown, Pa. For one year 
he lived in New Jersey, then came, in 1847, to Ulysses. He married first, m 11th mo., 
1846, Deborah L. Owen, of this town. They had three children ; Rachael, who mar- 
ried Samuel B. Hussey, formerly of Nantucket, Mass., had two daughters, Edith L. 
and Charlotte M. ; Charlotte, who married John C. Maule, of Philadelphia, Pa. (now 
of Bristol, Pa.), had four children, Alice D., Eleanor, who died young, Mary W., and 
Sarah ; Edward, who married Marianne Valentine, formerly of Canada, has one 
daughter, Sarah W. Deborah L. Wood died 6th mo. 13, 1853, and Charles Wood 
married for second wife, 11th mo. 22nd, 1854, Hannah W. Otis, of Sherwood, N. Y. , 
have two children living, Arthur H. and Mary E. , both of whom live at home. Han- 
nah W. Wood died 8th mo. 2nd, 1890. Charles Wood's father, John, was born in 
Westchester covnty, N. Y., 9th mo. 23rd, 1787. He married Martha iVrnold, they 
had ten children: Daniel, Henry, Stephen, David, John, Elizabeth, Edward H., 
Charles, George F. , and Mar}^. Charles Wood and family are members of the Ortho- 
dox Friends. 

Woodford, Frank D., was born in the town of Danby, October 14, 1847, the young- 
est son and onlj? one living of the five children of Reuben Woodford, a native of Con- 
necticut, who came to this count}' in 1830 and engaged in farming in Danby. He 
died May 22, 1879, at seventy-two years of age. The mother of our subject, Anna 
Clark, was also a native of Connecticut, and resides in Ithaca at eighty-one years of 
age. Frank D. Woodford was educated at the common schools and Genesee Wes- 
leyan Seminary, and pursued a three years undergraduate course in Cornell Univer- 
sity, from 1868 to 1871. He followed teaching for about twelve years, and was prin- 
cipal of East Setauket Union School on Long Island for five years. He was one year 
principal of Trumansburgh Academy and Union School. In 1881 he was appointed 
agent for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, and conducted an office 
in Trumansburgh until 1886. In 1889 he removed to Ithaca, where he has ever since 
beet! the representative of the Mittual Life Insurance Company of New York. He 
married in 1871 Mary A, Woodruff, of Ithaca, and they have three children living. 
Mrs. Anna Clarke Woodford died at her son's residence January 24, 1894. She was 
converted at the age of twelve, joined the M. E. Church, and has always proved a 
faithful and efficient Christian. 

Wolf, Reinhold, was born in New York, December 27, 1846. His ancestors were 
natives of Germany. Conrad, his father, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, and came 
to this country about 1830, and died on Staten Island in 1877. Our subject had little 
advantages of education after he was fourteen years of age. He was an errand boy 
in New York, and also worked with a surveyor as chain bearer. At the age of si.K- 
teen he went to learn the cigarmaker's trade on Staten Island. After serving three 
years' apprenticeship he worked two years as a journeymen cigarmaker in New York. 
November 10, 1865, he came to Ithaca, where he was employed by Henry Hoffman 
as cigarmaker for six months, then made foreman and afterwards general salesman. 
In 1869 he became a partner in Mr. Hofiiman's business, and the firm of Hoffman & 



104 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Wolf existed six years, and then Mr. Wolf traveled three years, and in 1878 he bought 
out Mr. Hoffman and has since been alone. In politics Mr. Wolf is Democratic, and 
for two terms, 1890 and '91, was supervisor of the city. He was a leading factor in 
the building of the new poorhouse of the county. He worked hard for this enter- 
prise and, though fought by a majority, succeeded in getting a very good county 
house. Mr. Wolf is a member of I. O. O. F. and also of the Knights of Pythias. In 
1870 he married Alice Hoffman, of Ithaca, and they have one son, Rennold Wolf, a 
graduate of Cornell University, class of 1892, and is now a senior in the law school. 

Wood, Dr. Annette, whose comfortable home and place of business is situated in 
the eastern part of Grot on, was born in Cortland county, a daughter of Perry and 
Prudence Woods, and the fourth of their ten children. At the age of about twenty- 
five Miss Woods discovered that she had powers of divination, commonly called clair- 
voyant powers, though she did not begin their use and practical development till 
some years later. In 1854 Miss Woods married Franklin Wood, and in 1861 they 
came to live in Groton, purchasing the old Tiffany farm. The family comprises Mr. 
and Mrs. Wood and three children. Mrs. AVood is what is generally known as a clair- 
voyant physician, and was induced to begin practice in the hope of doing good and 
healing and alleviating some of the ills that afflict humxanity. In her special field she 
has been abundantly successful, and her patients may be counted in all parts of the 
county, also in most parts throughout the State. She possesses remarkable powers, 
and some of her cures have been almost marvelous. She diagno.ses cases accurately, 
and treats them rationallj^ and in accordance with established usages. She is not 
infrequently consulted by men in high standing in business and professional life. 

Williams, De Forest, was born in Ithaca, August 5, 1832, the youngest of three 
children of Levi Williams, a native of Saratoga county, who came to this country in 
in 1806, when he was but seven years of age. His father, Thomas Williams, was a 
millwright, .and erected the earliest mills in this section. Levi Williams was a man 
of considerable prominence in his town, and commanded the respect and esteem of 
his neighbors. At the time of his death he owned about 600 acres of land. The old 
homestead is now occupied by Thomas J. , the brother of De Forest. Levi W. died 
Januaiy 25, 1884. Our subject's early education was derived at the common schools 
and Ithaca Academy, and began farming at an early age. The years of 1856-57 he 
spent in Minnesota, and in 1885 he accepted the position of superintendent of the 
Ithaca Glass Company, which he filled for two years, Mr. Williams has always been 
a Republican, but would never become an aspirant for political office. He is a mem- 
ber of Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M., Eagle Chapter No. 58, St. Augustine Command- 
ery No. 38, and Mystic Shrine of Syracuse, taking his thirty-second degree in 1877. 
Mr. Williams married in 1870 Ann Eliza, daughter of Andrew Wilson, of Ulysses. 

Wilcox, the late Roswell, was born in the town of Ulysses, near Taughannock Falls, 
March 7, 1828, was educated in the common schools and Trumansburgh Academy, 
and followed farming. December 29, 1853, he married Cornelia, daughter of Smith 
Norton, of his native town, and they had two children: Fred E., born August 5, 1855, 
died June 21, 1888, and Flora C, who married George H. Fowler, of this town; they 
have two children ; Lulu M., and Harry S. Mr. Fowler is a manufacturer of wagons, 
agricultural articles, etc., and is also a coal dealer at Taughannock Falls under the 
firm name of G. H. Fowler & Co. Mr. Wilcox died January 19, 1886. He gave the 



FAMILY SICETCHES. 105 

right of way through his farm to the Geneva, Ithaca and Sayre Raih-oad in 1ST2, and 
he was the first station agent at Taughannock Falls ; also kept the first post-oftice 
there. His father, Elisha, was born September 28, 1804, and was a pioneer of the 
town. Mrs. Wilcox's father. Smith Norton, was born in New Jersey, February 18, 
1792, and came here when a boy with his parents. He married Abigail Hildreth, and 
they had ten children: Hannah, Jerusha, Jane, Malissa, Christine, Jehiel, Jonathan, 
StatiaA., Cornelia and Clara. The father, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, 
died June 6, 1880, and the mother August 31, 1877. 

Whitlock, Charles E., was born in the town of Ithaca, February 12, 1855. Abram 
B. Whitlock, the father t)f our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born 
in October, 1832. He was only six years of age when his parents moved into this 
county and settled in the village of Ithaca, where Abram was reared and educated in 
the old Lancasterian School. His first occupation was that of a clerk in Scribner's 
drug store, and having ability as a musician he followed it as a profession. About 
1867 he was appointed agent for the United States Express Company, a position which 
he held up to the time of his death, which occurred March 25, 1887. He was a member 
of Fidelit}^ Lodge, F. & A. M., and also of the St. Augustine Commandery. He was 
the father of two children, one of whom died in infancy, the other was our subject. 
Charles was educated in the old Ithaca Academy, and after leaving school he fol- 
lowed in his father's footsteps and was six years in the drug business, first with W. 
S. Mandeville and afterwards with Gauntlett & Brooks. In 1877 he was made the 
clerk of the LTnited States Express Company under his father, a position which he 
held for twelve years, and then went to Syracuse to take the position of cashier in 
the National Express Company, where he was employed for two years, and on Janu- 
ary 1, 1893, he was appointed agetit for the Ithaca office of the National Company. 
He is a member of Fidelity Lodge No. 51, F. & A. M., Eagle Chapter, Ithaca Coun- 
cil, St. Augustine Commandery, and also of the Knights of Pythias. He was twice 
married, first in 1878 to Alberta Goldsmid, who died in 1884. leaving one daughter. 
He married again in 1887 Ella McCarthy, of Watertown, N. Y. They also have one 
daughter. 

Williams, Barnum R., who for thirt}^ or more years has been identified with vari- 
ous business and political interests of Tompkins county, was a native of Herkimer 
county, born March 14, 1836. His parents were Ralph and Matilda (Taylor) Will- 
iams, and of their four children he was the youngest. He was brought up on a farm 
and from early youth had to earn his own way in life. In 1853 he came to Groton 
and attended the academy, his brother being its principal at that time, and later on 
our subject taught a winter term of school. Still later he worked as a machinist in 
the Separator shop, where he remained until 1862, then going to Ithaca, where he 
was employed in the office of the county clerk, Mr. Delano. Three months afterward 
he purchased an interest in the Tompkins County Democrat, which he conducted un- 
til February, 1863, and then united that paper with the American Citizen, which he 
published under the name of Citizen and Democrat. The name, however, was sub- 
sequentl}'- changed to Ithaca Democrat, by which it is still known. Mr. Williams 
continued with the paper until 1872, then retired, and for three years was chief of the 
Ithaca police, then bookkeeper for Reynolds & Lang, and then became deputy county 
clerk during Mr. Partenheimer's term of office. During his residence in Ithaca Mr. 



106 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Williams was five years clerk of the village, and four years chief of the Fire Depart- 
ment, and in connection served one year as president of the State Firemen's Associa- 
tion. In 1887 he returned to (iroton and became secretary of the Groton Bridge and 
Manufacturing Company, which latter position he still holds. Mr. Williams has al- 
ways been a firm Democrat, and as such received the nomination for the shrievalty 
in 1890. The standing majority against his party in the county is about 120O, and 
although defeated at the polls the majority against him was only about 600, he carry- 
ing two districts of the strong Republican town of Groton. For three years Mr. Will- 
iams was a member of the Board of Education of Groton village. In 1859 he married 
Rosa K. Noble, of Auburn, and they have one child by adoption. 

Wortman, Jacob, was born in Enfield, February 2, 1823. His business career be- 
gan in 1859, when, in company with George Britenbecker, he opened a small meat 
market in the Clinton block on North Cayuga street. In 1865 he removed to No. 16 
N. Aurora street, where he has since been located. In 1879 Mr. Wortman associated 
with him his son, L. S. AVortman, who is now proprietor of their extensive business, 
the senior member having retired to his home on the east shore of Cayuga Lake. In 
1874 he was elected a member of the Board of Education, a position he held many 
years, a great share of the time chairman of the Building Committee. He was also 
in 1882 village trustee from the second ward. His son, L. S. Wortman, is one of the 
representative business men of this city, and prominent in politics. He is a member 
of Hobasco Lodge No. 716, F. & A. M. He married in 1875 Lizzie Decker, of Ithaca, 
N. Y., and they are the parents of two children: Edwin, a student in the High School ; 
and Bessie. The mother of L. S. was a daughter of the Rev. Daniel Starr, the first 
Baptist minister in this county, preaching at Lake Ridge. 

Wager, Mrs. Frances M., widow of Benjamin Wager, was born in Newfield, Feb- 
ruary 14, 1820, a daughter of Philip and Sally (Bloom) Le Bar, her great-grandfather, 
Ephraim Bloom, having been one of the first white settlers in Lansing. Our subject 
attended the district schools, and in 1853 married Benjamin Wager, born February 
24, 1810, and they moved to Lansing and settled on the farm which Mrs. Wager now 
owns. Mr. Wager's parents were old settlers in this section, his grandparents, Mr. 
and Mrs. Reeves, having been the first to settle on the farm of our subject. Mr. 
Wager died in February, 1874. They had one child, Frances M., wife of George 
Cox, of Newfield. She was born December 4, 1859. Mr. Wager had five children by 
a former marriage: Prometheus, born December 31, 1834; George, born March 14, 
1837; Mary A., born November 9, 1839; John, born April 25, 1842; Helen A., born 
in December, 1845. Prometheus was a lieutenant in the war, and died of fever in 
the service. Frances Cox has three children: Wager, Fannie L., and George. Mrs. 
Wager is a sprightly and well-preserved old lady, living alone and doing all her own 
work. She has a beautiful farm of sixty-five acres, commanding a fine view of 
Cayuga Lake. Prometheus and John completed their education in Cazenovia. Mary 
A. received her education and graduated at Alfred Seminary, Allegany county, 
N. Y. George at home district school. Frances studied at Howland College, Union 
Springs, N. Y., completing her musical education at the Conservatory of Music, Bos- 
ton. 

Watson, George Milton, was born in the town of Dryden, July 11, 1853. His 
father, George E. Watson, was formerly engaged in making butter packages, wash 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 107 

tubs and pails in the village of Malloryville, which business is now carried on by his 
son. Our subject at the age of twenty-seven married Hattie E. George, daughter of 
Joel B. George, of Freeville, and they are the parents of two children : Edith L. and 
Bessie C. Mr. Watson takes an active interest in temperance work, and also in edu- 
cational and religious matters. He is an energetic business man and is recognized 
in his community as a conservative citizen of ability and high principles. He re- 
ceived his education in the common schools and finished at the Falley Seminary at 
Fulton, N. Y., and at the Normal School at Cortland, N. Y. 

Wheeler, D. T., was born in the town of Dryden, November 24, 1855, and was edu- 
cated in the Dryden Union School, and afterwards took a course of instruction in 
Lowell's Business College at Binghamton. After leaving school he went to work in 
the mercantile trade, and in 1889 went into business for himself, and now carries the 
largest line of dry goods and general merchandise in the town of Dryden. At the 
age of twenty -two he married Miss Carrie Gaston, daughter of Edmund Gaston, of 
the town of Dryden, and they are the parents of two children, one daughter, Georgia, 
and one son, Meritt. He takes the Republican side in politics, also an active interest 
in educational and religious matters, being interested in the advancement of his town 
and being recognized as a conservative and substantial citizen. 

Williams, C. D., was born in the town of Virgil, August 19, 1847, and was educated 
in the common and graded schools. After leaving school he learned the marble cut- 
ter's trade, which he followed at the bench for eighteen years, doing business for him- 
self. In 1872 he came to the town of Dryden and established a marble and granite 
works, importing his own stock, and also handling all varieties of native stone, and 
having also a large plant at Trumansburgh. At the age of twenty-four he married 
Miss Emma A. Trapp, daughter of Jesse Trapp, of Virgil, and they have two sons: 
George and Charles, jr. He takes the Republican side in politics, and although he 
has passed a very busy business life, he has found time to take an active interest in 
religious and educational matters, having been a member of the Board of Education 
of Dryden for the past ten years. The eldest son, George, first graduated from the 
Dryden High School, and evincing talent in elocution he then went to the New Eng- 
land Conservatory of Music and Elocution at Boston, from which he graduated in 
June, 1894, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. 

Wheeler, Seth, was born in Boston in 1756, and died in 1827. When nineteen years 
of age he enlisted in the Revolutionary War and served all through the war. When 
he came home he went to New Hampshire and took up a farm and married a lady 
from Boston by the name of Rebecca Elliot. They moved to Dryden in 1804, and 
had a family o^ ten children. They came with three horses and a yoke of oxen, two 
covered wagons, and were twenty-one days on the road ; his farm being near Dryden 
Springs. Their oldest child, Rebecca, married a man by the name of Elisaph San- 
ford, who stood on the first church steeple in Dryden and swung a jug over his head 
after the church was raised, later moving to Steuben, where he died, leaving a large 
family. The next, Betsey, married Jared Todd in West Dryden, raised a large fam- 
ily, and moved to Michigan. Susan married a Mr. Courtright from Owego, moved 
to Ohio, died, and left three daughters. Lucy married Mr. Petigrew, they both died 
m Owego, leaving one son ; a daughter of this son married Frank Cornell, of Ithaca. 
Seth married but left no children. Enos married a Miss Blair, had nine children, 



108 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

who are all settled not far from Dryden. Polly never married, and died at Dryden. 
John married Eliza Blair, had eight children, and died m Seneca county. Selinda 
married Marsden Blair, he died a number of years ago; she is still living at the age 
of ninety-five years. Anna married Anson Cook, moved to Michigan, where both 
died, leaving two daughters. Elliot B. Wheeler, son of Enos, who is seventy-.six 
years old, lives two and one-half miles north of McLean. He married first Mary 
Jane Lormor, of Dryden, and second Sarah Crittenden, youngest daughter of Asa 
Crittenden. Orrin married Mary Bartholomew, of Dryden ; he is dead. They had 
one son, with whom his mother is living. Delany married Leonard Grisw old, of 
Dryden, both living. Emory married Elizabeth Stewart, they live in Drj^den. El- 
son lost his first wife, then married Sarah Brigham; live in Drj^den. Edson, the 
twin brother of Elson, is dead. Aim on married a Miss Stewart, and lives not far 
from Elmira with his daughter, his wife being dead. Ambros married and lives 
near Marathon, N. Y. Dora Ann married Daniel Bartholomew, the}' live in Dry- 
den village. 

Wolcott, George, jr., was born in Caroline, January 13, 1836. He is the son of 
George Wolcott, sr. , a descendant of the purest Anglo-Saxon English. The father 
moved into this country when quite 5'oung, locating at Mott's Corners, now Brook- 
ton. He was a carpenter by trade, and held many local offices, being justice of the 
peace and school trustee for many terms. The mother of the subject of our sketch 
was Sarah A. Reede, a Scotchwoman. George and Sarah had ten children, of Avhich 
George, jr., is the sixth. He acquired his education by his own efforts, paying his 
way at first at the old Ithaca Academy by working at the carpenter trade with his 
father, and later by teaching school. At Lincoln's first call for troops, on April 20, 
1861, he enlisted as private in Company I of the afterward famous 32d N. Y. Infan- 
try. At the battle of West Point he was promoted on the field from sergeant to sec- 
ond lieutenant by Colonel Mathewson, and after the seven days battle was again 
promoted to first lieutenant. At the end of his term of enlistment failing health 
compelled him to relinquish his very bright prospects in a military career. Return- 
ing to CaroHne he followed the mercantile business, and afterwards that of carpen- 
ter and builder. About fifteen years ago he bought a farrn and has since been prin- 
cipally engaged in farming. His wife, Julia A., whom he married in 1863, is the 
daughter of Hon. Peter Lounsbery, a descendant of the original German colonists, 
and Harriet Cantine, a descendant of the French Huguenots, a collateral relative of 
the Counts Cantine of France. They have one child, Clarence R. , a lawyer of Ithaca. 
He, after acquiring a thorough education by the assistance of his father, took up the 
business of stenography, but only used it as a stepping stone to something better. 
He studied in the office of the Hon. S. D. Halliday, of Ithaca, and has been in active 
and successful practice for four years. Mrs. Wolcott is a poetess of considerable 
reputation, having taken prizes against many contestants, and having published 
prose and poetry in many periodicals. All the family are connected with the Con- 
gregational church at Brookton, of which Mr. Wolcott has been clerk and treasurer 
for years. He has also been school trustee many terms. He is an active member of 
the G. A. R. , having been commander of David Ireland Post two years. 

Weed, William M., was born in Danby, February 14, 1821. His father, Munson 
Weed, came to this town in 1818, and laid the foundation of his education in the old 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 109 

school house. At the age of twenty-three he married Fannie Spaulding, daughter of 
James Spaulding, of Danby. He is a Republican in politics, and takes an active and 
intelligent interest in school and religious matters. Mr. and Mrs. Weed are the par- 
ents of four children, two sons, Henry C. and Charles J., and two daughters, Mrs. 
Velma L. Hutchings and Mrs. Libbie I. Patchen. In 1845 he bought a part of his 
father's farm, and has since bought 100 acres which he added to his other estate, 
having 153 acres, on which he resides and raises large amounts of hay, grain and 
stock. Our subject is recognized in his town as a man of sterling worth, and as a 
practical and successful farmer. 

Woodworth, Jonathan, a native of Wales, seeking a home on the new continent, 
finally made a settlement in New London, Conn. By education he was a survej-or 
and navigator. Previous to his settlement in Connecticut he was a sea captain and 
came to America in that capacity. The first attempt of immigration and settlement 
of Tompkins county, of which we have any authentic record, was in the year 1788. 
In June of that year a party of explorers, with the ilats at the head of Cayuga Lake 
as an objective point, headed by Jonathan Woodworth and accompanied by his two 
sons, Nehemiah and Charles, left their home, and finding the present site of Ithaca a 
desirable location, made a settlement there. Mr. Woodworth with his two sons sur- 
veyed Tompkins and a few adjacent counties, and he also surveyed a portion of the 
western part of Pennsylvania. His son, Jonathan Parker Woodworth, born June 15, 
1775, was a Baptist clergyman, and preached for many j^ears in different parts of 
Tompkins county, especiallj' in Enfield and Newfield. He purchased land in Ulysses, 
near Willow Creek, about 1824, which was afterward owned by his son, David Wood- 
worth, and which constitutes the farm now owned bj^ Alfred B. Woodworth. He 
died July 7, 1860. David Woodworth was born in the town of Covert, August 22, 
1801, and was married to Betsey J. Bates, September 6, 1827. Betsey J. Bates was 
born January 25, 1808, in Stamford, Conn., and removed with her parents to the 
town of Ulysses in 1816. 

Blackman Brothers. — John K., and Charles L., — are sons of Solomon K. Blackman, 
who was a native of the county and a farmer and stock dealer of Speedsville. John 
K. was educated in the common schools, while Charles received his academic educa- 
tion at Cortland Normal School, teaching eleven terms in Tioga and Toriipkins coun- 
ties. After he left teaching he was for three years employed b}' Hillyer & Hartle}-, 
New Brighton, Staten Island, and then came to Ithaca, where he and his brother 
(who had been engaged h\ the same business in Williamsport, Pa., with his uncle, 
L. L. Stearns) formed a partnership in February, 1888, buying out the grocery of 
L. S. McWhorter, which they have since conducted. The brothers are Democrats 
in politics, and members of the church (Presbyterian and Episcopalian respectivel}'-). 
John is a member of Hobasco Lodge, and married in January, 1888, Margaretta Post, 
6f Shickshinny, Pa. Thdy have one daughter, one and a half j'ears old. 

Bentley & Eaton. — This firm is composed of Ephraim J. Bentley and AVilliam M. 
Eaten. Mr. Bentley is a native of Tioga county, Pa., and came to this county May 
10, 1877. His early life had been spent as a clerk in a store in his native place. He 
left his father's farm at the age of fifteen years and has been in the mercantile busi- 
ness ever since. After coming to Ithaca he established a general store on Ca^mga 
street below the present location, and in 1889 he built a large frame block Mix feet 



110 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

square, three stories, rising the ground floor for their extensive business, one half 
the store being used for their retail business, and the other part for storage purposes. 
Mr. Bentley was joined in partnership by Mr. Eaton in 1889, and the firm of Bentley 
& Eaton has ever since been one of the most prosperous in the city. They carry a 
full line of dry goods, groceries and provisions, meats, oilcloths, and also conduct a 
general headquarters for farmers, with large and commodious refrigerators for stor- 
ing butter, eggs, etc. Mr. Bentley has never taken any active interest in politics, 
but is a Republican. He is a member of Ithaca Lodge I. O. O. F. In 1888 he mar- 
ried Anna Munroe, of Westchester county. WiUiam M. Eaton was born in the town 
of Ithaca, January 23, 1862, a son of William Eaton, who was also a native of the 
county. William was educated at Cornell University, class of '83, and acted as clerk 
in Mr. Bentley's store three years, also was for five years a traveler for J. C. Stowell 
& Son. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge F. & A. M., also of the I. O. O. F., and 
of the Encampment. 

Brown, Jacob Emmons, was a native of Dryden, born September 4, 1834, the son 
of Jacob and Annie (Baldwin) Brown, and the youngest of their ten children. His 
grandfather, Daniel, was one of the pioneers of Dryden and a man of some promi- 
nence in that part of the county. When our subject was but three years of age his 
father died, and upon the marriage of his mother, Jacob E. began to work for him- 
self. At sixteen he hired out as a farm hand, and from that until the present time 
he has been a farmer. In 1861 he bought the old Ogden farm ni the south part of 
Groton, which he has greatly developed and improved. Mr. Brown is regarded as 
one of the most thrifty farmers of the township. In 1861 he married Sarah A., 
daughter of Benjamin and Polly Ogden (both being representatives of pioneer fam- 
ilies in the county). Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had four children, three of whom are 
now living. Mr. Brown was formerly a Republican, but during recent years as an 
earnest advocate of temperance principles, has been identified with the Prohibition 
part5^ 

Bulkly, Hill, a former resident of Fairfield, Conn., came to Venice, Cayuga count}^ 
at an early day and there his three children were born. In 1825 the family came to 
Groton, where both parents died. The children were Lorenzo, Lovisa and Almon. 
Lorenzo Bulkly was born March 3, 1817, and has always been a farmer, and now 
lives on the home farm which his father bought in 1825. January 1, 1846, Mr. Bulkly 
married Maria Wheat, who died August 7, 1848, after which (October 10, 1849). he 
inarried Juliette Coonley, b}? whom he had three children: Almon W., a lawyer of 
the Chicago bar; William H., proprietor of the barrel factory at West Groton; and 
Lorenzo H., of Columbus, Ohio. Lorenzo Bulkly was originally a Whig, and cast his 
first vote for General Harrison in 1840; later he was a Republican, and was identi- 
fied with that party's success. Mr. Bulkly is a member of the East Lansing Baptist 
church. 

Butts, Michael, came from Warren county, Pa. , in 1825 and settled on a farm a 
mile east of Dryden village. He had a family of ten children, the last two of whom 
were born in Dryden. The children were as follows; Susan, Margaret, Elias, Ann 
Maria, Isaac, Abram, Jacob, Christine, Parthenia, and Philomena. Of these onty 
Jacob and Parthenia survive, the latter being the wife of Conrad Hammond. Jacob 
Butts, who is remembered among the substantial farmers of Groton, was born July 



FAMILY SKETCHES. Ill 

29, 1819, and in 1848 married Mary E., daughter of Jacob Hiitcliins, of Virgil, and 
soon afterwards located in Groton on the old Robert Forsyth farm, which he then 
bought. Their four children were ; Jacob H. , Rose Ella, May Jennie, and Searles. 
^laryE., wife of Jacob Butts, died August 29, 1887. Mr. Buttshas taken an active inter- 
est in town affairs and has held office. He is a Republican, and an intelligent ad- 
vocate of his party principles. 

Bartholomew, Caleb, was born m Groton February 4, 1811. His father was Jesse 
Bartholomew, who came to the town of Dryden and settled at Etna April 1, 1812. 
He bought 180 acres of land, part of which is still in the possession of Caleb, our 
subject. The latter received his education in the common schools of the town, to 
which he has added through life by close reading and observation. He was the 
youngest of thirteen children, and is now the only representative of that generation 
left. At the age of t\Venty-two he married Laura W. Gaston, daughter of James 
Gaston, and they had five children, two sons being deceased, one dying in infanc3^ 
and Norman G. who was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. The daughters are 
I^ydia, Louise E., and Lottie M. In 1840 Mr. Bartholomew established himself in 
Etna, manufacturing agricultural implements, pumps and scales, which business he 
carries on to the present day. He has held the office of supervisor, etc. , and was 
one of the charter members of the Groton Iron Bridge and Mfg. Co. 

Brown, J. W. , M. D., was born inWyalusing, Bradford count}^ Pa., and is a son of 
D. Warren Brown. At the age of twenty-eight our subject began the study of med- 
icine, and after a preliminary course of one year in the University of Pennsylvania, 
he entered the office of his brother. Dr. C. W. Brown, of Washington, D. C. He 
was afterwards a student in the medical department of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, and then entered the University of Buffalo, from which he graduated in 1878. 
He immediately began practice in Ithaca, where he has since located. The doctor 
has been railroad surgeon for the Lehigh Vallej'- company for twelve years, and is 
now serving his fourth term as coroner of the county. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics and has held the office of assessor and was for two years pension examining sur- 
geon. He was an enlisted soldier in the Rebellion. He is a member of the County 
Medical Society and one of its officers. In 1873 he married Lulu Ripley, of Titus- 
ville. Pa. 

Bresee, Thomas R., the well-known merchant tailor and general clothier of Groton 
village, and one of the olde-st business men of the town, was born in Otsego county, 
July 8, 1883. He learned the tailor's trade by servingan apprenticeship of six years, 
and in 1855 located at Groton. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 137th N. Y. 
Vols., and served six months. In 1863 he returned to Groton, and soon afterwards 
went west, remaining till 1868, when he returned to this village, beginning an active 
business career, which has since continued without interruption to the present time. 
In 1868 Mr. Bresee married Mary Ann Pickens, by whom he has had five children, 
only one of whom survives, Dell Bresee, who is responsibly connected with the Owego 
Bridge Company, having entire charge of the company's office. 

Brown, Horace A., was born August 20, 1833. His father moved to the town of 
Ithaca in 1834, and was a tanner and currier, having charge of Jacob Wood's tannerj^ 
at Buttermilk Falls. Mr. Brown was educated in the district school, and finished at 



113 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

West Dryden. He married at the age of twenty-five Elizabeth, daughter of John 
Robb, who died in January, 1860. He married second, Mary, daughter of George K. 
Nittels, of Van Etten, Chemung county, by whom he has one son and one daughter. 
He is a Democrat and takes an active interest in educational and political mat- 
ters, having served as school trustee, and excise commissioner, which latter office he 
still holds. He was also commissioner of highways two years. Mr. Brown carries 
on a milk route and handles about 300 quarts per day. 

Beardsley, Henry S., was born in Danby July 7, 1844, educated in the district 
schools and finished at the Ithaca Academy under Professor Williams. After leaving 
school he learned the carriagemaker's trade, and at the age of eighteen entered the 
109th N. Y. Vols., serving three years, and participating in the battles of the Wilder- 
ness, Spottsylvania, where he was wounded in the leg, and received an honorable 
discharge, April 3, 1865. In 1868 he returned to Danby and resumed his trade. In 
18(39 hi married Hattie McPherson, daughter of William McPherson, of Danby; 
they have had four children, three now living. Our subject is Democratic in politics, 
and was appointed postmaster of Danby. In 1869 he bought the Dr. Wilder property, 
where he now lives, and on which he has erected a double store, carrying a large 
stock of general merchandise. Wells Beardsley, father of Henry S., was one of the 
" forty-niners" of California fame, who afterwards returned to Danby and carried on 
the carriagemaker's trade with his son. 

Black, John, was born in 1805 in County Longford, town of Linister, about fifty- 
two miles west of Dublin, Ireland, and came to this town in 1845. At the age of fifty 
he married Nancy, daughter of Nathaniel Gosline, of Newfield, and are the parents 
of six children, of whom two survive, one being on the farm and the other in Phila- 
delphia. Mr. Black bought the Andrew Crawford farm of fifty acres, to which he 
has added two adjoining farms, having 108 acres in all, and also has a fine residence. 
Our subject is a self-made man, having spent his lifetime in this town, where he is 
known and respected, being recognized as a successful and practical farmer. 

Wilcox, Charles Henry, was born in Lansing, on the farm he now owns, February 
4, 1837, a son of Willard, a native of New Bedford, Mass, who came to Genoa when 
a young man, and made his home with his uncle, Jeremiah Wilcox, until his marriage, 
when he lived on a portion of his uncle's farm, by himself, and at the death of his 
uncle he inherited the homestead. He married Ann Brown, of Venice, by whom he 
had five children, two of whom reached maturity ; C. H. and William. He died in 
1870, and his wife in 1889. Benjamin AVilcox, grandfather of Charles, was a native 
of New Bedford, Mass., where he lived and died. Charles H. was educated in the 
common schools and the Genoa and Groton Academies. At the age of twenty-one 
he started farming for himself on a portion of his father's farm. In 1890 he bought, 
with Charles A. Bush, the Clinton House in Ithaca, which they conducted four years, 
then Mr. Wilcox sold his interest, and in 1886 he and his brother interested them- 
selves in the breeding of trotting horses. Their first horses they brought from Ken- 
tucky, among them being the stallion Scott, which they had t^e misfortune to lose 
in 1893, their stud being headed by Onward Chief. They own about sixty head of 
Hambletonian colts and horses, their farms being kno.wn as the Wilcox Brothers' 
Stock Farms. They are already well known as producers of fast horses, manj- of 
their horses having been winners. Mr. Wilcox married in 1857 Dorothy, daughter 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 113 

of Ezekiel and Catharine Ozmun, of Lansing, and they have had three children, who 
died in infancy, and one son, Fred, born March 1, 1882. Mr. Wilcox is a Free Mason, 
and a Republican in politics. 

Willey, Albert L., was born in Freeville, January 18, 1855. His father, Samuel B. 
Willey, settled where he now lives in 1835, coming from LTlster county to the town of 
Dryden, and has always been prominently identified in advancing the interests of his 
town, and for many years was interested in various business enterprises of the vil- 
lage. He built the first store, and for two years carried the mail from Etna to Free- 
ville, gratis, and assisted in establishing the first post-office in his grist mill. Our 
subject was educated in the common schools and finished at the Dryden Academ}^ 
under Jackson Graves. In 1874 he bought the Freeville mill property, which he sold 
in 1876 to Elias Gibbs. At the age of twenty he married Helen E., daughter of 
Richard Head, of Lansing, and they are the parents of three sons: Horace N., F. 
Ray, and Clarence A. Our subject is one of the most active business men of his 
town, taking an active interest in advancing its best interests and in educational and 
religious matters, being a member of theM. E. Church of Freeville, which his father 
assisted in building, and which was the first church built in the village in the year 
1848. 

Vorhis, Chester L. , was born in the town of Danby, November 17, 1833, educated 
in the district schools, and took up farming for an occupation, cultivating 103 acres 
of some of the finest farm land in the locality, his crops being chiefly hay and grain. 
He is a deacon of the Congregational church. He married at the age of twenty-eight 
A. Adelia Jennings, of this town. Of their two children Oscar J. Vorhis is now a 
resident of Ithaca, and the daughter, Mrs. William Bierce, resides in Danby. Our 
subject's father, John Vorhis, came to this town in 1835 from Spencer; his wife was 
Mary A. Taylor, they being among the early settlers of Danby. 

Vough, Aaron H., was a native of Warren county, N. J., born May 24, 1830, a son 
of Jacob V. and Sarah Vough. At the age of fifteen Aaron left the home farm and 
learned tanning, and after mastering his trade he came in 1844 to Ithaca, which he 
reached the day following the great Webster mass meeting. There he lived nine 
years, being employed as foreman of Joseph Esty & Sons' tannery. In 1853 he went 
to McLean and carried on a tannery of his own, doing a successful business and con- 
tinuing for a number of years. In 1861 he was elected to the office of justice of the 
peace. In 1865 Mr. Vough sold his tannerj^, and in 1869 went on a farm near McLean, 
and the same year married the widow of Edwin Hart, and daughter of Joseph Hill. 
Her father was born in Hunterdon county, N. J., and married Sarah Barcroft in 1809. 
The family settled in Dryden on a farm now owned by Sarah, wife of Ambrose Hill, 
deceased. Joseph died in 1853, and his wife in 1874. Their children were as follows : 
Mary, Ambrose, Isaac, Martha, Elias B., Harrison, Lucinda, Stacey B., Sarah, 
Thomas, and Loverna, all of whom are dead, except Loverna, the wife of our sub- 
ject. 

A'^an Marter, Mansfield, was born in Groton in 1807, and died in the town in 1859. 
He is remembered as a thrifty and industrious farmer and a successful business man- 
ager. He was the son of Isaac and Margaret Van Marter, and one of their six chil- 
dren. The family were pioneers of Groton. Mansfield Van Marter married Polly 



114 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Saxton, and their children were: Sylvanus (deceased), whose children were Edwin 
and Effa; Estus, living near Ithaca, whose children are Frank, Orson, Nelson, 
George, and Elva; Augustus (deceased); Alonzo, of Groton, whose only child is 
Floyd ; Philena ; Salem (deceased) ; Ophelia, who married George Underwood ; Jud- 
son, of Cayuga county, whose children are Ella, Daniel, and Clara; Charles, of New- 
field, whose children are Freddie, Alice, and Howard; and Edwin W., a merchant 
of Grotto. The children of George and Ophelia Underwood are: Edith, Irving, Earl, 
Bertha,- and George B. Edwin W. Van Marter married Emma Perry, and has three 
children : Arthur, Clarence, and Gracie. Edwin Van Marter started in the mercan- 
tile business in the south part of Groton in 1892, and being a determined man he has 
succeeded in having a post-office established there, under the name of Grotto, where 
he is postmaster. Previous attempts to locate an office in this locality have been un- 
successful, and it remained for our subject to accomplish a work for the good of the 
locality. The parents of Polly (Saxton) Van Marter were James and Ruth Saxton, 
whose children were; Betsey, Israel, Charles, Silas, Sally, Samuel, and Polly. 

Van Noi'twick, Simeon, a pioneer, came from Monmouth county, N. J., in 1804, 
and settled on the farm now owned by Sarah A. Van Nortwick, one and a half miles 
south of Peruville, in the town of Dryden. His wife, whose maiden name was Re- 
becca Hendrickson, and the children Nellie, John, William, and Joanna, accompanied 
him. The country at that time was very new, and one of the first things necessary 
after reaching their new home was for the pioneer to go five miles (one and a half 
miles west of West Dryden) for fire, it being their nearest neighbor. The wife of 
Simeon Van Nortwick died in 1817, after which he married Sarah Giles, widow of 
Benjamin Fulkerson, to whom were born two children, twin daughters; Rebecca M. , 
who died aged twenty-one ; and Sarah M., the wife of Rvtfus Lumbard, who is still 
living in Iowa City, la. Simeon Van Nortwick died in 1842, aged seventy-seven. 
His wife survived him fifteen years, having died in 1857. William Van. Nortwick 
was born April 10, 1798, being but six years old at the tune of their advent into Dry- 
den. He succeeded his father as owner of the farm, now in the possession of his 
daughter, Sarah A. In 1819 he married Sarah M., daughter of Joel George, who 
also came from New Jersey in the early years of the century. She was born October 
4, 1794. Six children were born to them; Mary E., born September 2, 1820, who 
married Daniel F. Bills, of Dryden, she died in February, 1891 ; Elizabeth was born 
September 13, 1822. She never married, and died in April, 1879; Clara was born 
October 13, 1824. She married George Mineah, of Dryden, and is now a widow, liv- 
ing on the farm near her father's old home; Sarah A. was born April 8, 1827. She 
never married, and now resides at the old homestead ; Luana was born November 
22, 1829. She married Rich Morgan, of Groton, who died in 1861, after which she 
married Richard Morgan, of the same town, and is still living in Groton, Ellen V. 
was born August 17, 1837, and married William H. Richardson. She is living in 
Freeville. William Van Nortwick died January 3, 1866, and his wife died February 
16, 1874. The farm has never been out of the family in the ninety years since it was 
first settled. William Van Nortwick was one of the progressive and energetic men 
of early Dryden, a large land owner, a progressive and model farmer, and one of the 
few who enjoyed the distmction of being looked up to by all for his sterling integrity 
and unflinching honor among his fellowmen. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. ' 115 

Van Order, W. A., was born November 29, 1843. His early education was acquired 
at the district school in Jacksonville, Tompkins county, but from force of circum- 
stances he was soon obliged to leave school and take early lessons in farming, which 
was his choice of business, and in which he has shown great ability. At the time of 
the war between the North and South Mr. Van Order hastened to answer the call 
and went to the front. He received an honorable discharge, and returning home 
again took up farming. March 24, 1869, at the age of twenty-seven, he married 
Mary A. Barton, of Owego, Tioga county, by whom he had one son and four daugh- 
ters. Mr. Van Order is a member of Dewitt C. Treman Post No. 571, G. A. R., and 
is a respected member of the town in which he lives. 

Vorhis, Jotham, was born in the town of Danby, May 14, 1824. He was educated 
in the district schools, after leaving which he gave his attention to lumbering and 
farming, and also owned a tannery for about fifteen years. January 10, 1858, he 
married Julia G. Beardsley, of the town of Danby, by whom he had two children : 
Hattie C, wife of P. J. Herron ; and John D. Mrs. Darius Beardsley, mother of Mrs. 
Vorhis, now lives with her daughter, and at the age of ninety-two is still bright and 
active. She spent her married life in Danby, whither she went in 1824, residing there 
fifty-four years, and she and her husband were among the earliest settlers there. 
Her father-in-law, Louis Beardsley, was also an early settler of the locality. Mr, 
Vorhis is a Republican in politics. He came to the town of Ithaca in 1876 and went 
into the Cascadilla Flouring Mill with H. C. Williams. In 1874 he bought a residence 
and fruit farm of five acres of Chester Luce on West Hill, and here he now lives. He 
has been something of a traveler, having spent two years in California and several 
winters in Florida. 

Tripp, M. E., was born in Dutchess county, town of Stanford, N. Y., September 
30, 1825, and came to Tompkins county with his father, James Tripp, in 1836 and set- 
tled on lot No. 69, where his son now resides. James Tripp was identified in the 
leading interests of his town, lived to be eighty-seven years of age, and died May 6, 
1879. He was in the service of the War of 1814, was lieutenant under Captain Wil- 
sey from Dutchess and Columbia counties. They were stationed on Long Island to 
guard Brooklyn and New York from the British fleet that lay near there. In his lat- 
ter years he drew a pension of eight dollars per month. M. E. Tripp was educated 
in the common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close ob- 
servation. At the age of thirty he married Miss Eliza T. Burton, daughter of War- 
ren Burton, of Drj^den. He takes an active interest in temperance, educational and 
religious matters, being an elder in the Presbyterian church of Dryden for the past 
fifteen years. In 1868 he bought a timber lot of 105 acres with Joseph McGraw, and 
afterwards purchased his interests. In 1869 he bought part of the Dwight & Mc- 
Elheny farm. In 1885 he bought part of the Albert-Clarke property, and in 1886 he 
bought part of the Jennie McGraw-Fiske estate, in 1888 he bought the W. W. Ellas 
property, having about 400 acres of timber and farm lands, and raising large amounts 
of hay, grain and stock. He makes a specialty of lumbering and dairying, and hav- 
ing a herd of thirty-five grade Jersey cows. He is interested in promoting the Dry- 
den Agricultural Society and the Dryden and Groton Fire Insurance Company, also 
ex-president of the Dryden Agricultural Societ}-. 



116 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Trapp, Almond, was born in Dryden in 1820. His father, William, came to Dry- 
den in 1810, among the early settlers. Our subject was educated in the public schools, 
and is a self-made man. At the age of twenty-five he married Malvina Thomas, 
daughter of Michael Thomas, of Dryden, and they have had four daughters, two 
surviving : Mrs. Cora Givens and Mrs. George Nye. In 1848 Mr. Trapp bought the 
John Hutchings farm, and in 1860 purchased part of the Thomas Givens property, 
having fiftj^ acres, and also a residence and twelve building lots in Cortland. ]\Ir. 
Trapp is a respected citizen of the town and a much respected man. 

Tarbell, Frank H., was born in Lansing, June 11, 1858, a son of Abram H., born 
in Schuyler county in 1826. The latter was prominent in the community, taking a 
deep interest in the politics of his town and county. In 1861 he bought the farm of 
100 acres now owned by Frank H. In 1848 he married Margaret Howser, daughter 
of Charles and Catharine Howser, of Lansing. Eight children were born to them, 
six of whom grew to maturity: Alice, wife of Frank Haring; Ida A., wife of Ben O. 
Brown; Frank H. ; Emma, wife of William E. Davis; Efifie D. ; and Ed, who gradu- 
ated from the University of Cornell (agricultural course), class of 1889. Mr. Tarbell 
died in 1876 from injuries received while leading a team and walking backward, not 
noticing where he was going he backed against a tree, and the end of the pole of 
the wagon pinned him against the tree. His wife survives him and resides with 
Frank H. The father of Abram was Thomas, a native of Pennsylvania, who came 
to Groton and there died in 1886 at the age of eighty-six years. His wife, Lydia 
Miller, survived him two years, dying at the age of eighty-four. They were married 
in 1823, and fifty years later celebrated their golden wedding. Frank H. attended 
the common schools and the High School at Ithaca, then took one term in a business 
college. On the death of his father, when Frank was about eighteen, he returned 
home to assist in the farm duties, later purchasing the interest of the other heirs in 
the homestead, to which he has added by purchase. He has made many improve- 
ments, and now owns a fine and well equipped farm. August 25, 1886, he married 
Hattie A., daughter of John and Catharine Sill, of Genoa, Ca^mga count}-, and they 
have two children; Kenneth A., born March 15, 1890; and M. Gladys, born April 12, 
1893. Mr. Tarbell has served as excise commissioner five years, and seven years as 
justice of the peace. He is a Republican and a Free Mason, both he and his wife are 
members of the Grange. 

Teeter, Frank, is a son of Andrew Teeter, and was born in Enfield, May 3, 1850. 
Peter, the father of Andrew, was an early settler in Lansing, followed farming, and 
had a family of ten children. Andrew married first Sally Tichenor, who bore him 
these children: Jerome, Emma, Helen, Lovina, and Frank. Mr. Teeter married 
second Lovina Tichenor, a sister of his first wife, and third Statira Leonard. He 
settled m Enfield early in life and died here September 7, 1893, aged seventy-four 
years. Frank Teeter married Mary Ettie, daughter of Isaac N. Rumsey, and has four 
children: Charley F., Susan Eliza, Lena L., and Seth H. In April, 1894, he re- 
moved from his farm to Enfield Center, where he purchased and now conducts the 
hotel long owned bj^ Moses L. Harvey. 

Tibbetts, Frank E. , was born in Dan by, November 9, 1846. He was educated in 
the common schools and Ithaca Academy, and in 1868 entered Cornell University, 
from which, in the fall of 1871, he entered the office of Judge Van Valkenburg, and 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 117 

after the death of the judge studied with Judge Marcus Lyon. He was admitted to 
the bar in 1874, and immediately began a lucrative practice in Ithaca, which he has 
ever since held. He is a Republican, and in 1893 was elected delegate to the Consti- 
tutional Convention to be held in 1894, chairman of the Republican Cit)^ Committee 
for several j^ears, and secretary of the County Committee for a number of years. 
While Mr. Tibbetts is active in politics, and a believer in party organizations, he has 
always been an advocate of the highest and purest political methods. He is the only 
railroad law}fer of the city, and is the attorney for the Lehigh Valley- and E. C. & N. 
railroads since 1878, and a director of the C. & N. Railroad. At the breaking out of 
the war he enlisted at the age of sixteen in Compan}- I, 179th Regiment, N. Y. S. 
Volunteer Infantry, and served until July 4, 1865. He is past commander of Sidney 
Post, G. A. R., and has filled all the chairs of the order; he is one of its charter mem- 
bers. He married in 1876 Mary A., daughter of G. A. Todd, of Danby, and they 
have one son, Harland B. 

Tompkins, C. A., was born in the town of Danby, and when he was six months 
old his parents moved to Newfield, in 1855, his father being Almeron, who was born 
in this county in 1800, Avho married Eliza McCan, of Newfield, by whom he had six 
children. Of these our subject was the youngest, and now owns a place of sevent}-- 
five acres. He married Ina Curtis, of Newfield. Our subject has always been a Re- 
publican in politics, though he has never held office. 

Townley, Lewis J., was born in Lansing, August 11, 1845, a son of John A. and 
Mary A. Townlej''. , He was brought up on his father's farm, receiving his early edu- 
cation at the district schools, with one year at the Ithaca Academy. At the age of 
about twent3^-three our subject began farming for himself, and in connection with 
his work was the Lansing correspondent for various papers, and finally, in the fall 
of 1879, he started a Lansing department in the Groton Journal, which then became 
known as the Groton and Lansing Journal. Four years later, in 1883, Mr. Townley 
bought the paper, and then became a resident of Groton. September 18, 1867, Mr. 
Townley married Mary Dodd, of Ithaca, and they have three children. Mr. Town- 
ley is a staunch Republican, and his paper is conducted on true and unwavering- 
principles. It is also recognized as one of the leading famil}- papers of the region. 
Our subject has served as village trustee and member of the Board of Education. 

Tompkins, Joseph A., was born in White Plains, Westchester county, August 31, 
1843, a son of Bishop T. , a farmer of that count)^ His early life was spent in his 
native county, where he wa's educated in the common schools. August — , 1862, at 
the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the 135th N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, and at Balti- 
more was transferred to the 6th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. He saw service with the 
Army of the Potomac in all of their important engagements. Returning to White 
Plains at the close of the war he engaged in carpentry work, following that till 1868, 
when he moved to Ithaca, where he followed his trade for a yesLT, and then engaged 
in the mercantile business. Mr. Tompkins has not been a continuous resident of this 
city, but has traveled throughout the West and South, engaged in business in diiTer- 
ent places. In June, 1883, he was appointed deputy postmaster of Ithaca, and was 
out after the first Cleveland administration, and was again appointed Juljr 22, 1889, 
and has now filled the office six years. Mr. Tompkins is a member of the K. of P., 



118 LANDMARKvS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and of the Episcopal church. He was married in 1870 to Miss Sarah Boda, of South 
Danby, and they have two children: Viola M. and Ray E. 

Taber, Benjamin F., was born in the town of Ithaca, February 4, 1824, a grandson 
of Jeduthun Taber, a ship builder of New Bedford, who came to Tompkins county 
about 1818 and bought a tract of land at the head of the lake, where he conducted a 
tavern many years and also engaged in boat building. Of his four children, Lloyd, 
father of our subject, was the second son, and was also a native of New Bedford, fol- 
lowing his father's trade until his death, which occurred when he was under thirty. 
He married Isabella Sigler, of this State, and they had three children, of whom Ben- 
jamin F. was Ihe oldest and the only son. He was educated in the common schools 
and the old Ithaca Academy, and at the age of twenty-one became proprietor of a 
boat yard at the inlet, which he has ever since conducted. During the last forty- 
eight years he has built more than 250 canal and river boats, twelve being steamers. 
He was the builder of the lake steamer Forest City. He also superintended in 1892 
and 1893 the hull of the steam yacht Clara for Charles Kellogg, which is considered 
the finest on the lake. He has also built a large number of small boats. The num- 
ber of men employed varies from four to thirty. Mr. Taber has been identified with 
various business ventures at different times in company with R. W. King, having 
been also interested with his uncle, Benjamin Taber, in the grain and transportation 
business. He is a Republican, and has been trustee of the village, school commis- 
sioner for twenty years, etc. He married Rebecca, daughter of Jeduthun P. Taber, 
and they have had seven children, four now living: Charles, who is in business with 
his father; Fred, a druggist of Addison, N. Y. ; Mrs. E. W. Gregorj'-, of Ithaca; and 
B. Frank, a Baptist preacher of Saginaw, Mich. Cassius N. , who was also a boat 
builder, died aged twenty-nine, and the others when children. 

Tichenor, James H., was born in Ithaca, August 21, 1832, son of Joseph Smith 
Tichenor, for many years a manufacturing hatter of this town. His mother was 
Eliza Selover, of Auburn. James was educated at the old academy and took a college 
preparatory course, but his father was induced by Ezra Cornell to teach the son 
telegraphy, of which profession he was one of the pioneers. At the breaking out of 
the war we find him studying law in the office of Dana & Beers, where he was not 
contented to remain with the preservation of the Union in peril, so he became the 
first enlisted soldier of Tompkins county, and raised Company A of the 32d Regi - 
ment N. Y. Volunteers. The enlistments -for this company were commenced three 
days after the first gun was fired on Fort Sumter. After the close of the war he re- 
sumed the study of law with the captain of his company, Jerome Rowe, previously 
county judge. In 1869 he engaged in mercantile business in Ithaca. From 1870-72 
he filled the office of superintendent of motive power and telegraphy for the Geneva, 
Ithaca, and Sayre Railroad Company. In 1872 he was appointed justice of the peace 
to fill vacancy, and in the following year was elected to the same office, and at the ex- 
piration of his term was again appointed to fill vacancy. In 1878 he was admitted to 
practice at the bar, and has since followed the profession. In 1868 Mr. Tichenor 
was appointed by the governor as commissary of the 50th Regiment of the National 
Guard, with rank of captain. In 1871 he was appointed judge advocate on the staff 
of Gen. C. F. Blood, with rank of major in the 28th Brigade, N. G. S. N. Y., and 
served in that capacity until the brigade was disbanded. Mr. Tichenor was one of 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 119 

the originators of the G. A. R. Post of this town, and has filled all the offices of the 
order, except commander. He was married in 1853 to Eiiza Lee, daughter of Dr. J. 
S. Lee, of the drug firm of Lee & Woodard in Ithaca. They have one son, Edward 
Carleton Tichenor, a lawyer of Ithaca, and one daughter. 

Tarbell, Thomas B., was born in Delaware county, N. Y., March 21, 1800, his 
parents coming from Southern Vermont and the parent stock back four generations 
from Saxony. Lydia Miller was born in East Lansing, March 12, 1804, her father, 
Joseph Miller, coming from New Jerse3^ He owned a very large tract of land 
running north and south from the road leading west from the Baptist church and was 
the owner of slaves until about 1790. A descendant of his last one freed is now 
(1894) living in Ithaca. Thomas B. Tarbell and Lydia Miller were married October 
15, 1823, at East Lansing. The issue of that marriage was thirteen children, ten 
boys and three girls. The first child a daughter, then eight boys in line, the seventh, 
born May 16, 1838, in the west part of Groton, N. Y., was called Doctor Tarbell. 
Young Doctor like all the rest of the children, was brought up on a farm, going to 
school winters and working on the farm at home or for neighbors in the summer. 
In 1857 he started out for additional educational advantages and attended the fall 
term in Homer Academy, hiring a room and boarding himself, his whole expense for 
this term, room, books, provisions, etc., being $18.75. He taught the winter term 
(1857-58) in the first district north of Peruville and the following fall attended again 
at Homer, and returned and taught in his own, known as the Benson district, 
teaching and attending school alternately tmtil 1861, when he was in school at Ithaca, 
expecting to enter Union College in September in the class of 1865. But when Fort 
Sumter was fired upon in April, 1861, he volunteered as a private in Company- A, 
Second Regiment, the first military organization to leave Tompkins county. Early 
in May he was made sergeant ; in November, 1861 , second lieutenant ; in February, 
1862, first lieutenant, and as such volunteered to lead a forlorn hope of one hundred 
men across the Chickahominy River in front of Richmond on June 2, 1862, to drive 
the enemy's sharpshooters back so that General Woodburj^'s engineers could work 
on a new bridge which was needed by McClellan's army, north of Richmond. The 
day was successful. Lieutenant Tarbell, with a squad of his men, escorted Woodbury 
during the day back nearly one-half mile in the enemy's country. There was where 
he won his captaincy from President Lincoln in United States Volunteers, which 
was given him in October, 1862. At Malvern Hill, July 4, he was called by General 
Newton to serve on his staff. He had been with his company at Bull Run, July, 1861, 
and in all its_skirmishes and battles through the Peninsular campaign. From now on 
he served as a staff officer with General Newton at South Mountain, Crampton's 
Pass, Maryland, and Antietam, till November, then with General David A. Russell, 
Third Brigade, First Division, Sixth Corps, till March, 1863, when by order he was 
sent to General Whipple's division. Third Corps, and was with him at Chancellors- 
ville. May, 1863, where General Whipple's division was so terribly slaughtered, 
General Whipple being mortally wounded. Captain Tarbell was the only member 
of the staff not wounded or killed. The remnant of General Whipple's division being 
divided among the other two divisions of the Third Corps, Captain Tarbell was sent 
to Third Corps headquarters early in June. He served with General Sickles in the 
Maryland and Pennsylvania campaigns and rode with him on the Gettysburg battle 



120 . LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

ground July 1, 186B. The story of the part the Third Corps took in that memorable 
engagement fihs a bright page in histoiy and is too well known to need a word here. 
Captain Tarbell served with the Third Corps till it was disbanded. He was then 
assigned to the Cavalry Corps, serving with Generals Chapman, Wells, and Wilson 
through all the campaigns in the summer of 1864. He was captured by Mosby, 
September 21, 1864. near Winchester, Va., and sent to Libby Prison, from there 
October 10, to SaHsbury, N. C, October 15, transferred to Danville Prison, February 
18, retransferred to Libby, where he suffered, as only Union prisoners know, all the 
torments of cold, filth, hunger and disease. When parolled February 22, 1865, he 
telegraphed his confidential clerk, Professor S. B. Howe, " Out of prison. Purgatory 
has no terrors." On arriving at Annapolis, Captain Tarbell was granted a thirty 
day leave of absence. Although he was captured September 21, his friends in the 
North had no tidings from him till in January, 1865, and for a long time mourned 
him as dead. Captain Tarbell married Mary L. Conant, March 14, 1865, at Peru- 
ville while enjoying his thirty day leave of absence. He was officially declared 
exchanged March 28, and ordered to report to General Sheridan for duty, on expira- 
tion of leave of absence. On his way to the army he stopped a few days in Wash- 
ington and was present in Ford's Theatre on the night of the assassination of 
President Lincoln, April 14, 1865. He received a commission as major by brevet in 
United States Volunteers, for meritorious services. He left the United States service 
in August, 1865. After Cornell University opened in 1868, he attended five terms ; 
was elected county clerk of Tompkins county in 1870, and re-elected 1873. He is now 
engaged in the life insurance business, representing the Equitable Life Assurance 
Society as general agent and has a very large range of duties. He is a total 
abstainer, using neither tobacco or liquor. In religion he was raised a Baptist, in 
politics a Republican, a scholar of Greeley's New York Tribune. His home is now 
with his family at No. 10 North Geneva street, Ithaca. 

Saylor, Cynthia, was born in Tompkins county, December 1, 18,29, was married in 
1853, to Sampson George, who was born in Yorkshire, England. Their home was 
on a farm until Mr. George's death, June 18, 1890. Since that time Mrs. George has 
resided in Independence, la. 

Simons, AVilliam A., was born in Drj-den, September 7, 1848. His father, Adam, 
with his grandfather. Benjamin Simons, came to Dryden in 1808, and settled on 
lot 67, where their descendants now reside and which has been in the famih^ for the 
past eightj'-six years. William A. Simons received his education in the common 
schools to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. He 
married at the age of twenty-four, Helen S. Cole, daughter of Joseph Cole, who 
passed away March 17, 1890. Our subject is one of the progressive intelligent men 
of his town, where he is identified in the leading events of his day and is recognized 
as a man of sterling worth and character and as a practical farmer. 

Schenck, Amasa Dana, a well known native of Lansing, was born February 3, 1843, 
a son of Edward Hunt Schenck, of Easton, Pa., born in 1802, who came to this town 
about 1823, and engaged in a cabinet shop near East Lansing, where he remained 
several ^^ears, and later married his emplo5rer's daughter, Mary Miller, by whom he 
had eight children, six of whom are now living: George, Paulina, wife of Anson 
. Howser; Sarah, wife of Harvey De Camp ; Amasa D., Ellen, wife of George W. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 121 

Allen ; and Alice, wife of Edgar F. Tallmadge. The father died August 14, 1867, 
and the mother May 23, 1892. Amasa D. was educated in East Lansing district 
school, and at the age of fifteen began the vocation of his father, in company with his 
brother, that of painting, and this trade he followed until 1872, when he bought a 
farm and has since followed farming. October 14, 1861, he enlisted im Companj' G, 
Tenth New York Cavalry at East Lansing. He served until 1864, then re-enlisted 
in the field, and served till the close of the war. He participated in the following 
battles: Brandy Station, Aldie, Middleburg, Upperville, Snicker's Gap, Gettysburg, 
Sheperdstown, Culpepper, Travillian Station, Cold Harbor, Sulphur Springs, and 
St. Mary's Church. He received gun shot wound through wrist, at Sulphur Springs, 
October 12, 1863. He was also wounded at St. Mary's Church, June 24, 1864, musket 
ball passing through right eye and coming out just in front of left ear. After the 
loss of his eye it was six months before he was able to do light duty. He was 
mustered out June 7, 1865. In 1873 he married Susannah, daughter of Jacob and 
Marietta Ross, of Lansing, and they have two children: Stella B., born June 6, 1875, 
and Floyd R., born January 11, 1881. Mr. Schenck is a G. A. R. man, of Lodge 334, 
and is a Republican in politics. 

Snyder, Philip S., was born in the town of Dryden, October 4, 1840. His father, 
Ira Snyder, and his grandfather, Henry Snj^der, were among the earliest settlers in 
the town, Henry Snyder coming into the town in 1800, and settling on lot 53. Philip 
received his education in the common schools and is a self-educated man. At the age 
of thirty he married Nancy Stewart, daughter of John Stewart, of Dryden. In 
politics he takes the Republican side. In 1887 he bought what was known as the 
Burton Smith property of sixty-four acres and makes a specialty of raising stock and 
sheep. Our subject is one of the substantial farmers in his town, taking a prominent 
part in advancing its best interests, and is a conservative, independent man. 

Townle}^ Richard A., was born in Groton, April 23, 1836, a son of Effingham and 
Fanny (Bower) Townley, and grandson of the pioneer, Richard Townley, who settled 
in Lansing a hundred )-ears ago, and of whom much will be found written elsewhere 
among those pages. Richard A. was educated in common schools and attended the 
Groton Academy. He lived at home until twenty-four years of age, and December 
30, 1859, married Ellen M. Childs, of Groton. One child was born of this marriage. 
Mr. Townley is a successful farmer, and his farm is among the best in the eastern 
part of the town. William Childs came from Massachusetts to Groton in 1812, 
bringing a large family of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity: 
Lydia, Crocker, William, Lyman, Orlando, Louisa, Samantha, Sylvester, Nancy, 
Chloe, and Maria. William Childs, the pioneer, died February 18, 1850, and his wife, 
Chloe, died April 11, 1872. Orlando Childs was born May 15, 1810, lived for many 
years on an excellent farm southeast of Groton village, and there he died, March 14, 
1891. His wife, whose maiden name Avas Mary Adams, and to whom he was married 
February 20, 1854, died November 6, 1887. Their children were : Calista A. , who 
married Ransom Smith ; Almira S. , who married John G. Cobb ; Ellen M. , wife of 
Richard A. Townley. Henry Adams came from Connecticut to Groton about the 
year 1825, and settled on the old salt road. He was a hatter by trade, but like many 
of Groton' s early settlers gave his principal attention to farming. He died in 1852, 
and was survived by his wife about thirty years. Hemy Adams's children were these : 
P 



123 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Mary, who married Orlando Childs; Sally, who married Harrj^ Mix; David, who died 
in Binghamton; Leonard, who died aged twenty years; and Lydia, who became the 
wife of Gilbert Wilson, 

Stoddard, Edward Schuyler, born in Ithaca, March 32, I860. The Stoddard family 
is one of the oldest families of this country. John Stoddard, of whom our subject is 
ten generations removed was in 1645 a resident of Connecticut, and in tracing the 
family down we find them numerous and distinguished, as they can count in their 
relations a noted general (W. T. Sherman), and others prominent in political and 
social life. Edward Stoddard, the father of our subject, was born in Danby, N. Y., 
October 2, 1816, married September 2, 1841, Christina Maria Heath. She died 
August 15, 1843, and he married second Anna Eliza Schuyler, daughter of J. V. R. 
Schuyler, and they had four children, of whom our subject is the youngest. 

Tallmadge, Alanson, was born in Greenfield, Saratoga county. May 25, 1820, the 
only surviving child of five born to Seth and Bethenia Tallmadge. In 1830 the fam- 
ily came to West Groton, where the father was a cooper and farmer ; but after a time 
they moved to Cayuga county, where Mr. Tallmadge died. Alanson was brought up 
to the cooper's trade, working at it several years, and teaching for a nu,mber of terms 
winters. In 1855 he bought the Gurnsey farm of eighty acres, on which he now 
lives. At that time it was considered unprofitable propertj^ but Mr. Tallmadge, b}' 
good management and industry, has succeeded in making it one of the best and 
most productive farms in the town. The old buildings were long ago removed, and 
in their place are large and substantial structures. In 1843 Alanson Tallmadge mar- 
ried Melvina Weeks, by whom he had five children ; HanfordJ., of Ithaca, Edgar, 
of West Groton ; Seymour, now in the West ; Laura, wife of George Cutter ; Ella 
M., and Lewis, of West Groton, and Chalmer, who died in infancy. Mrs. Tall- 
madge died July 14, 1860, and February 26, 1878, Mr. Tallmadge married widow 
Lorena B. Hatch, daughter of Daniel Buck of Lansing. Mr. Tallmadge is a Pro- 
hibitionist, and both he and his wife are members of the Lansing and Groton Bap- 
tist church. 

Tallmadge, Edgar F., was born in Groton, January 22, 1849, and was the son of 
Alanson and Melvina Tallmadge. Avho were highly respected farmers of West Gro- 
ton. Until eighteen years of age Edgar lived on the farm ; but then learned the 
carpenter trade, at which he worked during the summer and taught school during 
the winter. Upon two occasions he went West, remaining about a year each time ; 
but before returning home from his last trip he was stricken with paralysis and de- 
prived of the use of his limbs. About this time he began packing eggs for the mar- 
ket, his first season's output being about one barrel; but from this beginning the 
business has steadily increased until the annual shipment amounts to at least 4,000 
crates. About 1888 the firm of Tallmadge Bros, was formed, and in addition to the 
egg business they became extensive apiarians, having now about 300 colonies of bees, 
their product, however, being principally extracted hone^^ We may say here that 
the business established by Edgar F. Tallmadge has been entirely successful, and an 
elegant home and all of its attending comforts are the reward of his industry. He 
married Alice Schenck, of East Lansing, and they have three children. Mr. Tall- 
madge is a Republican in politics, and at one time was town collector. Both he and 
his wife are members of the West Groton Congregational Church. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 133 

Thompson, John C, was born in Ithaca, August 10, 1848. John L., his father, was 
a native of this count3^ born in Danby, and he has always followed farming. His 
wife was Julia A. Masterson, of this county, a daughter of Jacob Masterson, aiid 
they had five children, of whom our subject was the third. Our subject owns a farm 
of eighty-five acres, situated in Newfield. He is a member of the Patrons of Hus- 
bandry, Newfield Lodge, and is a Democrat in politics, being at present assessor of 
the town. 

Taber, W. P., of Newfield, was born August 11, 1855, a son of Peleg Taber, who 
was born in Enfield in 1813, and has been a farmer all his life. In 1849 he settled on 
a farm of 101 acres, and in 1834 married Samantha Culver, of Enfield, by whom he 
had seven children, our .subject being the youngest. He has followed the calling of 
his father, working his father's farm since the age of eighteen years. September 21, 
1887, he married Mary L. Sebring, of this town, and they have two children, Ruth 
E. and Lawrence S. Mr. Taber is a Democrat. 

Teeter, William H., was born in the town of Ithaca, December 18, 1852, on the old 
Teeter farm, owned by his father, Isaac Teeter. He received a district school edu- 
cation and has made farming his occupation. Mr. Teeter owns a farm of ninety-five 
acres four miles south of Ithaca — a good grain farm — and makes a specialty of to- 
bacco. He has four children. Minnie and Ernest by a former marriage. At the 
age of 35 years he married a daughter of James Oborn, of Wisconsin, and they have 
two children, Willis and Blanch. 

Tichenor, William J., was born in the town of Hector, Tompkins county (now 
Schuyler) October 29, 1841, and came to reside in Ulysses with his parents when a 
child. He was educated in .the district schools and Trumansburgh Academy. He 
was in the mercantile business three years and in the lumber business five years, and 
is now engaged in farming near the village of Trumansburgh. He is one of the 
town's most prosperous men, and is a trustee of the Methodist church. His first 
marriage occurred March 4, 1862, to Lovisa T., daughter of Ephraim S. Pratt, of 
of this town. They had three children: Fred E., Huldah A. and Florence M. 
The son is a station agent on the Wisconsin Central Railway at the present time, and 
the daughters reside at home. Mr. Tichenor married the second time January 6, 
1891, Mrs. Henrietta Proper, nee Collins, of Iowa. Ephraim S., father of our sub- 
ject, was born in Dutchess county, near Poughkeepsie, May 19, 1809, and came to 
Hector with his parents in 1818. December 29, 1831, he married Maria Meeks of 
that town, by whom he had four children: Erving C, Emily S., William J., and 
Benjamin F. Erving enlisted as a soldier in the late war, in Co. C, 50th Engineers, 
N. Y. Vols., and died at Washington, D. C, October 3, 1862. Emily S. married Eli- 
jah Anderson of Port Dover, Ont., where they now reside. Benjamin F. married 
Elizabeth Harpst, of Peoria, 111., and they have one son, Frank H. Ephraim S. died 
December 27, 1889, and his wife September 17 of the same year. Our subject's first 
wife died September 24, 1889. 

Thomas, H. D., was born in the town of Dryden December 22, 1836. Benjamin 
Thomas, his father, was a native of New York city, being left an orphan at an early 
age. He moved to Tompkins county in 1833 and took up farming. His son, H. D., 
worked with his father until 1861, when he and his brother took the farm at Dryden 



134 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and worked it together till 1866. In this year he married Louisa Tripp, daughter of 
Daniel A. Tripp, of Harford, Cortland county, and moved to his present farm in the 
town of Carohne. They have three children: Charles E., Annie L. and Edith L. 
In politics Mr. Thomas is a Republican, though he has never aspired to public office. 
He has, however, served as highway commissioner one term. 

Townley, Frank, one of Lansing's prominent young fajmers, was born here Octo- 
ber 2, 1850, a son of John A., also a native of this town, born December 1, 1811. 
The grandfather was Lewis Townley, who came here with his parents when young. 
He married Hannah Alexander, by whom he had seven children, of whom the father 
of Frank was the second. At his father's death he came into possession of a portion 
of the homestead, and later bought the part on which the house where he was born 
stood. For fifty years it never had a death within its walls, and on this farm he 
reared his three children : Lewis J., Frank, and Fred A. His wife was Marj? A. 
Godley, who still survives him. He died in 1892. Our subject was educated in the 
common schools until the age of about seventeen. He worked with his father until 
1882, then bought the farm of ninety-four acres on lot seventy-one and began for 
himself. In 1881 he married Agnes, daughter of Charles (i. and Fannie M. Hagin, 
of Lansing, and they have one child, Robin B., born January 20, 1887. Mr. Town- 
ley is a Republican and a member of the Lansingville Grange. 

Stewart, Edwin C, was born in the town of Newfield, March 8, 1864,' only son of 
D. B. Stewart. He was educated in the public and High School of Ithaca, and was 
for three years one of the proprietors of the Ithaca Cigar Manufacturing Co., after- 
wards conducting the John L. Whiton bakery for three years. Since 1890 he has 
been a member of the firm of D. B. Stewart & Co. Mr. Stewart is a Republican in 
politics and an active worker in the party, for four years being chairman of the Re- 
publican County Committee. In the fall of 1892 he was nominated by the part}- to 
represent his district in the State Assembl3^ and elected by a majority of 700. In 
legislative session 1893-94 he was a member of the Ways and Means, and Printing 
Committees. He offered the bill creating the State Veterinary College in Cornell, 
which was passed, appropriating $50,000. He also introduced the bill making ap- 
propriation to improve Cayuga Inlet; a bill amending the military code in the inter- 
est of the Sons of Veterans ; a bill permitting villages to create electric light plants, 
and other important measures. He is a member of Hobasco Lodge No. 716, F. & 
A. M., Eagle Chapter and Ithaca Council, St. Augustine Commandery. He is also 
a K. of P. , and for eight years has been connected with the Tornado Hook and 
Ladder Co. No. 3. 

Stout, Wilmer, was born on Salt Roads, town of Groton, November 11, 1844, a son 
of Abram Hart Stout, born in Dryden, who married Hannah Castle, and reared four 
children: Wesley, Wilmer, Algernon H. and Luther C. After his marriage he re- 
moved to the town of Groton and bought a small farm, which he sold later and 
moved to Lansing. He died in 1861, aged forty-eight, and his wife in. 1889, aged 
seventy-four. The father of Abram was Peter Lott, and his mother was Wealthy 
Luther, natives of New Jersey. Wilmer was reared on the farm, and attended the 
district schools. He remained on the farm with his parents till the age of eighteen, 
when in 1862 he enlisted in Co. F, 9th Heavy Artillery, going with his company to 
Washington. He went from there to camjD Nellie Seward, under command of 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 125 

Colonel Wellington, and they built Fort Baird. The next move was across the east- 
ern branch of the Potomac River to Fort Dupont, where they remained two months. 
He was engaged in the following battles : The Wilderness, Cold Harbor, in front 
of Petersburg, in front of Washington when Early made his raid, Winchester, 
Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. He was wounded at Cedar Creek, and removed to 
hospital at Philadelphia, where he remained about four months, when he returned 
to his regiment. He was discharged from McClelland' s Hospital May 31, 1865, and 
returned home and engaged in farming, which he followed till 1872, when he learned 
the blacksmith's trade, which he has since followed. In October, 1891, he received 
his commission as postmaster at Lansingville. In 1884 he married Lillian, only liv- 
ing daughter of William and Electa (Fuller) Miles, of Lock. She is one of six chil- 
dren, three of whom died in childhood. Our subject is a Republican. Mrs. Stout's 
family is one of the oldest in America and can be traced to the earlv Puritans of 
New England. 

Snyder, George, was born on the Snyder homestead in the town of Drj-den, 
October 16, 1842. His father, James Snyder, was a sou of George Snyder, who was 
one of the earliest settlers in the town, coming in and settling about 1800. James 
Sn5?der, with his brother, Ira W. Snyder, owned the homestead in common and spent 
their lives side bjr side on the same property. Ira died in 1891 and James followed 
in 1893. James married at the age of twenty-seven, Maria Fulkerson, daughter of 
Josiah Fulkerson, and they were the parents of four children, three sons, George, 
Giles and Hiram, and one daughter, Emily J., of whom one son, George, is now 
living. George was educated in the common schools and finished at the Ithaca High 
School under Professor Williams. At the age of twenty-eight he married Sarah 
Albright, daughter of Jacob Albright, of Dryden. He takes the Republican side in 
politics and an active, intelligent interest in educational and religious matters. Our 
subject is a prominent man in his town, a descendant of one of the oldest families, 
who have alwaj's been connected with all the leading events of the town. 

Sherwood, William W. , was born in Groton Februar}^ 14, 1832. His father, William 
Sherwood, came to Dryden in 1833, and was employed in the Isaac Bishop mill, be- 
tween Etna and Varna. W. W. Sherwood was educated in the common schools, to 
which he has added through life by reading and close observation. After leaving 
school he went into his father's mill, and in 1858 rented a half interest in the mill, 
and the business was known and conducted hj AVilliam and W. W. Sherwood. In 
1866 he bought outright a one-half interest in the mill and at the death of William 
Sherwood, which occurred in 1889, the balance was purchased by W. W. Sherwood, 
which he afterward sold to John W. West. In 1881 he bought of Thomas R. Weed 
a residence in Etna, where he now resides. Also in 1889 .he bought the old home- 
stead of fifty acres. He also owns a house and lot in Dryden village. At twent}-- 
four ^^ears of age he married Miss Amy Gifford, daughter of Benjamin Gifford, of 
Dryden. They were the parents of one daughter, Miss Nellie L. Sherwood, a lovelj' 
girl, who was called away at the age of twelve years. Our subject has been com- 
missioner of highways in his town for three successive terms. 

Speed, Robert Goodloe Harper, was born in Caroline, Jul}' 5, 1845. Dr. Joseph 
Speed, the grandfather of Robert, had ten children, of whom James Richard, our 
subject's father, was the seventh, being born in Caroline March 20, 1815, educated 

\ 

y 



126 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in Cortland Academy and studied law in Ithaca, practicing, however, but a short 
time and returning to the farm. He was killed by lightning in 1854. He was a 
trustee of the People's College, which was finally merged into Cornell University. 
He m.arried Frances C. Peters of Ithaca, by whom he had six children, Mary Caro- 
line, Richard Peters, Robert, Henry Linn, Jessie Harper and Sallie Peters, the last 
four of whom and the mother are now living. Of these Robert was the third. He 
was educated at Cortland Academy at Homer, and Cornell University, graduating 
in the classical course at the academy in 1867, and with the class of '71 at Cornell 
University with the degree of Ph. B. Soon after leaving college he was elected 
school commissioner, first on the Republican ticket and afterwards on the Liberal 
Republican with the endorsement of the Democratic and Prohibition parties, serving 
six years, and in 1884 he was elected supervisor of the town, serving four years. For 
the past five years Mr. Speed has been justice of the peace. He is still a Republi- 
can, but too independent to be a strong partisan. In October, 1872, he married 
Romelia Van Pelt, daughter of L. D. Van Pelt, of Dryden, and they have five chil- 
dren. The oldest son, Robert L. , is now a sophomore in Cornell; Bessie F. is a 
graduate of Ithaca High School, where Mary H. is now a student, and Lorenzo and 
Emma are at home. Mr. Speed is a charter member of Caroline Lodge No. 681, F. 
and A. M. ; a member of Eagle Chapter No. 58 ; a member of the Grange, and of the 
I. O. G. T. He is a director in the Town and County Insurance Company, and also 
in the County Agricultural Society. He built the Caroline Cheese Factory in 1868 
and still owns it. 

Space, Thomas, was born in the town of Drj^den in 1814. His father, Jacob Space, 
was one of the oldest settlers of the town, coming here in 1805. Thomas Space 
married, at the age of thirty, Laura Griswold, who died in 1847, and in 1849 he mar- 
ried Lydia J., daughter of Gardner West, and then- children, .five in number, Thomas 
R., Frank G., Belle C, Fred D. and Eugene, four survive, Frank G. having died 
the 4th of March, 1889. In 1841 Thomas Space bought part of the Mathew Griswold 
farm, thirty-five acres, and in 1851 a portion of the John Tyler farm ; also in 1864 
the A. J. Cord farm, and in 1880 a part of the Abram Butts farm, having in con- 
nection with his sons about 260 acres, on which they produce large crops of ha5% 
grain, etc., and keep a large dairy, he having turned over most of the management 
to his sons, who are representative 3-oung farmers in their town and men of ability. 
The family is one of the oldest in the town. 

Fiske, Asa Severance, got into this world March 2, 1833, at Strongsville, Ohio. 
His father was Deacon David, and his mother Laura Severance. They returning to 
Shelburne, Mass., he was brought up there, passed through the common schools, and 
prepared for college at the Ames Academy in that town. In 1851 he entered Am- 
herst College, graduated in 1855 A. B., A. M. in 1857, tutor in 1857-8, licensed to 
preach in 1857 by the Franklin County Congregational Association, was ordained 
and settled as first pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church, St. Paul, Minne- 
sota in 1859, and was chaplain of the State Senate in 1859-60. In the fall of 1861 he 
became chaplain of the 4th Minn. Vol. Infantry, and in the winter went to the field 
with his regiment, served with it for a year and a half, and was then transferred bj- 
special order of Gen. Grant to service in the department of Freedmen and Refugees 
in the military district of Memphis. Thence was sent North by Gen. Grant to aid 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 127 

in organizing the Bureau of Freedmen's Affairs. In varied work in this interest at 
^A''ashington and on the Mississippi river from Memphis to Natcliez, he was occupied 
until the close of the war. In 1865 he was settled at Rockville, Conn., where he re- 
mained five years, the church nearly doubling its membership during his pastorate. 
From that church he was called to St. Peter's Presbyterian Church of Rochester, N. 
Y., where he remained for five years, paying off a debt of ^30,000. In 1875 he was 
called to a pastorate in San Francisco, Cal., where he remained for nine years, and 
in 1884 was called to the Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, where he is still the pastor. 
He received the honorary title of D.D. from Hamilton College in 1891. In 1860 he 
married Elizabeth Worthington Hand, of Madison, Conn. His two daughters are Zoe 
Worthington and Christabel Forsythe, and an infant son, Edward Severance, lies in 
the family lot in the cemetery at Shelburne Falls, Mass. The Ithaca church has 
grown during the nine and one-half years of this pastorate from 380 to 660 mem- 
bers, and a subscription has been made of about $52,000 for the erection of a new 
church edifice. Of the present members of the church, 430 have united with it un- 
der the present pastorate. 

Skillings, S. M., was born in the town of Dryden, March 7, 1835. His father, 
Wm. W. Skillings, was one of the earliest settlers in the town, and settled on lot No. 
4. He afterwards bought part of lot 15, where S. M. Skillings now resides. The 
latter was educated in the common schools, to which he has added through life by 
reading and close observation. At the age of thirty he married Sophia, daughter of 
B. C. Fulkerson, of Dryden, who passed away in 1877. The had one son. Fay. In 
1889 he married Sarah, daughter of James Giles. In 1873 he bought the homestead 
of eighty acres where he now lives, raising hay, grain and stock. He takes the Re- 
publican side in politics, and an interest in school and church matters. Our subject 
IS a conservative, independent citizen, well posted on the leading issues of the day 
and taking an active part in advancing the best interests of the town. 

Stephens, Philip, was born in Alsace, Germany, February 12, 1819, and came to 
America in 1837, first locating in New York, where he remained two years, then 
moved to Ulster county and followed various employments till 1842. That year he 
removed to Ithaca and established a market and butchering business. For many 
years he did a wholesale and shipping business, especially in pork. He was first lo- 
cated on State street, where the Alhambra now is, and from there moved opposite 
the Tompkins County Bank, where he occupied a small building for a time, until he 
was burned out ; then he moved to the corner of Tioga and State streets. In 1850 
he moved to East State street, where he bought the store he has since occupied. Mr. 
Stephens is a member of the I. O. O. F. Ithaca Lodge. He was married to Eliza- 
beth Ketchen, of Enfield, and they have one son and two daughters. 

Sisson, Edward, was born in Lavana, Cayuga county, October 18, 1818 ; was edu- 
cated in the public schools until he was about sixteen years old, and then learned the 
mason's trade with his brother, which he followed six years. He then learned the 
moulder's trade, which he followed since, and in the employ of one concern, Gregg 
& Co., since 1857 as foreman moulder. December 3, 1847, he married Ann Hewitt, 
formerly of Genoa, Cayuga county, N. Y. They have had four children: Carrie, 
Hattie, Nellie and Ella. Carrie married Edwin R. Williams, and has three children : 
Anna, Albert S., and Nellie. Hattie died at the age of thirteen years. Nellie died 



128 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

at the age of four years, and Ella resides at home with her parents. Mr. Sisson's 
father, Isaac, was born in 1775, and was an attorney. He married Ruth Devol of 
his native place. They came to Cayuga county in 1806. They had ten children: 
Patience, Eliza, Hannah, George, Eunice, Isaac, Joseph, Edward, Clinton, and Caro- 
line. He was appointed judge by Gov. Bouck in 1843, and served in that office until 
it was made elective, about 1846. He was offered the nomination of lirst judge of 
the county, but declined. He died May 13, 1862, and his wife July 11, 1843. Mr. 
Sisson has been village trustee one year. He is a member of Trumansburgh Lodge 
No. 157 F. & A. M., and Fidelity Chapter No. 77, R. A. M. The ancestry of this 
family is English and French. 

Smith, Henry, of Lansing, was born in Hoglanburg, N. Y. , March 10, 1834. His 
father died when our subject was six years of age, and with his mother and stepfather 
he moved to Canada. When eight years old he went to live with James Doran, and 
there remained until he was twenty, when he went to Rochester and engaged on a 
farm for six months, then on the N. Y. C. Railroad for six months, and then operated 
a pressed brick machine. He then went to Brighton and tended locks on the canal ; 
thence to Penfield, and there engaged in the nursery, which he followed five years. 
Later he purchased fifty acres near Aurora and engaged in farming for a time. 
Then he came to Genoa and purchased another farm, where he lived for some five 
years. In 1869 he removed to Lansing and bought the farm of one hundred and 
forty acres, where he now lives. He married m November, 1859, Elsie, daughter of 
Deacon Hanford and Elsie Smith. She died in 1879. He afterward married Han- 
nah W. Field, of Auburn. They have had four children; Amelia Pearl, Henry F., 
Julius La Motte, and Elsie Majr. Mr. Smith is a Granger and a Republican. The 
farm he now owns was purchased by Samuel Smith, the great-grandfather of Mr. 
Smith's present wife, in 1808. 

Scribner, Eliphalet E., was born in Fulton, Oswego count}^ April 1, 1862. His 
parents were James A. and Helen Scribner. His paternal ancestor was the oldest 
son of John Scribner, who was a cousin of Charles Scribner, the founder of the pub- 
lishing house of that name. His maternal ancestor was the daughter of Isaac R. 
and Eliza Parkhurst. His grandfather Parkhurst was~'a descendant of the family of 
that name in England. His father was the youngest son of Baron Parkhurst, of 
Scotch descent. His father lost his life in the defense of his country at Falmouth, 
Va., in the late war, and his mother died a few weeks later, leaving his sister and 
himself orphans at an early age. He and his sister were placed under the guardian- 
ship of their maternal grandparents. He received his education in the public 
schools of Oswego, and was graduated from the Normal school in June, 1882, the 
next year entering Cornell LTniversity, which he was, however, compelled to leave 
ere he finished his course, owing to a severe attack of malarial fever. While in the 
college he was actively engaged in athletics, and was a prominent member of the 
Zeta Psi fraternity. He is a member of Trumansburgh Lodge No. 157 F. & A. M., 
and of Fidelity Chapter No. 77, R. A. M., also of St. Augustine Commandery No. 
38 K. T. August 2, 1887, he married Eloise R. Hedden, of Heddens, Tompkins Co.. 
N. Y., who was educated at Wells College, and is the daughter of Wright A. and 
Loesa Hedden, and a granddaughter of Reuben Harvey and Mary AVager, one of 
the oldest families in this part of the county. Professor Scribner began teaching in 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 129 

a district school at the age of sixteen, and has been principal and superintendent 
during the past seven years, having during that time served as principal of the 
Union school at Alexandria Bay, Jefferson county, N. Y. , Parish Academy, and in 
Trumansburgh for the past three years, where his success has been ver}' flattering. 

Brotherton, George, was born in Sherman, Fairfield county, Conn., Septem- 
ber 21, 1826, was educated in the public schools, and in early life was a boot and 
shoemaker. In 1855 he turned his attention to farming, which he has since followed, 
having a portable engine for saw-mill work. The family came to reside in this 
county in 1850, and February 24 uf that year he married Annah M. Griffin, formerly 
of Roxbury, Delaware county, by whom he had three sons, William C. , Frank L. , 
and Charles H, William C. married first Frances L. Smith, of this town, and second 
Susie M. King, also of this town. They have one daughter. Mora M. Frank L. was 
also twice married, first to Mary Beeman, by whom he had two children, Eugenie and 
Laura. His second wife was Mary Medes of Cortland, by whom he has two daugh- 
ters, Beulah and Flossie. Charles H. married Mary Hmes of the town of Danby, 
and they have four sons and a daughter: Frank, Ray, Ralph C, Merritt, and Alice 
H. Mr. Brotherton's father, Zalmon, was born in Southport, Conn., about 1793 and 
was twice married, first to a Miss Pepper, by whom he had four children, and second 
to Rebecca Joyce, of his native place, by whom he had nine children: George, as 
above noted, David, Mary, Edwin, James, Flora, Betsey, Cordelia and Pamelia 
(twins). Mrs. Brotherton's- father, H. B. Griffin, was born in Westchester county 
about 1802, and married Rachael Jenkins, of Roxbury, Delaware county, by whom he 
had ten children : William, Lewis, Mary, John, Annah M., Jacob, Leonard C, Tre- 
man, Phoebe A., and W. Munson. Mr. Griffin died in 1858 and his wife about 1877. 
Mrs. Brotherton's grandfather, Benjamin Griffin, was a soldier in the Revolution. 
The ancestry of the family is English and French. 

Baldwin, Asa, one of the pioneers of Groton, was a native of Connecticut. His 
father's family consisted of four sons and two daughters, the former being: Daniel, 
William, Cyrus and Heman. The latter married Lucinda Brown, and had eight 
children: Helen, Benjamin, Carlos, Newton, Chauncey, Charles, William and Mary. 
Heman died in April, 1845, his widow surviving him. He was a successful farmer, 
leaving a good property, was a Republican, and a man of influence in the town. 
Newton was born August 5, 1842, and was reared on the farm. In 1861 he enlisted 
in Co. C, 76th N. Y. Vols., veteranized, and served three years and eleven months. 
At South Mountain he was wounded in the eye; was captured at the Wilderness, and 
confined for ten months and eleven days in the prison pens of Andersonville, Dans- 
ville, Salisbury, Charleston and Florence. He was finally paroled and exchanged, 
and rejoined his regiment, the 147th New York, he having been transferred to that 
command during his imprisonment. Returning at length to Groton, Mr. Baldwin 
became a carpenter and farmer, and has ever since been a resident of the town. In 
1886 he was elected justice of the peace and re-elected in 1887 and 1891. In 
1886 he was appointed postmaster at McLean, which office he held till the latter part 
of 1893. He was also constable of the town eight or nine years. In 1884 he married 
Mary, daughter of Vincent Hanchett, and they have two children. 

Benedict, Thomas, was a pioneer of Homer, as he was also of Groton, where he 
built a carding and saw mill, and later he settled at McLean, where he died. Of his 



130 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

children, but one, John, was a lifelong resident of this town. His children were: 
Albert D., Emiline, wife of Henry Boynton ; Esther, and David. John was a far- 
mer, lumberman and speculator, at which he accumulated property. Albert D., son 
of John, married first Betsey Hart, and by her had children as follows: John D., 
Esther and Julia. By his second wife, Anna Foot, he had no children. He was 
also a farmer and lumberman, and died April 14, 1890. John D. Benedict was born 
November 26, 1836, and has devoted his life to farming and lumbering. At the age 
of sixteen he went to Wisconsin with the determination to remain, but at the urgent 
request of his mother he returned to Groton, where he has since lived. In 1859 he 
married Frances Elizabeth Beach, by whom he. had four children. She died in 18T3, 
and he married second Betsey Brown. Mr. Benedict lives a quiet life in McLean, 
but is a man of influence in the locality. He is a Democrat, but not a politician. 

Bogart, David P., was born in Danby, March 12, 1831, and was educated in the 
common schools, to which he has added by close reading and observation. After 
leaving school he took up carpeiitry, which he foUowedfor some time, then purchased 
the property known as the Cristy farm in 1860, on which he erected a fine residence. 
At the age of twenty-eight our subject married Mary C. Teachout, by whom he has one 
son, George C. Mr. Bogart is a Democrat in politics, but has never aspired to polit- 
ical honors. He is the owner of 100 acres of fine farming lands, and gives his sole 
attention to home interests. 

Boyer, Herman E,, of Newfield, was born December 23, 1848, a son of Isaac, who 
was a native of Newfield also, born in 1800, and was one of the influential men in the 
early settlement of the county. He followed agriculture always, and married Cath- 
arine Austin, of Newfield, and of their eight children our subject was the youngest. 
He has followed his father's occupation, and owns 260 acres of land in Newfield. He 
is Democratic in his political views, but has never taken an active part in politics. 

Brown, Alvah D. , was born in Newfield, May 7, 1849. Alvah, sr. , was a native of 
Scranton, Pa. , and came to Lansing in 1806, and to Newfield in 1808, when a child. 
His father, Abraham, was a hotel keeper. Alvah, sr. , bought a farm of 300 acres of 
land, and made a specialty of the raising of cattle. February 26, 1832, he married 
Lydia Clark, and they were the parents of seven children. Of these Alvah was the 
youngest, being now forty-four years of age. The latter has followed lumbering and 
farming, and now owns aplace of 100 acres, as well as other places, and follows mixed 
farming. In 1870 he married Elizabeth Smith, by whom he has one child. He mar- 
ried second, in 1885 Luella Smith of this State, and they also have one child. Our 
subject is a member of the Grange, and has been justice of the peace, assessor, and 
notary public. 

Babcock, George W., was born in Owego, Tioga county, April 1, 1829, a son of 
Samuel, who came from the vicinity of Lake George about 1815. He had six children 
who reached adult age, of whom our subject was the second. The latter was edu- 
cated in the public schools, and at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to a carriage - 
maker, which trade he learned and carried on business for himself for a 3^ear before 
reaching his majority. He followed his trade till March 12, 1852, w^hen he entered 
the employ of the Erie Railroad Company as car builder, locating at Elniira. He 
remained with the company for twenty- two years, occupying positions of responsi- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 181 

bility. August 4, 1875, he engaged with the Lehigh Valley Railroad Companj^ to 
take charge of their shops for car building, wrecking, etc. Fifty men are employed 
in the shops under Mr. Babcock, and forty-four are on the road. In all his experi- 
ence in railroading he has never had an accident to one of his men. He is a Repub- 
lican and was the first alderman from the First Ward when Ithaca was made a city, 
serving two years. He was also alderman in Owego three terms. He is a Mason of 
De Maly Commandery of Hornellsville. In 1848 Mr. Babcock married Angeline 
Searles, of Owego, by whom he has one son and one daughter. 

Bush, Nelson, of Newfield, was born in Orange county, August 20, 1826. His life 
has been spent on the farm, with which business he is familiar in all its branches, 
having followed it from early boyhood. His father dying when our subject was 
quite young, theresponsibility was largely thrown on his young shoulders. Mr. Bush 
has been twice married, his children being, by his first wife, William Elliot, and bj^ 
his second wife, Charles W. , Minnie, and Nelson, jr. All reside at home. Mr. Bush 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, King Hiram Lodge No. 784, and also a 
Granger. In politics he is a Republican. 

Burton, Orrin W.-, was born in the town of Dryden, June 5, 1839. His father, Acus 
Burton, was born in Madison county, and came to Tompkins county in 1830 and set- 
tled on lot 55 and spent his life of eighty-eight years in the town. Orrin W. Burton 
was educated in the common school to which he added through life by reading and 
close observation. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. F, 76th N. Y. Volunteers, and was at 
the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, South Mountain, Antietam, the Wil- 
derness, Second Bull Run, Gaines' Mill, and a large number of smaller engagements. 
At South Mountain he received a slight wound in the hip but continued in active 
service. At the battle of the Wilderiiess he was taken prisoner and sent to Ander- 
sonville, being confined there for ten months. On being released his actual weight 
was ninety pounds. He received an honorable discharge, March 9, 1865. At the age 
of twenty-six he married AlmiraC. Stearnes, daughter of Chas. Stearnes, of Dryden, 
and they have two children, Orrin N. and Chas A. In 1868 he bought part of the 
Willey property, in 1881 he bought the Thos. Mineah farm, having eighty -four acres, 
and raising hay, grain and stock. Our subject is a well known man in his town 
respected for his sterling worth and integrity. 

Bower, Jacob, was born in the town of Newfield October 23, 1815, a son of Jacob, 
a native of Pennsylvania, who always followed farming and working at his trade of 
making pails. He finally came to Newfield where he lived to be eighty years of age. 
His wife was Sophia Harris, of Pennsylvania, and they were the parents of eleven 
children, Jacob being the tenth. The latter married Sallie J. Hoffman, of Ca- 
yuga count}' first, and his second wife was the Widow Drake. Mr. Bower has had eight 
children, but five of whom are living. He is a farmer and a Democrat. 

Bruce, Mathias D., was born in the town of Hector, April 29, 1816. He was edu- 
cated in the district schools, and after leaving school he began farming. At the age 
of twenty-nine he married Martha Van Vlack, daughter of Jacob Van Vlack, of En- 
field, by whom he has had four children. In 1847 he moved to the town of Danby 
and bought the farm known as the Moses Barpo farm of fifty-six acres, to which he 
afterwards added about 100 acres. He is a Republican in politics, having been asses- 



132 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

sor for some years. He takes an intelligent interest in educational and religious 
matters. Our subject is a leading man of the town, being connected with all the lo- 
cal enterprises of the locality. He has served as director in the Danby Mutual Fire 
Insurance Co. for thirty-three years, and is known as a practical and successful far- 
mer. 

Ashtou, James, was a native of White Creek, Washington county, and became a 
farmer and resident of Groton in 1830, locatmg south of the village. Here he lived 
twenty years, then moved to the excellent farm now occupied by his son, George W. 
Ashton. The wife of James was Susan Rayinond, and both are remembered as 
highly respected residents of the town. The wife died in 1872 and James November 
8, 1888, being then more than ninety years old. Their children were: George, who 
now owns the old homestead ; Elizabeth Jane, who died in infancy ; Mary R. 
who married Allen Hakes; Thomas K., a member of Co. K, 10th Cavalry, enlisted 
in 1862, captured and confined in Libby and Andersonville prisons, dying in the 
latter ; Jenny, who married Nelson Halliday, and after his death, Charles T. Gray, 
and is now living in Groton; Harrison, of Auburn; Emily E. , who married A. J. 
Baldwin; and Joseph J., who died in Virginia. Nelson Halliday and Jenny Ashton 
were married January 8, 1863. Their children were : Everett N. , Mary Frances, and 
Grace Townsend, the latter being a child by adoption. Mr. Hallida}^ died in 1870, 
and in 1876 his widow married Charles T. Gray. 

Almy, ErastusC, was born in Enfield, Ma}- 6, 1855, was educated in the public 
schools and the Ithaca Academy, and has had a variety of occupations. He has 
been a school teacher, a traveling salesman, a farmer, postmaster at Jacksonville 
for the past four years, and has also conducted a general store for five years. Jan- 
uary 23, 1889, he married Carrie Farrington, of this town. Mr. Almy's father, Brad- 
ford L., was born in Ithaca, October 25, 1819, and was a mechanic and farmer by 
occupation. He married first Mariette Cronk, of Ulysses, by whom he had five chil- 
den : Bradford, William M. , Eliza A. , Henry C. and Erastus C. Mrs. Almy died 
April 9, 1864, and he married second Elizabeth Dunham, of Enfield, by whom he had 
one daughter, Cora M. Mr. Almy died January 12, 1892, and his wife survives him. 

Albright, J. B. of Newfield, was born in New Jersey September 2, 1815. Jacob, 
his father, also of New Jersey, was born in 1785, and settled in Tioga county in 1827, 
taking up farming, which he followed up to near his death, in 1882, at the age of 
ninety-six years. He married Abigail Baird, of New Jersey; they had ten children. 
Of these our subject was the second. He fohowed farming and working at the lum- 
ber business for ten years, but has been a cripple and unable to do manual work for 
the past fifteen years, and for nine years has not been able to stand. In 1845 he 
married Mary A. Gibbs, of this county, and they have had two children, twins, Au- 
gustus, who died aged eighteen months, and Augustine, the latter dying at forty 
years of age, leaving three orphan children, the youngest being eleven years and the 
oldest eighteen, all living with their grandparents. In poHtics he is a Democrat. 

Avery, Oliver, the pioneer of the large and respected family of that name in Gro- 
ton, was born at Charlmont, Mass. , May 3, 1797, and came to this locality at the age of 
twenty-three. He worked at his trade of cabinetmaker and carpenter at various 
places, in this region, and finally located at Groton, ownmg the first cabinet shop in 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 133 

the village. April 8, 1825, he married Hannah, daughter of Nehemiah Webb, and 
their children were: Frederick A., born January 7, 1826; Abigail B., born December 
7, 1827; Albert, born November 18, 1829; died May 3, 1831; Marcy, born June 1, 
1832; Amos, born August 13, 1834; Oliver, born September 26, 1836; Hannah, born 
September 14, 1838 ; died January 14, 1839 ; David, born August 15, 1840, died at 
Carson City, Nev., March 3, 1889; and Edward M., born February 28, 1849. Most 
of these sons became like their father, mechanics, and useful citizens of Groton. 
Oliver and his wife both died m Groton, the former November 13, 1877, and the latter 
March 22, 1883. Oliver, jr., at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to Lyman and 
Charles Perrigo, machinists and founders of Groton, and after four years he became 
a journeyman workman and continued there several years, when he w-ent to Owego 
and established himself in business. April 25, 1861, fie enlisted in Co. H, 3d Regt. 
N. Y. Vols, and reached the front in time to participate in the battle of Bethel. ' At 
the end of his term of enlistment, May 21, 1863, he was mustered out and returned 
home. He went again to Owego, but a year later returned to Groton and bought 
an interest in the Perrigo factory, and was connected with it under various propri- 
etorships until the concern was merged in the extensive works of the Bridge Com- 
pany, since which he been in the pattern department. November 20, 1873-, he mar- 
ried Helen M., daughter of Henry Allen, a descendant of one of Groton's pioneer 
families, and they have had six children, all now living. 

Beers, Lucien B. , was born September- 5, 1836, in the town of Danb}' and educated 
in the district schools. At the age of twenty-five he married Belle A. Bennett, 
daughter of Walker Bennett, of the town of Danby, and they have one son. Mr. 
Beers is a Republican in politics, and has been assessor for the past eight years. His 
father, Andrew, who died in 1875 at the age of seventy-years, was one of the earliest 
settlers in this town. After his death the homestead of 150 acres fell to Lucien B., 
who resides thereon. The produce of the farm is chiefly hay, grain and stock. Mr. 
Beers is a practical and successful farmer. 

Wood, Charles E., was born in Groton, October 17, 1854, a son of Frank Wood, 
also of Groton, who followed shoemaking in that town. He married Julia, daughter 
of Joseph and Sarah Nickerson, of Ithaca. During his boyhood days Mr. Wood at- 
tended the Groton Academy, but at the age of fourteen he began to earn his own 
living, following farming for a time, then learned the tinner's trade in Ludlowville, 
living with his employer. This vocation he followed fifteen years, during which time 
he worked one year in Coldwater, Mich. In 1886 he bought the hardware business 
which he now conducts, also having in connection a tinshop. Mr. Wood's activitj' in 
local government has gained for hinx a prominent place among his townsmen. He 
was elected collector for two successive years, and in 1888 was elected town clerk, 
which position he has occupied five years. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster of 
Ludlo^wille, Avhich office he held four and a half years. December 27, 1874, he mar- 
ried Hattie, daughter of S. B. and Hester (Cromwell) Ha5'es, of Ludlowville, and 
they have had one child, Florence, born October 17, 1876. He is a member of the 
order of I. O. O. F. and in politics is a Republican. 

Patch, Horace E., was born in the town of Caroline, May 12, 1832. Nathan Patch, 
his father, was a native of Worcester, Mass., came to this countrj^ when quite young, 
marrying Mercy Perry, who was born in Peru, Berkshire county, Mass. They 



134 LANDMARK.S OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

raised a family of seven cTiildren. Horace E., their third son, worked at home and 
attended the district school tmtil he. became of age, acquiring a good common school 
education. After that time he rented his father's farm until the year 1867; he then 
bought what was known as the Perry farm near Speedsville, and has since that time 
resided there, devoting his thought and energy to dairymg and stock raising. lu 
1859 he was happily married to Olive Preston, a native of Carohne Center, who spent 
some time attending the Ithaca Academy, fitting herself for a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. 
Patch have but one child, Florence Luella, wife of O. H. Wright, a jeweler of Ithaca. 
She was educated in the High School of Ithaca. Mr. Patch is a Republican, having 
served his town six years as assessor. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandrj^, 
and has acted 'as their insurance director for the past eighteen years. 

Peters, John J., was born in Philadelphia, Pa., August 7, 1825. John W., his 
father, was cashier of the old Philadelphia Bank from the age of twenty-one until his 
death. Our subject came to Ithaca when young and lived with Miss Mary Linn, an 
aunt, afterwards moving to Caroline where he lived with his brother-in-law, James 
R. Speed, who came from one of the first settlers of the place. The father of the 
latter was Dr. Joseph Speed, whose medical diploma had the signature of Dr. Rush, 
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. John J. Peters lived for eight 
years with his brother-in-law. He married in 1848 Mary, daughter of Jonathan 
Snow, and they have three children: Sarah L. Clark, Hattie L. Doty, and Henrj- L. 
Peters, the latter being in the store of Hawkins & Todd, of Ithaca. John J. Peters 
was educated m Pennsylvania at Nazareth Hall, a boarding school for boys. He is 
a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Caroline Lodge No. 681, and a member of the 
M. E. church. 

Quick, Mary J., was born in Livmgston county, N. Y. , March 5, 1837. Her 
husband, Frederick, left his home twenty-five years ago, and is supposed to be dead. 
Mrs. Quick is the daughter of Jonathan Haynes, she being the third child of a family 
of eight children. With the assistance of her son she has carried on the farm since 
her husband left home, and they have a small dairy connected with the place. 
Edith M. , daughter of Mrs. Quick, died at the age of twenty-six years. Mrs. Quick 
is a devout member of the M. E. church. 

Pearsall, Frank S., was born in Manhassett, L. I., June 18, 1842, was educated in 
the schools of his time, and the greater part of his life has been devoted to the useful 
occupation of farming. He came to this county in 1860, and in 1868 married 
E. Vanlora Boardman of Covert, Seneca county, and they have had eight children : 
Elizabeth B., Harry B., Adrian C, Lillian Pearl, Anna, and Grace, besides two who 
died in infancy. Mr. Pearsall's father, Charles W., was born in Bayside, L. I., 
August' 13, 1803, and married Phoebe Pearsall, of Long Island, born in 1812. Of 
their seven children, two died in infancy, and the others were: Edmund, Mary W., 
Frank S., Warren M., and Charlotte I. He died May 18, 1861, and his wife in 1883. 
Mrs. Pearsall's father, Harry Boardman, was born in Covert, February 10, 1808, was 
educated in the public schools, and Hobart College, Geneva. January 31, 1839, he 
married Elizabeth S. Owen, of Perry Cit}^ Schuyler count}^, and they have had three 
children: L. Vashti, E. Vanlora, as above noted, and Curtiss who died while 
attending Cornell University. Mr. Boardman died August 27, 1882, and his wife 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 135 

May 27, 1878. The ancestr}^ of this family is English and Welsh, The Pearsalls 
were Friends in their religious belief. 

Putney, George E. , was born in Howells, town of Waliiill, Orange county, February 
19, 1851, the eldest son of Dr. George E. Putney of that town who was a physician 
and druggist, dying in 1883 at the age of fifty-three years. Our subject was educated 
in the Walkill Academy in the city of Middletown, and went into his father's drtig 
store before he was ten years old. In 1867 he went as a clerk in a drug store at 
Orange, N. J., and a year later was located in Cortland. In 1874 he opened a drug- 
store at Farmer V^illage, Seneca count}'-, which he conducted for two years, then came 
to Ithaca to take charge of Dr. David White's drug store. In 1877 he started a store 
at the corner of West State and Corn streets which he conducted twelve years, then 
moved to the corner of State and Plain streets, selling out to McClure & Fisher in 
1889. He then opened the drug store now conducted by J. B. Todd on North Aurora 
street, and after one year bought M. Shepard's grocery and confectionery store, 
which he ran until November 1, 1891, then bought the drug store of F. R. Mix at 107 
North Cayuga street, where he carries a complete line of drugs, chemicals, stationery, 
toilet articles, etc. Mr. Putney is a manufacturing pharmacist, whose goods ma}^ be 
found in many of the leading stores in the county. He is a member of the K. of H. 
and of the Aurora street church. May 1, 1872, he married Helen F. Ashley, of 
Groton, and they have three sons and a daughter. The oldest son is a student of 
pharmacy with his father. 

Peters, Jacob, was born in Switzeidand, February 18, 1855, and came to this country 
in the fall of 1881. He was educated in the schools of his native land, and it was 
intended that he become a civil engineer, but while in the gymnasium he decided to 
take up architecture, and took a special course in that study together with mechanics 
of building. After finishing his classical course Mr. Peters entered the Military 
Academy at Zurich, from which he was commissioned as lieutenant, serving a year 
in the army, and then coming to America. On landing he came direct to Ithaca, 
where he followed his line of business five years, and in 1886 took his first contract in 
this city. He has erected a large number of residences, and was the contractor in 
the erection of the West brothers' block on State street, and one of the buildings on 
the new agricultural building for Cornell University. Mr. Peters is a member of 
Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 51, Eagle Chapter No. 58, and Ithaca Council No. 
69, St. Augustine Commandery No. 38, and a member of Damascus Temple at 
Rochester. Mr. Peters is a Democrat in politics and in 1889 was elected alderman of 
the first ward, which office he held two years. The year he immigrated he was 
married to Mary Tugley and they have one daughter, Mary. 

Perrigo, Charles, was born at Canajoharie, September 22, 1817, the son of Martin 
B. Perrigo, a tanner, currier and shoemaker. At the age of nineteen Charles was 
a]:iprenticed to a founder at Genoa, where he worked four years, and afterwards at 
Skaneateles and Geneva. In 1849 he came to Groton and started a foundry, now a 
part of the Bridge Company's extensive works. For about thirty-seven years Mr. 
Perrigo conducted a highly successful business, and during that time was also iden- 
tified with other prominent interests of the village. In 1865 he was one of the 
organizers of the First National Bank of Groton, was its first president and held that 
position until January 14, 1890. He retired from active business life about seven 



136 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINvS COUNTY. 

years ago. In 1844 Charles Perrigo married Adelia Jessup, by whom he had one 
child, Urania, wife of Charles vS. Barney, of Groton. His wife died in 1853, and in 
1855 he married Fanny Jessup, sister-in-law of his first, by whom he had two children, 
both of whom died during childhood. His second wife died in 1861, and he married 
third, Minnie S. Williams, sister of Professor Williams, of Cornell University, by 
whom he has one child, now the wife of Alvin Booth. The third wife died April 19, 
1893. Mr. Perrigo was originally a Whig, later a Republican, and was one of the 
organizers of the latter party in the county. Although an earnest partisan Mr. 
Perrigo has not been in any sense a politician. He was at one time a member of the 
Board of Education, and also president of the Board of Water Commissioners of 
Groton village. 

Reynolds, William, was born in the town of Niles, Cayuga county, July 25, 1851. 
His father, David Reynolds, was a native of that town. Our subject was educated 
in the common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close 
observation. At the age of twenty-one he married Elizabeth Graves, and they have 
one son, George Reynolds. He takes the Democratic side in politics and an active 
interest in educational and religious matters. Through life he has followed the 
business of milling, commencing at ten years of age. In July, 1893, he bought the 
Red Mills at Freeville, where he does a general milling business, having one of the 
best water powers in the State. Our subject is known in his town as an active, 
energetic business man of conservative and independent character. 

Rummer, Gabriel, was born in the town of Dryden, May 29, 1848. His father, 
Eli Rummer, was a native of the town in which he spent his life of sixty years, born 
in 1820, and passing awa}^ in 1880. Our subject was educated in the common schools 
and in Dryden Academy under Jackson Graves. At the age of twenty he married 
Licetna Johnson, daugter of Philo A. Johnson, who died in 1892. In 1893 he bought 
the John Morgan property of sixty acres, on which he raises hay, grain and stock, 
making a specialt}' of dairying. He takes the Republican side in politics and an 
active interest in school and church matters. In 1893 he bought the Lombard stock 
of boots and shoes in connection with his son, Charles E. Rummer, and they are the 
leading merchants in their line in the town of Dryden. He is noted for energy and 
business ability. 

Rhodes, Bertrand, was born in the west portion of the town of Dryden, Maj^ 30, 
1837. His father, W. S. Rhodes, was born in Dryden in 1812, and spent his life-time 
of sixty-six years as a farmer, also engaging in the lumber business. Bertrand 
Rhodes received a common school education, but through force of character soon 
became known as one of the prominent farmers of his town, having 126 acres of land, 
a part of his father's estate, to which he has added different pieces of adjoining 
property. At the age of twenty-six he married Maggie Brennan, who died in 1874, 
leaving four sons, Elmer, Earl, William, and Orra. In 1876 he married Ro.sa 
Fogarty, daughter of John Fogarty, of Dryden, and they have one daughter, 
Estella. He takes the Democratic side in politics and an intelligent interest in edu- 
cational and religious matters. He is a progressive well informed citizen, keeping 
well abreast of the times and recognized in his town as a practical and successful 
farmer. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 137 

Puff, John L., was born June 15, 1833, at Bayonne Point, N. J. He was a farmer 
until twenty years of age. At tliat time he entered the store of P. S. Dudley as clerk, 
without making- any bargain or knowing the salary he was to receive. He remained 
for five years. At this time he entered into partnership with Mr. Bush, each buying 
one-half interest; afterward he formed a partnership with John W. Dean, which 
lasted for seven years. He next bought Mr. Dean's interest, then sold to Mr. Kel- 
logg, and took an interest in the firm of Pierson, Puff & Co. Mr. Pierson retiring, 
the firm became J. L. Puft' & Co., now changed to J. L. Puff & Son, doing a business 
m general merchandise. In 1858 he married Mary L. Dudley, and their children 
were : Adah A. , La Monte D. , and Katie E. , who died at the age of seventeen years. 
Mr. Puff is a Republican, and was supervisor of the town in 1864 and 1865. He is a 
member of the Masonic Fraternity, King Hiram Lodge No. 784, and his son is also 
a Mason. 

Pierce, Ebenezer, known as Captain Pierce, was a native of Massachusetts, and 
came with his family to Groton soon after the War of 1812, and settled in the Bear 
Swamp neighborhood. His wife was Hannah Spooner, and their children were: 
Susan, who married David Teeter, and lived and died in Groton; Otis, born in 1821, 
married Mary Ann Savacool, and died December 24, 1879; J. Prescott, living in Free- 
ville, N. Y. , a minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection. His first wife was 
Phebe J. Moe, who died in Peruville, N. Y., August 9, 1889; his second wife was 
Mrs. Jane E. Lane, widow of Isaac Lane; she died in Freeville, September 18, 1893; 
he married third Mrs. Louisa Johnston, April 13, 1893, widow of Ira Johnston, of 
Wellsboro, Pa. ; Harrison, born in 1826, living in Ohio, married Rachel Gray, who 
died in February, 1893; Phebe Jane, who married Luther Townley; Stillman, born 
in 1832, married Emeline, daughter of Dr. Isaac Underwood, in 1855, and died in 
Peruville in July, 1864 ; and Zeno, born in 1830, married Caroline Morgan in 1854, 
and died in February, 1880, at Groton. Captain Pierce was a large and successful 
farmer of Groton, and a man highly respected in the community. He was a strong 
Whig, and later on a Republican. He was a member of the Baptist church. He died 
in the spring of 1858, and his wife in 1888. Moses, son of Captain Pierce, pioneer, 
was born in Groton in 1831, was brought up and has always lived on a farm, and 
while not a large farmer, there are none whose farms are kept under better cultiva- 
tion. In 1853 Mr. Pierce married Elizabeth, daughter of William Underwood, of 
Groton. Mrs. Pierce died April 25, 1891. 

Palmer, William O., was born in Orange county. Mount Hope, July 27, 1830, 
Daniel, his father, was a native of this State, and was a cabinetmaker and farmer. 
William O. was always an agriculturist, at one time owning three farms. He died 
September 27, 1893. His education was acquired in the common schools, where he 
was a bright scholar. March 29, 1857, he married Mary A. Linderman, of Tompkins 
county, a daughter of Harvey Linderman, and they were the parents of two children , 
Ida and Emma, twins, who are both married and reside in this county. Mr. Palmer 
was a member of the Newfield Lodge, and was a Democrat. 

Pinckney, the late Henry, was born in New York city, January 21, 1800, and came 
with his parents to this county when two years old. He received his education in 
the district schools, and was always a farmer. He married first Harriet Owen, of 



138 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

this town, and they had one son, Owen. For his second wife he married CaroHne S. 
FoUett, of the town of Enfield, and they had seven children: Harriet, Margaret, 
Webb, John, Jay, Levett, and Fred. Mr. Pinckney died December 2, 1878, and his 
widow survives. Fred married Susie Kirby of this town. Mrs. Pinckney's father, 
Silas FoUett, was born in Winchester, January 28, 1786, and married first Hannah 
May, by whom he had four children, Fanny, Emily, Harriet, and Sophronia. He 
married second Nancy Curry, of this county, and they had nine children: William, 
James, Carohne, John, Betsey, Alexander, Lutherna, PameliaS., and Mary. He 
died October 1, 1864, and his wife August 23, 1862. Jay Pinckney now conducts the 
farm, Levett and Fred now owning a farm together next to the county house farm. 

Palmer, H. B., of Newiield, was born in Orange county, October 12, 1822, a son of 
Daniel Palmer, who was a native of Orange county, but removed to this locality in 
1832, settling in the town of Newfield, in what was known as the Sebrmg Settlement. 
Later he removed to Enfield, but returned again to the Settlement, and there he died 
in 1872. His wife was Phoebe Horton, of Orange county, by whom he had thirteen 
children, of whom our subject was the seventh, being now seventy-one years of age. 
The latter has always been a farmer and tobacco raiser, and at one time operated a 
saw mill. July 1, 1846, he married Catharine Smith, of this county, a daughter of 
Nathan Smith, a native of Dutchess county, having removed to this locality in 1832, 
by whom he had three children: Sarah J., who died aged eighteen months; Lucy M., 
and Helen L. , both of whom live at home, and both are artists in oil. Mrs. Palmer 
died in April, 1891. Our subject is a member of the Grange, is a Republican in poli- 
tics, and at present is postmaster at Stratton's. 

Quigg, James, was born in Ithaca, July 29, 1821, a son of David Quigg, a native of 
New Hampshire, who came the first time to this section in 1801 and located in Spen- 
cer, where he tried farming, but gave it up in disgust and returned to his native 
State, and the next year moved to Ithaca and established a mercantile business, con- 
ducting a general store in a log house on Linn street, where artist Beardsley's resi- 
dence now is ; after a few years locating in a frame building opposite the Tompkins 
House. His whole life was devoted to the mercantile business, and closed December 
17, 1862, ripe with years and the honor of his townspeople. Our subject was edu- 
cated in the Ithaca Academy, and all spare hours were spent in the store. In the 
fall of 1847 the father gave up the business and the firm became John William and 
James Quigg, the sons of the establisher. This firm continued until the death of J. 
William, November 23, 1865, since which time James has continued alone. This 
firm was for many years large shippers of produce, but have now given that up and 
conduct only a store. In 1852 they bought the property on State street, where the 
store has since been located. Mr. Quigg married in 1848 Julia A. Rose, of Chenango 
county, and they have had three children, only one now living, Mrs. Whitney New- 
ton, of Pueblo, Col. 

Reynolds, Robert Crandall, came to Groton about 1816, and from that time until 
his death, February 15, 1874, was one of the foremost men of the town. He was 
generous and public spirited in all local interests, especially educational matters, be- 
ing one of the founders of the old academy and one of its chief supporters, sending 
many a poor youth to the institution at his own expense, who could not otherwise 
have enjoyed those privileges. Mr. Reynolds was born in Bristol, Mass., June 6, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. ■ 139 

1792, one of two sons of Gideon Reynolds, a shoemaker of Bristol, who came to Her- 
kimer county, where he met with an accidental death. On coming to Groton our 
subject started in trade with Jeremiah Stevens, and also ptirchased the old Groton 
Hotel, added to it, and was its proprietor for about twenty-five years. At the same 
time he was engaged in other entei-prises, remaining in active business till 1866, 
when he retired with a well earned competency. His wife was Louisa Stevens, a 
lady of refinement and education, who died July 20, 1866. They had no children. 
Mr. Reynolds was a firm Democrat, but .sought no political preferment. Samuel 
Clark Reynolds was the nephew of Robert C, and became a resident of Groton in 
1852, having been born in Herkimer county, February 28, 1833, the son of William 
Reynolds. On coming to the village Samuel was a clerk in the employ of his uncle, 
and in later years became his business partner (1855-66). Robert was succeeded in 
1866 by H. K. Clark. In 1880 Samuel retired from active business, and has since 
been a traveling salesman. Like his uncle, Mr. Reynolds has ever been a staunch 
Democrat, and has been candidate for the Assembly. October 27, 1859, he married 
Mary, daughter of Sidney Gooding, and they have had three children. 

Reed, Levi H., was born in the town of Ithaca, December 8, 1824. His father, 
Andrew W., came to Tompkins county in 1806, and settled in the town of Ulysses, 
there being only one frame house in Ithaca at the time of his arrival. L. H. Reed 
was educated in the common schools and is a self-made and self-educated man. At 
the age of twenty-five he married Susan Manning, who died in 1851, and in 1856 he 
married Katie A. Morris, daughter or John Morris, of Lansing, and they have two 
children: Edgar J., and Susan C. In 1850 he bought the George Brown farm of 
fifty acres. In 1870 he bought part of the Warren D. Ellis property, and in 1872 he 
bought part of the Scott property, adding in 1888 a section of the Horace and William 
Smith, and now has 125 acres in all, making a specialty of hay, though he raises grain 
and the usual crops also. He is one of the substantial men of the town, taking an 
active interest in education and religious matters. 

Rood, G. L., M. D., was born in Centre Lisle, Broome county, N. Y., July 16, 1855, 
and was educated in the common schools and afterwards graduated from Starkey 
Academy and then made a trip west, and on his return took a course of medical 
study, and in 1882 graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio , 
and then returned and established a general practice of medicine in Etna. At the 
age of twenty-eight he married Ida A. Ayers, daughter of Job Ayers, of Richford, 
Tioga county, N. Y. They have two children, one son, Vaughn, and a daughter, 
Olive. He takes the Republican side in politics and also an active interest in school 
and church matters and in advancing the best interests of his town, where he is 
recognized as a citizen of ability and high merit. 

Roper, Luther, was born October 12, 1826, in the town of Danby, and was educated 
in the district schools, to which he has added by intelligent reading and close obser- 
vation. At the age of twenty-four he married Fannie M, Egbert, by whom he had 
two sons and a daughter. The eldest, W. E. Roper, is now a practicing physician in 
Candor. The other son, T. Eugene Roper, is also a physician, located in Pueblo, 
Colo. The daughter, Mary E. , died, aged twenty-two. Our subject is a Republican 
in politics, and is interested in all matters relating to education aud religion, being 
connected with the old Presbyterian church of Danby. He is a practical and sue- 



140 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

cessful farmer, cultivating 150 acres of land on which he raises large crops of hay 
and grain. 

Roe, Moses, was born in the town of Danby, now part of Caroline, March 12, 1822. 
He has always been a carpenter and joiner, having followed the same for forty years, 
in connection with his farm work. He has a place consisting of about fourteen acres 
of fine farm land. July 4, 1843, Mr. Roe married Margaret A. Barnard, of Ulysses, 
and they are the parents of eight children, of whom one son and one daughter live 
at home, all the others being married and away. They have celebrated their 
fiftieth marriage anniversary, with all their children around them. William Roe, the 
great-grandfather of our subject, was a quartermaster in the colonial army under 
General Washington, and lived to a good old age, all the family being long lived. 
Our subject is a member of the G. A. R. , and also of the Grange, and is a Republican 
in politics. 

Rowe, Judge Jerome, deceased, was a native of Berkshire county, Mass., was edu- 
cated at Union College, and followed teaching till 1857, when he took up the study 
of law. He was a man of very extended education, being the master of seven 
languages, and he practiced his profession in Ithaca for twenty-one years. He was 
a soldier in the late war, leading the first company from this county as their 
captain. Since his death his wife, Mrs. Fannie P. Rowe, has taken up the work he 
left undone, and has become a pension attorney of considerable prominence, having 
made a specialty of rejected claims. It was her first intention only to prove her own 
claim, but her successful securing of it and others for some of her friends, induced 
her to follow it as a profession, and she has been very successful. Mrs. Rowe was 
appointed by Governor Hill as notary public in 1885, and has held the office con- 
tinuously since. Judge Rowe died July 30, 1878, leaving four children, three now 
living. Bertrand P. is a graduate of Cornell, class of 1892; Anna M. is a teacher in 
Central School, and Mildred L. is a student at the Grammar School. 

Rubin, Henry, is a native of Russian Poland, and came to this country in 1868. 
He was a student of photography in his native land, and when he landed in this 
country, went immediately to Ithaca, and for a few years was engaged in painting 
and crayon work. In 1876 he bought out the gallery at 28 and 30 State street, of John 
C. Gauntlet, sr. , where he has ever since been in business. Mr. Rubin has acquired 
a reputation for fine work, and exactness and neatness second to none. He is 
prepared at all times to enlarge either m painting or crayon work. Mr. Rubin is a 
member of the Society of United Friends. He married in his native land, and is the 
father of one son and one daughter. The gallery where he is now located is not the 
same one in which he started in, but after spending five years at 28 and 30 State 
street, he removed to 15 and 17 State street, where he has large and commodious 
parlors, fully equipped for all kinds of photographic work. 

Randolph, Frederick P. , was born in the town of Ithaca, November 22, 1836, a son 
of Isaac, a native of Dutchess county, who came here in 1809, a mason and builder by 
trade. Among his buildings maybe mentioned the old Town Hall, and the residence 
built for General Hubbell on Geneva street. He died here in 1873, aged eightj^-four 
years. Frederick P. was the third son in a family of seven children, and his whole 
life has been spent in this city. At the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to Henry 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 141 

H. Moore to learn the carpenter's trade, serving three years and eight months, and 
after his time expired he remained two years longer. He was a journeyman carpenter 
about four years, then took his first building contract at the age of twenty-five. 
Among some of the buildings for which he contracted may be mentioned the resi- 
dences of O. G. Howard, Mrs. Vail, D. W. Burdick, and the Unitarian church, the Reed 
block, HoUister hotel, and the annex of the High School. He is a Republican and a 
member of Aurora Street Methodist Church, of which he was for many years a 
trustee. In 1854 he married Adelaide, daughter or Selah T. Benjamin, a harness- 
maker, of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Randolph had one daughter, Mary Ella, who 
died November 18, 1866, aged twelve years. He has a fine residence, with office in 
the rear, built in 1875. 

Robertson, Orris, was born in Lansing, March 18, 1855, the son of Thomas 
Robertson, a native of Saratoga county, born January 2, 1798, whose parents were 
George and Mary (Smith) Robertson. Thomas spent his life on the farm, and was 
constable for Dryden twelve consecutive years. He was also collector and deputy 
sherift" several years. In the j^ear 1829 he was elected sherilf. In 1830 he married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Mary Teeter, of Lansing, and they had ten 
children: Newton, born August 29, 1882; Olive, born July 15, 1834; Rome, born 
June 1, 1836 (deceased) ; Mary, born March 27, 1838; Jane, born February 7, 1840, 
wife of Stroud Bush, of Lansing; Fame, born Februarj^ 11, 1842, wife of Samuel 
Smith, of Lansing; Paris, born July 2, 1844; Serene, born March 28, 1846, wife of 
J. B. Spaulding, of LTlysses; Homer T., born March 4, 1849 (deceased); and Orris, 
born March 18, 1855. In 1832 Mr. Robertson moved to Lansing, where he died in 
1886, and his wife in 1884. Orris Robertson was educated in the district schools, 
and at the age of twenty-one left home and spent some years in various enterprises. 
In 1882 'he returned home and took charge of the farm, which became his at the 
death of his father. In 1883 he married Louise Jewell, born in 1866, daughter of 
Monroe and Hannah (Dixon) Jewell, of Danby. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have had 
three children: Glen, born October 25, 1884; EHzabeth H., born June 27, 1889; 
Elma, born January 11, 1894. Mr. Robertson is a Republican. 

Rudy, Henry, jr., was born in Ulysses, July 15, 1835, at the old homestead. He 
was educated in the common schools and two terms at Trumansburgh Academy. 
He was one of a family of nine children, and grew to manhood on the home farm. 
At the age of twenty-one he began teaching school, and taught three winters. In 
1857 he went to Rockford, 111., and taught school two winters in the town of Owen. 
In the spring of 1858 he went on the Dakota frontier and assisted in the survey of 
Sioux Falls town site, remainmg there through the summer. He returned to the 
home farm in 1859. August 22, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, 137th N. Y. Vols. ; 
was promoted to sergeant, and at Lookout Mountain to first lieutenant. He took 
part in eighteen engagements, including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Lookout 
Mountain ; was with Sherman in the great march to the sea. He was wounded three 
times — once in his side, was shot through the neck, and received a shell wound in his 
forehead, and was twice carried off the field for dead. He missed only one engage- 
ment the regiment was in, because in the hospital thirty-two days from scurvy, 
sores on legs, during a three years' service. He was mustered out by reason of the 
close of the war, in June, 1865, and received an honorable discharge. He is not 



143 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

pensioned. June 18, 1872, he married Cora C. Sirrine, of Trumansburgh ; tliey have 
had two children; Arthur H., born September 12, 1873, died August 22, 1879, and 
Laura C, who is living at home. Mr. Rudy continued farming some years after the 
war, but is now retired from active labor, and is living in the village of Trumansburgh. 
His father, Henry Rudy, sr., was born on his father's farm near where he settled 
January 31, 1803, and died December 14, 1893. He married Eleanor Owen, of 
Hector, by whom he had nine children: Lewis, Ann, Miner, John, Henry, jr., Mary, 
James, William, and Julia. Mr. Rudy, since his retirement, has been active for the 
public, having been president of the Fair for three years and a director, member of 
the school board, church trustee and deacon of the Baptist church, president of the 
Board of Health, and post commander of Treman Post, G. A. R. No. 572. John 
Rudy, grandfather of the subject, was born in Bucks county. Pa., February 22, 1774, 
and settled near Trumansburgh in 1800. His wife, Lucy Eashng, was born in 
Ulysses, April 27, 1784, and died March 9, 1843 ; he died January 14, 1833. 

Wartrous, Ezra Jason, was born in Freetown, Cortland county, March 3, 1814, one 
of thirteen children of Austin and Sally (Backus) Wartrous. Ezra was brought up 
on the farm, and at the age of twenty-three started for himself, traveling forawagon 
company. In 1851 he came to Groton and bought a farm, and thereafter was 
recognized as a progressive and successful farmer for a period of thirty-three years. 
He retired from active work about ten years ago, and in 1889 purchased the beautiful 
residence and property formerly owned by Dye Williams. Mr. Wartrous married 
Julia, daughter of Judge Walton Swetland, a distinguished member of the old 
Cortland county bar, and they had three -children: Martha, wife of D. H. Brown, of 
Cortland; Edgar, who died August 30, 1849; and Ellen, who died September 6, 1849. 
In 1851 our subject married Rhoda Perkins, also a daughter of Judge Swetland, and 
the widow of C. V. Perkins, of Cincinnatus. Two children have been born of the 
second marriage: Edgar P., who holds a prominent position with the Groton Bridge 
Co., and Mary, who died September 16, 1863. Julia Swetland Wartrous died Septem- 
ber 6, 1849. In political affairs Mr. Wartrous has ever been a consistent Whig and 
Republican, though in no sense a politician. For one year he was supervisor of the 
town of Groton. He is a member of the Baptist church, and his wife and son Edgar 
of the M. E. church. 

Willey, F. R. , was born in the town of Dryden, January 29, 1871, and was edu- 
cated in the common schools, to which he has added by an intelligent course of 
reading and close observation. At the age of twenty he married Nettie Sager, of 
Dryden, and they are the parents of one daughter, Helen. He takes the Democratic 
side in politics, and an active interest in church and school matters. In 1892 he 
bought a half interest in the general merchandise stock of Shaver & Willey, and in 
1893 purchased the interest of his brother, which he now conducts alone, having a 
large stock of dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and has 
doubled the volume of his business. Our subject is recognized in his town as a 
merchant of ability, and progressive ideas, taking a prominent part in advancing its 
best interests. 

Wright, Horatio D., born in Danby April 15, 1819. His father, Orson Wright, 
came to Danby in 1808, where he and Zebulon, Charles Robbins and Isaac Wright 
bought and cleared up adjoining farms. Orson Wright died May 31, 1878, at the ad- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 143 

vanced age of ninety-two. Our subject laid the foundation of liis education in the 
common schools, to which he has added through hfe by reading and observation. At 
the age of thirty he married Caroline, daughter of James Ireland, of Dauby, and they 
have eight children, of whom five are living: Emogene, Louisa, Edward, Carrie and Ar- 
thur. In 1864 he bought what was known as the Captain Denton property, having 
125 acres of fine farm lands, raising hay, grain and stock. Our subject is one of the 
leading farmers in his town, taking an active and intelligent interest in educational 
and religious matters. The grandmother of Mr. Wright was a Douglass, and in that 
way was connected and intimate with the family of Stephen A. Douglass. 

Welch, John B., was born in Danby June 4, 1850, educated in common schools, to 
which he has added through life by reading and observation. He married when 
twentj'-three years of age Cora Belle Manning, daughter of Silas Manning, who is 
now seventy- four years old, and who was born in this town. His father, John Man- 
ning, was one of the earliest settlers in the town, buying a portion of the old Watkins 
& Flint tract. Our subject purchased and now resides on the same farm, which 
through his wife has been in the family since 1806. They have one son, John B. 
Welch. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active interest in educational 
and religious matters, having been trustee and steward In the M. E. church in Dan- 
by. Mr, Welch is recognized in his town as a man of sterling worth, and as a prac- 
tical and successful farmer. 

Warren, James C, was born in Albany November 30, 1827, moved into Tompkins 
county in 1875, and was educated at Pompey Hill Academy, N. Y. Mr. Warren has 
a beautiful residence and farm on the west side of Cayuga Lake, and gives attention 
to raising fruits, fine fowls and grain. He is a Democrat, has been mayor pro tern. 
on several different occasions of the city of Ithaca, and was alderman two years. 
Mr. Warren is known throughout his neighborhood as an active, energetic man, 
whose word is as good as his bond, and whose integrity is above suspicion. 

Whitlock, Lorenzo R. , born March 2, 1849, in Ithaca, received his early education 
in the district schools, but was soon called from school to assist his father on the farm, 
upon whose death, at the age of sixty-three, he took the entire control. Subject's 
mother was born in Lansing, Tompkins county, and lived to the age of ninety years. 
eighty-five of which was spent yn Ithaca. Mr. Whitlock has given his attention to 
farming throughout his life, but takes an active interest in educational and political 
matters, being a Republican. He has also thoroughly identified himself with the 
Aurora Street Methodist church in Ithaca, of which he has been a consistent member 
for twenty years. 

White, Walter Watts, was a native of Windsor, Mass., born July 14, 1812. He 
married Laura Bliss and came to Groton, locating on a farm. Their only child was 
Ellen D. White, who married James H. Eldridge, a native of Washington county, 
N. Y., born in 1829. When a lad he came with his father, Thomas Eldridge, and 
settled in the western part of this town. In 1863 M. Eldridge enlisted in Co. K, 137th 
N. Y. Vols., and after a year of service was discharged for disahility. He never 
afterward regained his full health, and was obliged to abandon farmmg. He kept a 
hotel in Steuben county for a few years, and died in 1869. 



144 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Peck, William Mitchell, was born in South New Berlin, Chenango county, Septem. 
ber 21, 1823, and lived with his parents till 1845, working on a farm and also learning 
the mason's trade. His people moved to Truxton in 1824, and there the young life 
of our subject was spent. It 1869 Mr. Peck came to Groton, where he was a farmer, 
but later returned to Cortland county, and at one time had a dairy farm of sixty cows. 
In 1872 he bought a half interest in a mercantile business in Groton, his partner being 
Nelson Trumbull. Six months later he retired and bought the S. B. Marsh shoe 
stock, and with the latter enterprise he was connected for nineteen years, retiring in 
1891. Novcn^ber 19, 1845, Mr. Peck married Jane A. Robbins, by whom he had 
eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity. His wife died February 2, 1871, 
and on October 25 of that year he married second Ellen D. Eldridge, daughter of 
Walter W. White, and widow of James H. Eldridge. Mr. Peck was originally a 
Whig, then an Abolitionist, later a strong Republican, and now believes equally 
strong in Prohibition. 

Wilcox, William H., was born April 6, 1841, on the farm where he now resides, in 
the town of Danby, was educated in the common schools, and at the age of twenty- 
seven married Mary E., daughter of Reuben Meeker, also of this town. They had 
one son, who was killed at the age of nineteen, by the accidental discharge of a can- 
non. Mr. Wilcox is a Republican in politics, and takes an active and intelligent in- 
terest in all educational and religious matters, being trustee and steward of the M. E. 
church in South Danby. Our subject is one of the leading farmers in his part of the 
town, having a fine farm of 125 acres on which he raises large quantities of grain, 
hay and stock. 

Rumsey, Charles J., was born in the town of Enfield, January 30, 1849, the son of 
James Rtimsey, a farmer of Enfield, who died in 1868. Charles was educated in the 
common schools and the old Ithaca Academy, living on the homestead farm until 
reaching his majority. In 1870 he came to Ithaca, where he acted as clerk for his 
brother, John, in the hardware store established in 1858. In 1876 he became a part- 
ner in the firm of John Rumsey & Co. The senior member retiring in 1879 the firm 
became Charles J. Rumsey & Co. For three years his partners were Edwin Gillette 
and E. M. Finch, since then only Mr. Gillette being the company. Mr. Rumsey is a 
Democrat in politics, and was president of Ithaca in 1882-83-84, this being the time 
of the establishment of the electric light plant. He was civil service commissioner 
three years, also a prominent member of the Masonic order. He married in 1880 Sa- 
rah Cooper, of Catharine, Schuyler county, and they have two sons, John and Law- 
rence. 

Rightmire, Trotter, and Townsend. — Mrs. Townsend's father, Addison Right- 
mire, was born in Ulysses, on the old homestead, (recently known as the Vann prop- 
erty) in October, 1818, was educated in the schools of that day, and was a teacher and 
farmer. He married Hannah M. Franklin, and they had six children: Arietta, 
George, William, Henry, Emma and Sarah. William is a judge at Cottonwood Falls, 
Kan. Mr. Rightmire died about 1876 and his wnfe about 1864. Mr. Townsend's 
grandfather, John Rightmire, was born in Westchester county, and was a soldier in 
the war of 1812. Her great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution and was one 
of the first settlers of the town, locating on his land bounty claim, on the above noted 
property. Arietta married twice, first on August 7, 1861, Abram M. Trotter, of the 



FAMILY SKETCHES 145 

town of Enfield, who died Februar}^ 19, 1884. For her second husband, she married 
in 1886 Orville R. Townsend, born in Ovid, Seneca county, who was educated in the 
district schools, and was one of the town's intelligent farmers. For some years, he 
was a resident of the town of Hector, Schuyler county. Mr. Townsend's father, 
William W. , was born in Hector and married Deborah Auble, of Seneca county. 
They had twelve children all now living except one. 

Robinson, Almon, was born in Exeter, Otsego county, January 22, 1818. He read 
medicine with Dr. Haywood, and practiced a short time there, but soon removed to 
South Cortland, where he remained about seven years, and in 1850 came to McLean, 
where he lived until his death, June -5, 1889. He was an extensive and successful 
practitioner, and a large hearted and generous man. He married in Exeter, Bar- 
bara Robinson, b}^ whom he had one child, Helen M. Robinson. His second wife 
was Eliza Fassett, by whom he had two children : Celia E. , wife of W. C. Heming- 
wa)^ of Dryden, and Barzilla L. , of McLean. The latter was born at South Cortland, 
February 1, 1849, was educated in Homer Academy and entered Cornell, taking an 
elective course, hence was not graduated. He was a teacher for a time, having been 
principal of the Groton LTnion school. Later on he read law two years in the office 
of Milo Goodrich of Dryden, but his eyesight being impaired he was compelled to 
abandon his law studies. LTpon his ftill recovery he read medicine nearly two years 
with his father, attended Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia for two years and 
graduated; his diploma from Jefferson College was endorsed by Bellevue Hospital 
Medical College. Dr. Robinson began practice at McLean in 1887, and has an ex- 
tensive and increasing clientage. His specialty is the treatment of cancerous diseases, 
in which field he has attained an enviable degree of prominence. In 1872 he married 
Emily S., daughter of Lucius and Emily La Motte, of McLean and they have two 
children. He is a Democrat. He is one of the present Board of Pension Examining 
Surgeons for this county. 

Brenizer, W. I., D.D.S., was born in Worcester, Wayne county, Ohio, March 24, 
1858, a son of a farmer and a veterinary surgeon. The doctor was educated in the 
common schools, Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Cleveland, and Baldwin 
University at Berea, Ohio. Afterward he took a course in civil engineering at Cin- 
cinnati. At the age of sixteen he began to teach, and in this way worked for his 
education. He first began the study of dentistry in 1883 in Akron, Ohio, entered the 
dental department of the LTniversity of Pennsylvania, Avhere he received the degree 
of D.D.S. January 11, 1892, he located in Ithaca, buying the office of Frank E. 
Howe, in the Masonic block, where he has since conducted a very successful practice. 

Barnes, Stephen I., an old resident of Lansing, was born in Erin, Chemung county, 
December 20, 1833, son of Jeremiah and Eleanor (Swartwood) Barnes, the father born 
in Delaware county, January 8, 1800. He was a son of Abram Barnes, also a native 
of New York State. The mother was a daughter of Gen. Jacob and Catharine (Van 
Etten) Swartwood. Jacob was the first postmaster of Cayuta Creek, now known as 
Swartwood. Jeremiah, father, of our subject, came to Lansing in 1844 and settled 
where our subject now lives, and where he resided until his death April 1, 1878. 
The mother died August 27, 1860. Jeremiah was a Democrat in politics, but when 
the Republican party was formed he joined with them. Our subject was educated in 



140 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

the common schools and attended one term at Aurora Academy. At the age of 
twenty-four he took an extended trip west through Iowa and Minnesota, three years 
later retui-ning home and settling on his father's farm. In 1858 he married Eunice 
M., daughter of Ashley and Phoebe Taylor, of Illinois, formerly of New York State, 
and they had four children : Fred, born in February, 1861 ; Floyd, born in June, 1864; 
Ruth, died in infancy; John, born in March, 1870. Fred married Elizabeth Rumsey 
of Chemung county, and they have two children: George, born in June, 1885, and 
Charles, born in 1889. John married Lora Ferriss, of Cayuga coimty, and they have 
one child. Earl, born in 1891. Our subject is one of a family of eight children: Ja- 
cob, Rubin, John, James R., Stephen I., Charles (died in the army), Elizabeth, Cath- 
arine and Ruth (twins), the wives of Francis Smith of Lansing and J. G. Waldwin of 
Ithaca respectively. Mrs. Barnes died September 4, 1890. Subject is now serving 
his third term as assessor, a member of the I. O. O. F., the Rebecca Grange Lodge 
282, and I. O. G. T. He has a farm of seventy-three acres, and makes a specialty of 
fruit growing. 

Brown, Richard H.. of Lansing, was born in Uryden December 7, 1840, the son of 
Benjamin Brown, a native of Lansing, born about 1807, whose father was Christo- 
pher Brown. The latter married Mary Snyder and reared ten children; Benjamin, 
the eldest, was captain of a military company in Dryden. He married Hannah, 
daughter of Henry and Wintchy (Sly) Teeter of Lansing. He was an active, ener- 
getic man, in politics a Republican. His wife still survives him. They reared five 
children: Henry, Jennie, wife of Dr. D. T. Barr of Ludlowville ; Richai'd H., George, 
Elizabeth, wife of Eugene M. Baker of Barden. Our subject was reared on the farm, 
attended the district schools winters and worked on a farm summers. At the age of 
twenty-three he rented a farm one year in Danby, and the following year (1866) pur- 
chased a farm of sixty-six acres. Later he added to this until he owned 155 acres. 
Some years later he set off fifty-five acres of this, farm to his son. He married in 
1862 Olive, daughter of Andrew W., and Nellie (Ostrander) Reed, of the town of 
Ithaca. She was born in August, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have one son. Miles S., 
born August 20, 1863. Mr. Brown's first wife died July 23, 1892, and he married 
second October 8, 1893, Mary Reed, a sister of his deceased wife. 

Bacon, L. D. , was born m Canton, Bradford county. Pa., March 21, 1841. Isaiah, 
his father, was born in Rome, February 11, 1821, and came to this State when our 
subject was an infant. Here he lived till his death in 1889 at the age of seventj'-two 
years. He was a lumber dealer, and served in the late war a short time, but was 
obliged to return home on account of rheumatism contracted in the service. At the 
age of eighteen years he married Jane Harrington, and they had three children, of 
whom L. D. was the second. The latter was a moulder in early life, following this 
till the age of twenty. In 1861 he enlisted in the 86th N. Y. Vols., remaining in the 
service until August 30, 1863. When in the second battle of Bull Run he was wounded 
and lay in the hospital five months, being for six years unable to walk without 
crutches, for which he now receives a pension. When he became able to walk he 
took up the grocery business, and later began driving piling, in which he has been 
very successful. In 1863 he married Emeline Vangilder, of Southport, Elmira, and 
they have three sons, the youngest being eighteen years of age, and living at home. 
Our subject is a member of the G. A. R. and is a Republican. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 147 

Bailor, Daniel, was born in King George county, Va., in 1843. He was a slave to 
a Mr. Lummis of that county, and was about eighteen years of age when the war be- 
gan. After he was free he went to Winchester, and from there to Washington, D. C, 
where he remained a year. He then came to New York State, being then about 
twenty-two years old. He has followed farming ever since he came to this State, 
now being the owner' of a farm in Tompkins county consisting of 110 acres. He 
married in Danby in 18(i9 Rachael Dickson, she being formerly of Virginia, and they 
have eleven children. They are members of the Baptist church. In politics he is a 
Republican. 

Boice, John, was born in the town of Caroline, October 24, 1847. His father, Eli, 
was born in Ulster county, and came here when quite young with his father, Abram. 
The latter died when Eli was twenty-five years of age, and the latter made his home 
with his brother John for a time. Later, on his marriage, he took up a piece of land, 
which he cleared and built a logcabinupon, and later bought still another place, near 
where he had been living. He next went to the place known as the Charles Mulks 
farm, when our subject was five years of age. Eli died in 1885, cared for by his son 
John until the last. John then rented the farm of his father to outside parties, and 
moved to another place, where he lived three years, in the mean time building a fine 
residence for himself, which he now occupies. • This is situated near Slaterville 
Springs, and consists of ninety acres of the finest land, with twenty-five acres of 
timber. He married in 1870 Sarah, daughter of John Everlin; of Tioga county. Mr. 
Boice makes dairying his special occupation, owning about fifteen head of cattle. 
He is a Mason of Caroline Lodge No. 681, and is a Democrat, having held town 
office. 

Bogardus, Andrew B., a prominent farmer of Lansing, was born in Ellenville, Ul- 
ster county, June 8, 1832, a son of Jacob E. and Ann (Bruyn) Bogardus, of Kingston, 
Ulster county, who came to this town in 1833, and bought a tract of over 300 acres, 
a portion of which our subject now owns, and on which he resides. Jacob died in 
1859 and his wife in 1865. He was a prominent man in his town, taking an active 
part in political affairs, he being a Democrat. They ha!d eight children, of whom 
our subject was the sixth. The grandfather was Evert Bogardus, and in his house 
in Kingston was held the first Assembly during the war of 1812. Andrew B. was 
educated in the academy at Ithaca, and after leaving school he returned to the farm, 
where he has since lived. At his father's death he came into possession of a portion 
of the farm, and at the mother's death the brothers divided the property, Andrew B. 
having the portion on which were the home buildings. In 1888 he married Fannie, 
daughter of Hiram Herrick of Lansing. Mr. Bogardus is a Democrat. 

Bogardus, E. K. , a prominent and successful farmer of Lansing, was born in Ulster 
county, N. Y., March 16, 1827, the son of Jacob E. Bogardus, who was a sloop cap- 
tain on the Hudson River between Rondout and New York city. He followed the 
river seven years, then went to Ellenville and bought an interest in a tract of 300 
acres where the village of Ellenville now stands, and this they portioned off into lots 
and sold. About seventeen years later he returned with his family to Lansing and 
bought 240 acres of cleared farm, where he died in 1857. His wife was Ann Bruyn, 
by whom he had eight children. She died in 1865. Our subject attended the com- 
mon schools, with one year in Ithaca, and has always remained on the farm, which 



148 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

was divided after the death of his parents, he taking 108 acres where he now 1 ives. 
He follows general farming, but makes a specialty of sheep raising. In 1879 he 
married Harriet Adelaide Seager, daughter of Philip and Ann (Gardner) Seager, of 
Dryden. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bogardus's ancestry are Holland Dutch. Our subject's 
grandfather, Jacob Bogardus, was a captain in the Revolution, who kept a public 
house and conducted a blacksmith shop in Kingston, N. Y. When Kingston was 
burned by the British his was the only house that escaped the flames. It was in this 
building that the first State Assembly was held many years later. When it was 
finally torn down there was found concealed in the walls a box of continental money 
placed there by him. Mr. Bogardus is a Democrat in politics. 

Cooper, Festus, was born in the town of Danby, June 27, 1823. His father was 
Henry Cooper, who came to this town in 1815. Our subject acquired his learning in 
the district schools, supplemented by reading and observation, and after leaving 
school fallowed farming. At the age of twenty-eight he married Almira, daughter 
of Andrew U. Hill, of the same town, and they have one son, Lewis E. In 1867 Mr. 
Cooper bought the farm of 114 acres where he now resides, known as the Josiah 
Wells property, and he raises large quantities of hay and grain, also raising stock to 
a considerable extent, his specialty being grade Jersey and Holstein cattle. 

Carpenter, L. T., was born in Newfield June 13, 1832. Joseph, his father, born in 
Dutchess county September 11, 1794, died at the age of ninety-six. Our subject is 
one of eleven children. He received his education in the common schools of New- 
field. His first business was that of a farmer, has been assessor of the town, is a 
member of the Grange, and married in 1854, Caroline Holmes, born in Newfield, 
daughter of George Holmes. They have two children: Eliza C, and Fannie T. 
Eliza married S. J. Douglass, and they have two children: H. B. Douglass and 
Nellie G. 

Clark, William, was born in Newfield, March 4, 1843, a son of Israel O., a native 
of Tompkins county, born in 1813, who owned a farm of 140 acres in Newfield, and 
married November 2, 1837, Emehne, daughter of Charles Mallory, of Chemung county. 
They had three children: Martha A., James M., and William. The latter is a farmer 
and lumberman, having a saw- mill and quite a tract of land. He is working from 
150,000 to 200,000 acres, consisting of hemlock, chestnut and pine lumber. He was 
married on October 7, 1868, and has had three children: Nora S., Cora C, and Em- 
ma (deceased). Nora was educated in Havana, and Cora at the Ithaca High School. 
Our subject is a Republican, but has never aspired to office. 

Carpenter, Jay, of Newfield, was born in this town June 11, 1855, a son of William 
Carpenter, also of this county, who followed carpentry for fifty-six years, though he 
owned a farm of 100 acres. He married Rebecca Volk, by whom he had two chil- 
dren, of whom our subject was the youngest. The latter follows farming. In 1885 
he married May Hall, of Ithaca, and they have one child, Ray, now four years of 
age. Mr. Carpenter is a Democrat in politics, though he has never aspired to public 
office. 

Cole, Lewis, was born in the town of Dryden, November 24, 1838. His father, 
Edmund Cole, came from Ballston, Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1851 and was among 
the earliest settlers in the town. Lewis Cole was a self-educated and self-made man, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. , 149 

having received his education in the common schools, and having made a success in 
life solely by his own unaided efforts. At the age of twenty-nine he married Alice 
Dodge, who passed away April 10, 1877, and remarried, in 1878, Maggie Henry, and 
they are the parents of four children, one son, James L. , and three daughters, 
Florence M., Sarah J. and Lenora. In 1868 he bought the old Henry White place, 
just west of Freeville, of fifty-eight acres, and in March, 1872, he bought the Jesse 
Blanchard property of 102 acres, having 160 acres in all, on which he raises hay, etc. , 
and where he has put up new buildings and erected a handsome residence. Our sub- 
ject is one of the largest farmers in his town, being identified with its best interests 
and known as a successful and practical farmer. 

Crowley, Timothy, is a native of Ireland, born in County Cork, September 21, 
1848, who came to this county in 1868, locating in Ithaca the same year, where he 
followed his trade of carpentry. His first employment was on the first of the uni- 
versity buildings, since which time he has assisted in the erection of a number of 
them. Mr. Crowley started in business for himself in 1884, and he has been the con- 
tractor for a great many fine residences in this city, as well as the McWhorter Block 
and his latest and most prominent contract, the new Lyceum. In 1890 he formed a 
partnership with Michael DriscoU, and the firm of Crowley & Driscoll still exists. 
Our subject is a Democrat, and in 1893 was elected alderman of the Fii'st Ward. He 
married in 1883 Margaret Handlen, of Ithaca, and they have three children, a son 
and two daughters. 

Cole, George, was born in the town of Dryden, August 5, 1845, and was educated 
in the common schools, and finished under Prof. Jackson Graves at Dryden Academj-. 
After leaving school he returned to the farm of his father, Joseph Cole, who was one 
of the earliest residents of the town of Dryden, settling on the south hill about 1830. 
In 1884 he left the farm and established himself in the coal and produce business, 
which he now carries on. At the age of forty-one he married Emma Miller, daugh- 
ter of Archibald Miller, of the town of Dryden, and they have one son, Samuel Cole. 
He takes the Democratic side in politics, is a trustee of the village of Dryden, and 
while leading an active business life finds time to take an interest in church and school 
matters. 

Conklin, John H., one of the county's representative farmers, was born here, Jan- 
uary 4, 1834, a son of Gilbert Conklin, also a native of Lansing, born in 1798, whose 
father, John, was born in Orange county, and served in the Revolution. Ihe latter 
was with Sullivan's army when it marched through Tompkins county, and being 
favorably impressed with the locality, he moved here with his family after his dis- 
charge, settling on what is now Lake Ridge, about 1788. The family is of Scotch and 
English ancestry. ' Mr. Conklin received his education in the common schools work- 
ing summers, and attending school winters until the age of eighteen. In 1854 he 
married EHzabeth Osborn, daughter of Abram Osborn, of Lansing, and they had two 
children: Emma A., wife of John Miller, of Lansing; and Etta M. His wife died in 
1868, and he married second in 1874, Ann, daughter of Henry and Marilda (Ludlow) 
Rhodes, of Lansing, and they have had one son, born May 19, 1876. George Rhodes, 
the grandfather of Mrs. Conklin, was born in Pennsylvania, and came to this county 
about 1788, settling on the land which now comprises Mr. Conklin's farm of 240 acres, 
some of the original buildings yet standing. Mr. Conklin has served as supervisor, 



150 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

justice of the peace, etc., and is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. He is a Democrat in 
politics. 

Calauch, Isaac H., was born in the town of Dryden, September 25, 1825. His 
father, Benjamin Calauch, came to Dryden about 1812 and was among the earliest 
settlers in the town. I. H. Calauch was educated in the common schools and is a 
self-educated and self-made man, having achieved an independence by his own ef- 
forts. At the age of twenty-six he married Aurelia, daughter of W. H. Sutfin, of 
Dryden, and they are the parents of two sons, E. Jay and Fred D., and one daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Henry Brown. In 1874 he bought the John Skilliman property of thirty- 
five acres, and afterwards bought part of the Fisher estate and part of the John 
Sharp farm, also part of the Hunter estate, having sixty-eight acres, on which he has 
erected a handsome house and barns. Our subject is a well known man in his town, 
where he is respected for his sterling qualities of ability and integrity and is a prac- 
tical and successful farmer. 

Crandall, Clayton, was born in the town of Bridgewater, Oneida county, Februarj- 
4, 1858 ; he was educated in the public schools and the Ithaca Academy, and entered 
Cornell in 1874, graduating with the class of 1878, with the degree of B. S. After 
leaving school he engaged in farming and gardening. His father came to this town 
in 1868 and located on a farm on the west hill, where he made his home for the bal- 
ance of his life, dying in Jul}^ 1892. Clayton assumed control and management of 
the farm, which has become a fine fruit and garden tract, containing thirty -five acres 
of the best soil. He ran a wagon for the handling of garden produce until Septem- 
ber, 1891, when he established a market at 20 West State street, where he buys and 
sells all kinds of produce, doing quite an extensive business in shipping fruit. Mr. 
Crandall is a Democrat, and in 1889 was elected alderman of the First Ward, and 
held the office two years. In 1888 he married Emma Cook of the town of Caroline, 
and they have two children, both sons. 

Crawford, lohn R., D.D.S., was born in the town of Newfield, January 16, 1865, 
son of Andrew G. Crawford, a wagonmaker of that town, later of Ithaca. John R. 
was educated at Trumansburgh Academy, and at the age of nineteen began the 
study of dentistry in the office of his brother-in-law. Dr. Green, of Geneva. After 
two and one half years he entered the New York College of Dentistry, from which he 
graduated March 9, 1887, and the September following opened an office in Ithaca. 
He married, June 22, 1892, Kittie Miller, of Ithaca, and they have one daughter. 
The doctor is a member of the K. of P. 

Penner, Mrs. Elizabeth, widow of Casper Fenner of Lake Ridge, Lansing, was born 
in 1828 at Venice, Cayuga county. She is a daughter of Dr. Jared Foote (born in 
Vermont in 1795) and Eliza Ann Clark, (born in Rhode Island in 1803). They reared 
nine children: Marcia, born in 1826; Elizabeth, born in 1828; Darwin, born in 1830; 
Lovina, born in 1832; Mary, born in 1835; Clark, born in 1837 ; Lucinda, who died 
young; Caroline, born in 1842, and Jared, born in 1845. The grandfather, Jared Foote, 
a native of Rhode Island, was born in 1771 and died in 1859, at the age of eighty-eight 
vears. The grandmother was Lucinda Jennings, died at the age of ninety-seven, and 
they reared eight children: Jared, Lucinda, Anna, David, Eli, Betsey, Clark and La- 
vina. The great-grandfather. Jared Foote, was a Revolutionary soldier and a prisoner 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 151 

of war in the English prison in New York, where he died of starvation. Dr. Jared 
Foote, the father of our subject, was a physician of large practice in Venice, Cayuga 
county. Mrs. Fenner attended the district schools. She was married on New Year's 
morning, 1851, to Casper Fenner, born in 1825 in Lansing. He Avas the son of 
George and Catharine (Marsh) Fenner, of Pennsylvania. He was reared to farm life, 
attended school at Genoa and Groton until about twenty-one years of age, then settled 
down on the farm, and in 1849 purchased the farm of 100 acres of his father. His 
parents lived with him on the farm until their death, the father July 4, 1860, and the 
mother August 8, 1884. He was the youngest of five children, was a member of the 
Grange Onward Lodge No. 106 and in politics was a Republican, though not an aspi- 
rant to office. They had four children, Clark C, born in 1853 ; Luie L., died in infancy ; 
Casper, jr., born in 1860 ; Leslie A., born in 1867. Clark married Sadie L. McCarthy, 
of Denver, Col, and they had one child, Helen Elizabeth, born in 1889. Casper, jr., 
married in 1891 Hattie Gillette of Auburn. . Mr. Fenner died May 24, 1882, on the old 
homestead. Mrs. Fenner has provided all her children with a liberal education. Her 
youngest son, Leslie, graduated from Cornell University with the class of 1893, as elec- 
trical engineer. 

Rhodes Family, The. — In 1798 George Rhodes (this surname was originally Roths, 
indicating Dutch descent) and Frederick Storm came from Northampton county, Pa., 
were p'oneers of Lansing, the former settling on the farm now owned by two of his 
grandchildren, Mrs. Dr. Gibson, and Mrs. J. H. Conklin. Here this pioneer and his 
wife reared their children and passed their days, and at their death (George in 1823 
and his wife in 1824) were buried in the old Dutch burying ground near Lansingville in 
the town of Lansing. The children in this family were: Elizabeth (Mrs. Snyder); 
Margaret (Mrs. Henry Newman); Jacob, who died in Dryden; George, who died in 
Hector; John an J Frederick, who died in the town of Ithaca; Andrew who died on 
the old homestead; and Henry who was born, lived and died (in August, 1873) on the 
old home farm. Henry Rhodes was born in 1799, and was a successful farmer and at 
his death left a goodly inheritance to his children. He married Marilda Ludlow, by 
whom he had tAvelve children: George A., who died in 1886; Stephen O., Mary C. 
(Mrs. Eben Lobdell), John, who died in 1841, Jacob F., Dana, Ellen A. (Mrs. Dr. Gib- 
son of Wilkesbarre, Pa.); Mariette, who died in 1862, Francis L. (Mrs. James Bow- 
ker) ; J. Henry. Ann R. (Mrs. J. H. Conklin), now resident upon the old homestead, 
and Alice who died in infancy. J. H. Rhodes is a prominent lawyer of Little Falls, 
Minn. He has been for a number of years attorney for the Northern Pacific Railroad. 
In addition to a lucrative practice he is largely interested in farming, being the owner 
of a large stock farm containing 1,500 acres, known as the Rhodesland Stock Farm. He 
has raised on this farm in one year, over 16,000 bushels of wheat, besides several thou- 
sand bushels of other grain. Dana Rhodes was born in Lansing January 18, 1839, 
being named after Judge Dana of Ithaca, a prominent member of the old Tompkins Co. 
bar. He was brought up on the farm, attended the district schools of that town, and 
afterward the Groton Academy. Later on he located in Groton village, and conducted 
a drug store, and while so engaged was for twelve years justice of the peace. He was 
then induced by J. B. Kline, a lawyer of the village, now of Syracuse, to enter the 



152 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

legal profession ; consequently after being registered in accordance with the rules of the 
court, he was duly admitted to the practice of law. However, he continued his drug 
business until about eight years ago, when he was succeeded by his son, Chas. 0. 
Ehodes. Mr. Rhodes is attorney for the Groton Carriage Co., of which he is also 
vice-president, and this position in connection with his farm and other interests, engages 
his attention. Mr. Rhodes is an active and earnest Republican. He was elected super- 
visor in 1892, and re-elected the next year. On May 30, 1858, he married Sarah, 
daughter of Israel Jacobs of Lansing, and they have three children: Chas. 0., of Gro- 
ton, N. Y., Mrs. F. A. Mangang of Cortland, N. Y., and W. G. Rhodes, of Saginaw, 
Mich. 

Rounseville, Judson, was born in Caroline, July 7, 1853. In his early life he fitted 
himself for a school teacher, finishing his education in the State Normal School at Cort- 
land, but taught only one term and that at the age of nineteen, then learned to be an 
operative in the Institute of Telegraphy in Buffalo. He has, however, lived on his pres- 
ent place since the fall of 1875. His wife was Elizabeth Hugill, whom he married in 
1881, she being of the town of Dryden. Mrs. Rounseville died in 1883, and he mar- 
ried second Annis Salisbury of Sandy Creek, Oswego county, and they have two chil- 
dren : Leroy E. and Clara Louise. Our subject is a member of the Baptist church, and 
in politics is a Prohibitionist, formerly a Republican casting his first vote for Pres- 
ident Hayes. 

Robinson. Charles D., was born September 26, 1859, a son of David, also a native of 
this town, born in 1826. The latter married Melvina, daughter of George and Calista 
Myers, by whom he had these children : Calista, now a widow of the late Ebenezer 
McArthur, of Dryden ; Mary Ann, Henrietta, George H., Arthur J., Charles D., Viola 
who died aged seven years, Eva, and Emma. Mr. Robinson now lives in the town of 
Groton. His wife died January 17, 1894. His parents were Henry and Polly (Ross) 
Robinson, Henry Robinson having come to Lansing from Long Island with his father 
David, when a child. Charles settled on wild land one and one-fourth mile east of 
North Lansing, now owned by William Patterson, near the year 1800, which they im- 
proved, and on which they erected a large house, which, by its fine finish, exquisite 
carvings and size, showed its builders to have been artists in their time. It was famous 
in its day and known as the " Bellou House." In later years it was used by many poor 
families. Charles D. attended the common schools and worked on dififerent farms until 
nineteen years of age, when he married, March 5, 1879, Ida L., daughter of John W. 
and Elizabeth (Brown) Holden, of Lansing and Pennsylvania respectively. She was 
born Feburary 4, 1853, in Lansing. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are members of the North 
Lansing Grange, and he is a Republican in politics, and a spiritualist in belief. Their 
farm consists of sixty-two acres, and on this place Mrs. Robinson was born, her parents 
having settled here in 1835. At the death of her father, in 1877, she became possessed 
of the farm. Her mother died in 1884. Mr. Robinson has been for several years en- 
gaged m the bee business, and .has been engaged in the sale of various manufactured 
articles. 

Reed, Truman B. was born in the town of Ithaca May 26, 1826, and was the son of 
Andrew Reed. Truman B. Reed was educated in the common schools to which he has 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 153 

added through Hfe by reading and close observation. At the age of thirty-two he mar- 
ried Ameha Snyder, daughter of Ira Snyder, and they are the parents of seven children, 
five of vi^hom are living : two sons, A. I. Reed and Roy B. Reed, and three daughters, 
Mrs. Rena Scutt, Mrs. Carrie A. Snyder and Mrs. Ida E. Roe. In 1869 he bought the 
Peter Ostrander property, which had been in the family possession ever since it was 
bought of the United States government in 1813. In 1863 he bought part of the 
Artemas Tyler lot, having 105 acres, and raising hay, grain and stock, and making a 
specialty of sheep breeding and dairying. Our subject is one of the leading farmers of 
his town, taking an active interest in educational, religious and temperance principles, 
and is recognized as a man of sterling worth and high integrity. 

Rhodes Omar R., was born in the town of Dryden, October 22, 1851 His father 
was also born in the town December 30, 1812. The grandfather bought a mihtary 
title of part of lot forty-four and afterwards bought the whole of lot fifty-four, which 
has been handed down to and is now occupied by his descendants. Omar R. Rhodes 
was educated in the common schools, to which he has added by reading and close 
observation. At twenty-one he married Ellen A. Dart, daughter of Wilham Dart of 
Rock Run, Stephenson county. 111., and they are the parents of one daughter. Mabel C. 
Our subject is one of the largest farmers of his town, having 333 acres of some of the 
finest farming lands and wood lands in his town, and running a saw mill and shingle 
mill and planing mill iu connection with his farm. He is recognized as a conservative 
and independent citizen, and a man of high business ability and talent and taking an 
active interest in the leading events of his day. 

Rhodes, Miles, deceased, was born in Dryden, July 29, 1818. His father, Jacob 
Rhodes, was one of the earliest settlers in the town of Dryden. Miles Rhodes laid the 
foundation of his education in the old log school house and finished at the Groton 
Academy. He married Miss Margaret Dart, daughter of Thomas Dart of Ithaca, and 
they are parents to two daughters, Mrs. Roaine, Lombard and Miss Maud Rhodes. He 
died January 27, 1891, at the age of seventy-two years. His life has been full of deeds 
of charity and kindness to his fellow men. An appeal to his generosity was n?ver 
made in vain. Quiet, unostentatious, he lived his life and was regretted by a large 
circle of acquaintances. His wife and daughters were left to complete his unfiaished 
work. 

Rumsey, Myron K., of Fewfield, was born in this town July 1, 1855. Isaac N. 
Rumsey, his father, was born in Scipio, Cayuga county, in 1803 ; was a farmer and 
hotel keeper, and came to Tompkins county in 1816, and settled in Enfield Falls. He 
married in 1828 Joanna N. Pilgram, of this county, and they had three childien. His 
second wife, whom he married in 1845, was Susan J. Dunning, of Orange county, and 
by her he had seven children, of whom our subject was the fourth. The latter mar- 
ried, August 11, 1880, Sarah J. Labar, of Tompkins county. He has always been 
engaged in agriculture, and in politics is Democratic. 

Robertson, Mott J., was born in the town of Dryden, November 19, 1822. His 
father, George Robertson, came to the town in 1798, March 12, and was the first free- 
holder in the town of Dryden, and settled on lot No. 53, where his son now resides, 

t 



154 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

He received his education in the old eight square brick school house, which was quite 
a celebrated institution in its day. At the age of forty-six he married Martha J. 
Teeter, daughter of Isaac Teeter, of Ithaca. He takes the Republican .side in politics 
and an intelligent interest in educational and religious matters. Our subject has 175 
acres of the original Robertson homestead, and in 1891 bought what was known as 
the James Griles farm of 220 acres, and has nearly 400 acres of some of the best farm 
and wood land in his town, where he is recognized as a practical and successful farmer. 
The family originally came from Scotland, and has always been prominently identified 
in the leading events of the day and in advancing the best interests of the town. Cap- 
tain George Robertson has a family of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters. 

Sullivan, Charles W., was born in the town of Caroline, April 18, 1852. David, the 
father of our subject, was also a native of the county, born in the town of Lansing, 
October 6, 1812. He was a contractor and farmer, and was only a child when his 
parents moved into the town of Caroline. David was the father of three children ; 
Abram C, of Union City, Michigan, Mrs. Mary A. Iwan, of Union City, and Charles, 
our subject. David 0. died June 10, 1891. With the exception of one year spent in 
Michigan, he has always been a resident of the county. He was educated in the com- 
mon schools of his native town, and as soon as he was old enough began working. 
In 1872 he moved to Ithaca, where, for fifteen years, he has been engaged in various 
wood working establishments and as a carpenter. In 1877 he took his first contract, 
and since that time has erected sixteen of the finest residences of the city, many of 
them from his own designs. He also does repair work. Mr. Sullivan is reporter of 
the Knights of Honor of this city, a position he has held for nine years, and is a mem- 
ber of the Knights of Pythias. His beautiful residence, at 85 Cascadilla street, was 
erected in 1874 from his own design. September 28, 1871, he married Susie N. Nor- 
wood, of Caroline, and they have two children, Edward C. and Flora B. 

Smith, William F. — Christopher Smith was born in Hunterdon, N. J., in 1750, and 
came to Hector (then in Tompkins county) as early as 1798, where he died. His chil- 
dren were John, Blias, Christiann (Mrs. Travis), Mary (Mrs. Robinson), James, Isaiah, 
Peter and William. John was a captain in the State militia, and with his company 
was called out in the war of 1812, on the Niagara frontier. Isaiah was a major- 
general in the State militia, and served as colonel in the war of 1812 on Niagara 
frontier. Peter Smith, born June 9, 1777, married Clarissa, daughter of David Fithin 
and Mary (Haines) Halsey, March 7, 1799, and settled in Ulysses in 1802. Mrs. Smith 
was born February 24, r778. Their children were Fithen Halsey; Lucinda, born 
August 20, 1802, died July 2, 1805 ; Polly P. (Mrs. Watson Aldridge), born August 
26, 1804, died September 10, 1873; Charity, born July 10, 1806, died November 3, 
1807; William, born January 12, 1809, died May 17, 1889 ; Jared H., born March 10, 
1811, died January 7, 1891; Henry C, born April 14, 1813, died in Wisconsin; EHas 
A., born March 7, 1816, and Harriet W. (Mrs. Peter Wicks), born March 7, 1818. Mr. 
Peter Smith died in June, 1858. Fithen Halsey Smith, born March 1, 1800, died May 
14, 1875. October 30, 1825, he married Betsey Curry, who was born March 14, 1802, 
and who died May 15, 1886. They settled in Enfield in 1826, but late in life removed 
to Covert, Seneca county. He was a self-educated man, taught school for many years, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 155 

and was long school commissioner of Enfield. His children were Clara S. (Mrs. Frances 
Hallenbeck), born November 11, 1826; Nancy M. (Mrs, Sidney P. Stevenson), born 
August 20, 1828; Harris A., born January 22, 1830; William F. and Elizabeth S. 
(Mrs. Lyman Ostrom), twins, born July 9, 1834, and Viola L., born May 26, 1836, died 
June 4, 1855. William F. Smith married, February 12, 1858, Mary B. Farrar, of Mas- 
sachusetts, who was born November 12, 1830, died September 14, 1891. Their children 
are Anna E. (Mrs. H. Knappenberger), of Illinois; Samuel Frederick, born September 
24, 1862, married Mary Smiley ; Ellen F. (Mrs. G-eorge A. Ivresga) ; Harriet Halsey, 
born February 24, 1867, died July 21, 1888; Charles F., born May 7. 1868, married 
Myrtie E. Rolfe in August, 1892; and WilHam Herbert, born April 22, 1875, married 
Anna Belle Kresga. Mr. Smith began teaching school when eighteen years of age, and 
continued until 1890, three years of this time in Connecticut and two in Ithaca. He 
has been justice of the peace sixteen years, and was supervisor of Enfield one term. 

Snyder, Ernest, was born in the town of Dryden, March 2, 1844. His father, Peter 
T. Snyder, was one of the earliest settlers in the town, being" born in 1808, and lived to 
the age of sixty-six, following the occupation of farming. Ernest Snyder received his 
education in the common school and is a self-educated and self-made man. At the age 
of twenty-four he married Ida, daughter of Wm. Nixon, who passed away in 1885, 
and in 1890 he married Olive, daughter of Jacob Seaman. He had three children by 
his first wife : Carrie M., Eva May, and lua Belle. In 1887 he bought the homestead 
and his father's estate of eighty-six acres, which has been in the family for sixty- one 
years. Our subject is one of the substantial men in his town, taking an active mterest 
in educational matters, and recognized as a man of sterling integrity and high 
character. 

Selover, Elnathan W., was born in the town of Covert, Seneca county, March 12, 
1837. He moved to Tompkins county in 1873, and in 1875 he bought the Welch farm 
of J. C. Nelson, and here he now resides, keeping a dairy which produces about forty 
quarts per day. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and takes quite an active interest 
in educational matters and the general events of the day. He married at the age of 
thirty, Helen, daughter of J. C. Nelson, and has a son and a daughter, both of whom 
are now at home and assist in managing the farm. 

Searles, Marcus Williamson, was born in Lansing, October 19, 1833, a son of Walter, 
a native of Tioga county, born in 1808, who at the age of twenty-one came to Lansing 
where he worked at farming for a time, then engaged as boatman on the Erie Canal, 
which he followed twelve years. After retiring from the boat business he bought the 
farm of 103 acres, which our subject now owns. His wife was Mary, daughter of 
Marcus WiHiaoison, by whom he had six children : Cornelius, Mark W., William, Mary 
Ann, Mortimer, and W. Monroe. William enlisted in the 51st Regiment N. Y. Vol- 
unteers in 1861, and was killed at the battle of Fredricksburg, December 13, 1862. He 
died in June, 1879, and his widow still survives at the age of eighty- eight. Our sub- 
ject's grandfather was Daniel Searles of Tioga county, who married Polly Galpin, by 
whom he had seven children. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Marcus William- 
son was in the Revolution, serving seven years. Marcus Wilhamson Searles was edu- 



156 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

cated in the common schools and remained on the home farm till the age of 
twenty-five, when he worked for himself on rented land for three years. 
For the next five seasons by the month on a farm, for two years on shares, and the 
next two years he devoted to railroading. He then removed to Orleans county and 
engaged in farming for eight years, when he returned to Lansing and bought tbe home- 
stead, where he has since remained. In 1888 he bought 'another farm of seventy-seven 
acres. In March, 1862, he married Nancy M., daughter of Jacob and Letty (Wood) 
Bower of Lansing, born in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Searles have had six children: William 
F., born October, 1863; Sherman, born in September, 1865; Susan, born in December, 
1870; Adella and Adelbert, twins, born in December, 1872; Charles, born in 
June, 1878. 

Smith, Wilham J., was born in the town of Dryden, August 30, 1821. His 
father, John Smith, came to the town about 1790, from Stroudsburg, Pa. William J. 
was educated in the common schools and finished at the Ithaca Academy. At the age 
of forty-eight he married Pamelia, daughter of Spencer Apgar, of Dryden, and they 
are the parents of three children, two sons, Horatio S., and William A., and one 
daughter, Susie. He takes an active interest in temperance principles and has been 
prominently identified in his county's aflairs, being elected sheriflF in the fall of 1878. 
In 1870 he bought what was known as the Amon Apgar property of twenty-eight 
acres, which adjoined the old homestead and he now has 118 acres of some of the best 
land in the town, raising hay, grain and stock, and paying some attention to dairying. 
He is recognized in his town as a conservative, independent citizen, taking considerable 
interest in school and church matters, and in advancing the best interests of his town. 

Sheldon, E., was born in Columbia county, N. Y., January 2, 1819, and came to 
Dryden in 1854. He was educated in the common schools and is a self-educated and 
self-made man. At the age of twenty-two he married Laney, daughter of F Rote, of 
Columbia county, and they are the parents of seven children. In 1856 he bought the 
John Southworth property, now owned by his son Benjamin ; in 1872 he bought the 
Jesse Tappan property ; 1874 the Ed. Wheeler property ; in 1878 the Tom Mack prop- 
erty, and in 1891 the Jacob Updike property, having 230 acres in all, and raising hay, 
grain and stock, and making potatoes a specialty. Our subject is one of the largest 
farmers in his town, identified in advancing its best interests and is recognized as a 
practical and successful farmer. 

Sutfin, James Gr., was born in Dryden April 20, 1838. His father was W. H. Sutfin, 
came from New Jersey about 1825, and settled on lot twenty-seven. Our subject was 
educated in the common schools, but is pre-eminently a self-made and self-educated 
man. At the age of twenty-one he married Helen A. M. Skillings, daughter of W. W. 
SkilHngs of Dryden, and they are the parents of two children, one son, E. J. Sutfin, 
and one daughter, Mrs. Anna M. Sager. In 1861 he bought the W. W. Skilhngs prop- 
erty of 100 acres, and in 1871 heboufht another portion of that estate. In 1875 he 
bought part of the Luddington estate ; in 1880 the C. J. Wheeler farm ; and in 1892 
he purchased and inherited another portion of the Skillings estate, which has been in 
the possession of the family since 1836. He has 186 acres of some of the finest farm 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 157 

land in Dryden, raising hay, grain and stock, and making a specialty of dairying. He 
takes the Republican side in politics and an intelligent interest in educational and 
religious matters, being trustee of his school district, and is known in his town as a 
practical and successful farmer. 

Sickmon, George B., was born in the town of Dryden, May 7, 1864. His father, 
Sanford Sickmon, was for many years a prominent farmer in the town, and is now a 
resident of McLean. Our subject was educated in the common schools, finishing in the 
McLean graded, and also the Cortland Normal schools. He commenced teaching in 
1883 in the district school at Dryden, and taught two years at McLean. He is now 
teaching his fifth year at Freeville Graded School; which has under his principalship 
become the leading village school of this county and now has a daily attendance of 100. 
He is one of the prominent men in his town, taking great interest in political, educa- 
tional and religious matters, and is now president of the Teachers' Association of the 
Second Commissioner's District of Tompkins county, which office he has held for several 
years. He was candidate for school commissioner in his district in 1893, receivino- a 
raajorit}'- of eighty -five male votes, and losing his election to a lady candidate. He is a 
man of high standing and education, always ready to aid in anything that will elevate 
mankind or be for the interest of the community, and fearless in denouncing evil. He 
stands a friend to the needy and distressed, bearing the respect of all of his towns- 
people. 

Sisson, P. F., was born in Seneca Falls October 6, 1839, a son of Philip Sisson, a 
native of this county, born in Danby in 1808, and from here, after reaching his ma- 
jority, he went west for a short time. He next located in Seneca Falls. He is a 
builder by trade, but since 1868 he has owned a farm on the bank of Cayuga Lake. Of 
his eight children our subject was the oldest son. He was educated in Seneca Falls 
Academy after leaving which he was for one year a clerk in the post-office at Seneca 
Falls. After spending six months in Chicago and one year in New York he came in 
1862, to Ithaca, engaging in boat-building which he followed two years. He was then 
in the manufactory of Mr. Hickson nine years. Then R. B. Williams, W. L. Bostwick 
and Mr. Sisson went into the sash and blind business, which existed for two years, 
then Mr. Williams dropped out, and it was conducted by the remaining partners for 
two years. It was then turned over to the Ithaca Organ & Piano Company, of which 
Mr. Sisson was secretary and treasurer eight years. He was five years with the re- 
ceiver, George R. Williams, and on August 1, 1889, he bought the merchant tailoring 
establishment of H. K. Jones, and now employs seventeen hands, carrying a very com- 
plete line of goods. He is experienced in tailoring and does a successful business. Mr. 
Sisson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Eagle Chapter, St. Augustine Com- 
mandery. He is a Republican, and has been president of the village of Ithaca. In 
1864 Mr. Sisson married Eliza S. Hill of Ithaca, and they have three children. 

Sweet, GalushaC, was born in the town of Virgil, November 24, 1849, and was edu- 
cated in the common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and 
observation. After leaving school he learned the marble-cutter's trade, which he fol- 
lowed for four years and then learned the carriage-maker's trade about ten years. 



158 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

In 1882 he came to the village of Dryden and went into the undertaker's business, soon 
taking the lead in his line and receiving calls from Ithaca, Cortland, Virgil, Harford, 
and Harford Mills as the director of the obsequies of the dead. Our subject has 
acquired a wide and well deserved reputation throughout the country. At the age 
of twenty-one he was married to Miss Hattie Williams, daughter of the late W H. 
Williams of the town of Virgil, who died in January, 1888, and they have two children. 
Miss Lida and Miss Allie. Mr. Sweet takes the Republican side in politics and an active 
interest in educational and religious matters. 

Sanford, Lyman, deceased, was born March 29, 1813, in the town of Dryden and 
with his father, Lyman Sanford, was one of the earliest settlers of the town. At the 
age of thirty he married Nancy Hutchings, and they were the parents of six children. 
The daughters, Jeanette, De Btte and Alice and the son, Frank, are now living on the 
old homestead. Lyman Sanford was one of the leading men in his town, an honor- 
able, upright man whose word was as good as his bond, and known and recognized 
as a practical and successful farmer. 

Sandwick, Wm. H., was born in the town of Moravia, June 1, 1862, and was 
educated in the graded schools. His father, John Sandwick, was a well-known tanner 
and currier of that town. Our subject came to the village of Dryden in 1877 and en- 
gaged in Rockwell's Woolen Factory, which business he followed for three years, and 
in 1880 engaged in the barber's business in a small way, which by energy and business 
ability he has been able to increase and fix up a store carrying a fine line of gent's fur- 
nishing goods, tobacco, cigars and confectionery, with tonsorial parlors in connection 
with his store. He was appointed postmaster October 1, 1893. At the age of twenty 
he married Miss Nellie M. Givens, daughter of Darius Grivens, and they have three 
children, Mildred, Mabel and Florence. Mr. Sandwick was one of the instigators in 
the establishing of the water works in this village. 

Stoddard, David, born November 5, 1773, a native and former resident of Litchfield, 
Conn., settled in Otselic, Chenango county, in 1803, andhss wife died October 11, 1813, 
after which the pioneer divided his farm among his three sons and then came to Gro- 
ton, where he purchased a farm of 300 acres. In 1815 he married Lois Cobb, daughter 
of one of Groton's pioneers, and by this marriage he had these children : Ida, born in 
September 1816, died in 1866 ;• Ira, born in 1820, died in Salisbury rebel prison in 1864; 
Isa, who married Alanso Durfee of Groton ; Iren, born August 13, 1825 ; Iva, born 
July 5, 1828. died September 6, 1864 ; Irena, born December 4, 1830, married Charles 
Francis, and lives on the old home farm in Groton; Athelia, who became the wife of 
Augustus Moe. Iren Stoddard married Fanny, daughter of Frederick Miller of Groton, 
and his six children : Fay L., Giles M., Omar C, Frank A., Edward and Jerome, all of 
whom live in Groton. Giles M. Stoddard was born September 22, 1854, and was 
educated at the Groton Academy and Union Free school. He read law with W. W. 
Hare and was admitted to the bar in May, 1879. Mr. Stoddard is a Democrat, and one 
of the leaders of his party in this part of the county. He was candidate for the office 
of district attorney in 1884. He has twice been president of the village and member 
of the School Board three terms. February 7, 1888, he was appointed postmaster at 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 159 

Groton village. In 1882 Mr. Stoddard married Maude, daughter of Solomon Loomis 
of Groton, and they have one child, Leola. 

Stewart, Olin L., was born in the town of Newfield, January 24, 1852, the youngest 
son of Horace S. Stewart. He was educated in the common schools, and after leaving 
same was engaged with his brother in the tobacco business. In 1871 he went to Cort- 
land where he established a cigar manufactory, which he conducted for two years. 
Returning to Ithaca he was one year in the employ of his brother, and for one year 
was in partnership with him. In 1880 he established a bottling business in this city, to 
which he added by the purchase of the Bartholomew Agency of Schwartz, and from 
this start he has built up the present large and extensive establishment at 16 South 
Aurora street. He is also agent for the Standard Brewing Co., of Rochester. Mr. 
Stewart is a Democrat in politics, and in 1892 he was elected alderman of the second 
ward of the city. He is a member of Hobasco Lodge No. 71fi, F. & A. M., and a mem- 
ber of the K. of P. Lodge No. 89. He was married in April, 1890, to Eva Jarvis of 
Ithaca. 

Synnott, Rev. S. H., was born in St. John, N. B., was educated in the University of 
New Brunswick and in the General Theological Seminary in New York City. He 
acted as assistant in St. Peter's church in New York city for a year and a half, and his 
first rectorship was at Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N. Y., where he staid seven years. 
Prom there he went to St. Paul's church, Poughkeepsie, where he was the rector for 
seventeen years, coming to Ithaca in 1885 as rector of St. John's church. In 1891 he 
was elected librarian by the trustees of the Cornell City Library, making him ex-officio 
trustee of the University. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M., Eagle Chap- 
ter, St. Augustine Commandery and Knights of Pythias, and chaplain of the blue lodge. 
In 1863 he married Alice T. Worthington of Cooperstown, and they have one child, the 
wife of E. A. Pattison of Troy, N. Y. 

Smith, WiUiam Hazhtt, was born in Hector, September 24, 1853, a son of Jeremy 
Smith. He prepared for college at Starkey Seminary and entered Cornell University 
in the fall of 1869, graduating in June, 1873 with the degree of A. B. He taught Latin 
and Greek one year in Ithaca Academy, and then entered the law oflSce of King & 
Montgomery at Ithaca,^ was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1876 and formed a part- 
nership January 1, 1877, with his brother Simeon, which existed until May, 1885. He 
then opened an office for himself and has since been alone, doing a general practice, but 
making a specialty of real estate transactions. He is a Democrat, and a member of 
Fidelity Lodge F. & A. M., and also of the R. A. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
church. In 1881 he married Celia Mattison of this county, and they have one daughter. 
Mrs. Smith is recently the inventor and patentee of the cloth tabby cat and other 
animals, which have been on the market for the past two years and have been very 
popular. 

Stephens, Clements T., was born in Ithaca in 1849, only surviving son of Philip 
Stephens. He was educated at the High School, Clinton, N. Y., and at Briar Cliff 
Military School on the Hudson. In 1878 he bought out the firm of E. C. Gregg, agri- 
cultural implements and seeds, and located there until the summer of 1893, when he re- 



160 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

moved to the corner of Aurora and State streets, and has changed his line from agricul- 
tural to stoves and house furnishings. In 1889 he Ijought the East Hill Coal Yard of 
Harmon Hill, which he still conducts, in connection with his other business. He is a 
member of Fidelity Lodge, F. &. A. M., Eagle Chapter, Ithaca Council. St. Augustine 
Commandery. In 1881 he married Susan M. Hibbard, and they have one son, Fitch 
Hibbard Stephens, a student in the grammer school. 

Stephens, Jesse W., was born in England, June 3, 1845. His father, John L., emi- 
grated to this country in 1849 and after spending one year in Quebec, Canada, he moved 
to Ithaca and with his brother, Thomas, established a marble and monumental yard on 
S. Tioga street. He dissolved partnership after several years and located where the 
grocery of J. W. Stephens now stands on State street. John E. Stephens died at the 
age of fifty-nine. Since J. W. was five years of age he has made his home in this 
town. He was educated in the old Lancastrian school and his first occupation was as 
a marble cutter in his father's shop. He was only sixteen years of age when the war 
broke out, and August 16, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 137th Regiment, New 
York Volunteers, to serve for three years or during the war. He saw service in the 
battle of Chancellorsville, G-ettysburg and other minor engagements, and was then 
transferred to the Twelfth Corps and from there to the Twentieth Corps, which 
joined Sherman in his march to the sea. He was dispatch bearer for General G-eary, 
division commander, and General Green, brigade commander, and was discharged 
June 9, 1865. On his return he resumed bis trade and worked on the Cornell house, 
also Andrew D. White's house, and did the lettering on some of the College buildings. 
In 1873 he established a grocery on 78 Cascadilla street, and in a few years moved 
to Eddy street, starting the first store there, which he afterward sold to George Frost, 
and returned to Cascadilla street. He sold this store on Cascadilla street and took 
the store left by D. B. Stewart on State street, which he conducted but a short time 
and sold to Moses Shepard. During this time he bought and sold several other small 
concerns. In 1892 he bought out the store of his brother, George Stephens at 110 W. 
State street, which he conducted in connection with his Cascadilla street store. His 
line is groceries and dry goods and meats in winter time. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican and in 1887 was the candidate for alderman, taking the second nomination only 
four days before election and defeated by only four votes. The following year he was 
elected by 144 majority in a Democratic ward. For the past seven years he has been 
a vestryman of St. John's Episcopal church and a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, Hobasco Lodge No. 716, of which he is the junior warden, Eagle Chapter, 
Ithaca Council, St. Augustine Commandery. He has passed all chairs of the Knights 
of Pythias and vice-chancellor the year of the Grand Lodge meeting in this city, and 
the next year was elected chancellor commander. He is a member of Sidney 
Post, G-. A. R. He was married in Guilford, Conn., in June, 1867, to Mary Harrigan, 
and they are the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters. 

Smith, Simeon, was born in the town of Hector, Schuyler county, N. Y., August 2, 
1850. Both of his parents at the age of seventy-five years are still living and in good 
health at Ithaca, N. Y. He was educated at Starkey Seminary and Cornell University, 
graduating from the latter with honor in the class of 1873. After graduation he took 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 161 

up the study of laAV, spending one year in the office of Ferris & Dowe, and one year 
in the Albany Law School, from wliich he graduated and was admitted to the bar May 
15, 1875. Returning to Ithaca he opened an office at once, and has ever since been 
in the active practice of his profession. In the fall of 1875 Mr. Smith was appointed 
by Grovernor Tilden, district attorney of Tompkins county, to fill a vacancy caused by 
the resignation of S. D. Halliday, who had been elected to the Assembly. In the fall 
of 1875 he was the candidate of his party for county judge, and ran largely ahead of 
the State ticket at the election. In 1889 he was appointed by Governor Hill, without 
solicitation on his part, commissioner of the State Meteorological Bureau and Weather 
Service, and reappointed three years later by Governor Flower. He has always been a 
moderate Democrat and has repeatedly represented his party in the county and State 
conventions. In March, 1893, he was appointed city attorney by the reform anti- 
license mayor. 

Smith, William M., was born in Dryden in 1838, a son of Wilham R., a native of 
Massachusetts, who came to this State when quite young, taking up farming, and set- 
tling on the place now owned by his son William, consisting of 130 acres. He mar- 
ried Polly Vickery of Vermont, and they had thirteen children, our subject being the 
eleventh. The latter married Esther Hulselander of Dryden, i;i 1866, and they are the 
parents of two children, George A. and Bert S., both residing at home with their pa- 
rents. Mr. Smith supports the Republican party. 

Stevens, Smith D,, was born August 5, 1833, in the town of Caroline, and was the 
son of Harvey Stevens, who came from Ridgefield, Conn., to the town of Caroline in 
1816, was educated in the district schools and finished at the Ithaca Academy, under 
Professor S. D. Carr. After leaving school returned to his father's farm. At the age 
of twenty-three he married Lucy M., daughter of D. Marsh, of the town of Danby, 
and they have one son, Fred A., living at home. Our subject is one of the prominent 
farmers of the town, owning 200 acres of fine laud, which he devotes to the raising of 
hay, grain and stock, making a specialty of the breeding of pure Berkshire swine and 
Shropshire sheep. He is a Republican, and has served as assessor six years and as 
supervisor two years. Both he and his father have always been identified with all the 
leading movements of the town. 

George, David, was born in Monmouth county, N. J., in the year 1768. At the 
battle of Monmouth, which occurred June 28, 1778, he carried water all day to the 
wounded soldiers, and at night nearly fell from exhaustion. In 1793 he married Aletta 
Shepard, and in 1804 or 5 moved with his family into the town of Dryden, settling 
about three-fourths of a mile east of West Dryden upon a farm of 100 acres. Mr. 
George and family passed through all the hardships of the earlier settlers of the town, 
bears, wolves and other wild animals were plentiful at this time. Mr. George lived on 
the same farm till his death in 1848, aged eighty years. His widow survived him 
twenty-one years, and died in 1869, aged ninety-six years. She, too, remembered 
seeing the British soldiers in the Revolutionary war passing her father's house on their 
way through the Jerseys. Mr. George raised a family of twelve children, of whom 
two only are living. None of his descendents survive in Tompkins county. His 



162 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

brother, Joel George, moved into the town of Dryden about the same time, and settled 
west of West Dryden, and a number of his descendants are still living in the town. 

Silver, Solomon, jr., the subject of this sketch, was born at Chenango Point (now 
the city of Binghamton), November 5, 1806. His father, Solomon Silver, sr., conducted 
a tannery at the Point and took trips yearly, spring and fall, through the lake regions, 
visiting Elmira, Jefferson (now Watkins), thence to Ovid, from there to Cayuga Bridge, 
crossing the ferry there, then to Ithaca and Owego, and so returning home. About the 
year 1808, on one of these trips, his father was murdered between Ovid and Cayuga 
Bridge, and it was supposed his body was thrown into Cayuga Lake, as it was never 
found, after a protracted search, nor was his murderer ever apprehended, as communi- 
cation was slow in those days. In 1810 his mother married the second time a Mr. 
Allen, and the family moved to Tompkins county and settled near North Lansing. His 
step-father and mother died while he was young, and at the age of eighteen he went 
and lived with a Mr. Christie for three years at Ludlowville, and learned the tanning 
and shoe business. While there the temperance movement began, and he and twelve 
others formed what was known as the "Washington Temperance Society." Mr. Sil- 
ver at his death was the last one of the original twelve that formed the society. At 
the age of twenty-one he entered the Homer Academy, and after finishing his studies 
taught school in Lansing and elsewhere for several terms. He was the first to use a 
black board in a district school house, adoptmg this method in Tompkins and Cortland 
counties. He settled at Peruville, and carried on the boot and shoe business. 
In July, 1836, he married Hannah G-eorge, of West Dryden, a daughter of David 
G-eorge. It was in Mr. Silver's shop that Charles Sanders (author of Sanders' series of 
school books) and Mr. William Woodbury wrote and compiled Sanders' first spelling 
book. While living at Peruville Mr. Silver, with Mr. Mount and others, helped to 
establish a church there. He was also one of the foremost in the abohtion movement 
Mr. Silver died near Jamestown, N. Y., in May, 1886. 

Shaffer, Amos D., was born in Monroe county, Pa., November 28, 1824. Adam, his 
father, was also born m Pennsylvania in 1795, and made a prospective tour to New 
York State when Amos was two years'of age, but returned to Pennsylvania, where he 
took up farming. Philip, his father, died at the age of ninety-eight years, 
and he was a son of Matthew Shaffer, who lived to be 102 years of age. Adam 
married Mary Van Buskirk, born in Pennsylvania of Scotch descent, a daughter of 
Moses Van Buskirk, and they had nine children, our subject being the fifth. He has 
always been a farmer from early Ufe. He married, at the age of twenty-four, Elizabeth 
Walter, of Pike county, Pa., and they had four children. Mrs. Shaffer, died at the 
age of seventy-two years in 1891. Mr. Shaffer has made a specialty of the raising 
of early lambs, and at present has a flock of 104 sheep. He is a Granger, but has 
never taken an active part in public affairs. 

Sheffer, Charles E., was born in the town of Clermont, Columbia county, N. Y., 
April 26, 1831, was educated in the common schools and made his home on the farm 
which had been in the family two generations before him. He assisted his father on the 
farm till becoming of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade and became a practical 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 163 

builder. He made a specialty of bridge work, and at the age of twenty-eight he 
entered the employ of the H. R. R. Co, with whom he was at the time of its consolida- 
tion with the N. Y. C. R. R. He was the assistant builder of the first bridge across 
the Hudson River at Albany in 1866, which has since been replaced with an iron struc- 
ture. In 1869 he became an employee of the D., L. & W. R. R. Co., and was assigned 
as assistant superintendent of the shops at Scranton, where he remained but seven 
months, when be was transferred to Ithaca, and had charge of the car shops, and also 
attended to the bridge building on the line. He was employed with this company 
until the change of administration in 1885, and the next year he established a grocery 
and provision store at the corner of Mill and North Plain streets, where he has ever 
since been in the business. Mr. Sheffer is a Republican in politics, and a member of 
FideHty Lodge, No. 51, F. & A. M. ; also of the Knights of Honor. In 1849 he married 
Hannah A. Shephard, of Hillsdale, Columbia county, and they have three children, 
Sarah E., Alice P., who is principal of West Hill school, and Reuben W. 

Gibbs, James, was born at Windsor, Conn., in 1789, married Almena Colegrove of 
the same place, was on the frontier service during the war of 1812, and settled at 
Groton in 1815. He was a man of large iatellect and ranked high as a man of business 
ability, was a successful financier, and in early life had acquired a large competency. 
But at the age of forty-four he heard the master call to a higher work, and leaving 
secular affairs to his sons, he entered the ministry of the Baptist denomination as an 
evangehst, and died December 23, 1863, aged seventy-four years. Their children were : 
Eliza, James, Oliver, Julia and Norman. Eliza received a liberal education and after 
teaching several terms, married the Rev. Francisco Dusenbury, Baptist minister, and 
settled at Etna, N. Y. Three years later they moved to Newfield and afterward settled 
at Lake Ridge, where she died, April 15, 1868. James Gibbs, jr., was of a very genial, 
happy disposition, made friends everywhere, devoted his time to teaching, both vocal 
and instrumental music. He married Nancy' Richardson of Freetown, N. Y., and died 
October 6, 1864, aged forty-eight years, leaving one son, Edgar Gibbs. Oliver graduated 
from Hamilton Theological College, married Arvilla Hopkins of Ohio, and entered the 
Baptist ministry at the age of twenty-eight, was a faithful, efficient pastor until failing 
health drove him from his loved employ. He died at Groton February 1, 1888, leaving 
one daughter and two sons. Julia, second daughter, received her education at Groton 
and in 1844 married Abram J. Stout, born October 14, 1819, a thriving mechanic, own- 
ing the leading blacksmithing business of Groton. Two years later they removed to 
Lake Ridge, N. Y., remaining in the same business ten years. They then returned to 
Groton, bought the Ira Riggs farm east of Groton village, where they have lived con- 
tinuously with the exception of eight years in Cortland. They had one son, Jerome W., 
who at the age of twelve years entered the High School at Groton, working on the 
farm summers and attending school winters, until eighteen, when he commenced teach- 
ing winters with marked success. He married Mary E. Smith of Pontiac, Mich. 
After a few years of farm life he graduated from Elmira Business College, and accepted 
a call from a mercantile house and extensive lumbering business in Tuscola county, 
Mich., having in charge the entire book accounts and post-office of the place. He was 
a man of business ability and true moral worth, having the confidence of all who knew 



164 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

him, until his sudden death February 14, 1890. He left a wife and daughter. Bertha 
E. Stout. Norman G-ibbs, the youngest son of James G-ibbs, was born in G-roton in 
1829, and was a young man of mai-ked ability, he was a teacher for many years, then 
entered upon the practice of law, removed to Mount Vernon, Mo., where he has an 
extensive law practice and is also a large real estate owner, at the present time. The 
period preceding the war Abram Stout was a Democrat, but a thorough abolitionist and 
assisted many fugitive slaves who came to him for refuge. Jonathan, father of Abram 
Stout, was a native of Bordentown, N. J., born January 18, 1782, who married Mary 
Buckellew, who was born June 3, 1786. They settled in Dryden in 1809, and Mr. 
Stout participated in the war of 1812. Their children were : Charlotte, Andrew, Mary, 
Furman, Margaret, Abram J., Ellen, Sarah and Allen. Mr. Stout died March 19, 1846. 

Sabin, Jefferson L., was born in Ithaca, November 27, 1838. His father was born in 
Lewis county and came to Ithaca in 1835, bought what was known as the David D. 
Spencer property, and where our subject was born. He was educated in the common 
schools, and finished at the old Ithaca Academy, under Professors Carr and Williams. 
At the age of twenty-five he married Miranda Van Order, daughter of Henry Van Order 
of Ithaca, and they have two children, Burritt and CharlQS. In 1869 he bought what 
is known as the Stephen Bucklin property and in 1884 he bought the Ireland farm, 
having 156 acres of some of the most productive farm land in the town, raising large 
amounts of hay, grain and stock, making a specialty of hay crop. He is recognized in 
his town as a practiced and successful farmer, a man of conservative and independant 
ideas, taking an active and intelligent interest in educational and religious matters. 

Smith, Wheeler H. and Earl V., are sons of Hugh H. Smith, who came to this town 
with his father, Joseph Smith, when twenty-two years of age. Joseph Smith was born 
in Susquehanna, Pa., December 23, 1787, and died February 12, 1875. He served six 
months at Black Rock during the latter part of the war of 1812 and afterward drew a 
pension. His wife, Polly Van Tyle, was born in Minnisink, Orange county, June 19, 
1787, and died December 2, 1822. Their children were Rebecca, born November 4, 
1809, died August 2, 1823 ; Sally A., born October 13, 1810, died August 10, 1830 ; Hugh 
H., born November 24, 1815, died October 10, 1845. Joseph married second in Jan- 
uary, 1824, Sally Polly, born February 15, 1803, in Minnisink, died September 17, 1837, 
by whom he had these children: Mary Ann (Mrs. W. C. Douglass), born October 26, 
1824; Lewis W., born December 25, 1826; Jane, born May 20, 1829 ; Jacob, born 
December 22, 1832; George V., born March 13, 1837 ; the lastfour are dead. His third 
wife was Abigail Carpenter, of Carmel, Putnam county, born October 27, 1802, whom 
he married July 22, 1838, and Avho died February 14, 1875. She bore him these children : 
Hannah, born April 17, 1839; William, born February 10, 1841 (deceased); Caroline, 
born October 13, 1842; William, born December 9, 1844 (deceased); Fannie, born April 
15,1850. Joseph Smith settled in Enfield on what is known as the Andrew Brown 
farm in 1837, where he died as above stated. He was a good farmer and for thirty 
years was a deacon in the Baptist church in Mecklenburg. He and Colonel Brewer 
brought the first shorthorn Durham cattle into Tompkins county. Hugh H. Smith was 
also a representative farmer. In 1839 he married Marinda Hawey (born July 2, 1809, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. • 165 

died in 1884), by whom he had these children : Elizabeth, born June 21, 1841 died 
February 2, 1865 ; Earl V. and Wheeler H. He was a man of more than ordinary 
ability and was entrusted with the settlement of numerous estates. Earl V. Smith was 
born September 19, 1843, and married Olive N. Kirby. He has been postmaster at 
Mecklenburg four years, and is a farmer in the west part of the town. Wheeler H. 
Smith, who owns and occupies a large tract of land near the southwest corner of 
Enfield, was born June 26, 1846. He has been twice married, first to Miss Frank 
Wilhams, and second to Miss Ella A. Spencer. He has had three children : Elizabeth, 
born May 21, 1880, died August 1, 1892; Eoxana M., born August 3, 1883; and Hugh 
H., born September 23, 1888. 

Saylor, Samuel, was born in the town of Lansing, August 27, 1811, was educated in 
the town of Hector, Schuyler county, where he was taken by his parents when six 
months old, and he has always 'followed farming, until his retirement about thirteen 
years ago. November 8, 1832, he married Lydia Payne, of Hector, born May 18, 1813, 
and they had five children : Hannah, Clarinda, Charles, Frances and Schuyler. Frances 
died October 10, 1865; Clarinda died September 11, 1892. John, father of our subject 
was born in New Jersey in 1786, and came to this country when a young man, marry- 
ing Mary Bowers, born near Easton, Pa., in 1788, her parents moved to Lansing about 
1800, and are buried at New Millford, 111., by whom he had nine children : Samuel 
Daniel, Sarah M., John, Mary, Harriet, Almaj C ynthia and William. He died April 2 
1842, and his wife May 9, 1857. Ira Payne, father of Mrs. Saylor, was born in Scipio, 
Cayuga county, N. Y., and married Hannah Harvey, by whom he had three dauo-hters 
and one son : Cynthia, Electa, Lydia and Silas, who died in infancy. Mr. Payne was 
a soldier in th^g war of 1812, and died from the eiFects of exposure in that war. Mr. 
Saylor came to reside in Trumansburgh in 1879. Clarrinda (Saylor) Hillock died the 
11th day of September last, aged fifty-eight years, less eleven days, and is buried in the 
North-side Cemetery above Rockford, Ills. 

Smith, Rev. William A., who for seventeen years has held the pastorate of the Con- 
gregational church at Groton, is a native of Scotland, born in Aberdeen, November 10 
1834. His parents were William and Jean (Raffin) Smith, and of their four children 
he was the youngest. He was educated in Scotland, and in 1853 was graduated from 
the King's College University. Although educated for the ministry Mr, Smith did not 
at once enter upon that calling, but engaged in mercantile pursuits. After several years 
thus employed he resumed theological study, and in 1860 entered the ministry. His 
first pastorate was at Douglass, England, where he remained twelve years. His work 
there, which was largely of a missionary character,was marked with wonderful success. 
In September, 1860, he married for his first wife Ann Creer of Douglass, who died in 
December, 1869. In August, 1873, he married Annie Caley, likewise of Douglass, by 
whom he had five children. After leaving his first charge, he accepted a call to a church 
in the North of London, England ; here he remained nearly four years. In the spring 
of 1877 he came to the United States, and was at once called to the Congregational 
church at G-roton, and has since been its pastor and leader. Mr. Smith's pastorate of 
this church has been marked by a degree of success never before attained in its history. 
He is an advocate of the " new theology " and his views have met with the hearty ap- 



166 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

proval of the greater part of his parishioners. More than this, Mr. Smith has built up 
the church numerically as well as spiritually, and during his pastorate the present 
beautiful edifice has been erected. Its membership now reaches 200, with a like num- 
ber in the Sunday school, while the various societies connected with the church give 
abundant proof of an excellent pastoral head. 

Stone, Richard H., was born in Trumansburgh, July 16, 1842, was educated in the 
public schools and old Academy. He then clerked in his father's store, was afterwards 
engaged by the Ithaca, Geneva & Sayre Railroad Company as station agent, and was 
in the employ of the road through its various changes for fifteen years. In the mean 
time he established an extensivie general produce business, has built an elevator with a 
capacity of 25,000 bushels, coal trestle, warehouses, fruit cellars and hay barns, all pro- 
vided with machinery for handling produce, pressing hay, etc. The coal trestle has a 
capacity of 3,000 tons. His shipments .last year were over one thousand car loads of 
produce, and he received about 900 cars of coal, etc. This year indicates an increase 
of ten per cent, and his average cash payments are about $1,000 per day. He resigned 
his position as station agent in May, 1893. June 29, 1864, he married Nancy, daughter 
of Stephen Lamport, of Trumansburgh, and they have nir e children : Stephen L., 
who married Fannie Howe of Knowlesville, Orleans county, N. Y., and has two children, 
Ruth and Margarete ; Albert G., Le Pine, Louise M., R. Harry, Edward 0., Charlotte 
L., Nancy L., and Estelle D. Mr. Stone's father, Albert G., was born in Litchfield 
county, Conn., and came to Tompkins county at an early day. March 21, 1833, he 
married Ann E. Camp of this village, and they had ten children, six of whom survive : 
James L., Louise C, Richard H., Hermon C, Albertine and George, of Washington, 
Avho is chief clerk to the second assistant postmaster general ; two sisters reside with 
him. Mr. Stone's father was postmaster here about twelve years, and died April 
12, 1870. 

Stewart, David B., the first mayor of the city of Ithaca, was born in the town of 
Newfield, second son of Horace S. Stewart, who was a native of Delaware county and 
came to Tompkins county in 1808 with his parents and has resided in the town of New- 
field ever since, now living about half a mile from Newfield village. The early life of 
our subject was spent in the town of his birth, attending common school and assisting 
on the farm. He was also a student of the old Ithaca Academy and Cazenovia Semi- 
nary. He followed various eTiployments, but mostly in mercantile and manufacturing 
business until 1867, whan ne moved to Ithaca and established at No. 7 East State 
street, a wholesale and retail grocery, bakery, confectionery and cigar manufactory, 
which he conducted for fourteen years. In 1882 he sold this business, and with Mr. S. 
H. Winton engaged in wholesale grocery business and cigar manufacturing exclusively. 
The firm of Winton & Stewart continued until 1889, when the firm of D. B. Stewart 
& Company was established, and is now being conducted at 15, 17 and 19 South Tioga 
street. He is a member of Hobasco iiodge F. & A. M., Eagle Chapter, St. Augustin*- 
Commandery, Ithaca Lodge No. 71, I.O.O.F., Protective Police, director of the Ithaca 
Trust Company, and trustee of the Ithaca Savings Bank. He married in 1856, A. 
Louisa Crowell of Newfield, and they have one son, Edwin C. Stewart, with his father 
in business. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 167 

Smiley, Joseph, came with his wife from Bloomingburgh, Sulhvan county, his birth 
place, to the town of Ulysses about 1824. A year later he moved to the town of 
Groton and settled at Peruville, where for many years he was a successful tanner and 
farmer. He died September 1, 1879, His wife, Hannah Dickison Smiley, died several 
years earlier. Four children, of the five born to them, are still living, two sons and 
two daughters. Everett Smiley, the older son, was born in Peruville, January 29, 
1828, where he lived until twenty-six years of age, assisting his father on the farm and 
in the tannery. A year later, he, with his brother, bought a farm near West Dryden. 
He occupied this farm until 1863, when he exchanged it for the Smiley homestead 
which is still in his possession. Here he conducted a highly successful farming busi- 
ness until 1879, when he removed to Groton village, where he still resides. In 1855, 
he was married to Nancy Halladay, daughter of Lyman Halladay of West Groton. 
They have one child, Mary, wife of Charles 0. Rhodes. Mr. Smiley has been a con- 
servative Republican. He supported Mr. Greeley for the presidency in 1872 and in later 
years has favored the Prohibition party. He is not a man who ever sought public 
office, yet has held many positions of trust, always retaining the confidence of his fel- 
low-men in his business ability, honor and integrity. He was a member of the Groton 
village Board of Education for several terms, and declined a re-election in August, 1893, 
preferring complete retirement from public and business affairs, nevertheless taking a 
deep interest in the welfare of his native town. 

Smith, Clarence L,, was born in Ulysses February 5, 1851. His father, Minor T. 
Smith, was a native of the town of Hector. He has been a farmer all his life, but is 
now a resident of Trumansburgh village. The mother of our subject, Maria King, was a 
native of Hector and is still living. Clarence is the only child. He was educated in 
the common schools, prepared for college at Trumansburgh, and entered Cornell in 
1869, graduating in 1873. He went at once as a student in the law office of S. D, Hal- 
liday and the fall of 1874 entered Albany Law School, being admitted to the bar in 
1875. His first practice was in Ithaca for two years a partner with Mr. Halliday, and 
since alone. He is a Republican in politics and in 1879 was elected justice of the peace, 
being re-elected in 1882. He resigned that fall to take the office of district attorney, 
which he held six years. One of the important cases during his service was the cele- 
brated Barber murder trial. In 1890 he was elected to a four year term as recorder of 
the city of Ithaca. He married in 1879 Evelyn D. Spaulding of Caroline, and they 
have two children, a son and a daughter. 

Smith, EHas, was born in Ulysses, December 10, 1828, was educated in the public 
schools and taught during winters for seventeen years. September 21, 1852, he married 
Camilla Iredell of this town by whom he had three children : Amanda E., Will I., 
and Anna R. Amanda is principal of the school at Jacksonville ; Will I. married Ella 
A. Williams of Ithaca, where they reside. Anna R. married Edwin S. Johnson, of 
Jacksonville. The father of our subject, John H., was born in New Jersey, April 20, 
1806, and married Catharine Longstreet, of this State, by whom he had three children, 
two sons and a daughter, EHas, Amos, and Margaret. He died in March, 1893, and 
his wife in 1876. Airs. Smith's father, Joseph L. Iredell, was born in Montgomery 
couaty, Pa., December 9, 1797, and married Letitia Quinby, formerly of New Jersey. 



168 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

They came here and located on the farm on which Mr. and Mrs. Smith reside. Their 
nine children were: Hannah, Camilla, Sarah, Hester, Mary Elizabeth, Martha Q., 
Helen, and Susanna. He died April 15, 1891, and his wife April 2.3, 1891. Mr. and 
Mrs. Iredell were both greatly respected in the neighborhood. Mr. Smith has been 
county superintendent for the past six years. The ancestry of the family is English, 
Welsh and Irish. 

Pease, Augustine E., was born in Ulysses, November 19, 1817, was educated in the 
public schools of that day, aud reared on his father's farm until he attained his ma- 
jority. He then entered Union College, where Dr. Nott was president, graduating in 
July 1843. In 1853 he received the degree of A. M., and taught in the west and also 
in the south, as well as at his own home and in Canton, Madison county, Miss. He 
was principal of Trumansburgh Academy two years, and afterward took up farming. 
In 1867 he purchased twenty-four acres of land in the village of Trumansburgh, the 
greater part of which he covered with buildings, sold to working people. April 8, 
1846, he married Rebecca A., daughter of Samuel Hopkins, one of the first settlers in 
Covert, Seneca county, and they have two daughters, ladies of culture and refinement : 
Ida and Lucy S. Mr. Pease's father, Simeon, was born in Enfield, Conn., May 29, 1790, 
and January 8, 1815, he married Cynthia Markham. About 1814 he moved to this 
town, where he bought fifty acres, and upon his marriage came to live. Of his thir- 
teen children, ten grew to maturity: Augustine H., Cynthia D., Sarah, Simeon G-., 
Harriet, Annis, Minerva, Antoinette, Emily and Benjamin F. Mr. Pease died in 1867, 
and his wife, September 2, 1869. Both of our subject's grandfathers served in the 
Revolutionaiy war, where they were non commissioned officers. The ancestors of the 
family were English. 

Pratt, J. H., was born in the village of Groton, September 11, 1844. His father, 
G-eo. D. Pratt, settled in the village of Groton and estabhshed a harness, trunks, robes, 
etc.. business about 1839. Ten years later, in March, 1849, he removed to the village 
of Dryden, and carried on the same business, assisted by his son, who succeeds him. 
About 1840 Geo. D." Pratt married Betsey M. Foster, daughter of Aaron Foster, who 
came to Dryden near 1830 and located at Willow Glen on the farm which he after- 
wards sold to John McGraw. Aaron Foster was connected with and carried on the 
flour and saw mills located at Willow Glen. Our subject was educated at the common 
schools, finishing at the Dryden Academy. At the age of thirty-eight he married 
Mary F. Hurd, daughter of Denison Hurd, of Ithaca, and they are the parents of one 
daughter, Betsey L. Pratt. In politics he takes the Republican side. He has been 
president of the village and is now treasurer. He is the leading man in his business of 
fine hand- made harness, wagons, sleighs, robes, etc. A brother of our subject, Hail F. 
Pratt, is associated with him in business. Another brother, George F., is a farmer of 
the town of Caroline. 

Perry, Wilham M., was born near Buffalo, February 21, 1839, his family having come 
from Otsego county. He was given his early education in Buffalo, and at the age of 
eleven years was left an orphan and thrown upon his own resources. At the age of 
seventeen he shipped aboard a whaler and followed the sea for eleven years, the last 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 169 

four being spent in the United States Navy. In 1869 he came to Ithaca to visit a 
relative, and while here married Miss Matilda M.Barnes of Newfield, and settled here, 
where he has since made his home. The following spring he took up carpentry with 
William Nelson and after two years went with Hyatt & Oltz. Four years later he 
went with John Snaith. In 1881, when the Fiske mansion was started he took charge 
of the carpenter work, and after the death of the owner it was finished by contract, and 
this was Mr. Perry's first financial enterprise. Since that time he has built many of the 
finest residences and pubhc buildings in this city. Beginning with the Fiske house, his 
erections include the Dr. Dennis residence of Elberon, N. J., and of Warren E. Den- 
nis of the same place. In New York city he also remodeled the houses of W. E. Den- 
nis and Mrs. J. D. Ripley, and in Ithaca he has built the residences of Professor Fuertes, 
Professor Thurston, Professor Nichols, the Kappa Alpha and the Chi Phi Society 
houses and was also the contractor for the wood work on the Cornell University 
Library and the Congregational church, and is now building the Unitarian church, the 
woodwork for Mr. W. 0. Wyckoflf's house on Carleton Island, and rebuilding a house 
for Dr. F. S. Dennis at Norfolk, Conn. Mr. Perry is a member of Hobasco Lodge No. 
716 F. & A. M., and is a trustee of the Unitarian church. He has one daughter 
and five sons, the oldest son following the trade of his father. 

Pierce, W. B., was born at Providence, R. I., Feb. 17, 1841. His early life was 
spent in the city of Providence. He was educated in the public schools and was a 
bookkeeper in a counting-room until, at the breaking out of the war, June 6, 1861, he 
enlisted in the First Rhode Island Artillery, serving until March, 1864. The first 
year he was a private and sergeant and the second year a commissioned lieutenant. 
He was with the Second Corps during all the war, and was in every Union engage- 
ment in which the Second Corps took part in the State of Virginia. On his return he 
entered the employ of the D., L. & W. R. R. Co., first as clerk, then station agent, then 
assistant division superintendent; resigned on account of poor health in 1876; entered 
their service October 1, 1881, as passenger conductor, and in May, 1885, he was 
appointed division superintendent of the D., L. & W. R. R. Co., and also the repre- 
sentative of their coal interests at this point. He is a Republican in politics, but he has 
never been an aspirant for oflQce. Mr. Pierce is a member of Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. 
M., and has been a Mason since 1865. In 1861 he married Helen A. King, of Susque- 
hanna county, Pa. They have one son, Clarence, who has charge of the retail coal 
business at Ithaca. 

Peck, Solomon H., M. D., was born at White Lake, Sulhvan county, N, Y., Sep- 
tember 15, 1825. His grandfather was a nephew of General Richard Henry Lee, of 
Revolutionary fame, and an officer himself on General Spencer's staff" in the Revolu- 
tionary war. His maternal grandmother was a sister of Rev. Adoniram Judson, one 
of the first missionaries. His father was Joseph Peck, a farmer. The doctor was edu- 
cated at Liberty Normal Institute in his native county, and taught for five years while 
finishing his education. He began the study of medicine in 1853 with Dr. A. A. Gil- 
lespie at Bethel, N. Y. He attended lectures at Albany and two terms at the 
medical department of the University of New York, while there on the staff of Dr. 



170 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Valentine Mott. He began practice at JefFersonville, Sullivan county, in 1856, and in 
1858 removed to Ithaca, where be has ever since followed a general practice of his 
profession. He is a member of the County Medical Society, and has been its president 
a number of times. After being a delegate to the State Society several years, in 1881 
he became a member of that body, and is also a member of the International Medical 
Congress, to which he was elected at Washington in 1883. He married in 1858 Ange- 
line R. Pratt, daughter of Col. Chauncey Pratt, of Covert, Seneca county, N. Y. They 
have no children. 

Ogden, Lewis M., was born in Genoa, Cayuga county, September 10, 1823, the old- 
est of seven children of Joseph and Sally Ogderi. At the age of seventeen Lewis 
began work for himself, working at farming first in Cayuga and Cortland counties, and 
later in Tompkins county, town of G-roton, where he married, January 25, 1854, 
Samantha, daughter of John Hopkins. From that time on Mr. Ogden has been a per- 
manent resident here, as well as an influential man in town affairs. His children are as 
follows: Charles B., of Genoa; William S. and David H., both of South Dakota. 
Lewis M. Ogden was originally a Whig, later a Republican, but supported Greeley in 
1872, and has since been a Democrat. He has been assessor two terms, and now is one 
of the excise commissioners. John Hopkins, above mentioned, was descended from 
one of the pioneers of this town, and was born August 7, 1793. He married Damaris 
Miller, born October 24, 1807, and their children were : Samantha and Sophronia, also 
an adopted son, Alva B. Hopkins. John died February 18, 1847, and his wife Febru- 
ary 22, 1865. And I, Mrs. Ogden, his daughter, live on the old farm that my grand- 
father bought in 1800, when it was all a wilderness. Was born on it and here lived 
on the farm sixty-three years. 

Ozmun, Wilham A. J., a native of Lansing, was born September 21, 1827, a son of 
William, of Orange county, born in 1783, who came to Lansing in 1793 with his father 
Abram, who settled here and reared eight children. Here William grew to manhood, 
and to a prominent position in his town, being an active and energetic man. He ac- 
quired a large property, and always transacted his own business, never requiring an 
assistant in the drawing up of contracts, making of will, etc. He was a director of the 
Tompkins County Bank, and a man of high standing. He married Catharine Newman, 
a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had nine children. The father died in January, 
1862, and his wife in September, 1861. His son, William A. J., was reared on the 
farm, educated in the Groton Academy, and at the age of twenty took charge of the 
farm. In 1866 he removed to Ithaca to educate his children, and there lived five years, 
during which he embarked in the real estate business with success. After returning 
to the farm he erected a saw mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and had 
in connection a planing mill, his property being twice destroyed by 6re. He was 
instrumental in securing a station also, the railroad running through the town, and he 
was made station agent and express egent. He also erected store buildings, etc., and 
a wagon repair shop. At this time a post-office was also established, with our subject 
as postmaster, which office he has filled ever since, for nineteen years, the station being 
known as Midway, but in 1889 the railraod company abandoned the road, and the 
little village of course suffered, both financially and numerically. In 1852 Mr. Ozmun 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 171 

married Mary M., daughter of Isaac and Sarah Davis, by -whom he had five children : 
WilHam A., born in 1853 ; J. Davis, born in 1856, who married Clara Norton of Lan- 
sing; Frank W., born in 1859, died aged eleven ; Burt L., born in 1862, married Minnie 
L. Giltner, and has four children, Metta P., William A. J., J. Davis, and Bertha L. ; and 
Kate F., born in 1872, who married WiUiam Phillips of Cleveland, 0. Our subject is a 
Mason, and Knight Templar of St. Augustine Commandery No. 38 J. Davis, son of 
Wilham A. J., is a graduate of Syracuse University, from which he went to New York 
city and took a post graduate course, settling in Canajoharie, where he now practices 
his profession. 

Oltz, the late John, was born on West Hill, Ithaca, May 23, 1835, was educated in the 
public schools, and early in life learned the capenter's trade, becoming a contractor and 
builder. November 12, 1868, he married Margaret Neideck, of Ithaca, of which union 
two children were born : John, born November 4, 1874, who is one of the intelligent 
young farmers of the town of Ulysses, managing his mother's farm ; and a daughter 
Flora, who died in infancy. Mr. Oltz died March 17, 1889, mourned by a large circle 
of friends as well as by his bereaved family. They came to reside in the town of 
Ulysses in 1889. Mrs. Oltz's father, Adam Neideck, was born near the Mosell River, 
Germany, and at the death of his father, he resided with his uncle, in France. He was 
born February 11, 1812, and after a time, he returned to his native place. About 1839 
he married Margaret Loucks, and they came to America in 1850. Of their eight chil- 
dren, two died in infancy, and six survive : Adam, Anna, Albert, Lana, Margaret, Cath- 
arine, and Mary. Mr. Neidick enlisted in Company B, Eighty-ninth New York Vol- 
unteers, and was wounded at the battle of Antietam, dying three days later of his 
wounds. Albert, his son, was also a soldier in the late war, and was honorably dis- 
charged at its close. 

Osborn, Fred W., the subject of this sketch, was born in the village (now city) of 
Ithaca, July 19, 1849, was educated in the public schools, and is a farmer, gardener and 
nurseryman by occupation. September 29, 1872, he married Eliza M., daughter of 
Captain John C. Smith, of Farmer, Seneca county, and they have one adopted daugh- 
ter, Nellie E., who is a successful school teacher, residing at home. Mrs. Osborn's 
father. Captain John 0. Smith, was born in Friendship, N J., November 19, 1825, and 
came to this locality with his parents when young. He was an architect and con- 
tractor. July 4, 1844, he married Persis M. Loomis, of Aurora, Cayuga county, and 
they had two children : Ehza M., as above noted, and Chester 0. Mr Smith enlisted 
in 1864, in Company I, 111th New York Volunteers, as first Ueutenant, and was hon- 
orably discharged at the close of the war. He died in Ovid, January 24, 1870, and his 
wife died October 23, 1879, aged fifty -two. Mr. Osborn came to Jacksonville in 
1880, and has been overseer of the poor in this part of the town four years. He and 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and by integrity and industry 
they have gained a pleasant home where they now reside. 

Owen, Charles B., was born on the old homestead near Jacksonville, July 15, 1822. 
He was educated in his father's select school at home, with six months at the Friends' 
Nine Partners Boarding School and is one of the leading farmers of his town. He 



172 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

married, May 15, 1844, Sarah Otis, of Siaerwood, Cayuga county, and of their children 
two survive : Herman P., and Rebecca. The former married Jane Aldrich, of Steuben 
county, and the latter married Jesse Mekeel. Mrs. Owen died February 29, 1876, and 
he married second Flora A. Housel. of Ithaca, born at Townsendville, Seneca county, 
and they have one daughter, Mary A. Mr. Owen's father, Aaron K., was born in 
Orange county, in 1794, and came here with his parents when a boy. His first wife 
was Mary Dunham, and his second was Martha Carman, by whom he had six children : 
Parvis W., Mary, Charles B., Deborah, Martha, and Freelove. Mrs. Owen was born 
in Greene county in 1795. Aaron K. Owen died May 15, 1847, and his wife November 
7, 1871. 

Ouan, S. D., was born in the town of Dry den,, September 2, 1833. His father, 
Samuel, came from Ireland when a young man, located in Dryden, where our subject 
v/as educated in the district school, but his father dying when he was eleven years of 
age, he was soon taken from school and put to work on the farm. At the age of 
twenty-seven he married Martha A. Snyder, daughter of Joseph Snyder, of Dryden, 
and they have a daughter, Minnie, who is a graduate of the Ithaca High School. Our 
subject is a Democrat in politics and takes a great interest in all questions of the day, 
both political and educational. In 1861 he came to the town of Ithaca, where he 
bought the Abram Bates farm, now known as Lake View farm, of 147 acres, and he 
raises large quantities of hay, grain and stock. He is one of the largest farmers in the 
town, a conservative man, and a practical and successful farmer. 

Northrup, George H., was born in Ithaca, November 16, 1845, son of John Northrup 
73 E. State St. The whole life of George H. has been spent in this town. He was 
educated in the public schools and in the old Ithaca Academy. After leaving school he 
was engaged with his father in carriage trimming and spring bed business, and became 
a member of the firm of John Northrup & Son. He was engaged with his father until 
1891, when he took charge of the retail department of the D. L. & W. coal business for 
one year, and July 27, 1893, he bought out the insurance business of George L. Gray, 
which he is now conducting with office in No. 3 Clinton Block, N. Cayuga St. Mr. 
Northrup has always been an active Eepublican, and has held numerous offices of honor 
and trust. In 1880 he was elected tax receiver of Ithaca, serving one year, and the 
following year was elected county treasurer of Tompkins county and twice re-elected, 
making nine years he filled this office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 
Fidelity Lodge No. 51, Eagle Chapter No. 58, and St. Augustine Commandery No. 38; 
also a member of Ithaca Lodge No. 71, I. 0. 0. F., member of the Congregational 
church, and one of the trustees. Mr. Northrup married, January 18, 1872, Addie, 
daughter of M. D. Bruce, a farmer of Danby. He is also treasurer of the Y. M. C. A. 

Northrop, Amos B., was born in Winfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., Feburary 11, 1817, 
raised in Eome, N. Y., and came to the town of Dryden in 1852, was educated in the 
common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. 
At the age of twenty-eight he married Almira Dodge, daughter of Samuel Dodge, of 
Rome, N. Y., and they were the parents of three sons : Fred, George and Samuel D. In 
1866 he came to the village of Varna and established a boot and shoe manufactory. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 173 

Our subject is one of the substantial citizens in his town, where he is l^nown as a con- 
servative, independent citizen, of strong forceful character, a man v^rhose life has proven 
his word to be as good as his bond. 

Newman, Jared T., was born in the town of Enfield November 4, 1855, a son of 
Isaac H. Newman, who was a native of the town of Lansing, born April 10 1823 and 
died June 7, 1893. The father was a Republican in politics and one of the most prom- 
inent and respected citizens in the town of Enfield, in which he held the offices of 
supervisor and railroad commissioner. His mother, Cornelia A., was the daughter of 
Jared Treman, from whose family the village of Trumansburgh takes its name. Ellen 
A. Newman, the only sister of our subject, is now a resident of Ithaca. Jared was edu- 
cated at Ithaca Academy and Cornell University, graduating with the class of '75. 
He was for a time principal of Blossburg, Pa., graded school, and January I, 1878, 
began the study of law with Hon. Marcus Lyon. The next fall he entered the Albany 
Law School and graduated in 1879, and being immediately admitted to the bar, began 
practice January 1, 1880. He was a partner with James McLachlan, under the firm 
name of Newman & McLachlan, from May, 1883, to May, 1887, after which he continued 
the practice of law alone until April, 1894, when the firm of Newman & Blood was 
formed with Charles H. Blood as the other partner. He was special county judge from 
January 1, 1882, to 1886. He was a delegate to the general assembly of the Presbyterian 
church, held at Washington, D. C, in May 1893. He married, October 7, 1886, JaneE., 
daughter of the late JosiahB. Williams; they have four children. 

Newman, Levi J., born November 16, 1852, received his early education in the dis- 
trict schools, after leaving which he attended the Ithaca Academy, where he quahfied 
himself to be a teacher, following that profession for some years, but soon gave his 
attention to farming. He is a son of W. 0. NeAvman of Ithaca, one of the early settlers 
in Enfield, and has always been considered one of the most successful and prominent 
farmers of the town. L. J.Newman married Ann E., daughter of Seymour Korts of 
Ithaca, by whom he had four children, three sons and one daughter. He is known 
throughout the town as a man of ability and culture, and whose merit his townspeople 
recognized by electing him as supervisor for 1893, and re-elected ra 1894 for a term 
of two years. 

Marsh, Walker, deceased, was born in Vermont, November 4, 1810. His parents 
came to New York State when he was only six years of age. At the age of twenty- 
three he married Caroline C. Winslow of Groton, and came to Etna to make a home 
where he lived over fifty years. He was a man of large information and extensive 
reading and commanded the respect and esteem of the whole community. Politically a 
Democrat, he was postmaster and acting postmaster over forty years, was many years 
justice of the peace, and town clerk. As secretary he virtually organized and perfected 
the Dryden and Groton Insurance Company, which has been a model for all subsequent 
organizations of that kind. His honor and probity were above reproach and his counsel 
and advice frequently sought by neighbors and friends. He died at the age of seventy- 
six, leaving a widow and five children, three daughters, Misses May, Emiline and 
Sophie, Mr. George Marsh and Mr. Frank P. Marsh. 



m LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

McKinney, James Monroe, an old and prominent resident of Lansing, is a native of 
this town, born on the farm he now owns, January 22, 1820, a son of Jesse, who came 
to Lansing at the age of about twelve, from New Jersey, his native State. The latter 
had but limited advantages of education, but he improved his opportunities, and became 
a prominent man in his community, having served sixteen years as justice of the peace, 
and in 1840 he was elected member of Assembly, on the Whig ticket. His wife was 
Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Christina Brown of Dryden, and they had eleven 
children ; Jesse died in 1862 aged seventy-two years, and his wife in 1864 aged sixty- 
eight. Our subject, who was the second child, was reared on the farm and educated in 
the common schools, and m 1843, at the age of twenty -three, he went to Michigan, and 
took up 260 acres of land, where he lived nine years, but was forced to return to the 
old home, on account of malaria, and here he has ever since resided. At the death of 
his father he came into possession of one-half of the original tract of homestead. 
While in Michigan Mr. McKinney was one of the organizers, of the school in his 
locality, was inspector of schools, and justice of the peace. On Mr. McKinney's farm is 
the McKinney Station, of which our subject is station agent, having filled that position 
for twenty years. He has two children : James H. and Mary Josephine. His second 
marriage was with Sarah L. Fisk, of Chicago, 111., in 1877. 

Morrison, James T., was born at Ludlowville, March 22, 1829, the youngest son of a 
family of three children of James Morrison, who was a native of Saratoga county, 
com.ing to this county in 1816. He was a cabinet maker and engaged in that business 
in East Lansing. In 1826, he settled on a farm east of Ludlowville, and conducted 
cabinet making, chair manufacturing and farming. He was also the only undertaker 
in the town of Lansing for a great many years. He died November 24, 1870, at 
seventy-four years of age. The mother of our subject, Mary Townley, was a daughter 
of Deacon Charles Townley, who was one of the first settlers of this county, with his 
brother Richard Townley, Richard and Charles Townley were natives of New Jersey 
and Revolutionary soldiers. They married sisters and in 1802. immigrated from 
Pennsylvania to Tompkins county, stopping over night with their ox team and house- 
hold effects in Ithaca when there was but one house, the residence of the McDowells, 
and the next day resumed their journey to the town of Lansing, where they took the 
the military tract assigned them. James T. spent his boyhood days in Lansing, and 
attended school until fifteen, when he entered the employ of Henry L. Burr, who was 
conducting a genp'ral store at Ludlowville. He remained with Burr until 1847, when 
he went to New York and that year spent part of the time in Rochester. The spring 
of 1848 he came to Ithaca, where he was clerk for Finch & Stowell three years. In 
1851 he returned to Ludlowville, where he engaged in business for himself six years. 
He then traded his property for a farm of 150 acres in Lansing, where he lived one 
year, and then came back to Ithaca in 1858, buying an interest in the business of Avery, 
Woodruff & Co., and the firm name became Morrison, Woodruff & Granger, existed two 
years, and then became Morrison & Woodruff. After one year Mr. Woodruff sold his 
interest to Hawkins & Finch, making the firm Morrison, Hawkins & Co. This firm 
continued eight years. The spring of 1869, Mr. Morrison purchased of the Downing 
estate what is now known as the Morrison block where he removed his half interest 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 175 

and was alone in business until February, 1889, when he sold to Theodore Dobsin. Mr. 
Morrison is a Prohibitionist. He was twice married, and was the father of three sons 
and one daughter. The oldest son, William H., graduate of Cornell, is an instructor in 
Wilmington, Del.; Maurice, is now a student of the law department of Cornell Univer- 
sity. The daughter and one son are deceased. 

Myers, Andrew, was born in Pennsylvania, October 7, 1828. William R., his father, 
was a native of New Jersey, who went to reside in Pennsylvania, where he followed 
different occupations, among them being blacksmithing and carpentry. He married 
Mary Cox, a native of Ireland, who came to America when quite young, and of their 
seven children our subject was the youngest. He has been a farmer from boyhood. 
March 17, 1849, he married Susan A. Willey, a native of this county, and they have 
one son, Alfred, now in Waverly, working at his trade of plumbing and gas fitting, in 
which he is very efficient. Mr. Myers is a Democrat in politics, but has not aspired to 
public office. 

McKee. James and Robert, were among the first settlers of Dryden, the former locat- 
ing there in 1801 and the latter five years later. They were brothers, of Scotch descent 
and Irish birth and both brouglit familes to this country. James had eight children, amoncr 
whom was one son, Thomas, who married a Miss Calvert of Cortland county, in 
1806, and by her had one son, John C. The latter married Janette Stuart, and had 
eleven children, as follows : Thomas, now in Indiana; John, in Missouri; Alexander 
(deceased); Margaret, now living on the home farm ; Elizabeth (deceased) ; Anna, 
(deceased) ; Janette, wife of John Lamberson (deceased) ; Mahala, wife of Edward 
Carpenter (deceased) ; and James and Henry, Hving on the home farm in the south- 
east part of G-roton. The place comprises 200 acres of excellent land, finely 
located and under good cultivation. And Andrew livmg in Michigan. John the 
head of the family just mentioned, was a successful farmer, and died September 
16, 1883. His wife died in 1877. 

Meany, Edward, M. D., was born in the town of Enfield, November 17, 1865, son of 
John Meany, a farmer of that town, who died in November, 1890. Dr. Meany was 
educated in the common schools, and at the age of eighteen began the study of medicine 
with Dr. F. A. Kerst, of Jacksonville, and soon after entered Bufi^alo Medical College, 
from which institution he graduated with high honor (sl^anding seventh on honor roll 
in a class of fifty) March 1, 1887. In April of the same year he established an office in 
Ithaca, where he has built up an extensive and lucrative practice. The doctor has 
always been an enthusiastic Democrat, and was three years health officer of this city. 
He is a member of the Tompkins County Medical Society, and holds the office of 
treasurer. 

Messenger, Levi H., was born in the town of Virgil, March 2, 1830, and was educated 
in the common schools, but is pre-eminently a self-educated and self-made man. At 
the age of thirty-two he married Apilona Miller, daughter of Isaac Miller of Dryden, 
and they are the parents of three children, two sons, Gideon and George L., also one 
daughter, Clara. Gideon died in December, 1881, age sixteen, and George died in May 
1893, age 23; he was a very brilliant young man, having graduated from the Dryden 



176 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

graded school with a college entrance diploma and entered Cornell University. From 
overstudying his health began to fail and he entered the Leland Stanford University 
in California. His ambition was boundless, his talents of a high order, but overwork, 
together with disease, cut him ofF in the flower of his young manhood. In 1870 Mr. 
Messenger bought the Michael Thomas property of fifty-five acres, on which he erected 
handsome buildings. He is one of the conservative men of his town, identified in ad- 
vancing its best interests, and known as a practical and successful farmer and a man of 
strict integrity. 

Macey, Fred H., was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., December 21, 1867, and came to 
Dryden with his parents in 1870, where he was educated at the common schools, finish- 
ing at the Dryden Academy. At the age of twenty-three years he married Nellie E. 
Shepard. daughter of A. J. Shepard of the town of Ithaca, and they have two children: 
Leo A., and F. Earl. In 1894 Mrs. Macey inherited the E. McArthur "Hill farm," of 
seventy-acres, where he now lives. He has a fine farm, and raises hay, grain and stock, 
making a specialty of hay and potatoes. In politics he is a Republican and takes an 
interest in all the leading events of the day, participating in all movements for the good 
of his town. 

Montgomery, Daniel R., was born in the town of Dryden, March 7, 1838, and was 
educated in the common schools, after leaving which he went back to his father's farm. 
When the war broke out he enlisted in Company F, 76th N. Y. Infantry, December 16, 
1861, and received an honorable discharge December 16, 1864, serving three years, and 
being engaged in the batiles of Gainesville, Second Buh Run, Fredericksburg, Antietam 
and Gettysburg, and being promoted to color sergeant for bravery in action. He carried 
the first set of colors carried by infantry in the battle of Gettysburg, when he was 
wounded through the hand supporting the colors, the same bullet passing through the 
shoulder. At the age of fortv-two he married Miss Sarah M. Wilson, daughter of 
Henry Wilson of Dryden, and they have two daughters, Misses Fannie and Florence, 
In 1872 he went into the coal and lumber business with Mr. Sperry, who in 1875 sold 
out to I. P. Ferguson, and is now the junior member of the firm of Ferguson and Mont- 
gomery, the leading firm in the town of Dryden. He takes the Republican side in 
pohtics and has always been an active worker for the success of his party. 

Messenger, D. S., was born in the town of Dryden, July 7, 1836. His father, Nathan, 
was born in Virgil, and came to Dryden in 1835, and bought what was known as the 
Dr. Taylor farm of sixty acres, where he passed his life. D. S. was educated in the 
common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. 
He married at the age of twenty-six. Miss Henrietta Kennedy, daughter of Bradford 
Kennedy of Dryden, and they are the parents of one daughter, Anna A. He is a 
Republican in politics, but through life has been too actively engaged in busines to give 
much attention to politics, although he has always taken a deep interest m educational and 
religious affairs. In 1873 he purchased what was known as the old Orrin Smith farm 
of 102 acres. In 1883 he purchased the Chambers farm of eighty acres, and in 1885 
he bought the Benjamin Simonds farm of sixty acres, havmg 250 acres of some of the 
best farm lands in the town of Dryden. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 177 

McArthur, Bbenezer, deceased, was born in Dryden. December 4, 1813. His father, 
Elder Daniel McArthur, came from Scotland to Dryden in 1811, and lived in a log 
house across the road from the homestead. In 1815, he built the handsome house which 
is known as the McArthur Homestead, and which our subject rebuilt and remodeled in 
1873. Ebenezer McArthur was educated in the common schools and finished at the 
Homer Academy, and taught school for nearly twenty years, devoting the energies of 
his life to educating the young people of his town, and by his will directing that the 
larger portion of his estate should revert to the town of Dryden for educational uses. 
He married in 1846, Miss Maria Hutchings, who passed away in 1871. In the same 
year he married Miss Cahsta Robinson, daughter of David Robinson of Lansing, who 
was left to take up his many benevolent and business interests and carry them forward 
to completion, which, with unexpected business ability she has been able to do. Our 
subject was well known through this town, prominently interested in advancing the 
best interest of his town, and recognized as a man of high ability and sterling integrity. 

McKellar, John. — Among the Scotch families who settled in Groton many years ago 
was that of John McKellar, a native of Argyleshire, born about 1780, who married 
Mary Stuart and had these children : Nancy, Archibald. Mary, Jean, Catherine, Eu- 
phemia, and John. In 1841 the family settled three miles east of Ithaca, and later 
came to Grroton, where the pioneer died in 1850 and his wife in 1871. John McKel- 
lar wae a thrifty and prosperous farmer, and established for himself and family a com- 
fortable home. His son, John, was born July 4, 1829, and resided at home until his 
marriage, when he started for himself, and now owns a fine place. He married Aman- 
da Halliday, and they have had five children, four daughters. The names of the 
daughters are, Helena, Minnie, Katherine and Grace and one son, the latter deceased. 
Archibald McKellar was also one of Groton's thrifty farmers. He came with his 
father to this town, and lived on the old farm until his death in 1892, Catherine, his 
sister, having kept house for him until 1809 when she died. 

Manning, Thompson, was born on the farm which he now owns, January 12, 1822. 
His father was one of the early settlers of the county and cleared up the farm on 
which his son now resides. He received his education in the district schools, after 
leaving which, he devoted himself to farming, at the same time taking an active in- 
terest in the events of the day, both political and educational. He was trustee of the 
school in the district in which he lives for eight or more years, and finally declined 
the office. Our subject is a prosperous farmer in his neighborhood, and raises large 
amounts of hay, grain and stock, and makes a specialty of sheep. 

About the year 1800, David Morton and four sons, named David, Zachariah, 
Michael, and Robert, came from Massachusetts and settled in Groton ; of the sons, 
David married Mercy Williams ; they had three sons and five daughters. The sons' 
names were, Adin, William and George. Of these, Adin Morton was very prominent as 
a pioneer abolitionist when it was popular to heap' opprobrium upon the cause. He 
contributed liberally, and voted and worked for the overthrow of slavery from 1842 to 
1860. Five of his sons are now living in Groton ; the youngest, Porter Morton, owns 



178 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and lives on the same farm that his grandfather (David Morton) bought over ninety 
years ago, and where his father (Adin Morton) was born in 1805 and died in 1867. 

McGillivray, Ellsworth, was born in the town of Caroline, September 30, 1862. 
Josiah McGillivray, the father of our subject, is a farmer and resident of Ithaca, and 
has only one son, the subject. He was educated in the common schools and Ithaca 
High School and his first occupation after leaving school was as a painter, which he 
followed only long enough to learn the trade. In 1881 he went into the photograph 
gallery to study for the profession. He was employed by G-eo. Stanley about two 
years and then went with E. D. Evans and was with him for six years. After spend- 
ing one year in Cortland he returned to Ithaca and August, 1890, he bought the For- 
est City Art Gallery, which he has since conducted. Mr. McGrillivray makes a spe- 
cialty of large work, such as water colors, crayons, paintings, groups, and photography in 
all its branches. He also carries a complete line of photographic supplies and cameras for 
amateurs. He is a member of the order of I. 0. 0, F. and Knights of Pythias. Sep- 
tember 5, 1893, he married Jessie L. Shaw of Albion, N. Y. 

McElheny, John E., was born in the town of Dryden September 13, 1822. His 
father, James J., was one of the eariiest settlers in the town. Our subject was edu- 
cated in the common schools to which he has added through life by reading and close 
observation. At the age of thirteen his father died and he took charge of the farm 
until 1846 when he moved into the town of Dryden. At the age of thirty-seven he 
married Adelia Aldridge, daughter of Benjamin Aldridge. He is one of the leading 
men of his town having been president, and is now president of the Dryden and Groton 
Fire Insurance Company. He is also president of the Southworth Library Association, 
which is now building a handsome structure under his personal supervision. While 
active in educational matters he also finds time to further the interests of the Presby- 
terian Church, of which he is a member. 

Mason, F. Oscar, was born in Richland county, Ohio, May 26, 1838, and with his 
father, Edward Mason, who was from Lincolnshire, England, came to the town of 
Dryden in 1840. Our subject was educated in the common schools and finished at 
Cortland Academy, after leaving which he tanght school for several years, and also 
engaged in the grocery business in Dryden, and afterward at Ludlowville. At twenty- 
five he was married to Miss Harriet C. Ralph, who lived until 1884. In 1889 he mar- 
ried Miss Carrie Gardner, daughter of D. P. Gardner of Dryden, N. Y. They have two 
sons and one daughter. In 1867 he bought part of his father's estate of sixty acres, 
where he now resides, raising hay, grain and stock. He is recognized m his town as 
a practical and successful farmer, a man of sound views, taking an active interest in 
advancing the best welfare of his town. His son. Professor Arthur R. Mason, is a 
graduate of the Cortland Normal School and is now professor at Whitney's Point Union 
School and Academy. 

McCorn, Moses, was born in Orange county, July 14, 1820. Moses, his father, was 
a native of Ireland and came to America at the age of about thirty, settling in Orange 
county at first, but later removed to Tompkins county. He married Mary Allen, of 
Ireland, and they were the parents of six children, of whom our subject was the fifth. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 179 

His occupation has been lumbering and farming, his place comprising sixty acres with a 
small dairy. He married Adaline Starr and they have one son living at home. He 
has held the office of assessor eleven years. In politics he is Democratic. 

Mekeel, Walter and Isaiah, are sons of the late William Mekeel, who was born in 
•Westchester county January 30, 1815, and came to what is now Schuyler county with 
his parents when four years old. He was educated in a select school in his father's 
house and in the Friends Boarding School, Nine Partners, Dutchess county, New York. 
September 16, 1835, he married Sarah D., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Tripp, and 
they had five children ; James, Elizabeth, Jesse, Amy and Charles. Mrs. Mekeel died 
April 27, 1847, and he married second Mary Gr. Gorham, of Nantucket, Massachusetts, 
June 18, 1849, and they had four children: George, Sarah J., Walter and Isaiah. Mrs. 
Mekeel died May 7, 1867, and for his third wife he married Martha Hassey, of Nan- 
tucket, Massachusetts. He died June 28, 1871, and his widow survives him. Walter 
and Isaiah have a small stock of registered Jersey cattle and a flock of Shropshire sheep 
on the homestead now called Maple Shade Stock Farm. They make stock raising a 
specialty. Their barn contains a silo and all the necessary arrangements for the com- 
fort of stock. 

Metzgar, William, one of fifteen children of Jonas and Mary Metzgar, was born in 
Monroe county, Pennsylvania, January 29, 1821. In 1830 the family came to Groton 
where the pioneer and his wife died. William was brought up on a farm, made his 
start in life when he became of age, and fifty years of constant and honest labor have 
been rewarded with substantial results, and our subject is now the possessor of an 
excellent farm of 178 acres in the western part of the town, while he is a man highly 
respected in the town. In 1849 Mr. Metzgar married Mary Ann, daughter of Samuel 
and Margaret Newman. They have had three children: Nelson C, who died aged 
twelve ; Samuel E., of Dryden ; Ella L., wife of D. W. Francis, of Groton. Mary Ann 
wife of William Metzgar, died January 19, 1891. Mr. Metzgar is one of the leading 
Democrats in Groton, but is not an office seeker. He has voted without missing an 
election since he became of age. 

Marsh, Zimri, pioneer of Groton, was a native of Amherst, Mass. In 1824 he came 
to Groton where he engaged in trade. Mr. Marsh was a man of influence in the early 
days of village history, and is remembered as having attracted much attention as the 
possessor of the first " gig " brought to Groton, and in this he traveled to Albany 
and New York to purchase goods. His wife was Creusa Hubbard, and their children 
were : Augustus C, Lucius H., Ebenezer S., Abigail, William and Caleb P. Lucius 
H. was also a prominent merchant of the village for many years. His wife was Huldah 
Finney, and their children were: Eugene A., Hiram C, now of Chicago; Dexter H., 
and Creusa (Mrs. L, A. Barber, who died in Auburn, N. Y., March 30, 1883). Eugene 
A. Marsh was born in Groton in 1834, and from his early manhood has been identified 
with the business interests of the village. He is prominently connected with Masonic 
and G. A, R. affairs. In 1861 Mr. Marsh enlisted in Company K, 137th Volunteers, and 
was elected first lieutenant. For six years he was deputy county clerk, living for the 
time in Ithaca, and for some years past he has been book-keeper for the Groton Car- 



180 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

riage Company, and also one of its directors. February 29, 1892, Mr. Marsh was 
appointed postmaster at Groton village. In 1869 he married Minnie M. Davies, of 
Athens, of which marriage four children have been born. 

McWhorter, Lockwood S., was born in the town of Lansing, June 15, 1822. The 
father of our subject, Richard E., was a native of Orange county, N. Y., born in 1800 
and came with his mother to this county when a young man of twelve years. He was 
a mechanic, and after leaving this county in 1855 located on a farm in Huron county, 
Ohio, where he died in 1876. He was the father of six children, of whom our subject 
was the eldest. The boyhood of Lockwood S. was spent in his native town and his 
education was received in the common schools. At the age of seventeen he came to 
Ithaca, being employed as a clerk in the store of L. H. Culver and Henry F. Hibbard 
for fifteen years, and in 1858 in company with F. Barnard for nine years he established 
a store for himself at the corner of State and Cayuga streets, and for thirty years he 
conducted a grocery and provision store, retiring in 1888. He also spent three years 
assisting his father in clearing up his farm in Ohio. Mr. McWhorter is a staunch 
Democrat in politics, but has never been willing to become an aspirant for public office. 
He was for years a member of Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M. In 1848 he married 
Lorinda, daughter of Abram Mott, a farmer of Caroline. She died January 15, 1894. 
They have one son, Charles Fred, who was for a number of years engaged with his 
father. Charles F. is a member of Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M., Eagle Chapter, St. 
Augustine Commandery and a charter member of Ithaca Council. He married in 1877 
Cora Brooks of Trumansburgh, and they have a son and a daughter. Charles F. is also 
a Democrat. Our subject bought the property in 1847 and built the house he now 
occupies in 1856 and has always lived on the same spot. 

Mount, James Harrison, was born at Peruville, June 10, 1845, and was the son of 
William Dye Mount, the latter being remembered as a man of large influence in Peru- 
ville and vicinity during the period of the early history of that hamlet. Our subject 
was educated in the common and select schools and Grroton Academy. In 1865 he 
began teaching winter school, and so continued until about ten years ago. During this 
time Mr. Mount was employed in the summer months as a practical butter and cheese 
maker, principally in the towns of Groton. Dryden and Carohne. In March, 1883, he 
established a general store in Peruvilfe, and has built up a successful mercantile busi- 
ness. April 30, 1871, Mr. Mount married Martha Adeline Larned, a descendant of one 
of the pioneer families of this county. They have one child. He was formerly a 
Republican, but his earnest interest in temperance work has naturally led him into the 
Prohibition party. 

The firm of Egbert & Merrill, drugs, is composed of John F. Egbert and Isaac H. 
Merrill, and was established in 1890, at No. 79 Eddy street. They carry a full line of 
drugs, chemicals and patent medicines, fancy articles, toilet articles, cigars, tobacco and 
students' and university supplies. They cater particularly to the university trade and 
carry a stock of the finest goods which they sell at margins for their support only. 

McClune, Gideon C, was born in Ulysses, November 16, 1820, the oldest son of 
William G. McClune, a native of Ireland born near Belfast, who came to this country 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 181 

in 1802 when but three years of age, landing at Philadelphia, where his mother died six 
weeks after landing. He was about twelve years of age when he came to Tompkins 
county, locating at Jacksonville. In 1836 he moved to Ithaca, where he spent the 
balance of his days. He died in 1862. The mother of our subject, Sarah F. Colgrove, 
was a native of this State. She died in February, 1892, at eighty-nine years of age 
The boyhood of G-ideon C. was spent in his native town, where his early education was 
derived in the common schools. After coming to Ithaca he attended school at the 
academy with Judge Finch, Hon. E. S. Esty, and later at the Auburn Academy, with 
the sons of Hon. William H. Seward and the Hon. Lewis Paddock, Hon. Roscoe 
Conklin, Rev. Hanibal Goodwin, Rev. M. M. Cas=? and others. In 1849 Mr. McClune 
established a grocery and dry goods store in Ithaca, but was obliged to give it up in two 
years on account of ill health. He followed various occupations until 1851, when he 
established the first ice business in Ithaca, handHng ice ten years, six years of which 
he was also engaged in farming. In 1859 he bought a stone quarry in the town of 
Ithaca, to which he has added the laying of walks, sewers, foundations, etc. He has 
laid nearly all the stone walks at Cornell University and full three-fourths of the walks 
in this city. Mr. McOlune is an ardent Republican and has held the offices of com- 
missioner of highways nine years, city treasurer, and was twice the candidate of the 
minority party for supervisor. Mr. McClune has also held the office of treasurer of the 
Tompkins County Agricultural Society twelve years. He married in 1848 Julia E. 
Forsyth of Ulysses. They have four children : Wilbur F., of the post-office ; Gilbert 
L., a dentist of Ovid, with fifteen years' practice; James Otis, a druggist of Ithaca; 
and Fred A., in the bicycle office. South Cayuga street. 

McKay, Arthur A., was born in New York city, August 7, 1864, and was educated 
in the public schools of that city, after finishing which he entered business for a num- 
ber of years. He was converted to the cause of Christ at the age of thirteen, being 
the son of religious parents. At the age of eighteen he became assistant secretary of 
the Y. M. C. A. at Syracuse, serving three years in that capacity. March 1, 1890, he 
came to Ithaca, where he was called by the Board of Directors to fill the position of 
general secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association at Ithaca, which position 
he has filled with credit to himself and benefit to the society. He is also a member of 
the Choral Club, in which he is second tenor. In 1890 Mr. McKay married Lila Everts, 
daughter of W. O. Everts, of Auburn, N. Y., and they have one son. Mr. McKay is a 
member of the First Presbyterian church of Ithaca. 

Mandeville, W. E., was born in Dryden, July 16, 1853, a son of James H., who was 
born in Ulster county m 1804. The latter in early fife learned the trade of cloth man- 
ufacturer, and followed this business for ten years in Cortland county, after which he 
took up farming, and finally settled on a place of 132 acres in the town of Dryden, now 
Caroline, where he died in 1888. He married Caroline, daughter of Charles Cantine, of 
this town, and their nine children were as follows: Charles, John, James, Jennie, 
Theodore, Margaret, Garretta, Harriet and William. Our subject remained at home 
uDtil the age of twenty- five, with the exception of two years, when he travelled on the 
road for a nursery firm. In 1877 he married Ophelia, daughter of J. B. Ostrander, of 
Dryden, and bought a farm in Tioga county of 127 acres, partly covered with timber, 



183 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

where he lived for six years, taking from this place 400,000 feet of timber, and then 
bought the farm he now occupies. Since coming to this county he has made a specialty 
of raising fruit of all kinds, and also the breeding of the Cheshire swine. He is an 
active Republican. 

Morgan, Evan, was the pioneer of a large family who came from Stroudsburg, Penn- 
sylvania, about 1799, and settled on a farm one mile east of South Lansing. The 
pioneer himself died on the old farm, aged eighty-two years, and his wife, Sally Good- 
win, died in the same place a few years before her husband. The descendants of Evan 
Morgan are still living in the county, although a number of them settled in other States, 
noticeably in Michigan. Their children were: William G., who married Eanny White; 
Thomas, who was killed in the war of 1812 ; Richard G., who married Elizabeth Ozmun ; 
Charles, who married Phoebe Gibbs; Nelson, who married Melissa Talmadge ; Edwin 
G., who married Cordelia Talmadge; Betsey, who married John Mead ; Ruth, who 
married Abel Beach; Phoebe, who married John Tichenor ; and Susan, who married 
Lemuel Kelsey. William G. Morgan, the oldest son of Evan, was born in Pennsylva- 
nia in 1789, and at the age of ten came with his parents to Lansing. He married 
Fanny White, and in 1832 moved to a farm near Benson's Corners, and died in Groton. 
His children were : Miles A., Nelson, Thomas, Phoebe, Richard, Fanny, Jerusha, Susan 
and Caroline. William G. Morgan died in 1870, and his wife in 1844. Richard Mor- 
gan was born June 18, 1820. Richard G. Morgan, son of Evan the pioneer, was born 
in Lansing in 1797, and died m Dryden in February, 1865. His wife, Ehzabeth Ozmun, 
was born in 1805, and died in Dryden in 1868. They were married in 1824, and lived 
in the north part of the town. Their children w«re; Catharine, who married D. W. 
Manier, of Groton; Rich; Sara, who married W. R. Sanford ; Elizabeth, who married 
William E. Brown ; Isabelle, who married A. E. Snyder ; Almira, who died in Dryden 
inl87G; Maria J., who married W. R. Fisher; and Adeline P., who married Joshua 
Dans. Rich Morgan, son of Richard G., and grandson of Evan, was born in Dryden 
in 1827. In 1855 he married Luana Van Nortwick, by whom he had four children : 
Ella v., wife of C. B. Tarbell ; C. Glenn, Rich V., and one other who died in infancy. 
Rich Morgan died October 5, 1861, on the farm in Groton now owned by Richard 
Morgan, the latter having married the widow of Rich Morgan in 1864. 

Monfort, Cornelius L., and his brother John, were former residents of Schoharie 
county, and came to Peruville in 1830. Cornelius L. brought with him his wife, he be- 
ing then just married, and in this town their two children, John M. and Peter, were 
born. The latter was killed in the army during the late war. After the death of his 
first wife Mr. Monfort married Esther, daughter of George Gray, by whom he had one 
child, Isabel], now the wife of Jonathan N. Fox. CorneHus L. is remembered as hav- 
ing been a merchant in Peruville, although by trade he was a shoemaker, and at the 
same time he successfully carried on a farm. He accumulated a good property, and 
was a man highly respected in the community. He was an active Whig, later a Repub- 
lican, but being somewhat deaf, did not engage in politics to a great extent. He was 
prominently identified with the M. E. church. He died in 1875, aged seventy-eight, 
and his wife in 1879, aged eighty-three years. Jonathan N. Fox was born in Dryden, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 183 

February 1, 1830. December 20, 1876, he married Isabell Monfort, and they reside at 
Peruville. 

Mead, Benjamin Franklin, was born in CaroHne, July 7, 1823, a son of Dr. Daniel L. 
Mead, who came to Groton in 1813, and thence went to Slatervillein 1820, bein^ the 
first physician in the section. He practiced his profession for forty years until 1860, 
and owned the place where our subject now resides. He married in 1812, in West- 
chester, N. Y., Priscilla Perry, a native of G-reenwich, Conn., who came to Westchester 
when young. They had nine children, of whom B. F. Mead was the fifth, he now be- 
ing seventy years of age. He followed carpentry and building from early life to 1860, 
since which time he has lived retired. He built a great many buildings in the town, 
and especially in Slaterville, and he now owns and has worked the farm now occupied 
by himself, keeping a house-keeper, he never having married. He supports the Re- 
publican party, though he has never aspired to public office. 

Morgan, Howard, was born on the old homestead south of Waterburg, in Ulysses, 
February 23, 1832. He was educated in the public schools, and is a farmer by occupa- 
tion. May 27, 1857, he married Jane Bower, daughter of David and Jane Bower, of 
Ulysses. Mr. Morgan's father, William Morgan, was born in the town of Alabama, 
Genesee county, N. Y., September 7, 1795, and married Betsey Atwater, of Trumans- 
burg, N. Y. Sae was born September 15, 1802, and they had three children: David, 
who died in infancy, Willis H., and Howard. William Morgan, grandfather of our 
subject, was born in Wales, Great Britain, and came to the United States at an early 
day. The ancestry of the family were Welsh and Scotch. 

McCormick, Walter, was born in the city of Ithaca, October 25, 1854, a son of 
Michael McCormick, who has been a resident here since 1840. Walter was educated 
in the public schools and Ithaca Academy, after leaving which he entered the dry 
goods store of Hawkins, Finch & Co., with whom he was employed as a clerk for 
three years. He then formed a partnership with Patrick Conway, which continued 
three years, when our subject sold his interest to Mr. Conway and followed the meat 
business for a year. He then went into a retail liquor store on South Cayuga street, 
remaining five years. He next went into a foundry and machine shop at Waverly, the 
firm bemg Francis & McCormick, which concern existed one year, then Mr. McCor- 
mick sold his interest and returned to Ithaca in 1883, buying the St. John Hotel. He 
conducted the hotel, on the south side of the street, nine years, and in 1892 he bought 
the American House, at the corner of State and Fulton streets, where he has since 
been engaged in business, having a fine hotel of seventeen rooms and every conven- 
ience for the traveling public. He is a Democrat in politics, and has always been an 
active worker in the party. In 1892 he was elected alderman of the First Ward. He 
is a member of the street commission and lighting commission. He was acting mayor 
of the city for three months during the illness of Mayor Bouton. In 1878 our subject 
married Ellen Dugan, of Pennsylvania, and they have five children. 

Montgomery, Dr. J. J., was born in the town of Dryden, May 5, 1843. His father, 
J. W. Montgomery, M. D., came from Stillwater, Saratoga county, about 1825. He 
was educated at the Dryden Academy under Professor Graves. After leaving school 



184 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

he entered the United States arnay and was attached to the medical service, after leav- 
ing which he graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York in 
1867; then returned to Dryden and entered into regular practice. He is a Republican 
in pohtics, and-is now one of the coroners of the county, and takes an active interest 
in educational and religious matters. There has been a physician by this name in the 
town for seventy years. His father, Hon. J. W. Montgomery, was a very prominent 
man in his town, being member of assembly in 1845, and through the war took an 
active part in raising men and means to send to the front, neglecting his own business 
to push those matters. His son, taking up his father's practice, has become widely 
known in the profession, and is also prominently identified in the interests of his town. 

Miller, Thomas Gr., is a native of Scotland, born in 1850, and came to America with 
his parents in 1853. His father, Thomas, settled in Ithaca, where he was employed as 
a mechanic. He was the father of five children, of which our subject was the fourth. 
He was educated m the Ithaca Academy and the old Lancasterian school, after leaving 
which he went into the store of Andrus, McChain & Co., where he was employed till 
1878. That year he formed a partnership with Frank J. Enz, and they established a 
general wholesale paper warehouse, and now conduct a paper mill. Mr. Miller is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity and has advanced to the Commandery. In 1876 he 
married Ella Preston, of the town of Caroline, and they have two sons in the High 
School and a daughter, Ada. 

Manning, Julius (deceased), was born m the town of Danby in 1842, was educated 
in the district schools, and at the age of thirty married Sarah G-., daughter of Charles 
G. Keeler, of the town of Danby. They had four children, three of whom are now 
living. The oldest, Anna B., died early in 1893, when nearly eighteen years of age, a 
beautiful girl who was called away when just stepping into womanhood. Mr. Man- 
ning was a Republican in politics, and also gave an intelligent interest to educational 
and church matters. In 1866 be bought of his grandfather, William Davis, a farm of 
seventy- five acres, where the family now live. Our subject died suddenly in the spring 
of 1883, leaving a wife and four small children, and regretted by all with whom he had 
been associated. Mrs. Manning has displayed remarkable business talents and energy, 
and has carried on the farm successfully since the death of her husband. 

Mineab, N. H., the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Dryden, Septem- 
ber 22, 1835. His father, Wm. C. Mineah, was one of the early settlers, and a promi- 
nent man in his town. N. H. Mineah was educated in the common schools, and is a 
good practical business man. At the age of twenty-nine he married Cordelia, daughter 
of Nelson Morgan of Groton, and they are the parents of one daughter, Annett Louise, 
who married B. La Vern Buck of Bast Lansing, October 20, 1887. In 1861 he bought 
the property known as the Samuel Fulkerson farm of 100 acres. He takes the Re- 
publican side in politics and an active interest in church and school matters. He is 
known throughout his town as a practical and successful farmer. 

McCutchan, William and Newton R., were the sons of Robt. McCutchan, who came 
to the town of Dryden in 1807, and settled on lot forty-two, where his sons now re- 
side, owning the homestead in common. The boys were educated in the common 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 185 

schools, but were self-made men. At the age of fifty-five Newton married Alvina 
Morris, daughter of Levi Morris of Ithaca. The brothers have 164 acres of some of 
the best farm lands in the town, raising hay, grain and stock, paying special attention 
to dairying. They are recognized in their town as substantial, conservative farmers, 
men of ability and high integrity, whose lives have proven their word to be as good as 
their bond. The family came from Glasgow, Scotland, and settled in Saratoga county 
N. Y. The grandfather, George McCutchan, served in the continental army for six years, 
and Robert McCutchan took part in the war of 1812. The sons inherited the best of 
the Scottish traits. 

McKee, Samuel, was born in the town of Dryden, November 23, 1839. His father, 
John McKee, was one of the early settlers, and came to Dryden in 1801, when only 
four years old. John McKee was married in 1835 to Martha Cunningham, daughter 
of Samuel Cunningham of North Ireland. They cleared up the farm where our sub- 
ject now resides. Samuel received his education in the common schools, to which he 
has added through life by reading and close observation. After leaving school he re- 
turned to his father's farm and at the age of twenty-one married Jennie Sharp, daughter 
of John Sharp of Dryden, and they are the parents of two children, Mrs. Wm. H. 
Lormor and James E. He takes the Republican side in politics and an active interest 
in educational and religious matters. Our subject is a conservative independent man, 
and is recognized as a successful and practical farmer. 

Mitchell, William L., was born in the town of Ithaca, March 7, 1825. His early 
education was acquired at the district schools, with a course at the Ithaca Academy 
under Prof. W. S. Burt. In 1846, at the age of twenty-one, he took charge of the con- 
struction of the first telegraph line between New York and Philadelphia, under the 
late Hon. Ezra Cornell and his associates. In 1847 he married Emily Steenburg 
daughter of Hofi'man Steenburg of Ithaca, by whom he had one daughter, now Mrs. 
Samuel Barnes of White Plains, N. Y. Mrs. Emily Mitchell died October 11, 1848, 
and in 1849 he married Susan T. Bradley, daughter of Hemingway H. Bradley of the 
town of Enfield, who bore him four children, two of whom are now living, Ella B. 
Cochran, now residing in Montclair, New Jersey, and Cora B. Hegeman, now residing 
at Middle Falls, Washington county, N. Y. Mr. Mitchell is independent in politics as 
he is in all his views, taking an active interest in the events of the day and in the 
promotion of education and religion. 

Mineah, John H., was born in the town of Dryden, April 17, 1826. His father, 
William C. Mineah, was one of the earliest settlers in the town, and with his grand- 
father took up part of lot sixteen, part of which is still in the family. J. H. Mmeah 
was educated in the common schools, but is a self-educated and self-made man. At 
the age of thirty he married Martha, daughter of Leonard Longcoy of Dundee, Yates 
county, N. Y., and they are the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters. 
Two sons. W. L. Mineah of Haddam, Kansas, and Fred B. Mineah in this county, are 
now living. In 1855 he bought the Ambrose Hill property of 108 acres ; in 1864 he 
bought part of the De Groff estate ; in 1876 part of the Henry Teeter estate, having 
138 acres of some of the best farm lands in the town. Our subject is one of the 



186 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

prominent men in his town, taking an interest in the leading events of the day, and is 
a director in the Fire Insurance Company of Dryden and Groton, and is a practical 
and successful farmer. 

Metzgar, Andrew, was born in Genoa, May 17, 1826, one of fifteen children of Jonas 
and Mary (Merwin) Metzgar. His father was a blacksmith and farmer, and Andrew 
was brought up to farm work. At the age of twenty-one he began life for himself, 
with no capital save his own determination to succeed. He is now the owner of a 
good farm in Groton, the buildings of which are substantial and attractive. In Janu- 
ary, 1853, Mr. Metzgar married Harriet K, daughter of Amza and Susan (Sp oner) 
Armstrong, of which marriage there were two children : Norman, who died in 1882, and 
Edgar G., who now lives at home with his parents. Amza Armstrong was a native 
of Goshen, Orange county, and came with his father, Moses, to Genoa at a very early 
day. They located in Groton on the farm now owned by Andrew Metzgar. Amza 
married Susan Spooner, and had nine children : Albert, Delilah, Harriet N., Czarina 
Louisa (wife of Lyman Perrigoj ; Sarah Jane, Emily, Lucina A., Mary E., and one 
who died in infancy. Amza Armstrong was born July 1, 1795, and died February 26, 
1875. His wife, Susan Spooner, was born June 24, 1798, and died February 27, 1887. 
They were married May 1, 1825. 

Mount, William Dye, a native of New Jersey came in 1828 to the town of Dryden, 
bringing with him his young wife to whom he had then been recently married. A 
short time afterward he moved to Lansing and became foreman of the tannery of John 
0. Christie, he being a practical tanner and currier. Five years later he returned to 
Dryden, but soon after (1837) located permanently at Peruville, where he became a 
man of much influence in town and church affairs, successful in business, and where he 
continued to reside until .the time of his death, August 27, 1887. In 1854 he was one 
of the organizers of the Republican party in the town, and in the next year was elected 
justice of the peace and thereafter held that office for a period of twenty -four years. 
In 1859 and the three succeeding years, and again in 1869 he was elected supervisor 
of Groton. He was prominently connected with the Methodist Episcopal church for 
more than sixty years, and was a member of what was known as the First Methodist 
Elpiscopal church of Groton and Dryden, after removing to Peruville, and continued 
an active and supporting connection with the society to the time of his death. He had 
seven children, four of whom are now living, viz. : William S., Joseph, James H., and 
Robert N. Joseph and James live in Peruville, and Robert N. upon a farm in the 
town of Groton. Joseph is unmarried; James H. married Martha, daughter of Ed- 
ward D. Larned, and granddaughter of Sylvanus Larned, long and prominently connected 
with the affairs of Groton. Robert N. married Annette, daughter of Nelson Morgan, 
a hfe-long resident of the town. William E. Mount was the third child of the pioneer 
just mentioned, born in Dryden September 15, 1834, and moved with the family to 
Peruville in 1837. In 1852 he was apprenticed to the joiner's trade which he learned 
thoroughly,' and was educated at Groton Academy and the Conference Seminary at Caz- 
enovia. Hewoiked at his trade several years and taught school about twelve years. 
During the summer of 1862 he enhsted about fifty men in Company F, 109th Regiment, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. ISY 

and in consideration of this service was elected its captain. After serving thirty- 
three months, Captain Mount was mustered out of service with his command, 
June 5, 1865. Returning home he worked at his trade and taught school until 1882, 
when he moved to Groton village. In 1878, and again in 1882 our subject was elected 
justice of the peace of the town. On October 1-0, 1865, Mr. Mount was married to 
Barbara L., daughter of James and Barbara Giles of Dryden. Three children have 
been born of the marriage, two of whom are now living, William Dye Mount, assistant 
professor in Brown University ; and Joseph, who also is teaching school. James Giles 
was born in Orange county, September 14, 1800, and was one of ten children of Isaiah 
and Sarah Giles, the latter being the pioneer heads of a family who settled in Lansing 
in 1802, but who soon afterward moved to Dryden. James Giles married Barbara 
Raymer, and to them these children were born : Lavilla, who married Arad S. Beach ; 
Mary, who married Alanson Burlingame ; Marcella, who married W. S. Brown ; Susan 
A , the wife of A. M. Ford ; Barbara L., wife of Captain W. E. Mount; John J., of 
Freeville ; Sarah E., now Mrs. S. Skillings ; and Nancy, wife of E. Hanford. James 
Giles was a successful farmer, an active and useful citizen, one of the first to introduce 
and use improved machinery in farm work, and the inventor of the churn thermom- 
eter. His death occurred October 11, 1890, his wife having died three years before, 
November 21, 1887. 

Miller, William Henry, was born in Trenton, Oneida county, in 1848, a son of Major 
Henry Miller of that town. His early education was derived in the common school 
private instruction, and at Mechanicsville Academy. He spent two years in Clinton 
Liberal Institute and was one of the first students at Cornell, a special student in the 
class of '71-72, really the first student of that school of Architecture. He began work 
in Ithaca in 1873, his first design being President Andrew D. White's residence. Since 
that time, he was architect of Barnes Hall, the Law School, and the University Library 
building. In Ithaca he designed the Savings Bank building, the Baptist and Congre- 
gational churches, also the Unitarian church, of which he was organist for several 
years. He has done much work out of the city, and his work can be found in Canada 
and fifteen States. Mr. Miller is a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity at Cornell, and 
of the Masonic Fraternity. He married in 1876, Emma, daughter of Henry Halsey, of 
Ithaca, and they have four children. 

Miller, Irving C, is a native of Lansing, born July 18, 1835, a son of Frederick H. 
Miller, also a native of Lansing, born July 17, 1805. The latter spent his life in farm- 
ing, remaining with^his parents till the age of twenty-one, then beginning for himself 
on a portion of his father's farm at first. His wife was Alvira N. Ingersoll, of Kinder- 
hook, N. Y. Their five children were : Martha E., wife of Benoni Head ; Dwight, 
Russell P., Irving C, and Henrietta, wife of James D. Smith. Mr. Miller died in 1869, 
aged sixty-four. His wife died in 1875, aged sixty-nine. Henry Miller, grandfather 
of Irving C, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Lansing where he acquired 
considerable property, owning and operating a distillery, a grocery, and a cabinet shop 
all on his farm. He reared ten children. Irving C, our subject, lived on the hon>€- 
stead until the age of twenty-one, then hired to his father by the month, and after the 
death of the latter, he and one of his brothers bought two-thirds of the home farm, the 



188 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

remaining third being held by his mother. Three years later they divided the property 
and Irving came to the farm where he now^ lives. In 1868 he married Esther Loomis, 
who was born in 1844 in Groton, a daughter of Solomon and Hannah (Armstrong) 
Loomis. Solomon was a native of Hartford, Conn., born in 1798, who early came to 
Groton. He served in the war of 1812 and died in 1884, aged eighty-six years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Miller have one child, Clara Alvira, born October, 3, 1880. 

Morris, Charles L., was born July 21, 1868, in the town of Ithaca, where he was 
educated. In early manhood he married Emma F., daughter of James Hanshaw of the 
town of Dryden, and they have had one son. Mr. Morris is a Democrat in politics 
and takes an active interest in both politics and educational matters. He is one of the 
most successful young farmers of the locality, raising large quantities of hay, grain 
and stock and is recognized as an active and energetic young man who is bound to 
succeed. 

Moore, William H., was born in the town of Dryden, April 26, 1840, and was edu- 
cated in Homer and Cortland. After leaving school he took up the shoe trade, coming 
to Dryden, April 1, 1861. In 1869 he established a business of his own in the manu- 
facture of custom made boots and shoes, together with a general retail trade which he 
now carries on. His grandfather, Dr. Zopher Moore, came from Vermont and was one 
of the early settlers of Virgil, Cortland county, bemg the first postmaster and prac- 
ticing physician of that place. At the age of twenty-three he married Miss Maria 
Pond, daughter of Timothy Pond of Virgil, late of Dryden, and they are the parents of 
six children, three sons and three daughters, four of whom are now living, three 
daughters and one son. The eldest, a son, Charles L. Moore, at the age of twenty-one 
obtained a position as superintendent salesman in a large retail shoe house in Cortland, 
N. Y. where near the end of three years he was taken with typhoid malarial fever 
brought on by over work, came home and died five days later, September 13, 1888. 
The eldest daughter, Hattie E. Moore, at the age of eighteen entered upon the voca- 
tion of teacher. At the end of three years learning the millinery business which she 
now carries on. Anna E. Moore, the second daughter, after leaving school and learning 
the millinery business, at the age of eighteen married Mr. E. B. Briggs, two years later, 
spring of 1894, removing to Solomon City, Kansas, where she now resides. Victoria, 
Moore, youngest daughter, after graduating from Dryden Union School and Academy, 
at the age of sixteen entered Ithaca Conservatory of Music, taking up the study of elo- 
cution. After taking two terms, spring of 1894, entering the school of oratory con- 
nected with the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y. where she now is. Our 
subject has spent a life time in the town in which he now lives and has always been 
known as an active upright business man and has found time to take a deep interest in 
educational matters. 

Wattles, Chauncey Lathrop, of Caroline, son of Capt. Lathrop Wattles and Jerusha 
Surdam Wattles, his wife, was born in Virgil, Cortland county, N. Y., March 27, 1826 ; 
he was the eldest son in a family of five sons and seven daughters, all of whom grew to 
manhood and womanhood. Capt. Wattles removed to Caroline about 1840, and pur- 
chased a farm on Blackman Hill, in the south part of the town ; the subject of this 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 189 

sketch was at that time a boy of fourteen, and he at once set about doing his share 
in paying for the homestead and in providing for tne wants of a large and growing 
family. He lived at home until the farm was paid for, with suitable buildings; and 
until he was twenty-four years of age ; he then entered the employ of Andrus & Mc- 
Chain, booksellers and paper-dealers of Ithaca, for whom he traveled extensively for 
ten years. In 1855 he purchased the farm now known as "Wattles Farm", and on 
which he resided from 1860 to his death, after a short illness, January 8, 1890, He 
married Almira J. Barker, of Tully, Cortland county, October 19, 1857 ; and to them 
were born two children, a son, Cephas B., April 11, 1863, who died in infancy, and a 
daughter, Mary Josephine, August 29, 1864, now the wife of James W. Eeed, of Ithaca. 
Mr. Wattles was for more than twenty years treasurer of the Caroline Cheese Factory 
Association, treasurer also of the Caroline Farmers' Fire Insurance Co., and a Charter 
member of Caroline Lodge No. 784, F. & A. M. In politics a life long Democrat he 
was four times elected supervisor of a strong Republican town. Chauncey L. Wattles 
united a geniality of manner with a certain benignity of countenance which stamped 
him as a man eminently to be trusted and respected ; and he was universally trusted 
and respected wherever known. It is the rule that each community possesses some 
two or three men to whom all naturally turn, as do certain flowers to the sun ; Mr. 
Wattles was one of the choice few bearing this relation to the entire neighborhood. 
With an excellent knowledge of general affairs and a practical knowledge, eained in 
no easy school, he united a genial and sturdy integrity which invited confidence. In 
all his long lifetime in one locahty, he never by act or omission forfeited the good-will 
or trust with which he was invested; and by his death Caroline lost one of its most 
valued citizens. 

Welch, William M., was born in Herkimer county, January 16, 1821, and was edu- 
cated in the common schools. He was a son of Walter B., who moved into the town 
of Dryden, and afterward to Danby, where he died in 1863. William M. married 
at the age of twenty-eight, a Miss Apgar, who died, and he married second, March 17, 
1867, Naomi A., daughter of William Spaulding of the town of Caroline. They had 
four children, of whom James B., William S., and Florence A. are now living. One 
daughter, Philma, died aged twenty-two years. In 1869 Mr. Welch bought the Abram 
Gardner property of ninety-two acres, and also part of the Hutchensfarm. Afterward 
he bought part of the Mandeville estate, and the same year purchased a portion of the 
Hart place, where he now lives, having 200 acres of some of the best farm land in the 
town, on which he raises large amounts of hay, grain and stock. Our subject is a con- 
servative, practical farmer, taking a deep interest in the leading events of the day. 

Wood, A. B., was born in the town of Warwick, Orange county, in April, 1850, a son 
of Washington Wood, a farmer of that county. Our subject was educated in Warwick 
Academy and Cornell University, studying architecture while in Cornell, and he began 
the practice of his profession in Ithaca. He was the designer of the High School 
building, and also of many residences and store buildings. He was also the designer for 
the L. V. R. R. Co. north of Wilkes-Barre for fifteen years. In 1889 he formed a 
partnership with T. B. Campbell, since which they have built many large buildings, in- 
cluding the chemical laboratory at Cornell, the annex to the gymnasium, Crane's place 



190 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

at Sheldrake, Zeta Psi Chapter House, and they are now engaged in constructing the 
addition to Sibley College. Mr. Wood has also acted as the representative of several 
fire insurance companies. He is a Republican and a member of Fidelity Lodge, Eagle 
Chapter, St. Augustine Commandery, F. & A. M. He married in 1876 Ella Potter of 
Ithaca, and they have five children. 

White, D. M., was born in Monroeton, Bradford county, Pa., March 29, 1852. John, 
father of our subject, was born in Caroline, and was a farmer, now owning a farm in 
Bradford county, where he lives. He has been four times married. Our subject's 
mother, Sophia Mingus, daughter of John Mingus, was a native of Bradford county, 
Pa. D. M. was only an infant when he went to live with his grandfather, Sylvester 
White, and where he lived till the age of seventeen years, then he went to live with an 
uncle in Caroline. He worked at milling until nineteen years old, and then started out 
for himself, entering a machine shop in Bridgeport, Conn., where he took the place of 
an experienced hand, and worked five years. He next returned to Brookton for a year, 
and then went to Tioga county, where he worked at carpentry two years He came 
to Caroline where he still continued at carpentry and building for five years, and con- 
nected with his trade the saw mill at Brookton, which he operated nine years. Mr. 
White built a fine residence in this town a few years ago, in which he now resides. He 
is a Republican, and has served as commissioner and postmaster. 

Willis, Morris S., of Lansing, was born in Enfield in 1848, the son of John H. and 
Caroline (Marshall) Willis. His grandparents were John and Mary (Sivalls) Willis, 
natives of New Rochelle, N. Y., who came to Tompkins county in 1838, and settled in 
Enfield. They raised three children : William, James and John. The latter learned 
the harnessmaker's trade, which he followed about two years, then went back to. the 
farm. At the death of his father, in 1847, he continued farming on a portion of the 
homestead. His mother died in October, 1848. He married in September, 1843, 
Caroline Marshall, by whom he had one child, Morris S. The latter was educated at 
the Angelica Academy, and at the age of twenty returned to the farm and worked 
with his father about ten years. He then rented a farm for five years on shares, the 
last vear of which he met with an accident which disabled him for physical labor for 
about four vears, and from which he has never fully recovered. In 1886 he purchased 
a farm of 150 acres with fine, large and commodious buildings, and a stream of water 
flowing near the buildmgs, afi^ording sufficient power to grind grain for food and saw 
wood. Here Mr. Willis has ever since resided. He married, December 12, 1877, 
Ella, daughter of Stephen Kennedy of Ithaca. She died September 16, 1883, and he 
married second December 6, 1888, Louisa (Norton) Drake, daughter of Jonathan and 
Emma Norton, natives of Lansing. Mr. WilHs's parents reside with him. He is a 
member of the Grange, and in politics is a Republican. 

Wright, Charles L., was born in the town of Danby, November 22, 1828, and is the 
son of Charles W. Wright, who came to this town about 1812, and was among the 
early settlers in the town. Our subject received his education at the district schools, to 
which he has added through life by intelligent reading and observation. After leaving 
school he took up farming, and at the age of twenty-three married Phoebe Dakin, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 191 

daughter of Percy Dakin, of the town of Danby. She died in 1860, leaving one child, 
Phoebe 0. Mr. Wright married again in 1863, Lydia A., daughter of Thompson 
Keithline, of Windom, Pa., who bore to him three children. In 1848 Mr. Wright 
bought the old homestead, and in 1866 bought what was known as the Robbins 
Wright property, having 145 acres of some of the best farm lands in the county. Mr. 
Wright is one of Danby's most prominent men. 

White, David, M. D., was born in Delhi, Delaware county, N. Y., June 20, 1834, a 
son of James White a farmer. The doctor was educated in the academy and high 
school of his native town. He began the study of medicine in 1855 in the of&ce of Dr. 
J. 0. Hill of Farmer Village, with whom he remained two years and then entered the 
Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, graduating in February, 1859. After spending 
one year with Dr. Hill he practiced two years in Danby and one year in Trumansburgh. 
In May, 1864, he came to Ithaca where he has ever since been located. He was mar- 
ried in 1860 to Antoinette J. Crandall of Delaware county. They have three children. 

Williams, Nathan, of Lansing, w^as born October 23, 1847, the son of Egbert Wil- 
liams of this tovrn, born June 10, 1817, in a log cabin, where now stands the Sne resi- 
dence of our subject. He spent his whole life in Lansing. He was bound out to do 
farm work until he was sixteen, when he began for himself. He worked on shares for 
a few years, when he purchased a small tract of timber land, which he cleared and sold, 
then bought another farm on which he lived three years, when he sold and moved to a 
larger one, where he resided five years, during which time he purchased a half interest 
in a saw mill. Two years later he purchased his partner's interest in the mill. This he 
conducted eight years, then sold the mill. He finally bought the homestead farm of 
fifty acres, and here spent the remainder of his days. During war time he took an 
active part in securing recruits for the Union army. He was justice of the peace, 
assessor, notary public, etc. He married Louise, daughter of Echobit Beardsley of 
New field, and they raised seven children: Ann Eliza, Nathan, Frank, died at four; 
Margarette, Estira C, Charles E. and Egbert A. (deceased). The father died in June, 
1889. and the mother in April, 1892. Our subject was educated in the common and 
high schools, and remained with his father until he was twenty-one. when he began for 
himself by operating one of bis father's farms, where he remained ten years. He then 
went to Maryland, but after two years he returned to Lansing and soon after rented a 
store in East G-enoa and engaged in the general mercantile business for two years. He 
sold and engaged as traveling salesman four years, when he turned his attention again 
to farming. After his father's death he removed to Groton and followed carpentry for 
a year, when he purchased a bakery in this place which he conducted two years, then 
sold in 1893 and purchased the old homestead, on which he now resides. He married 
first in 1867 Laura A., daughter of Charles Francis of Grroton, and they had three chil- 
dren: Ahda M., born in 1870, wife of Alvin B. Teeter of Groton ; LiUie B., born in 
1872, wife of John Betts of Groton ; and Charles P., born in 1876. Mrs. Williams died 
in 1884, and he married second Edith M., daughter of Charles and Mary Ann Fritts of 
Ludlowville. She was born September 12, 1861. Our subject is an Odd Fellow and a 
Republican. Mrs. Williams's mother died October 15, 1879. Five months later her 
father was instantly killed by being caught by a belt and thrown on to a circular saw. 



193 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Wade, Edwin R, was born in Sempronius, Cayaga county (now Niles), July 27, 1822, 
of New England ancestry, the grandfather, Major Amos Wade, having served in a 
regiment of colonial troops at the battle of Quebec, and fought in the War of the Rev- 
olution at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was the father of seventeen sons and one 
daughter. The father of our subject, Ebenezer, studied for the ministry and was one 
of the earhest advocates of Congregationalism. He removed to Cayuga county in 1810, 
and continued his ministry till his death, August 16. 1864. He married Hannah Flower, 
a native of Connecticut, by whom he had ten children. One was scalded to death, an 
infant, nine reached adult age, and only two— our subject and a sister, Mehitable C. 
Ammerman of Owasco — are Uving. Edward R Wade was educated in the public 
schools, and has always been an ardent student of Repubhcanism, but like his ancestors 
has been a clergyman. He was for two years at Plainville, and at Enfield Centre two 
years, making his home at McLean. In 1867 he bought the property where the factory 
was located, and has always made his home here. During the war he worked hard in 
the recruiting service. In politics he has always been at heart a Republican and has 
held many offices of honor and trust. He was for two years supervisor of Niles, elected 
third time and refused to qualify. He was supervisor of the town of Dryden, elected 
by the union of the Democrats and Liberal Republicans. He has also served in State 
and county conventions. Elder Wade has been twice married, first in 1842 to Eliza- 
beth Forbush, who died one year and ten mouths later. His second marriage occurred 
December 5, 1845, to Abigail M. Mosher, and they had one daughter, who married Rev. 
S. Edwin Koons of La Porte, Iowa. Mrs. Wade is deceased. 

Willson, WiUiam H., was born in Ithaca, November 12, 1840, the oldest son of seven 
children of William H. Willson, sr. The father was a native of New York city, born in 
1810, and settled in Ithaca, in company with M. Hawkins. He was employed in the 
manufactory for a few years and then returned to New York, where he remained, and 
shortly alter settled in Ithaca. Here he followed the hatmaker's trade until 1860. 
That year he went to Lockport where he spent four years, and then to Hornellsville 
where he was in business for four years, and then spent five years in the same busi- 
ness ; he then returned to Ithaca, where he spent the balance of his days. He died in 
August, 1892. In politics a, staunch Democrat, he filled the office of town collector. 
He was a member of the Episcopal church. The mother of our subject, Rachael Ann 
Bradford, was also a native of New York city. She died in 1887, at seventy-six years 
of age. The early life of our subject was spent in Ithaca, where he was educated in 
the common schools and in 1861 went to Lockport, remaining but a year, when he 
was burned out. From there he went to Buffalo where for four years he acted as a 
commercial traveler for a wholesale firm. He was five years with a New York firm 
and then returned to his native town, where he established the hat and fur store, which 
he has ever since conducted, on the south side of State street. He carries a full Hne 
of bats, furs, robes, blankets, trunks, umbrellas, etc. Mr. Willson is a Democrat, and 
has been a hard worker for his party. He has been appointed member of the Health 
Board, city collector, and school collector. He has also been a delegate to numerous 
State conventions and a member of the county committee for fifteen years, of which 
he has been secretary part of the time. He is a member of the First Presbyterian 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 193 

church. Mr. Willson owns a surnmer cottage at McKinneys, where he spends his 
vacation. He married, July 11, 1860, Ellen M., daughter of the late Joseph 0. Burritt, 
and they have two sons. 

Vorhis, F. C, was born in Spencer, Tioga county, August 24, 1861. Andrew C, his 
father, was a native of Spencer also, where he followed farming until 1877, at which; 
time he bought the old grist mill at Brookton, and was in partnership with his brother 
for two years, then from 1879 to 1887 he was sole proprietor. After this he was 
succeeded by his two sons, the business being conducted under the firm name of Vorhis 
Brothers. This continued till April 1, 1893. The old mill burning down January 28, 
1889, they sold the water dam to Frederick Bates, and he built the new mill now stand- 
ing on the old site. The firm was afterwards Bates, Yorhis & Company for a year 
then the Yorhis boys in 1890 bought out Mr. Bates's interest, and since 1893 our sub- 
ject has conducted the business himself, buying out his brother. The capacity of the 
mill is fifty barrels of flour each day, fifty barrels of buckwheat in the same time. 
They will run another mill in connection soon. Mr. Yorhis is a member of the 
Congregational church, and in politics he is Democratic. 

Yan Iderstine, James, was born in Caroline February 26, 1826. In early life he 
learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked about four years, but being hurt 
while at his work, he was compelled to give it up, and take up farming. His first 
purchase was on Bald Hill, near Mott's Corners, now known as Brookton. This he 
sold and bought his present place of eighty-seven acres, which he devotes to general 
farming. In 1853 he married Carohne Yaple, daughter of Harris Yaple, and they have 
had three children : Arthur L., Bertha A., and Cora G-., the latter being the only one 
at home. Mr. Yan Iderstine is a member of the Grange and in politics is a Democrat. 

Underwood, G-eorge E., was born in G-roton, September 19, 1842. His father, Isaac 
Underwood, M.D.. was a physician and farmer in the town, raising a family of nine 
children, and spending his life there, dying at the age of eighty-eight years. George 
E. was educated in the common schools and finished in the Groton Academy under 
Professor Baldwin. At the age of twenty-six he married Maru Morns, daughter of 
Zimri Morris of Lansing. He takes the Republican side in politics, and has served as 
justice of the peace for the past eleven years. He has taken an active interest in 
educational and religious matters, having been trustee of his church for the past fifteen 
years and being prominently identified in advancing the best interests of his town. In 
1889 he inherited the farm property known as the Zimri Morris property of sixty 
acres, and the residence in the village. Our subject is one of the prominent citizens in 
his village, a man of sterling worth and integrity, who has proven by his life that his 
word is as good as his bond. 

Yan Orman, Myron, was born November 1, 1840, was educated in the district schools 
and finished at the Lancasterian School under Professor D. L. Burt. He is a Democrat, 
and takes an active interest in school and political matters. His father hved on the 
same homestead during his life time. He was born May 11, 1811, and died January 
29, 1890. Mr. Yan Orman has a beautiful farm lying at the foot of Buttermilk Falls, 
on which he raises large quantities of vegetables and makes a specialty of Havana 
y 



194 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

tobacco, which he buys and sells, handling most of the crops raised in his neighbor- 
hood. Mr. Van Orman's grandfather came to the town of Ithaca about 1790, and first 
bought a military title from a soldier of the Judge Gere farm, but the title proving 
faulty, he took a journey to Albany on horseback, and returning home he gave up his 
first purchase and removed to the east side, taking up the apple trees on the judge's 
farm, and resetting them on the farm where he spent his life. 

Tibbetts, J. Warren, was born in Athens, Pa., August 20, 1843, a son of Dr. Aaron 
Tibbetts, the leading physician of Danby for over forty years. J. W. was the second 
son of the family of two children ; Frank E. Tibbetts is a lawyer of Ithaca. Our sub- 
ject was educated in the common schools and at Eastman's Business College at Pough- 
keepsie. He was not yet eighteen years old when the war broke out, and August 27, 
1861, he enlisted in Company I, of the First Cavalry, for three months. He served 
his three months and was taken sick and brought home from Alexandria, Va., by Hon. 
Ezra Cornell. He re-enlisted in 1862 in the 109th New York Regiment, known as 
G-eneral Tracey's, and served till the close of the war. Mr. Tibbetts participated in 
thirty-one of the leading battles. After his return he engaged with the civil engineer- 
ing corps that laid out the line of the G. I. and S. Railroad, and the following fall 
went to Eastman's College. In the fall of 1867 he went to Pond Eddy, Sullivan 
county, N. T., where he engaged in the mercantile business, and made his home there 
twelve years. In 1879 he returned to Ithaca, where he engaged in the manufacture 
of paints, oils and colors. In 1885 he was elected sheriff of Tompkins county, and is 
now serving his second term, being elected again in 1891. Mr. Tibbetts married in 
1869 Annie L., daughter of Rodman Fuller, a merchant of Pond Eddy. They have 
two children, Lucy F., a registry clerk in the post-office, and Alice H., student in the 
Grammar School. 

Townsend, Andrew J., was born in the town of Ithaca, March 15, 1843, and was 
educated in the district schools. At the age of twenty-one he married Mary, daughter 
of John Scott, by whom he had three sons and two daughters. Mr. Townsend is 
Democratic in politics, and takes an active interest in educational matters, having been 
school trustee for two years. He gives his attention chiefly to the milk business, hand- 
ling about 120 quarts daily. He has a farm of 120 acres, and raises large quantities of 
grain and hay. His father was born in the town of Ithaca in 1815, and spent his life 
in this town, keeping a grocery store for a number of years. 

Townsend, Jabez B., was born December 25, 1867, educated in the district schools 
and finished at the old Ithaca Academy. The father and grandfather of our subject 
were among the early settlers of the town of Ithaca. After leaving school Mr. Town- 
send bought a milk route in Ithaca, handling about 250 quarts per day. At the age of 
twenty-one he married Carrie B. Jewell, daughter of John Jewell, of the town of 
Danby, and they have had one daughter, Norma, aged five years, and one son, Lynn, 
aged three years. In 1892 Mr. Townsend bought the John Jewell farm of 114 acres, 
on which he now lives, and which is devoted chiefly to dairying. He is independent 
in his political views, and was elected collector of the town in 1893. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 195 

Titus, C. A., was born in Ovid, Seneca county, May 6, 1856; was educated in the 
district schools, and finished under Professor Williams at the old Ithaca Academy. He 
then gave his attention to farming, moving into the town of Ithaca in 1877, and in 
1884 he bought the Daniel A. Wood place, which comprises 244 acres, lying about a 
miles west of the city of Ithaca. This is chiefly a dairy farm, and produces about 300 
quarts of milk per day. Mr. Titus is a Republican in his politics, and takes general and 
intelligent interest in educational and religious matters. 

Tyler, Cyrus, was born in Lebanon, Wayne Co., Pa., August 25, 1838, and came to 
the town of Dryden with his father, Stephen Tyler, in the same year, and now resides 
on the farm which his father cleared, and which has been in the possession of the fam- 
ily for the past sixty-one years. Cyrus Tyler laid the foundation of his education in 
the old log school house, but is pre-eminently a self-educated and self-made man. At 
the age of twenty-four he married Likinda L. Givens, daughter of Samuel Grivens, and 
they are the parents of two children, Irving and Locey. Irving Tyler was a young 
man of brilliant promise, but was cut off at the age of twenty- four in the prime of 
young manhood. Mr. Tyler takes the Republican side in politics and has held various 
offices. He has been a member of the Etna Baptist Church for the past sixteen years. 
In 1862 he bought the Walter Knapp property of sixty acres ; in 1867 he bought the 
old homestead of forty acres, and in 1869 inherited twenty-five acres of his father's 
estate, having 125 acres and raising large quantities of hay and potatoes, of which he 
makes a specialty. 

Trew, Samuel W., was born in England, August 24, 1833, and at the age of eleven 
years he came to Ithaca, w^here he was educated in the Lancastrian School. He went 
into Treman's foundry and machine works and became an expert machinist and 
engmeer. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in Company P, 75th N.Y. Volunteers, 
and served from August 9, 1861, till November, 1865, when he received an honorable 
discharge. He was shot through the thigh while in service. After returning home he 
again took up farming in Danby, buying a place of 107 acres, which he later sold and 
bought a farm of Albert H. Martin, consisting of eighty-two acres, which he now owns. 
He married at the age of thirty-seven, Anice Aldrich, daughter of Watson Aldrich of 
Ulysses. His wife died in 1881, and he married second Mary E. Hollister, of Danby. 
He is a Republican and takes an active interest in politics and educational matters. He 
is a member of the M. E. church at Danby. 

Tailby, John, was born in Lincolnshire, England, Ociober 28, 1841, and came with 
his parents to this country in 1851, locating near Trumansburgh. He was educated in 
the common schools, and has always been a farmer. June 30. 1862, he married Helen 
M. Swartwout. of Perry City, Schuyler county, and they have seven children living : 
Francis A., William E., Edith A., Mary E., J. Arthur, Georgiana H., and Arlo. William 
E. married Mary E. Shuler, of Owego ; Mary E. married Fred Rappalye, of Farmer, 
Seneca county, and they have a daughter, Grace T.; Mr. Tailby's father, William, was 
born at the old homestead in England in 1807 and married Maria Woodward, of his 
his native place. They had ten children, six sons and four daughters : William, Mary 
A., John, Edward, William 2d, Charles, George W., Mary A. 2d, Anna M. and Ehza J. 



196 LANDMARKS OP TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Mr. Tailby died in 1884, and his wife in 1868. Mrs. Tailby's father, Vanardus Swart- 
out, was born in this county in 1798 and married twice, first Sarah J. Smith by whom 
he had three children: Addison, Sarah J. and Robert. He married second Mary 
Jeffery, of his native county, and they had nine children : Augustus J., Vanardus, 
Grustavus A., Carohne M., Robert, Mary B., Helen M., Julia A., and Cynthia M. Mr. 
Swartwout died in 1872, and his wife survives, aged eighty-four years. He was a 
member of the State Assembly several terms, and his father, Robert Swartwout, was 
a county judge of Schuyler county, and a member of Congress. Mr. Tailby enlisted 
January 28, 1864, in Company A, 89th N. Y. Volunteers, and was honorably discharged 
October 12, 1865. He is a member of Truman Post, No. 572 G-. A. R., of Trumansburgh. 

Townley, Richard, was one of the pioneers of Lansing, having come from New 
Jersey and settled in the town in 1793, and is remembered as having been among the 
foremost of the pioneers of the county. One of his nine children was Effingham Town- 
ley, a native of Lansing, born in 1801 and remembered as a farmer and more particu- 
larly as a surveyor, in which latter capacity he gained a large acquaintance in the 
northern part of the county, and was regarded as one of the leading men of the town. 
His wife was Fanny Bower and they had a large family of children, nine of whom 
grew to maturity: Sarah, who married Henry Hayes; Charles A., Susan, who married 
Calvin Van Buskirk; Luther H., Jemima, Effingham, Richard A., Frances, who married 
Augustus Moe, and Mary. Effingham Townley came to Groton in 1831, and took up 
his residence where his son, Charles A., now resides. Here he died in the fall of 1867, 
and his wife in 1876. Charles A. was born February 3, 1823, and has been many 
years a farmer in the town. December 10, 1856, he married Susan Fulkerson, and five 
years later occupied the old home farm of his father, where he now resides. They have 
had ten children, nine of whom are still living. Mr. Townley is recognized as one of 
the substantial Republicans of Groton (originally he was a Whig), and has frequently 
been called to fill some of the important town offices. He has been one of the assessors 
of the town, and is now one of its excise commissioners. 

Sutfin, W. E., was born in the town of Dryden, June 4, 1864. His father, W. J. 
Sutfin, is one of the leading farmers of the town. He was educated in the common 
schools and graduated from the Cortland Normal School in 1886 and taught school at 
McLean and other places for two years. In 1889 he bought a half interest in the gen- 
eral merchandise store of H. W. Roe and is now junior partner in the leading house in 
his town. At the age of twenty-four he married Nola C. Stone, daughter of A. C. 
Stone of Freeville. He takes the Republican side in politics and an intelligent interest 
in educational and religious matters, 'hlj:, Sutfin is a conservative and independent 
citizen, taking a prominent part in advancing the interests of his town. 

Stout, Jonathan, was a native of Bordentown, N. J.- born January 18, 1782, and 
married Mary Buck Allen, who was born June 3, 1786. They settled in Dryden in 
1809, and Mr. Stout participated in the war of 1812. Their children were: Charlotte, 
Andrew, Mary, Furman, Margaret, Abram J., Ellen, Sarah and Allen. Mr. Stout died 
March 9. 1846. Abram J. was born October 14, 1819, and at the age of nineteen 
started out to learn the blacksmith trade in Groton, and two years later had a shop of 



FAMILY SKETCHES. lOt 

liis own. In 1846 he went to Lake Ridge, remaining two years, then bought the Ira 
Riggs farm, east of Groton village, where he has lived continually, with the exception 
of eight years residence in Cortland. He has acquired a comfortable competency. 
April 30, 1844, he married Julia Gibbs of Groton, and they have had one child, Jerome 
W., a young man of much promise, who settled in Michigan, and there died in 1890. 
During the period preceding the war Mr. Stout Avas a Democrat but a thorough 
Abolitionist, and assisted many fugitive slaves who came to him for refuge. Later on 
he became a Republican, though taking no interest in public affairs. James Gibbs, of 
Windsor, Conn., settled here about 1815, and became a Baptist clergyman. He married 
Almena Colgrove of Connecticut, and their children were : Eliza, James, Oliver, Julia 
and Norman. James Gibbs was on the frontier service during the war of 1812. 

Smiith, Henry M., was born in Newfield, December 22, 1828. Joseph Smith, his 
father, was a native of Pennsylvania, who moved to Tompkins county when quite a 
young man, taking up a farm, and following this occupation all his life. His son, 
Henry M., lives on a part of the old homestead. He married Lizzie Pratts of Penn- 
sylvania, by whom he had seven children. His second wife was Catharine Miller of 
Pennsylvania, by whom he had five children. Mr. Smith married third, in 1863, Mary 
A. Singer and they have had three children. He has lost two children, one aged 
twenty-four and one aged twenty-seven. He has always been engaged in agriculture. 

Stewart, Horace S., of Newfield, was born in Meredith, Delaware county, June 15, 
1804. Nathan S., his father, moved to Tompkins county in 1811, buying a year later 
the place, about three miles from Newfield, which then consisted of 118 acres. His 
wife wag Phoebe Tiffany, by whom he had eight children, our subject being the oldest. 
He has always followed farming and stock raising and handling. He married first in 
1830, Calista Barnes, and second, in 1864, Ruth E. Crane, and he has two sons livino- in 
Ithaca, his eldest being a wholesale grocer and his youngest being a dealer in butter 
who does a thriving business. Mr. Stewart has held the office of road commissioner, 
and is a prominent member of the M. B. church. 

Schutt, Aaron B., was born in Caroline, November 4, 1826, a son of John, born in 
Dutchess county, who removed at the age of seven years with his parents to Ulster 
county and there acquired his education, becoming in time a noted school teacher. He 
followed this ten years, then moved to this town, and with hig brother James erected 
a carding mill at Mott's Corners. Leaving his brother in charge of the mill, he bought 
a farm of 114 acres in Dryden, which was then a wilderness, and he was compelled to 
go on foot to this new place. Here he built a log cabin and reared his family of twelve 
children. Our subject remained with his father until he was twenty-nine years old. 
He had married at the age of twenty-one Marilla Belknap, daughter of Justin Belknap, 
(December 24, 1847), and in 1854 they came to their present home in Carohne, where 
Mr. Schutt has made a specialty of horse raising, having received $2,600 for one team. 
He is a Repubhcan. though he has never cared for public office. He has had four 
children : Maud, Katie May, who died aged nine years ; Francis G., and Douglass, who 
lives at home on the farm. Francis is engaged in the gocery business at Hornellsville, 
Steuben county. 



198 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Stephens, J. L., was born in Ithaca, April 5, 1826. The father, J. L. Stephens, sr., 
was a native of Connecticut, who moved to Ithaca, where he carried on the cooperage 
business in connection with his farm. He moved to Caroline in 1840, and in 1848 
moved to Dryden, retiring from active work, and there he died in 1856. He married 
Lydia Eeynolds, her parents being natives of Connecticut, and they had seven children, 
our subject being the sixth. In early life the latter worked at coopering in the town 
of Dryden. He has worked chiefly, however, at farmmg, owning a farm in the town 
of Dryden, which he sold in 1853. He then moved into Danby, and then sold and 
moved to his present place in Slaterville Springs. He married in 1853, Katie, daughter 
of Jacob Hazen of Dryden, and they have two sons and a daughter, who received their 
education in the district schools, two of them being married and away from home, 
and one son living at home. They are members of the M. E. Church at Slaterville. 

Sellen Family, The. — The surname Sellen stands for pioneership in Groton, and the 
head of the family seems to have been Samuel Sellen, a native of Massachusetts, whose 
wife was Maria Pratt. In his native State Samuel was a merchant, but in Groton, 
where he settled at an early day, he was a successful farmer. In his family were ten 
children : Maria, who married J. Clement ; Orlando, who died in 1893 ; Susan, who 
married Leonard Peck; Major, of Grroton ; John, Martha, wife of Jerome Clement ; 
Aurilla, who married Henry Van Guilder ; Moses and Wesley, both of whom are now 
dead ; and Amanda, who married Truman Clement. John Sellen, a progressive and 
successful farmer of West Groton, was born November 25, 1820, and has always lived 
on and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. April 19, 1849, he married 
Saphronia Hayden, by whom he has had six children : Mary, Willis, Hiram, Jennie, 
Nettie and Allena. Mr. Sellen is a Republican, but not active in political affairs. Both 
he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. 

Swarthout, Reuben, was born in the town of Danby, March 11, 1826. His early 
education was obtained in the district schools, which he soon left and learned the 
blacksmith trade, which he followed up to 1887, in the mean time spending four years 
in California, taking the trip via the Isthmus of Panama, and making the journey in 
twenty-eight days. Returning he bought a farm of Luther Wright of 100 acres, which 
he sold in 1867, and bought the old Mahlon La Rue farm of 150 acres, which he rents. 
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Swarthout takes an active interest in educational and church 
matters. He is known in his neighborhood as a conservative man, who has made a 
success of farming. 

Stevens, John, was born in Washington county, N. Y., November 2, 1785, and died 
April 6, 1866. When a young man he came to Groton and bought (about 1816) a fifty- 
acre tract of land, part of the home farm now owned by his son Nelson, and in a small 
way the pioneer began his farming career in this county. Later on he added to his 
farm and became known as one of the most persevering and energetic men of the town. 
On coming to the tract Mr. Stevens had only one pair of oxen, and his wife owned one 
cow, and these were fed through the first winter mainly on ''browse." John Stevens 
married, February 13, 1805, Polly Wilson, by whom he had these children : James, 
Volney, Harriet, Louisa, Amanda and Manila. Polly Stevens died July 13, 1822, and 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 199 

all of their children are also now dead. The second wife of John was Mary, widow of 
Simeon Conger, and of this marriage four children were born : Mary, Laura, John and 
Nelson. Nelson Stevens was born December 10, 1830, in the house in which he now 
lives, where his entire life has been spent, although he has somewhat increased the 
acreage of the farm and enlarged and remodeled the buildings. Nelson Stevens is 
known as one of the leading men of Groton. In 1859 he was elected justice of the 
peace, and with the exception of eight jj/ears has held that office to the present time. 
In 1889, and again in 1890, he was elected to the Assembly, and in both sessions he 
filled the office with credit to himself and his constituency. He was also for five years 
supervisor of Groton. On November 21, 1856, he married Laura M. Conger, by whom 
he has had six children : Mary S., wife of Lorenzo Buckley of Columbus, 0.; Eveline, 
who died an infant; Fred C, who died aged seven ; John, who died at three: Herman 
C. and Herbert J. (twins), both of Groton. 

Stearns, Joseph W., who is well remembered in this vicinity as having been for 
many years the faithful pastor of the now extinct Christian church near West Groton, 
was a native of Westhampton, Mass., born February 21, 1808. He was the son of 
Stockwell and Seviah (Wilcott) Stearns and the second of their nine children. The 
young life of our subject was passed in his native State, where his father was a shoe- 
maker, and he learned to work at whatever presented itself for him to do. He educated 
himself and later on entered the ministry. He came to West Groton at an early day 
where he took the pastorate of the Christian church, and at the same time interested 
himself in the welfare of those about him, and was particularly active during the days 
of the agitation of the abolition of slavery, he being one of the most earnest advocates 
of that measure. More than this, his house was the refuge of escaping negroes, and no 
man did more to facilitate the freedom of the refugees than Mr. Stearns. His hfe was 
a success from every poinj, of view, and he held the respect and esteem of the entire 
community. He died in April, 1888, aged eighty years, and a little later (September 
li, 1889) his wife followed him to the grave. Joseph W. Stearns married Amanda 
daughter of pioneer Isaac Allen, and to them were born three children : Joseph W., 
now a clergyman residing in Huntersland, N. T.; Alvin Stuart, remembered as a mer- 
chant and produce dealer, and also postmaster at West Groton, and who died April 18, 
1892 ; and Eugene A., the enterprising quarryman and farmer of West Groton. The 
latter was born May 3, 1847, and now lives on a part of the old home farm of his 
grandsire, Isaac Allen, the site of the first Allen log cabin being only afew rods distant 
from Mr. Stearns's house. In 1871 Eugene A. Stearns married Sarah Jane Rockafeller, 
of Onondaga county. They have one child. 

Smith, A. Belmont, was born in Trumansburgh April 15, 1860, and was educated in 
the Union School and the Academy. He is a coal dealer and insurance agent by 
occupation. June 22, 1893, he married Fannie Ogden of Covert, Seneca county. Mr. 
Smith's father, John De Motte Smith, was born in Lodi, Seneca county, December 10, 
1832, was educated in Ovid Academy, Rutgers College, and graduated from Hobart 
Collage, Geneva. He studied law with Smith & Barto and was admitted to the bar. 
Upon the retirement of Mr. Smith, who went to Syracuse, he became a partner with 
Judge Henry C. Barto. He was a sound lawyer, an able advocate, and a generous foe, 



200 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and his death created a vacancy in the bar of this county which was hard to fill. He 
was a Mason, and from early manhood was prominently indentified with its affairs. He 
was one of the most companionable of men, a good husband and father. May 5, 1857, 
he married Mary E. Owen of Waterburg, town of Ulysses, and they had two children, 
Cora 0., and A. Belmont. Early in life he took much interest in the State militia and 
rose through the successive grades to the rank of colonel of the Fiftieth Regiment of the 
National Guard. During the war he was a Union man, a war Democrat, and was 
identified with such men as G-eneral Dix, Daniel S. Dickenson of New York, and others. 
He died February 25, 1892, and his wife survives him, residing at his late home on Elm 
street with his daughter. 

Sarsfield, Thomas, wias born in Ireland in 1837, and came to the United States in 
1848, locating in Trumansburgh. He is a moulder by trade. In 1859 he married 
Catharine Flynn of Ulysses, by whom he had eight children : Maurice, Julia, Thomas, 
jr., John, Mary, WiUiam, Michael and Catharine. Maurice is a cigar manufacturer, 
and married Margaret Ward, of Lodi, Seneca county. They had two sons, Maurice L. 
and Charles L. His wife died January 13, 1892. Julia married John Eussell and 
lives in the West. Mary married George Gregg of Trumansburgh. Thomas Sarsfield 
was a gallant soldier of the late war, having enlisted August 22, 1861, in Co. A, 89th 
N. Y. Vols. He participated in eighteen general engagements, beginning at Hatteras, 
N. C, and ending before Petersburg, Va., where he was wounded in the lower part of 
his neck, the ball passing through his body. He was honoraMy discharged for disabil- 
ity on, account of the above wound, in November, 1864. Mr. Sarsfield is a member of 
Treman Post No. 572, of Trumansburgh, G. A. R., and has held the office of officer of the 
day for several years. 

Streeter, Nelson R., was born in the town of Pitcher, Chenango county, October 7, 
1838, a son of William and Elizabeth Streeter, and the youngest but one of their 
thirteen children. Nelson was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and in due time becoming 
a journeyman, but he worked most of his life either as a foreman or proprietor. His 
old size stick, hammer and pincers are treasured remembrances of his early life and 
hang, gilded and elegantly framed, in the parlor of their owner. When a child, Mr. 
Streeter's family and parents removed from Pitcher to Onondaga county and there the 
greater part of his early life was passed. At the age of eight years, his parents being 
both deceased, he was practically thrown upon his own resources, and his success in 
life has been due entirely to his own efforts. In 1869 he came to this town, and was 
thereafter connected with various partners and firms in the shoe business. While so 
engaged he invented an attachment to a last, a valuable appliance, but one which lost 
him his accumulations to develop. In 1876 he engaged in the manufacture of novel- 
ties under the firm name of N. R. Streeter & Co., and though comparatively unknown 
outside this village, the firm is one of the largest business houses in the county. The 
firm deals in useful and valuable novelties of all kinds, many of them being the inven- 
tion of Mr. Streeter himself; in fact he owns and controls no less than forty different 
patents. In the prosecutions of his vast interests Mr. Streeter has traveled extensively 
and has cultivated a wide acquaintance with traveling and business men, being par- 
ticularly interested in the commercial traveler or "drummer," and possessing literary 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 201 

tastes, he has compiled a book of choice poems many of which are in circulation under 
the head of "Gems from an Old Drummer's Grip." In village affairs our subject also 
takes a deep interest, being a temperance man and a Republican. He has served on 
the Board of Trustees and also on the Board of Education. In 1860 he married Adelia 
Randolph of Chenango county, and they have four children. 

Shurter, Willis, was born in Ulster county, May 17, 1841, a son of .Tosiah, also born 
in Ulster county. At the age of twenty the latter was apprenticed to a wheelwright 
for three years, and then built a shop in Sampsonville, Ulster county, where he con- 
ducted a business for eight years. In 1848 he moved to Tompkins county, where he 
followed his trade until within a few years of his death. He also built several large 
mills, being a millwright also. In connection with his other enterprises he worked at 
farming for about fifteen years, and for some years prior to his death was a wagon 
maker. His death occurred August 5, 1877. His children were : Julia, Willis, Ellen, 
Harrison, Harriet, Filmore, and Mary Louisa; Julia, Filmore and Mary being deceased. 
Willis remained at home till July, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, 109th N. Y. 
Volunteers. While in service he contracted a cold, which with its attendant evils has 
followed him ever since, and which entitled him to the pension he receives. After re- 
turning home he married Jennie, daughter of James Girman of Dryden, after which he 
started at milling, working for four years, then built a plaster mill, which he is still 
operating. He is now living with his second wife, Betsey Merald, by whom he has 
two children, Jennie and Jessie, who are just entering the High School. He is a mem- 
ber of the G. A. R. and is a Republican. 

Scott, Jabez B., deceased, was born in Ithaca, January 27, 1837, was educated in 
Ithaca, and married Phoebe J., daughter of Orry Ostrander of Danby, by whom he 
had three children, a son and two daughters. Mr. Scott was at one time proprietor of 
the Farmer's Hotel, and afterward kept a wholesale and retail meat market in Ithaca. 
He was a Democrat and took an active interest in educational matters and the genera] 
events of the day. He was a well known citizen and a man of high standing in the 
town, well educated, and a good friend and neighbor. He purchased the Widow 
Townsend farm of eighty-five acres, lying two miles south of where his son now re- 
sides. Mr. Scott died June 4, 1875. 

Shoemaker, Jacob, one of Lansing's prominent men, was born on the farm he now 
owns, November 19, 1837, a son of Jacob, also a native of Lansing, born on the same 
farm, who married Christina, daughter of William Ozmun of Lansing, by whom he 
reared five children : Anna, deceased wife of Anson Wyckoff, of Moravia ; Almira, 
widow of Oliver Breckinridge, of Slippery Rock, Pa. ; Sallie, deceased wife of Dennis 
Kelley, of Lansing ; Jacob ; Emma, wife of Randall Smith, of Cato. He died in De- 
cember, 1890, at the age of ninety years and eight months. His wife died in 1874. 
Our subject was reared on this farm and attended the common schools. At the age of 
about thirty-four his father gave him the farm of 100 acres on lot eighty-three, where 
he has since remained. In 1860 he married Louisa, daughter of John and Electa 
(Searles) Bloom, of Lansing, and they have had two children : one who died in infancy, 
and Elmer Ellsworth, born January 27, 1862. His wife died March 11, 1877, and he 



302 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

married second, Alice, daughter of Ambrose Parsons, of Ithaca, and they have one son, 
Frank, born April 27, 1879. Mr. Shoemaker was at one time a sergeant in the State 
militia, serving fourteen years, and received an honorable discharge in 1874. 

Smith, James, vv^as born in the town of Franklin, Warren county. May 14, 1832, a 
son of John, who was a farmer. Our subject was educated in the common schools, 
after leaving which he served a three years' apprenticeship at carpentry. After ser- 
ving three years as a journeyman carpenter, he entered the employ of the D. L. & W. 
R. R. in 1852, and for eighteen years was employed with this company, building bridges 
and tracks. In 1872 he removed to Ithaca to build the road between Ithaca and 
Geneva, and after its construction acted as its superintendent until its consolidation 
with the Lehigh Valley Road. He was then employed as roadmaster on the U. I. & 
E. R. R. between Elmira and Canastota, holding the position four years. He was then 
roadmaster and assistant superintendent on the Lehigh Valley Division running into 
Auburn, then known as the Midland, running ten years as conductor and superintend- 
ent. He spent three years in the West at the same business, building 150 miles of 
track in Montana, and was then in Chicago for a year, employed on the Chicago and 
Northwestern Road. He next came to Elmira for three years, and in 1892, returned 
to Ithaca. March 23, 1893 he was appointed superintendent of streets for Ithaca. He 
has been instrumental in constructing one of the best systems of gutters in any city, 
and is an authority on the sewage question. In 1854 he married Carolme J. Carr, of 
Wyoming county, Pa., and they have had three children : A. C. Smith, conductor on 
the D. L. & W. R. R. ; Effie, who died June 13, 1892, aged thirty-one years; the other 
son is a graduate of the medical department of the University of Michigan. 

Smith, Charles A., was born in the town of Ithaca, October 9, 1845, a son of Gabriel 
Smith, who was also a native of this county, born in Dryden February 4, 1818. In 
early life he followed farming, and later was a drayman of this place. Of his five sons, 
our subject was the third. Charles was educated in the public schools of this town, 
and at the age of sixteen went in with his father in the dray business, Avhich he has 
always followed. He was fourteen years with the latter, and for eight years was a 
partner with his brother, John Smith, for the past ten years having been alone. He 
has followed draying for thirty-two years, and has fifteen horses and six men. He is 
a Democrat and in 1874 was collector for the village of Ithaca. He is a member of 
Hobasco Lodge F. & A. M., Eagle Chapter, Ithaca Council, St. Augustine Com- 
mandery, a member of the K. of P. and I. 0. R. M. In 1870 he married Sarah B. Nor- 
ton, daughter of James Norton, a grocer of this city, and they have two children, Ada 
and Lizzie. 

Stephens, Thomas J., was born in Cheltham, England, October 16, 1845, and came 
across the water when ten years of age. His father, Thomas, located in Quebec for 
two years, and it was there that our subject's mother died, and October 16, 1857, they 
removed to Ithaca, where Mr. Stephens established a marble yard on South Tioga 
street, where Ingersoll's livery now is. Mr. Stephens was first in partnership with his 
brother John, but in 1859 they dissolved, and Thomas bought the corner where the 
Bates Block now stands, at the corner of Seneca and Aurora streets, where he con- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 203 

tinued in business until his death on November 22, 1869. Mr. Stephens was always a 
staunch supporter of the Republican party, but never aspired to office. A daughter 
Mrs. W. N. Sandborn, is a resident of Ithaca. Thomas J. was educated in the old 
Lancasterian School, and before he had completed his education the war broke out and 
December 20, 1863, he enlisted in the 21st N. Y. Cavalry and was with the Army of the 
Shenandoah in all of their important engagements. During the latter part of his ser- 
vice he was acting chief bugler of his regiment. On his return to Ithaca he was em- 
ployed with his father until the death of the latter, when he took charge of the shop 
which in 1872 he removed to another location, and in 1874 he again moved to his pres- 
ent location on Tioga street, buying two lots. He has acquired a reputation as a 
granite worker, which has given him a very extensive trade all over the State. He 
was the contractor for the soldier's monument in Ithaca among others. He is now 
serving his sixth year as adjutant of Sidney Post G. A. R. He is a member of the 
R. A., and is secretary and treasurer of the local branch of the Atlantic Savings and 
Loan Association of Syracuse. In 1869 he married Sarah, daughter of the late James 
McBride, a grocer of this city, and they have one daughter, Florence Marion, a student 
at the High School. 

Storms, John B., was born in the town of Mentz, Cayuga county, April, 1839, one of 
five children of George M. Storms, a blacksmith of that county, who came from New 
York city in 1838. He died November 3, 1854, aged forty-one years. The boyhood 
of our subject was spent in his native town, and at the time of his father's death he was 
fourteen years of age, and apprenticed himself to a marble cutter. He was employed 
in Auburn two years, and April 25, 1859, he came to Ithaca, where he was employed 
by Beers & Groodrich, whose shop stood where the Cornell Library now stands. For 
twenty-seven years he was with the above firm, and in 1886 he bought out the former 
proprietors who had their shops at 21 East G-reen street. Mr. Storms has worked up 
an extensive trade in this county, and is prepared to furnish everything needed in the 
line of fine marble-cutting and monument work. He is a Democrat and a member of 
Fidelity Lodge F. & A. M., and also of No. 5 Hose Company of the Fire Department. 
In 1892 he married Kate E. Dilts of Ithaca, and they have one daughter. 

ShefFer, Reuben W., was born in the town of Livingston, Columbia county, March 
19, 1865, a son of Charles E., who moved into this county in 1871. The latter was 
master mechanic on the D. L. & W. R. R. from the time of his arrival here till 1888, 
when he engaged in the mercantile business, and is now conducting a grocery at the 
corner of Mill and Plain streets. Of his four children, Reuben W. is the only son. 
He was educated in the Ithaca High School and the Poughkeepsie Business College, 
and filled the position of book-keeper at the First National Bank for two years. De- 
cember 1, 1886, he was engaged as book-keeper for the Ithaca Beef Company, which 
position he filled till November 19, 1891, when he was appointed manager of their 
business in this city, and April 19, 1893, he was given the management of the Geneva 
house in connection with the business at Ithaca. Mr. Sheffer is a director of the Geneva 
Ice Company also. He is a Republican, and was ior three years a mail clerk on the 
Ithaca & Owego Railroad. In 1889 he married Josephine Little, of Candor. 



204 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Stephens, Henry W., was born in Grlousterphire, England, March 24, 3838, and was 
. eleven years of age when his parents came to this country. William, the father, was 
a mason by trade, and located in Auburn for a short time, then moved to Ithaca, where 
he followed his trade till his death in 1879, aged seventy-two years ; his wife died in 
1890, aged ninety-three years. Of their six children, Henry W. was next to the 
youngest. He was educated in the old Lancasterian School and his first occupation 
was with his father. After a short time he went to learn the printer's trade, which he 
followed till the breaking out of the war. September 25 1862, he enlisted in the 137th 
New York Volunteers, and saw service with this regiment till the battle of Gettys- 
burg, where he was seriously wounded, from the effects of which he lay in hospital 
until May of the next year, when he was discharged and returned to Ithaca. In- 1865 
he entered the employ of the D. L. & W. R. R., and for twenty-one years he filled the 
position of telegraph dispatcher for this company. In 1885 he resigned this position, 
and the same year bought the general grocery store of T. S. Culver, at the corner of 
Aurora and Marshall streets, where he has ever since been in business. Mr. Stephens 
is a member of Hobasco Lodge No. 716, F. & A. M, In February, 1858, he married 
Julia A. Carey, of Romulus, Seneca county, and they have four children : Henry B., 
a machinist of Elgin, 111., Will H., an artist, Mrs. Julia E. Judd, and Clara B. 

Sprague Joseph Brittin, deceased, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., September 19, 
1826. He came to Tompkins county in 1871, and made his home in Ithaca. His boy- 
hood was spent in Rochester, where he received his early education, afterward attend- 
ing the Albany Academy. His father, Asa, was one of the pioneers of railroad con- 
struction, and was superintendent of one of the divisions of the N. Y. C. R, R. before 
its consolidation. Our subject was a Democrat and a worker in his party. After his 
removal to Ithaca he took an active interest in the popularity of the town, holding the 
office of village president one year. He was a member of the I. 0. 0. F. His death 
occurred November 30, 1878, and he left a widow only, who survives him. Mrs. 
Sprague is a daughter of Benjamin Johnson, one of the early settlers of the town of 
Ithaca, to which he came about 1816, from New Hampshire. He studied law in Troy. 
His three sons are still residents of this town, Jesse, Charles, and Wilham. Benjamin 
Johnson died March 19, 1848. His wife was Jane Dey, a native of New Jersey. 

Slocum, Benjamin Franklin, was born in the town of Venice, April 12, 1842, a son 
of Godfrey W. Slocum, a farmer of Cayuga county. B. F. Slocum was educated in 
the common school, and also a private school in New York city, following teaching 
several years, for four of which he was principal of Union Springs School. He was 
also principal of two different schools in Genoa. In 1881 he moved to Ithaca, where 
he formed the Washington Glass Company, and built a ten-pot factory, which has 
been steadily employed, with the exception of four years, manufacturing window glass, 
Mr. Slocum being superintendent and manager of the company. In 1889 this factory 
was merged with the United Glass Company, of which organization Mr. Slocum was 
vice-president one year. At the present time our subject, in partnership with Mr. 
Wilcox, is proprietor of the Ithaca Drop Forge Company, with works in this city, for 
the manufacture of a general line of drop forge articles. The company was formed in 
1889, doing about $20,000 worth of business yearly. Our subject is also a partner in 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 205 

the clothing store of G. W. Slocum & Company, ready-made clothiers and dealers in 
furnishing goods, boots and shoes, etc. He is a Mason, a member of Hobasco Lodge, 
Aurora Chapter, and was the master of Genoa Lodge No. 421 at the time of the dedi- 
cation of the Masonic Temple at New York. In 1863 Mr. Slocum married Kate 
Young, of Genoa, and they have two sons and two daughters. 

Sehoonmaker, Helen, was born in Ithaca and educated in the Ithaca Academy. At 
the age of eighteen she was married to W. D. Sehoonmaker, who died in 1874, leaving 
the farm to his wife, who has carried it on successfully. Mrs. Sehoonmaker takes an 
interest in social and church matters, as well as the educational questions, and is a mem- 
ber of the Aurora Street Church. Her father, Benjamin Pew, came to the town of 
Ithaca in 1801 from New Jersey, being then nine years of age. He located on a farm, 
and in after life, having acquired a competency, he retired from active work and moved 
into the village. 

Smith, Horace I., was born in Dryden, April 5, 1829, the sixth of a family of eight 
children of Isaac S. Smith, also a native of this county, who died in 1836. The early 
education of our subject was obtained in his native town. In 1853 he left the farm 
and came to Ithaca, and has since been engaged in various employments. He was in 
the mercantile business for two years, and for four years was engaged in the manufac- 
ture of sewing silks. He has also dealt in real estate. May 1, 1888, he became con- 
nected with Cornell University, at first holding the position of superintendent of con- 
tractors in the erection of their buildings. He held that position during the greater 
part of the next four years, until May 1, 1892, when he was appointed superintendent 
of construction and grounds for the imiversity, which po ition he now holds. In pol- 
itics Mr. Smith is independent. In 1857 he married Mary E. Gay, of this town. 

Simpson, George F., was born in Ithaca, October 19, 1841, a son of Edwin Simpson, 
a native of Steuben county, who came here when a youth and followed farming and 
stock dealing. Our subject was his only child. He was educated in the old Ithaca 
Academy, and after leaving school engaged in the hotel business, conducting the 
Alhambra about fifteen years. In 1891 he engaged in the real estate and brokerage 
business, and is now conducting an office in the same line. He is a member of Hobasco 
Lodge, Eagle Ch&pter, St. Augustine Commandery, No. 38, and the Mystic Shrine at 
Rochester. He married, in 1878, Mary Post, of Spencer, Tioga county, N. Y. 

Sabin, John, was born in the town of Ithaca, August 7, 1854, a son of Abel, who 
was a native of Lewis county, and came to this section about fifty years ago, locating 
in the town of Ithaca. He moved to Danby about twenty-five years ago, where he 
now resides. He had seven children, six now living. John finished his education at 
the Ithaca Academy, and his first occupation was as a farmer. In 1890 he left the 
farm and came to the town of Ithaca, where he established a wagon mart at 43 Cay- 
uga street, where he now carries a complete line of lumber wagons, sleighs, cutters, 
horse blankets, lap robes, hand-made and oak-tanned harnesses, wagon boxes, spring 
seats, road carts, democrat wagons, and everything of the line needed on the farm and 
city stables. Mr. Sabin has established a reputation for fair and correct dealing, which 
has made him a leader of this class of trade in the country. He is a Democrat, but 
not an aspirant for political honors. He married, in 1881, Cora Stewart, of Caroline. 



S06 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Swartwood, G. M., was born in the town of Newfield, April 13, 1837. William, his 
father, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1807, was a farmer all his life, and also a 
blacksmith. He settled in this county in 1834, taking a farm in Newfield, about a mile 
north of where our subject now lives, his farm consisting of 233 acres, on which he 
built a log cabin at first. He married Priscilla Brown, of Pennsylvania, and they had 
seven children, six surviving. Of these children Gr. M. was the third, and began busi- 
ness as a mechanic and carpenter. This he followed several years, and has built sev- 
eral buildings in the town. He is also a farmer. February 13, 1868, he married Ade- 
laide Ousmun, of Newfield, by whom he has four children, all living at home, though 
one son is in the Havana school. Mr. Swartwood is a prominent member of the Gr. A. 
R. of Newfield, Gregg Post, No. 123, having served in the late war six months, when 
he was compelled to leave on account of disease contracted in the service. He 
enlisted in July, 1862, and returned in January, 1863. He has held the office of senior 
vice-commander and quartermaster, and has been road commissioner for one term. He 
is a Eepublican. 

Sherwood, William I., was born in Ulysses, July 8, 1849; was educated in the pub- 
lic schools and Trumansburgh Academy, and for fourteen years has been in partnership 
with the late G. H. Stewart in the undertaking business, and is now a farmer. Feb- 
ruary 25, 1874, he married Phoebe M. Tripp of Kingston, Pa., and they had two sons : 
Edwin S., who died young, and Merritt T., who died aged ten years. Mr. Sher- 
wood's father, Augustine M., was born in the town of Covert, Seneca county, August 
5, 1812, and came with his parents to this county when young. February 1, 1837, he 
married Charlotte S. King of this town, and they had eight children: Mary H., Maria 
K., Minerva B., BHas K., Wilham I., Ida M., Annie A. and Minnie A. The father died 
August 7, 1885, and the mother resides on the homestead. Mrs. Sherwood's father, 
Isaac Tripp, was born in Scranton, Pa., September 7, 1817, and February 17, 1840, 
married Margaret Shoemaker of Wyoming, Pa. They had six children : Mary A., 
Penelope B., Phoebe M., Isaac E., Margaret E. and Emma C. Mr. Sherwood's family 
was well represented in the late war. He was elected postmaster of the town in 1886, 
and has held that position since with the exception of one year. He has been assistant 
engineer of the Fire Department, and for the past two years chief engineer. He is a 
member of the I. 0. 0. F., being its present secretary, also of the A. O. U. W., in which 
he is recorder. 

Smiley, Sanford E., was born in the town of Dryden, March 6, 1852. His father, 
Robert Smiley, was among the early settlers in the town. Sanford E. Smiley Avas 
educated in the common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and 
observation. At the age of twenty he married Almeda L Snyder, daughter of Joseph 
Snyder, and they are the parents of two children, Leroy and Fred K. He takes the 
Repubhcan side in pohtics and now holds the office of highway commissioner, and takes 
an intelligent interest in educational and religious matters, and in advancing the best 
interests of his town. In 1872 he bought part of the Joseph Snyder estate, having 
seventy- seven acres of some of the best farm and wood land in his town, raising hay, 
grain and stock. He is recognized in his town as a conservative, independent and in- 
telligent citizen, and a practical and successful farmer. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 207 

Shaver, Williard, was born February 26, 1844. His father, Ira C. Shaver, was born 
in Ithaca, August 2, 1817, and came to the town of Dryden in the spring of 1823 with 
his father, John 0. Shaver and bought of Luther G-ere a farm of 145 acres, which is in 
the possession of the family to the present day. Mrs. Ira C. Shaver was a daughter of 
W. H. Sutfin. In 1854 he bought the George White property, just northwest of Free- 
ville, where the family now resides, and has eighty acres of some of the best farm land 
in the town. Williard Shaver, at the age of twenty-nine, married Fannie, daughter of 
Peter Saulpaugh of Buffalo, and they have three children, James G-., Ira 0. and Frank 
W. In 1891 he purchased of his father the old homestead property where he now re- 
sides. Our subject is a well read, intelligent citizen, taking an active interest in church 
and school matters, having been trustee of the school district for four years, his father 
having held the same office for fifteen consecutive years. The family have always 
taken a prominent part in advancing the best interest of the town, and are practical 
and successful farmers. 

Stickle, Theodore, was born in the town of Dryden, November 9, 1864. His father, 
Anson Stickle, came from Dutchess county in 1837, and in 1860 he bought the Albert 
Twogood property of 288 acres. Mr. Stickle was educated in the Dryden Academy, 
after which he returned to his father's farm. He takes the Republican side in politics 
and an active interest in educational and religious matters. Anson Stickle married 
Susan Van Buskirk of Hamilton, Monroe county. Pa. Our subject is one of the largest 
farmers in his town, raising large quantities of hay, grain and stock, and making a 
specialty of sheep raising and dairying, and is recognized as a practical and successful 
farmer. 

Scott, Adelbert C, was born in the town of Dryden, July 5, 1859, was educated in 
the common schools, and finished at Cortland Normal School. At the age of twenty- 
four he married Flora L., daughter of William R. Curtis of Cortland, and they have had 
one son, William A., born in 1881. Mr. Scott bought the homestead, which has been 
in the possession of the family for sixty years. It comprises 114 acres of fine land, and 
in 1893 Mr. Scott purchased part of the Rose estate adjoining, having now 135 acres, 
which he devotes principally to dairying and the raising of hay. Our subject takes an 
active interest in all movements for the best interests of the town. 

Shultz, Theophilus, was born in Palatine, Montgomery county, March 15, 1822, and 
came to this county, town of Dryden, in 1874. He bought part of the Jesse M. Blanch- 
ard property of 161 acres, and in 1889 bought the Abel White property of forty-five 
acres, and in 1882 bought the Giles farm of 100 acres, having now 306 acres, on which 
he raises large crops of hay and grain, and makes a specialty of breeding pure Holstein 
cattle. At the age of twenty-two Mr. Shultz married Lany Flander, daughter of Jacob 
H. Flander of St. Johnsville, and they have had seven children, one of whom, 
Charles A., is now living, and is managing the farm. At the age of twenty-two the 
latter married Miss Ida E., daughter of Romanzo George of Grand Rapids, Mich., and 
they have three children : Rollo T., Altha C, and Christine. Our subject is identified 
with all the leading movements of the town, and is a practical and energetic farmer. 



308 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Snj'^der, Mrs. Caroline, was born in Montezuma, Wayne county, October 4, 1845. Her 
father, George G. Ellison, came to the town of Dryden in 1859 and died in 1860, when 
the burden of the family fell upon Mrs. Susan Ellison, and her five children, of whom 
Caroline was the eldest and who, seeing the necessity of being self-supporting, at once 
went to work, and has through force of character provided for herself from thirteen 
years of age up to the present. At twenty-two she married Conwell Snyder, son of 
John Snyder, who died in 1888, leaving his many business affairs to be taken up and 
carried on by his wife, who with unexpected business ability has accepted the task and 
achieved a remarkable success. Mrs. Snyder lives with her mother, Mrs. Susan Ellison, 
and also the mother of her husband, Mrs. Maria Snyder, and is known as a true hearted, 
benevolent woman, superintending the farm of 125 acres, which has forced her to lead 
an active life. 

Snyder, Bradford, was born in the town of Dryden, February 24, 1836. His father, 
Jeremiah, came to this town in June, 1801, and settled on lot forty-three. The family 
were of German descent, and came to New Jersey from Germany, two of the brothers, 
Henry and Christopher, being among the pioneer settlers in Dryden, Peter taking up a 
section of 640 acres, to which he afterwards added, acquiring eventually 1,000 acres, 
which he distributed among his seven sons, two daughters and a granddaughter. Our 
subject now resides on the homstead, having 160 acres of the original Snyder purchase. 
Bradford Snyder was educated at the old eight-square brick school house, and finished 
at the Ithaca Academy under S. D. Carr. At the age of thirty-six he married Ann, 
daughter of William Doxtader of Stratford, Fulton county, and they have four children: 
Ward, Nora, Lena and Eeva. Mr. Snyder is a Republican, and is now serving as over- 
seer of the poor. He is also secretary of the Dryd.^n and Groton Fire Insurance 
company, having held both offices for the past twelve years. 

Shank, Mrs. Lucy J., of Lake Ridge, proprietor of the Lake Ridge Hotel and general 
store, was born in Lansing in 1853. She is the daughter of Loronzo D. and Mary J. 
Ives, natives of Cayuga county. The grandparents were Noah and Anna (Clark) Ives 
of Connecticut, but early settlers in Cayuga county. The father of our subject was a 
carpenter in his earlier days, later a farmer in Lansing. In 1871 he purchased the store 
and hotel at Lake Ridge, and operated them botih until his death in December, 1884. 
The mother died in November, 1865. They had two children : Emaline and Lucy. 
Mrs. Shank received her education in the common schools in Lansing. At the death 
of her father she came into possession of the farm of 130 acres, which she still owns. 
In 1893 she purchased the store and hotel property at Lake Ridge of her sister Emaline, 
and with her husband, B. C. Shank, carries on a general merchandise business and hotel. 
In July, 1891, Mrs. Shank took an extended trip west through Canada, Washington to 
San Francisco, returning home in March, 1892. She has one child by a former hus- 
band, Ives W. Morey, born July 13, 1886. She is a lady of fine tastes and youthful 
appearance. 

Van Nortwick, W. J., was born in the town of Dryden, October 2, 1828. His father, 
John Van Nortwick, son of Simeon, came from New Jersey and they were among the 
first settlers in the town. W. J. Van Nortwick was educated in the common schools. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 209 

to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. At the age of 
thirty-six he married Nancy, daughter of Alexander McKinney, of Dryden, and they 
are the parents of two children, one son, William, and one daughter, Lulu May. In 
1850, he began to acquire real estate, buying out other heirs and part of his uncle'^ 
estate, having sixty-six acres on which he has erected handsome buildings, raisifig hay, 
grain and stock, making a specialty of dairying. Our subject is one of the conservative, 
independent men of his town, where he is recognized as a practical and successful 
farmer. He takes an interest in the leading events of the day and in advancing the 
best interests of his town. 

Vandemarks, Benjamin, was born in the town of Caroline, November 15, 1830. 
James M., his father, a native of Ulster county, moved to Tompkins county when quite 
small, and always followed farming, owning a farm near Brookton. He married 
Rachael Personious of the town of Caroline, and they had eight children, our subject 
being the second, and now sixty-three years old. The latter has followed farming 
from early life, working at home with his father until his marriage in 1863 to Charlotte, 
daughter of Peter Dennis of the town of Caroline. They are fehe parents of five chil- 
dren, all at home but one. All were educated in the common schools except one, who 
graduated from the Ithaca High School, viz., Charles. In politics our subject is a 
Democrat. 

Thomas, John, was born December 11, 1825, in the town of Dover, Dutchess county, 
and came to Tompkins county at the age of six months with his parents. He was 
educated in the district schools, to which he added by reading and observation. He 
married Amelia, daughter of James Mulks of Ithaca, by whom he had two children, a 
son and a daughter. Mrs. Thomas died ten years after their marriage. Our subject 
afterwards sold his farm in Ithaca, and bought what was known as the Lewis Hanford 
farm of seventy acres, to which he has added since. Ih 1864 he married second Mary 
E. Swartout, daughter of Adam Hoffman of the town of Caroline. He is a Democrat 
in politics and takes an active interest in temperance, education and religion, being one 
of the leading men of the place. 

Thomas, E. J., was born in Dryden, May 26, 1840, a son of Benjamin, a native, of 
Dutchess county, who was left an orphan when young, and worked at farming till he 
reached manhood, when he married Mary, daughter of Bryant Thomas, of Dutchess 
county, and in 1834 moved to the farm now occuppied by our subject. Here he died 
in 1872, having been a prosperous farmer and a good citizen. He and wife had four 
children, E. J. being the third. He also followed farming through early life. He was 
educated in the public schools and at the age of twenty-three married Olive R.Winfield, 
daughter of William Winfield of Slaterville, and they had two children, Mary and Jane. 
Mr. Thomas has always voted the Republican ticket. 

Taggart, William, was born in Ireland, August 21, 1832, and came to this county in 
1849. He settled in Dryden, remaining five years, then worked for different farmers, 
and in 1857 he started for himself, buying a farm of thirty acres, which he traded for 
eighty acres in Newfield, then traded that for his present place, about eleven years ago. 
He served one year in the Rebellion. In 1860 he married Margaret Hodges and they 



310 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

have had six children, two deceased. Mr. Taggart is a member of the G-range, also of 
Gli: A. E. In politics he is a Republican. 

Tree, Edward, was born in England, July 5, 1844, and was less than two years of 
age when his parents came to this country. His father, Edward, sr., came to this 
«ountry and located in the town of Lansing, and here made his home till 1837, when 
he moved to Ithaca and engaged in paper making. He died February 19, 1885, aged 
seventy-one years. Of his ten children, eight survive, our subject being the oldest son. 
The latter was educated in the public schools, and his first occupation was as a paper 
maker. At the age of fifteen he began as an apprentice in the Ithaca paper mill, and 
rapidly rose to higher positions, following the business thirty-two years. January 10, 
1878, Mr. Tree established a general grocery and provision store at 227 Aurora street, 
which his son conducted while Mr. Tree worked in the paper mill. January 1, 1890. 
the son became a partner in the firm, and under the name of E. Tree & Son, the con- 
cern is well known in commercial circles. In 1891 they added a market to their store, 
and now have one of the finest stores of the kind in the place. Mr. Tree is a Democrat 
and in 1878 was elected on the Democratic and Workingmen's ticket as trustee of the 
village. He is a member of the Aurora street church and also of the R. A. November 
22, 1866, he married Sarah J. Sincepaugh of Ithaca, and they have had two children : 
William, and Maud R. 

Tucker, George S., was born in the town of Dryden, February 5, 1850. His father, 
G-eorge W. Tu'cker, was one of the early settlers. He was educated in the common 
schools to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. At the 
age of thirty he married Ella Mericle, and they have one son, George C, and one 
daughter, Blanche D. He takes the Republican side in politics and an active interest in 
school and church matters, being now trustee of the school. In the year 1886 he bought 
the Joseph Fisher place of six acres where be now resides. Our subject through life 
has followed the trade of carpenter and builder, making a specialty of bridge building 
and railroad work. 

Teeter, George W., a life resident of Lansing, was born on the farm he now owns 
December 29, 1817, the son of Henry Teeter, who came to Lansing with his father, 
Henry, from Northampton county. Pa., in 1791, and settled in this county. The grand- 
father, Henry, died in 1804, leaving nine children ; all now deceased. Henry, son of 
the latter, and father of George W., spent his life on his father's farm. He married a 
Miss Wintchy Sly, daughter of Michael Sly of Elmira, formerly of Pennsylvania, and 
of their thirteen children, eleven grew to maturity : John, Joseph, Daniel, Sally, Vin- 
cent, Hannah, Sly, Catharine, George, Henry and Smith. Henry died about 1844, and 
his wife in 1872. George W. attended the district schools and has always made this 
farm his home. He followed boating on the Erie Canal for ten years, plying between 
Bufi"alo and New York city. In the mean time he sold the farm left him by his father, 
and after leaving the canal bought a farm in Dryden, and a year later traded with his 
brother for the homestead farm, which he has improved with new buildings, etc. Jan- 
uary 15, 1849, he married Matilda E. Hagin, born in 1822, daughter of Charles Hagin, 
and they have had five children : Foris May, born December 1, 1849, now of Portland, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. " 211 

Ore.; Florence Belle, born in 1852, wife of Cicero Miller, of Kirkwood, Broome county; 
Frances E., wife of R. Miller of Lansing, born in 1855; George H., born in 1860; 
Charles S. twin of George H., who died aged three years; Lena L., born in 1867, wife 
of L. E. Holden of Tennessee. Mr. Teeter is a Democrat, and has served as commissioner 
of roads. 

Reynolds, James Spencer, deceased, was born in the town of Lansing, Tompkins 
county, October 2, 1825, a son of Spencer Reynolds, a native of New Jersey and one 
of the early settlers of this county, who was three times married and had nine children. 
James S. was the first born and was educated in the old Ithaca Academy. After leav- 
ing school, and at the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed to learn the iron moulder's 
trade in the Coy foundry, and after finishing his apprenticeship he was employed in the 
same foundry until he established a business for himself, and besides the foundry added 
a machine shop, which he conducted alone for some time, and then was joined by J. B. 
Lang, and the firm is still in existence, the estate of our subject being a part of the 
firm. Mr. Reynolds died October 31, 189], mourned and lamented by all who knew 
him. He was a Republican, and although often urged to accept office invariably declined 
on account of his private business interests. In 1854 he married Francis P. Kenyon, 
daughter of William Kenyon, formerly a cabinetmaker of Hector, but Late of the 
Western States, who died in Shasta, Cal. 

Ross, J. D., was born in Savona, Steuben county, N. Y., May 29, 1867. His father, 
James H. Ross, is a retired clergyman of the M. E. Church after a pastorate of forty 
years. Our subject was educated in the Cook Academy, Havana, N. Y., and afterwards 
attended Cornell University. After leaving the university he took up the study of law 
in connection with D. F. VanVleet, of Ithaca, and removed to the village of Dryden 
in 1890, where he was elected justice of the peace in 1891. At the age of twenty-five 
he married Alice Sweetland, daughter of George J. Sweetland of Dryden. Our sub- 
ject is one of the rising young lawj^ers in his town, where he is recognized as a man of 
conservative character and ability, being selected by his townspeople to fill various 
positions of trust. 

Roe, H. W., was born in the town of Dryden May 9, 1859, and was educated in the 
common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. 
After leaving school he served as clerk in the general store at Etna for three years, and 
then came to Freeville as clerk for A. C. Stone, and has continued in the same business 
up to the present date, the firm being Roe & Sutfin, carrying a general line of dry 
goods, groceries, boots and shoes, wall paper, crockery and drugs. Our subject is the 
leading merchant in his town, carrying the largest and most complete stock of mer- 
chandise in the town. At the age of twenty-nine he married Ida 0. Reed, daughter 
of T. B. Reed of Dryden, and they have one son. Clinton M. Roe. He takes an active 
interest in temperance principles, and in advancing the best interests of his town, where 
he is recognized as a citizen of high principles and strict integrity. 

Reed, Joseph A., was born in the city of Ithaca, September 23, 1838. In 1882 he 
went into the wholesale pork packing business and conducted a market for fifteen 
years. Since 1890 he has done nothimg, In 1890 he erected the fine buildings a* the 



212 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

corner of Aurora and Buffalo streets, known as the Reed block. It is sixty six by 
sixty-eight feet, of brick, three stories, the lower floor occupied by stores, the two 
upper floors by living compartments. In 1880 he married Ella A. Brook of the town 
of Lansing, daughter of Alfred Brook, a farmer. He has a beautiful residence on Green 
street, rebuilt in 1879. 

Rothschild Brothers. — This firm is composed of Jacob, Isaac and Daniel G. Roths- 
child, who first started in business about eighteen years ago in Binghamton. After 
seven years they removed to Ithaca, starting in on the corner of Aurora and State 
streets, and removed to their present grand headquarters during the spring of 1888. 
Their stock consists of everything in the dry goods line, with cloaks, shawls and bed- 
ding on the main floor of their large double store (55 x 100 feet). The basement is 
given up to china, of the finest quality, also glassware and crockery, suitable for the 
mechanic or the connoisseur, lamps of all varieties, brackets, tinware, etc. 

Rhodes, G-eorge, was born November 2, 1821, in the town of Ithaca, and was edu- 
cated in the district schools, but at an early age he went to work on his father's farm, 
which he helped to clear. His grandfather bought the farm for his two sons, John and 
Frederick, the place comprising 314 acres, and in 1853 George R. bought the place of 
his father and now owns it. Our subject is Democratic in politics. December 14, 1865, 
he married Hannah M. Teachmen, daughter of L. M. Teachmen of Hector, and they 
have had two daughters, both now married and settled in homes of their own. 

Reed, Dr. F. A., was born in Caroline, September 14, 1849, a son of H. C. Reed, 
also born in this county in 1812, who was a carpenter for four years in Ithaca. H. C. 
married, in 1836, Mary A,, daughter of Bethel Gray, of Chenango county, and con- 
tinued his work in Ithaca for nearly eight years, living at Mott's Corners, now Brook- 
ton. He then bought a farm on Bald Hill, though he continued to work at his trade 
for the next three years, then settled down to farm work. He was a Republican and 
served as commissioner for two terms, was trustee of the school and a prominent mem- 
ber of the M. E. Church. He had four sons and one daughter, our subject being the 
fourth cliild. He remained at home with his parents for a number of years, and at the 
age of thirty-seven married Hattie, daughter of John D. Cannon, of Connecticut, from 
which place he moved into Delaware county, N. Y. His marriage occurred February 
27, 1878, after which he resided on his father's farm ten years, then moved to West 
Slaterville, where they remained two years, our subject attending college part of the 
time in Cleveland, Ohio. Returning, iie located in Brockton, where he has since had a 
successful practice. He still owns a farm, however, which is worked by a tenant. He 
is a Republican, a Mason of Caroline Lodge, No. 681 ; also a member of the Grange. 
He has two children, Maggie B. and Herman C. 

Richardson, W. H., was born in Freetown, Cortland county, December 15, 1835, 
and was educated in the common schools and finished at the Groton Academy. At the 
age of twenty-five was married to Miss Ellen Van Nortwick, daughter of William Van 
Nortwick, and they have one son, Clarke H. Richardson. In 1863 he bought part of 
the Van Nortwick estate, and in 1866 he bought what was known as the Palmer Drake 
property of sixty-eight acres, which adjoins his own property, having in all about 150 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 213 

acres. In 1875 he came to the village and established a coal, lime, lumber and agricul- 
tural implements business, and as buyer and shipper of produce. Our subject is one of 
the oldest merchants in his town, taking an active interest in temperance, educational 
and religious matters, and is recognized as an independent, conservative cilizen of ster- 
ling worth and high integrity. 

Rummer, Charles E., was born in the town of Dryden, May 1, 1869, and was edu- 
cated in the common schools and finished at Groton Academy. After leaving school 
he went to Sparrow Point, Md., and served as a clerk in the Sparrow Point Company's 
store for two years and then returned to Dryden. In the fall of 1893, in connection 
with his father, Gr. Rummer, he bought the stock of boots and shoes and rubber goods 
of the W. J. Lombard estate, and they have the leading house in their line in the town 
of Dryden. At the age of twenty-three he married Corinne Powers, daughter of 
Frederick Powers, of Groton. Our subject takes the Republican side in politics and is 
recognized in his town as a man of high business ability and character. 

Rummer, Richard C, was born in Dryden, October 5, 1852, and was among the 
earliest settlers in the town. He was educated in the common schools and finished at 
Dryden Academy, under Professor Jackson Graves. At the age of twenty-three he 
married Olive HefFron, who passed away in 1880, and in 1889 he married 
Louisa A., daughter of John Turk, of Caroline, and they have one dau'>-hter 
and one son. In 1889 he bought the homestead farm of 200 acres, and in 1891 part 
of the Cady estate of forty-eight acres, having 248 acres, and raising hay, grain and 
stock, making a specialty of dairying. Our subject takes the Republican side in poli- 
tics, and is now president of the Board of Health of Freeville. He is interested in 
school and church matters and takes a prominent part in advancing the best interests 
of his town. 

Robinson, Edmund E., was born in the village of Groton, September 22, 1853. Filan- 
der H., the father of our subject, was born in Vesper, Onondaga county, and is a 
miller by trade. The boyhood of our subject was passed in his native town, and at 
the age of seventeen he went as an operator on the Union Pacific Railroad, and spent 
four years in Wyoming, Utah, and Montana. He was educated in the public schools 
and Groton Academy, before going west. On his return in 1874 he was a short time 
at home, then spent]oneyear on the Illinois Central Railroad at Cairo. In 1875 he came 
east on a visit, and while at home was offered a position as ticket agent and operator 
for Sayre on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which he accepted, and the next year was 
made agent for the L. V., the G. I. & S., and the S. C. Tne next year, at the consol- 
idation of these roads, Mr. Robmson was made superintendent of the telegraph, and 
train dispatcher, and transferred to Ithaca in July, 1877, since which time he has been 
a resident of this city. He remained in the employ of this company until May 16, 1892, 
and on his retirement had the satisfaction of feeling he had never lost the company a 
dollar nor made a mistake. Mr. Robinson is a Republican, and in May, 1883, he was 
appointed deputy revenue collector for the twenty-first district under James Armstrong, 
which position he held until 1885. He was also elected assistant chief engineer of the 
Fire Department, and in 1885 elected chief, filling that office until July 21, 1889, at 



214 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

which time he was appointed postmaster. During 1887-'88-'89 he was chairman of 
the Repubhcan County Committee. In 1888 he was nominated for alderman of the 
first ward, but declined to serve. He is a member of Hobasco Lodge No. 716 F. & A. M. 
In 1876 Mr. Robinson married Alice A., daughter of Anson WyckofF, a farmer of 
Moravia, and they have three children : E. Winifred, Frederica, and Nathan Lavere. 
Mr. Robinson has been a delegate to every senatorial and district convention for the 
past twelve years, and to him the Republican party is indebted for much of its pros- 
perity in this locality. 

Robinson, H. H., was born in Caroline, May 29, 1841, a son of Solomon, a native of 
Ulster county, who came to this county when eight years old with his parents, settling 
in Slaterville Springs, where his father kept a hotel. At the age of eighteen Solomon 
started out for himself, following various occupations, and built a grist-mill in 1836 at 
Slaterville Springs. In connection with this work he conducted a large farm of 309 
acres, employing many hands. In 1857 he sold his mill, and in 1859 sold half of his 
farm, after which his son H. H. took charge of the remaining part, a large farm in 
itself, in 1877 commencing a dairy with seven head of cattle, which he has increased 
to twenty-five head. He has three horses, and does a large trade in butter and milk, 
being unable sometimes to fill his orders. He married Frances L., daughter of David 
L. Clark of Richford, Tioga county, in 1860, and they occupy a pleasant and comfort- 
able home. He is a Granger, and a liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
He is also an active worker in the Republican party. 

Pratt, Ephraim S., was born in Tolland, Mass., December 25, 1811, and came with 
his parents to Wolcott, Wayne county, at the age of seven years. He was educated 
in the schools of that day, and moved to Seneca county. November 9, 1834, he mar- 
ried Huldah B. Williams, of Weston, Conn., by whom he had eight children, four sons 
and four daughters : David S., Thomas H., Abby A., Tamsen L., Orlo H., Olive L., Flor- 
ence, and James R. Mrs. Pratt died May 26, 1885, and he married second, April 12, 1886, 
Susan P. Pease, widow of Orman Osborne, a farmer of Fairfield, Conn., who died 
May 5, 1873, leaving one son, Alvin P. Osborne. Mr. Pratt's father, Silas, was born 
in Sandersfield, Mass., August 17, 1781, a son of Justin, born in Granville, Mass., 
October 21, 1731. He was the son of Barnard, born at Hingham, Mass., July 1, 1710. 
The latter was the son of Aaron, son of Phineas, whose father, Henry, was born at 
Hingham, England, in 1599. In 1635 the latter emigrated with nine others, to Mass- 
achusetts, and Hingham was given as a name to the new home, which name has con- 
tinued to the present day. Mr. Pratt has resided in Ulysses over forty years. 

Quick, Daniel, was born in Caroline, December 9, 1821. Henry, father of our sub- 
ject, was a native of Ulster county, a farmer, who came to this county and bought 100 
acres of land, to which he added 160, which he owned at time of his death, besides 
other property. The only capital he owned when he came to Tompkins county was 
an axe and one shilling in money. He married Sallie, daughter of Daniel Ersley, one 
of the first settlers of the county, and they reared a family of nine children, of whom 
our subject is the youngest. Daniel lived with his father until he married at the age 
of thirty-three, to Caroline Ivory, and they have had three children, one daughter 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 215 

surviving, Georgie, who married a Mr. Quick, vsrho was, however, no relative. She 
has one son, CHfFord D. Quick, aged five months. Mr. Quick is assessor of the town, 
a Democrat, and a member of the G-range. 

Pratt, David S., was born in the town of Covert, Seneca county, January 13, 1836 
was educated m the public schools and Trumansburgh Academy ; also Union College 
Schenectady. April 9, 1860, he married Emily M., daughter of the late Simeon Pease 
of Trumansburgh. They have one son and two daughters : Leslie, Antoinette L., and 
Agnes H. Leslie married Augusta Seigleman, and has three children : Harold, Cora, 
and Agnes. Antoinette L. married James N. Layne, of Missouri, and Agnes H. lives 
at home. Mr. Pratt is for the present engaged in farming in the west. 

Pratts, George W., of Newfield, was born December 27, 1823, a son of Peter Pratts, 
who was born in 1801, who was a farmer by occupation and married Sophronia Chaffee, 
by whom he had six children. Of these our subject was the oldest, being now seventy 
years of age. He has been a farmer as was his father before him, the farm being 
owned by himself and L. C. Pratts, his brother. Our subject has never married. He 
is a member of the Grange and in politics is a Eepublican. 

Pratts, C. W., was born in Newfield, September 9, 1831. Adam, his father, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, who came to this county when quite young, settling in this 
town, where he took up farming at which he was very successful. He ma,rried Cath- 
arine Sebring of this county, and they had three children. C. W. Pratts has always 
followed farming. He marrried in 1852 Delilah Sherman of this town, and they had 
two children, both deceased, one dying at the age of six months, and the other aged 
twenty-two years. Mr. Pratts votes the Democratic ticket. 

Pratt, Charles F., was born in Groton, January 21, 1856. His father, Benjamin F. 
Pratt, was a well known resident of Groton. He was educated in the Dryden Acad- 
emy after leaving the common schools. At the age of thirty four he married Josephine 
Montgomery, daughter of John Montgomery of Dryden. In 1878 he bought part of 
the John Southworth estate of ninety-five acres, in 1889 he bought forty acres of the 
Joseph Thomas estate and in the spring of 1893 he bought part of the Elias Cady 
estate of sixty-one acres, lying just west of the village of Dryden. Our subject is one 
of the prominent men of his town, having nearly 200 acres of the best farm lands in 
his town, where he is known as a conservative man of energy and ability and as a 
successful and practical farmer. 

Pierce, Clarence W., was born in Susquehanna county, Pa., February 16, 1862, He 
was educated in the common schools and Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, Pa. After 
leaving school he remained on the farm for about three years, and then entered the 
employ of the D., L. & W. R. R. Co. At first he was a passenger brakeman and rose 
to passenger conductor, and in 1890 he came to Ithaca to take charge of the retail coal 
trade. He is a Republican in politics, but has held no offices. He is a member of 
Fidelity Lodge, F. & A. M. and Eagle Chapter. In 1884 he married Emma Mills of 
Susquehanna county, Pa. They have one child, a daughter. 

Pike, William L., the present secretary and general manager of the Groton Carriage 
Company, was a native of Richmond county, N. T., born January 9, 1853. He began 



316 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

active business life on reaching his majority, and was then a well trained and competent 
practical wagonmaker. About 1870 he established himself at Tully, N. Y., and soon 
became ths head of the firm of Pike, Smith & Walsh, which for several years was well 
known in that part of Onondaga county. Pike & Walsh succeeded the older firm and 
afterward established the Waterloo Wagon Company, at Waterloo, in Seneca county. 
After about three years this business was disposed of, and in 1885 Mr. Pike came to 
Grroton to take the general management and the secretaryship of the local company. 
That he has been abundantly successful in that capacity is attested by the fact that the 
business of the company has been largely increased during the period of his connection 
with it; and it is a conceded fact that the Grroton Carriage Company is one of the most 
successful institutions of its kind in Central New York. On coming to Groton Mr. 
Pike found the business of the concern conducted according to old usages, and to him 
is due the credit of having successfully remodeled its working arrangements and inaug- 
urating a system in every department in accordance with the modern and now popular 
ideas of wagon, carriage and sleigh making. Although much engrossed in business 
Mr. Pike has found time to interest himself somewhat in local politics. He is a firm 
Democrat and was candidate for the Assembly in 1892, and though defeated at the polls 
the result of the vote was the source of gratification to himself and his friends. Again 
in February, 1893, he was the nominee of his party for the office of supervisor against 
Dana Rhodes, the latter vice-president of the carriage company, and a man of great 
strength and popularity throughout the town. However, in this last canvass Mr. Pike 
was reluctant to become a candidate and only consented to do so in order to fill a 
breach in the party ticket. 

Quigley, Mrs. D. C, is a daughter of James C. Knight, who was born in Lodi, Seneca 
county, June 15, 1810. He was well educated and taught school several seasons. He 
began his mercantile career in Farmer Village in 1833 with a capital of $140, to which 
he added gradually until he obtained a competency. He married Luvezar, daughter of 
William Mundy, and they had four children : William, who died young ; Edward, 
Henrietta, and Mary. Edward married Josephine Covert of Lodi, Henrietta married 
Oscar Gr. Wheeler of Farmer, and Mary, our subject, married Henry Bean of Geneva, 
a hardware merchant, who died in 1878. For her second husband she married David 
C. Quigley, who was born in New Jersey, and came here in company with his parents 
in 1844. They had one son, James K., born June 20, 1880. Mr. Quigley was a mer- 
chant tailor, doing a large and successful business. He died January 31, 1881. He 
was an active member of the Presbyterian church of Trumansburgh, and a leader of 
the choir. Mrs. Quigley's father was one of the leading men of Seneca county, and 
always ready to give good advice to all who called on him for it, many dating their 
success in life to his timely counsel. He died November 26, 1881, and his wife June 
23, 1886. 

Pearson, Pierce (deceased), was born in the town of Newfield, February 22, 1840. 
His father, Eobert, came from Bordentown, N. J., to Newfield in 1835, remaining there 
until his death, in 1864. The family originally came from Yorkshire, England. Pierce 
Pearson received his early education in the district schools, and completed it by his own 
efforts through his life. He was looked upon as a leader in the town in which he 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 217 

lived, known and recognized as a man of signal ability. In the fall of 1867, he with 
his brother Nicholas, bought the well known farm "up the Inlet" of John Fisher, to 
which they soon added their other adjoming farm, and then engaged in the nursery 
business. At the age of thirty-one he married Alma J. Foster of Ithaca, who bore him 
six children, two sons and two daughters now living, and with the help of their mother 
carry on the farm, and raising large amounts of tobacco, grain and stock. Mr. Pearson 
attended the Congregational church of Ithaca, to which he gave his hearty support. He 
died in April, 1891. 

Quick, Charles, was born in the town of Caroline, May 7, 1848. He has followed 
farming from early boyhood, working at home for his father most of the time until he 
reached his majority, and he then went to work for his grandfather. At the age of 
twenty-one he married Charlotte Hubbard of the town of Dryden, and they have had 
four children, two sons and two daughters. Mr. Quick is not a politician, though he 
always votes the Democratic ticket. 

Poole, Hon. Murray Edward, was horn July 17, 1857, at Centre Moreland, Wyom- 
ing county, Pa., at the head of the historic Wyoming Yalley. He is a son of the late 
Edward V. Poole, a prominent business man and private banker of Tioga county, and 
a descendant from Captain Edward Poole, the founder of Weymouth, Mass., in 1635. Six 
of his ancestors were officers in the Eevolutionary War, and another served in the 
Massachusetts Colonial Assembly during the same period. He was prepared at Wyom- 
ing Seminary at Kingston, Pa., and graduated at Cornell University as A. B., in 1880. 
He studied law with Judge Marcus Lyon, Judge Bradley Almy, Col. Charles H. Blair 
and Hon. Jared T. Newman, of Ithaca; Judge Charles A. Clark and Frank A. Darrow, 
esq., of Owego, and Judge Adolphus C. Allen, of Waverly. He was admitted to the 
bar May 3, 1889, at Syracuse. He married November 4, 1891, Eva, daughter^of James 
Zeliffe, of Limestone, N. Y. She was born March 31, 1862, and graduated at Baxter 
University of Music, Friendship, N. Y., in 1880. They have one daughter, Laura 
Frances, born December 4, 1893. He has always taken an active interest in Demo- 
cratic politics, was appointed special county judge of Tompkins county, October 24, 
1889, by Governor Hill, to fill a vacancy, and held the office until January 1, 1890 ; 
has been justice of the peace since January 1, 1891, acting recorder of the city of 
Ithaca since April 10, 1893 ; Democratic candidate for special county judge in 1889, 
and delegate to the constitutional convention in 1893. He is also a prominent Mason, 
having attained the thirty-third degree. He was one of the founders of the Waverly 
Farmer in 1883, and is a member of the New York State Press Association, of the 
Society of the Sons of the Eevolution, Society of the War of 1812, New England 
Historic Genealogical Society, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society and 
American Historical Association. Also author of the ''History of Edward Poole, of 
Weymouth, Mass., 1635, and his Descendants, 1893," author of the History of the 
Town of Tioga in " Gay's Historical Gazetteer of Tioga County, N. Y.," 1887, and 
''Biographical Sketches in Landmarks of Tompkins County;" associate editor of " Gil- 
more's Cyclopedia of American Biography," of the " Cyclopedia of the Medical Pro- 
fession," " White's National Cyclopedia of American Biography," also of " Appleton's 



318 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Annual Cyclopedia," contributor to the University Magazine (N. Y. City), Magazine of 
American History, Harper's Weekly, Detroit Free Press, Buffalo Illustrated Express, 
Utica Saturday Griobe and others. He resides in Ithaca. 

Ostrander, Charles H., was born in the town of Danby, March 13, 1845, was edu- 
cated in the district schools, and to this has added by careful and intelligent reading. 
After leaving school he began farming on his father's farm. Orrin Ostrander, his 
father, was one of the first settlers in the town. Our subject married at the age of 
twenty-three, Rebecca A., daughter of Lewis Scott, of Ithaca, by whom he had three 
daughters, the eldest, Emma L. Smiley, now of South Danby, living on the old home- 
stead. Mr. Ostrander is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the M. E. Churxjh 
of South Danby. In the fall of 1893 he bought the stock of dry goods, groceries and 
hardware of William Bierce, and has now the principal store in the town, and does a 
large business. He is known throughout the town as a conservative man of fine busi- 
ness ability and high principle. 

Ozmun, Ira, was born in Lansing, on his present farm, December 28, 1825. He is 
the son of Jacob L., a native of Orange county and an early settler in Lansing, who 
came here with his parents, John and Polly (Linderman) Ozmun, at an early date. 
Jacob settled on the farm now owned by his son, and there passed his life, with the 
exception of his last three years. He was a prominent man in his town, and was edu- 
cated in both English and German. He was a veterinary surgeon, and was prominent 
in both town and county politics, being a Democrat. He married Sally Ingley, of 
G-roton, and they had eight children, Polly, Alvira, Abby A., Elmira, Jerry I. (all 
deceased). Ira, Emily and Julia. During his last years he engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness with our subject. He died in June, 1864, aged sixty- three years, and his wife 
died three years later, aged sixty-six years. Ira attended the common schools, and 
remained on the farm of his father till twenty-five years of age. At the age of twenty 
he bought a saw mill, and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, which he followed 
fourteen years, in connection with his farm business, having bought with his brother, 
in 1848, the farm of 245 acres. Some years later they divided the farm. Since he 
retired from the lumber business he has confined himself to farming exclusively. In 
1855 he married Mary, daughter of Morris and Ptachael (Learn) De Camp, of Lansing. 
She was born in 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Ozmun have three adopted children, N. Breese, 
now a resident of California ; Oscar D. Dolson, of Peoria, 111. ; and Hester Ann Dal- 
ton, wife of Willie Teeter, of Groton, Mr. and Mrs. Ozmun are members of the 
North Lansing Grange, of which they have been active workers for twenty years. 

Owen, Duane D., was born in Homer, Cortland county, February 26, 1845, a son of 
F. M. Owen of the mercantile interests of Homer. The education of Duane was derived 
in the common schools, followed farming about eight years, and then was employed in 
a shoe peg factory for about eight years. After this he was engaged in manufacturing 
iron gears for sleighs and wagons until 1890. That year he moved to Ithaca, where he 
bought the Van Houter lumber yard, and has ever since conducted it, handling all kinds 
of hard and soft lumber, and is prepared to furnish everything needed in building, such 
as shingles, lath, etc., as well as trimmings, posts, ornaments, etc. Mr. Owen is a 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 219 

staunch Republican, but never an aspirant for political office. He is a member of the 
order of K. of P., also a menaber of the Baptist Church. He married, December 9, 
1891, Frances B. Dunham, of Ithaca. By his former wife he has one daughter, in her 
fourteenth year. 

Nye, Edwin R., was born in Locke, June 7, 1842, the son of Washington and Mary 
Nye. He was brought up on the farm where he lived until he reached the age of 
twenty-eight years, then moved to Groton and for the next four years engaged in the 
livery business. In 1871 he purchased from Doctor Goodyear the large block now 
known as the Odd Fellows Hall building, the upper portion of which was formerly 
occupied for public purposes. In 1884 Mr. Nye built the rink in the rear of the block, 
and in 1892 remodeled it and arranged its interior for an opera house, the opening 
entertainments being given there in December of that year. After this the Odd Fellows 
became established occupants of the upper portion of the building on Main street. 
March 15, 1863, Edwin R. Nye married Alice H., daughter of John Green. Of this 
marriage seven children have been born. 

Nixon, William J., was born in Lincolnshire, England, March 16, 1838, and came to 
this countr}'- in 1856, first locating in New Jersey, and later in the town of Hector, 
Schuyler county. He was educated in the public schools of this country, and Septem- 
ber 28, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 89th N. Y. Volunteers, was wounded in the 
battle of Antietam, and honorably discharged January 20, 1863. January 20, 1864, he 
married Rachel A. Smith of Ulysses, and they have had two children, Clara M. and 
Ina M., the latter dying aged four months. Elias Smith, Mrs. Noxon's father, was 
born in New Jersey in 1780, coming to this town in 1803, He married Rachel Skinner 
of his native State, and they had nine children: Charity, Sally, Christopher, James S., 
Clarissa, Watson A., Susan M., Rachel A., and Minerva P. Mr. Nixon has a deed 
dating back to May 28, 1818. Elias Smith located on the farm in 1807. Mr. Nixon is 
a member of Treman Post No. 572 G. A. R.; he is one of the representative men of the 
town, and also deals in agricultural implements and fertilizers. 

Nelson, Robert C, was born in Dryden, December 5, 1819. His father, Robert Nel- 
son, came from Orange county in 1812 and settled on lot sventy-six. Robert Nelson 
was educated in the common schools and finished at the select school in Dryden. At 
the age of thirty he married Louisa Card of this town. In 1849 he bought a farm of 
John Southworth of 100 acres. Our subject is one of the leading farmers of this town, 
where he is known as a man of high character and integrity, interested in educational 
and religious matters and in leading events of the day, and is known as a practical and 
successful farmer. 

McLallen, James G., was born in the town of Ulysses, at Trumansburgh, May 25, 
1860, was educated in the pubhc schools of that place, with one year in Cornell Uni- 
versity, and is by occupation an accountant. September 10, 1884, he married Susie 
Osborn, of his native place, by whom he had three children : Grover J., Osborn, and 
Jane. His father, Grover Judson McLallen, was born here, December 11, 1834, and 
October 14, 1857, he married Cordelia H. Corey, of the town of Ulysses, and they had 
three children : Jesse, who died in infancy ; James G. and Ella C. His grandfather. 



220 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

James, was born October 12, 1800, and became a merchant here. His great-grand- 
father, John McLallen, was born in West Stockbridge, Mass., December 25, 1773, and 
came to Trumansburgh with his brother in-law, Abner Treman, in 1792. He built the 
first tavern in this town, Trumansburgh, near the creek, where M. R. Bennett's livery 
stables are now. It was a log structure. The first postoffice was established in it. He 
married Mary King, and it is believed on good authority, that this was the first wedding 
in the town. 

Moe, R. Palmer, was born in Groton, September 18, 1824. He was reared on a 
farm, but during his early life he worked at other occupations. In 1848 he married 
Harriet, daughter of Lewis Jones of McLean. Mrs. Moe died November 2-3, 1892. 
For ten years after his marriage Palmer Moe worked his father's farm, and afterwards 
spent two years in Allegany county. He then returned to Groton, and bought the 
Prescott Pierce farm, located south of Groton village, where he now resides. Eugene 
Benton Moe is a son by adoption of Palmer Moe. 

Moe, John, was a native of Connecticut, who moved to Genoa at a very early date, 
and thence to Lansing. His twelve children were as follows : Robert, Marcus, Mary, 
James, John, Roderick, Lucas, Anna, Susan, Sally, Hiram and Phoebe. Robert married 
Lois Knapp and settled in Groton on the farm now owned by his son, R. Augustus 
Moe. The children of Robert and Lois Moe were as follows : Leonard, Ann who 
married Sheldon Castle, John who died in 1893, Phoebe who married Prescott Pierce, 
R. Palmer, of Groton, R. Augustus, of Groton, and Charles, who died aged four years. 
Robert died in 1869, aged eighty years, and his wife Lois died in 1862. R. Augustus 
Moe, who purchased from his father, and still occupies, the old homestead farm, was 
born July 3, 1827, and at the age of twenty-four married Maria, daughter of Daniel 
Dimon. They had two children, both now deceased. Maria Moe died in 1857, and in 
1858 he married second, Atha, daughter of David Stoddard, and of this union there is 
one child, Florence, wife of Avery Guyon. 

Moe, Hiram, was uovll in Cayuga county in 1803, and died in Tompkins county in 
1849. He was an early physician of the northern part of this county, living for many 
years in Lansing, where he enjoyed an extensive practice. He was married three times. 
Erastus C. Moe, remembered as an able medical practitioner in Lansing, Groton and 
Ithaca, and particularly for his acknowledged skill in surgery, was one of the sons of 
Dr. Hiram Moe, and was born in Lansing in 1823. He was educated at Groton and 
Cortland, and studied medicine at Geneva, attending the Geneva Medical College and 
also the Buffalo Medical College, graduating from the latter. After years of residence 
and practice at Ludlowville, East Lansing and Groton, Dr. Moe went to Ithaca in 1872, 
and there he died April 17, 1876. His wife was Polly, daughter of Ebenezer Allen of 
Lansing, by whom he had two children, Ida, now the wife of Rev. Thomas A. Edwards 
of Gloucester, Mass. and Hiram G., cashier of the First National Bank of Groton. She 
died at Ithaca May 17, 1873. Hiram G. Moe was elected cashier of the First National 
Bank March 14. 1890. His wife, whom he married in May, 1872, was Ella, daughter 
of Eliphalet Hall, and they have no children. Mr. Moe is prominently identified with 
the Baptist Church, being one of its board of trustees, and also deacon. 



>^W/ 



FAMILY SKETCHES. .221 

McAllaster, B. R., was born in Newfield, October 18, 1816. David, his father, was 
a native of Vermont, who came to this county in 1814. He was a physician and mar- 
ried Polly Thomas of Vermont, by whom he had five children, our subject being the 
second. The latter has always been a farmer. He served three years in the Rebellion 
in the 109th N.Y. Volunteers, under Col. B. F. Tracey, late secretary of the navy, and 
escaped without a wound. He married Prudence L. Barger of Cayuga county and they 
had five children: David K., Harriet L., Ellen, Frank and Charles. Harriet and 
Charles are deceased. Mrs. McAllaster died in March, 1893, aged seventy-three years. 
Our subject is a member of the G. A. R., Gregg Post. He has held the office of road 
commissioner seven years, and has been supervisor three terms. In politics he is 
Republican. 

Morgan, Philip, was born in New Jersey in 1823, a son of Enoch, who came from 
Belvidere, N. J., with his family and settled in the town of Groton sixty years ago, in 
1833. Of his family of nine children, only three survive. Enoch was a successful and 
industrious farmer, and a life of toil was rewarded with a fair competency. Philip was 
ten years of age when his parents settled here. He was brought up on a farm, and at 
the age of thirty began his own career, being now the owner of a good eighty-acre 
farm about three miles east of Groton village. At the age of about forty years Mr. 
Morgan married Sebra A. Seager. Mr. Morgan is a Democrat in politics. 

Meaker, Reuben, was born in the town of Silver Lake, Susquehanna county, Pa., 
March 16, 1823, and was there educated in the district schools, which he attended 
winters, and to this he has added by reading and observation. He married at the age 
of twenty, Elsie B., daughter of John Montgomery of Athens, Pa,, and they were the 
parents of eight children, five now living. Our subject is on the Republican side in 
politics, and also takes an active interest in the educational question as well as religious 
matters, having been a member of the M. E. Church for fifty-five years. In 1868 he 
came to the town of Danby, where he bought what was known as the Charles Hill 
farm of 102 acres, on which he now lives, devoting his attention to the raising of hay, 
grain and stock. He is one of the solid men of the county, and practical and successful 
in his work. 

Mount, Robert Newton, who for thirty years was well known as a teacher in the 
public schools of Tompkins aud Cayuga counties, was a native of Groton, born June 
10, 1843, a son of William Dye and Eliza Mount, both of the latter being pioneers of 
Dryden and Groton. Robert N. was brought up to work in his father's tannery and 
currier shop, and on the farm, and he lived at home until the summer of 1862. Then, 
on August 9, he enlisted in Company F, 109th N. Y. Volunteers, as a musician, and 
followed the fortunes of his regiment and the famous Ninth Corps until June 22, 1865, 
when he was mustered out of service. At Spottsylvania while carrying a stretcher he 
was disabled for life, though he served with his regiment until it was finally discharged 
from service. Our subject was educated in the common and select schools, also the 
Groton Academy. Thus equipped he began a career of teaching that continued for 
thirty years, and he only retired from that occupation in 1888. He owns a good farm 
ia the south part of Groton. In 1874 Mr. Mount married Annette, daughter of Nelson 



222 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Morgan, the latter being the son of pioneer Evan Morgan. Eobert N. and Annette 
Mount have one son, Nelson Morgan Mount. 

McCIure, J". Otis, was born in Ithaca, October 26, 185'J, the third son of Gr. C. 
McClure. J. Otis was educated in the common schools and Ithaca Academy, and his 
first occupation was as clerk in the drug store of Grauntlett & Brooks, with whom he 
remained fourteen years. December 7, 1889, he established a copartnership with John 
A. Fisher of Ithaca, and bought the drug store on the corner of State and Plain streets, 
where they have a fine brick store with twenty-five feet front and seventy feet in 
depth, carrying a full line of drugs and chemicals, patent medicines, toilet articles and 
stationery. Mr. McClure is a Republican, but not an aspirant for public office. He is 
a member of Tornado Hook and Ladder Company, joined in 1878, and was first assist- 
ant one year. He married in January, 1891, Jennie E., daughter of the late Luke V. 
Maurice, a contractor and builder of Ithaca. They have one daughter. 

Merrill, Jason P., was born in Caroline, May 29, 1846, a son of Alvin Merrill, a native 
of Tioga county, who settled in Tompkins county in 1823. Jason P. is the oldest and 
only son of seven children, five now' living. He was educated in the common schools 
and in the old Lancasterian school and Ithaca Academy, after leaving which he learned 
telegraphy, and was the first operative employed by the D. L. & W. Railroad Company 
in this town. He followed this until 1884, when he was elected justice of the peace 
on the Democratic ticket, and re-elected in 1888. He was acting recorder of the city 
from its organization until February, 1893. He was justice of the peace in the town 
of Caroline from 1875 to 1880. He came to Ithaca in 1880. Judge Merrill began his 
carreer as an artist at an early age, inheriti g his artistic taste from his grandfather. 
Although he never took a drawing lesson in his Hfe, his sketches and cartoons have 
attracted attention throughout the country. He has been ofifered a position as an artist 
on the New York World, but preferred to remain in this", city. His cartoons show 
great originality and ingenuity. He married in 1868 Ida L., daughter of Davis Baldwin, 
of Danby. They have two sons, Lynn, a designer of Stanford's Novelty Works, Ithaca; 
and Charles, a student of the public school. 

Mockford, Richard, was born in Winchester, England, October 13, 1839, where he 
was educated and learned the trade of a miller. He started for the United States 
August 1, 1860, landing in New York on the 13th of the same month. He became 
a merchant in the flour and feed business, also keeping a bakery, and on May 12, 1864. 
he married Mary Grilbert, formerly of Phelps, Ontario county, and they have had two 
children : Spencer G., and Ida M. The former died at the age of twenty-one years 
and eight months, esteemed by all who knew him. The daughter resides at home. 
Mr. Mockford came to Trumansburgh to reside in 1878, doing a fine business in jewelry 
and notions. 

Marshall, E. H., was born in November -14, 1859, in the town of Enfield, and was 
educated in the town of Angelica in the district schools, finishing by a course 
under Porfessor L. C. Foster at the Ithaca High School. March 18, 1886, he married 
Rose, daughter of Conrad Whitlock, by whom he has two sons. In 1886 he bought 
the Willis farm of sixty-three acres on which he raises grain and hay, making a spe- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 223 

cialty of tobacco. He takes the Republican side in politics and is actively interested in 
educational matters, being now trustee of the school in district No. 3. Mr. Marshall is 
known in his neighborhood as an active, energetic business man of ability. 

Morgan, Thomas, who for forty years was the owner and proprietor of the famed 
" Elm Tree House" at McLean, was the son of William Gr. and Fanny (White) Morgan 
and the grandson of pioneer Evan Morgan, who settled in Lansing previous to 1800. 
In 1843 Thomas Morgan married Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Benton. 
In 1844 he bought from the Rowley estate the old Groton hotel, which he kept a year 
then sold. In 1849 he bought the Elm Tree House, enlarged it, and was its owner 
until the winter of 1888- 89. Feb. 20, 1890, he died. Daniel W. Rowley was born Sep- 
tember 11, 1841. When about a year old his father died, and while still a child his 
mother died, after which he was taken into the family of Thomas Morgan, where he 
lived for several years, then started out to make his own way in life. For two years 
he conducted two markets in Cortland, after which he was proprietor of the Elm Tree 
House in McLean for a little time. After three years on a farm he again kept hotel for 
three years, this time the Junction House at Freeville. The following eleven years he 
.'spent at farming, and in 1889 he came to Groton to live, where he has been very active 
and successful in business life. He is a Democrat, but has alway declined office. Feb- 
ruary 26, 1867, he married Ruth, daughter of John P. Hart. They have no children, 
though in their family lives Mary Hart, a young lady who has been a member of the 
household since she was an infant;___Washmgton Rowley, father of Daniel W., was 
born at Lexington, Dutchess county,' and came to Virgil at an early day. His wife was 
Phoebe Benton, by whom he had four children, A. B. Rowley, of Syracuse ; Helen, wife 
of A J. Pettis J Nathan, who died, aged four years, and Daniel W. About 1840 
Washington Rowley went to Groton village and bought and became proprietor of the 
Groton House. Two years later he died. John P. Hart, father of Mrs. D. W. Rowley, 
was a son of Amos Hart, and was born January 25, 1816.-- On December 17, 1840 he 
married Eliza Boynton, and had eight children, Helen, who died aged twenty-one 
years ; Ruth, wife of D. W. Rowley ; George, of Dryden ; Ada, who died young ; 
Nancy, who married WiUiam De Couders ; A. J., of McLean, and Laura, wife of Jerome 
Fitz. John P. Hart died July 23, 1870, and his wife May 30, 1888. 

Mabee, Theodore, was born April 15, 1835, in the village of Ithaca. He was edu- 
cated in the district schools and at the age of twenly-two he married Rebecca S., 
daughter of Ira Martin of Danby, by whom he had three sons, one of whom now 
resides on the homestead place, and assists in carrying on the farm. Our subject is 
Democratic in politics, taking an intelligent interest in the general events of the day, 
and is known as a man of high ability. He holds the position of treasurer of the 
school, and has resided on his present farm of ninety- eight acres for the last five years, 
moving from a farm in Spencer, of 258 acres, which is now carried on by one of his 
sons. Mr. Mabee makes a specialty of the dairy and milk business, handling about 
200 quarts of milk per day. 

Meeks, C. E., was born m the town of Berkshire, October 30, 1864. In his early 
life he worked at farming, but for the past six years he has been in the butcher business 



324 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

in Brockton, for one year working in the Asylum for the Insane, and about a year 
and a half he was in the Cortland wagon shops. December 18, 1888, he married 
Susan C. White of the town of Newark, and they have two children, Gertie J. and 
Edmund. Mr. Meeks is town clerk of Caroline, having been elected on the Democratic 
ticket. 

Mitchell, Frank, was born December 11, 1831, educated in the district schools, and 
gave his attention to farming with his father, who settled in Tompkins county in 1802, 
and who helped to erect the first frame house in the city of Ithaca. At the age of 
twenty-eight Frank M. married Anna A., daughter of Elias Taylor, of Boston Mass., 
and soon afterwards bought the farm where he now lives. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics, taking an active interest in educational and religious matters, and keeping well 
posted on all the events of the day. 

Munroe, George E., was born in the town of Dryden, March 7, 184.5. His father, 
William Munroe, came from the Mohawk valley in 1820, and married Catharine, daugh- 
ter of Marcus Edgecombe, of Cortland. Our subject was educated in the Ithaca Acad- 
emy, and finished at the Albany Normal School, from which he graduated in 1865. 
Afterwards he taught school for fifteen years, and then took up the study of law with 
Milo C. Goodrich. In 1880 he opened a law office, and has followed his profession 
ever since, having been justice of sessions and local magistrate thirteen years. At the 
age of twenty-two he married Mary A., daughter of Henry Grant, of Caroline, and 
they were the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, now deceased. 

Mabee, Charles C, was born in the town of Danby, August 13, 1850. His father 
was among the early settlers of the town. He enlisted in the 137th N. Y. Volunteers, 
and went to the front at once, participating in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsyl- 
vania and others, up to the time of Gettysburg, where he was killed. His son, our 
subject, received his education in the district schools of his town and finished at the 
Ithaca Academy, under Professor Ginn. After leaving school he returned to the farm, 
where he now resides. At the age of twenty -four he married Mary E., daughter of 
Samuel Drew, of Poughkeepsie, and th<^y have one daughter, Fannie E. Mr. Mabee is 
a Democrat in politics, and has served his town as school trustee for several years. His 
farm comprises 103 acres of some of the best land in the locality, on which the crops 
are hay and grain chielly, and he also raises stock. 

Mack, William, was born in the town of Ulysses, November 3, 1832. The father of 
William 'was Daniel Mack, a son of Nathaniel, from whom the Mack settlement of the 
town of Ulysses was named. He conducted a distillery there for many years, and was 
the owner of what is now the Du Bois farm, which is a mile square. Daniel was a 
boat builder by trade and died in 1862, aged fifty -four years. William was educated 
in the common schools, and followed farming until the age of sixteen. He then 
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for forty-three years. In 1873 he re- 
moved to Ithaca, and in 1874 went into partnership with J". S. Granger in the dry 
goods business, in which he was engaged for three years, then returned to his trade. 
This he followed till 1893, when he gave it up, and October 1 of that year established 
the Lyceum Billiard Room on West State street, the place containing six tables, and is 



FAMILY SKETCHES. ^ 225 

finely fitted up. He is a Republican in politics, and for three terms was overseer of 
the poor. He is a member of Sidney Post Gr. A. R, No. 41, having served three years 
with the 109th N. Y. Volunteers during the war. In November, 1853, he married 
Catharine Carr, a native of England, and they have four daughters. 

Mosso, G. A., was born in Frankfort, Herkimer county, October 3, 1854, and laid the 
foundation of his education in the common schools, but is a self-educated and self- 
made man. At the age of twenty he mai'ried Emma Fitts, and they are the parents of 
three sons : Edd. Louie, and Lee. At an early age our subject evinced a decided 
mechanical talent, which he developed for several years. In 1882 he discovered a pro- 
cess for tempering steel, revolutionizmg the system of 3,000 years. The process has 
been subjected to the severest tests before the scientific men of the country, and in 
every case has met the expectations of the inventor. C. A. Mosso is recognized as a 
citizen of high business ability, taking a prominent part in advancing the best interests 
of his town. 

Manning, David, was born in the town of Ithaca, December 29, 1808, and acquired 
his early education in the district schools. After receiving the training which the 
schools of that date afforded he gave his attention to farming, and soon took a promi- 
nent position m his neighborhood, as a leading and successful farmer. He married 
Maria, daughter of John Morris of the town Lansing. Our subject is a Republican in 
politics, and attends the Methodist Church at Varna, to which he contributes largely. 

Moran, Frank, one of Lansing's prominent and successful farmers, was born in 
Grenoa. Cayuga county, in 1852, a son of Frank Moran, a native of Ireland, who came 
to America with his wife, Honora, at the age of about thirty, coming direct to Syra- 
cuse, where he engaged in the garden and truck business, later being engaged in con- 
struction work for the railroad, and finally purchasing a small place in North Lansing. 
They had five children : Thomas, Elnora, Mary, Frank and Margaret. Mr. Moran died 
at the home of our subject, April 4, 1888, and the widow now lives on the farm with 
her son. Our subject was educated in the common schools and at the age of twelve 
began farm work, which he continued twelve years. For the next three years he en- 
gaged in various enterprises, and went to Kansas, remaining a year, then on account of 
poor health returned to Lansing and engaged in construction work on the Midland 
Railroad. This he followed till the road was completed, when he took charge of 
seven miles of the road lying between North Lansing and Astiury stations, which 
position he held three years. In 1852 he bought a place of fifty acres, and in 1890 
bought another tract of fifty-three acres adjoining, on which he does a general farming 
business, being also interested in dairying to some extent. His mother and sister 
Mary live with him, and he has by strict attention to business accumulated a fine 
property. 

Mitchell, John Wilson, is one of Lansing's successful and influential residents. He 
was born in 1851 on the farm where he now resides, and is the son of John H. Mitchell, 
a native of Saratoga county, who died in Lake Ridge in 1866. The latter married Chloe 
M. Wilson of G-enoa, who died at her son's residence in 1890. John and Ruth Mitchell, 
the grandparents, bought this farm in 1831, later a portion of it was owned by an 



336 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

uncle of John W., and at his death our subject became possessed of it. The place com- 
l^'ises 583 acres, and is a fine farm. Mr. Mitchell attended the district schools until the 
age of sixteen, then was obliged to take charge of the farm work at home, his father 
having died when he was fifteen. The larger portion of his farm he leases, or causes 
to be worked, not taking an active part in the work himself. He is a Mason, and in 
politics favors the Republicans. He is one of five children, Emily J., deceased, John 
Wilson, Edward M., deceased, Theodore, deceased, and Mary L., wife of Thomas J. 
Bradford of Lake Ridge. 

Moss, James H., was born in Sterling, Cayuga county, August 18, 1844. At the age 
of four yearTs he went with hi« parents to Chemung county, where he was educated in 
the common schools and learned the milling business with his father. This he continued 
till the death of his father in 1881, when his brother, John W., and himself bought the 
Waterburg mills and engaged in business under the firm name of the Moss Brothers. 
October 1, 1889, the same was dissolved. September 20, 1888, he married Mrs. Flor- 
ence A. Parsons, born De Munn, of Ulysses, and they have a daughter, Fannie A. Mrs. 
Moss had two children by her first marriage : Oscar 0. and Aurelia. John, father of 
j£!pies Moss, was born in Braintree, Essex county, Eng., March 16, 1819, and came to 
this country in 1836, learning milling at Black Rock, near Buffalo. After working in 
various places he began business on his own account in Sterling, Cayuga county, where 
he married Emily Ingersoll, by whom he had seven children : John W., James H., Mary, 
Edward F., Lemon B., Ruth E. and Carrie. He died October 11, 1881, and his wife 
survives him. 

Miller, Ephraim, was born in the town of Enfield, September 7, 1845, and was edu- 
cated in the common schools and at the old academy at Trumansburgh. He has always 
followed farming. February 14, 1867, he married Minerva E. Sherwood of the town 
of Ulysses, and they have two daughters, Edith A. and Inez L. Edith married John 
Belew, a grocery merchant at Sheldrake, Seneca county. Mr. Miller's father, Jonathan 
L., was born in New Jersey, and came to Enfield with his parents in an early day. 
He married Cyrene Gould of that town, and they had seven children : Ephraim, Amelia 
A., now Mrs. Ouderdown of this town ; Joshua S., who married Ella Workman of the 
town of Enfield; Sula E., now Mrs. Balcome, of Hillsdale, Mich., Eva and Ella (twins), 
Eva, now Mrs Fletcher of Enfield, and Ella, now Mrs. George of Enfield. 

Miller, Peter, was born in what is now Monroe county. Pa., in 1821, the son of 
Andrew Miller, who came to Lansing with his family in 1823, settling on 140 acres in 
that town, where he spent his life. By his wife, Hannah Snyder, he had fourteen 
children, all of whom grew to maturity. They are : Mary, deceased, wife of Daniel 
Leary of Genoa; John, Andrew, Christian, Melcher, Peter, Simon, Henry, Daniel, 
Lucy, deceased, wife of Girard Green of Genoa ; Sarah, widow of Henry De Camp of 
Lansing ; J. J., Lavina, wife of James Tarbell of West Groton ; Hannah, widow of 
David Raynor, of Locke, Cayuga county. The parents died October 12, 1866, and 
February 14, 1848, respectively. The grandfather of our subject was Christian Miller, 
of Pennsylvania, who lived to be 112 years old. Peter Miller was reared on the farm, 
where he remained until his majority, working for his father. He then hired out to his 



FAMILY SKETCHES. , 227 

father for a year, and then took charge of the place on his own account for eight years, 
during which he bought a farm of fifty acres in Genoa, Cayuga county, adjoining, on 
which he moved and began farming. He now owns 112 acres. In 1851 he mar- 
ried Louisa, daughter of Jacob D. and Susanna (Bowker) Ross, cf Lansing, where 
she was born October 16, 1832. John Bowker, the pioneer settler in Lansing was her 
grandfather. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had two children ; Andrew Jacob, born in 1851, 
who married Frances Johnson, and has one child, Cora ; and Emma, born in 1861, wife 
of Charles WiUiams. They have two children : Pearl and Paul. Andrew J . and family 
live on the farm of our subject, which the son manages for his father. He has at dif- 
ferent times been engaged in the mercantile world, before settling down to the farm, 
having resided in Oswego, Auburn, Michigan, etc. Both father and son are Republicans. 

McKellar, Duncan, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, December 10, 1814, and came 
to the United States and settled in Tompkins county in 1839. He bought the Josiah 
Weeks property of 292 acres, raising hay, grain and stock and making a specialty of 
dairying. Our subject is one of the leading and substantia] farmers in his town, where 
he is recognized as a man of sterling worth and integrity, whose life bas proven his 
word to be as good as his bond. 

Loomis, Simon, was born in the town to Groton, December 7, 1825, educated in the 
district school, and at an early age learned the trade of mason, also carrying on a farm. 
In 1866 he moved into the town of Danby and bought what was known as the David 
Van Inwagen farm of twenty-two acres, which he has made a beautiful place. In 
1873 he married Evelyn R. Watkins of Danby, who bore him two daughters and one 
son. Mr. Loomis is a Republican, and a member of the Congregational church of 
Danby, and is recognized as a man of sterling worth in his town. 

Leary, Frank H., was born in Ithaca, October 3, 1861, son of Cornelius Leary, a coal 
merchant, who has been a resident of this city for over forty years. Frank was edu- 
cated at Ithaca High School and Cornell University, graduating from the latter in June, 
1882. He began the study of law in 1879 with Perry G. Ellsworth, and was admitted 
to the bar in November, 1882. He has always been an earnest worker in the Demo- 
crat party, and was a delegate to the State Convention in 1889. He is the present 
chairman of the Democrat County Committee. He married, October 26, 1887, Helen 
L Brenan of Au Sable Forks, Essex county, and they have two sons. 

Little, John, was born July 30, 1812. His father, Robert Little, came from New 
Jersey in 1810, and was among the earliest settlers in the northeast part of the town of 
Danby, and in connection with Richard Van Etten bought a wood lot of 114 acres. He 
was educated in the common schools, but was soon forced to go to work clearing up 
his father's farm, the country being new. At the age of twenty-eight he married 
Lydia A. Hedges, who died in 1843, and afterwards Amanda Youngs, and they are the 
parents of two children. In 1843 he exchanged the old homestead farm with kis 
brother for the farm where he now resides, having sixty acres of some of the best farm 
land in Danby. His daughter, Cora L., married in 1885, Frank D. Fuller, and they 
have one son and a daughter Claude D., and Viola L. 



228 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Lamberson, Royal V., president of Cayuga Lake Salt Company, whose plant is 
located on the shore of Cayuga Lake at the mouth of Salmon Creek, and a resident of 
Ludlowville, was bora in Allegany county, January 28, 1856. He is a son of Jere- 
miah Lamberson, formerly of Fairfield, Herkimer county. He was educated in the 
common schools until twelve years of age, when he went to Union School at Warsaw, 
where he remained three years. During his vacations he worked in a planing mill 
piUng headings. At fifteen he entered a store as clerk ; three years later went to Chi- 
cago, 111., as clerk in a wholesale jewelry store, where he remained three years. One 
of these years he acted as traveling salesman. He then returned to Wyoming county 
and embarked in the cheese factory business. This he followed for seven years, at the 
expiration of which time he was sole proprietor of three factories. The first one he 
went in debt for. He next interested himself in the salt business, and with other gen- 
tlemen erected the Pearl Salt Works at Pearl Creek, N. Y., in 1884. Of these works 
he was superintendent, and five years later sold his interest to his partners. He then 
spent some time in search of a location for another salt plant. In 1891, in company 
with Mr. OUver, he made a careful study of the geological survey and located the pres- 
ent site. The careful study and good judgment exerted by Mr. Lamberson in locating 
their present site clearly demonstrates him to be a master in his line. They immedi- 
ately began operations by sinking their wells and erecting their offices, our subject as 
president, A. L. White, vice-president, W. W. Clute, secretary and treasurer. He mar- 
ried, in 1890, Jennie Herrington, of Rochester, N. Y., and they had one child, Jennie 
Louise, born June, 1892. He is a Republican, is a gentleman of high social standing. 
His ancestors were of the Mohawk Dutch and early settlers in America. 

Lane, Mrs. Eliza, an old, well-known and highly respected lady, is a native of Lansing, 
born November 19, 1811, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Lowder) Shaver, natives 
of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively, who came to Lansing about 1809 and set- 
tled on what is called West Hill, where they reared a family of twelve children, Benja- 
min, Hannah, Sophia, Eliza, Pha3be, Martha, Lucy, JuHa, Irena, Mary, George and 
Diana, all of whom grew to maturity except Benjamin, who died aged two years Of 
this large family but three are left, Eliza, Irena, wife of Robert Lane, of Lansing ; 
Diana, wife of John Van Marter. of Cayuga county. The parents died m 1854 and 
1867 respectively. Daniel and Mary Lowder were the grandparents of our subject, 
on her mother's side. Mrs. EHza Lane was reared and educated in her native town. 
She went to Allegany county and lived a year with her sister at the age of seventeen, 
during which she taught school six months, then returned home and engaged in spin- 
ning, at which she was an adept. The following year she began to learn the tailor's 
trade, receiving her board for her work. This trade she followed many years, spinning 
during the summer and tailoring during the winters. In September, 1831, she married 
William Lane, a native of Lansing, born September 22, 1810. He was a son of Daniel 
and Betsey (Robinson) Lane, of Long Island, who came to Lansing at an early date. 
Mr. Lane was one of thirteen children, and was of an enterprising and energetic 
nature. In 1832 his father gave him sixty-five acres of land, on which he and his wife 
settled. They were very prosperous, and Mr. Lane left at his death 525 acres of land. 
He always took an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his town 



FAMILY SKETCHES. . 239 

and county. He was a Republican, and was deacon in the Christian Church in Grroton 
for twenty years, and was a man of sterling qualities, kind and generous, and at his 
death, which occurred March 12, 1877, a host of friends mourned him. Mr. and Mrs. 
Lane had four children: Delilah, born November 13, 1831, wife of Philip Schafer of 
Genoa; Araminta, born June 2, 1838, wife of Leander Durfee, of Lansing; William 
Henry, born May 13, 1842; Daniel, born September 2, 1844. William Henry was 
drowned in the Missouri river on New Year's night in 1886, falling through an air hole 
while crossing the ice. Mrs. Lane's farm, where she now lives, is conducted by her 
son-in-law, Mr. Durfee. It consists of 200 acress, and is a well-equipped farm. Por- 
tions of the original large farm of 525 acres have been set aside at various times and 
given to her children. 

Lormor, Jackson, was born in the town of Dryden, June 20, 1831, and was the son 
of Thomas Lormor, who came to the town of Dryden in 1812. Jackson Lormor was 
educated in the common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and 
close observation. At the age of twenty-four he married Martha J. Sperry who 
passed away in 1863. Li 1867 be married Lucy J. Sperry, daughter of Zina B. Sperry 
and they are the parents of one son, Z. B. Lormor, who is now a student of elocution 
and vocal and instrumental music at the New England Conservatory of Music at Bos- 
ton, Mass. In 1870 he bought the Sperry farm of eighty-two acres, having now 175 
acres and raising hay, grain and stock. Our subject takes an active interest in temper- 
ance, educational and religious principles, and has been school trustee for six years. He 
is identified with advancing the best interests of his town, where he is recognized as a 
practical and successful farmer and a man of sterling worth. 

Lormor, George W., was born in Newark Valley, Tioga county, January 2, 1840, 
and came to Dryden village in 1868, and in 1893 bought and exchanged village property 
for the D. S. Messenger farm of sixty seven acres, raising hay, grain and stock and 
making a specialty of dairying. George W. Lormor received his education in the com- 
mon schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. At 
the age of twenty-three he married Elizabeth Wilson,^ daughter of William Wilson 
and they have one son, Harold W. He takes the Republican side in politics and has 
held various offices in the town, keepmg well posted on the leading questions of the 
day, and identified in advancing the best interests of his town, where he is recognized 
as a man of sterling worth and high integrity. 

Kerst, John, was born in Halseyville, August 1, 1843. He was educated in the 
public schools and has been a general merchant since the age of nineteen. In March, 
1864, he enlisted in Company I, 6th Heavy Artillery, N. Y. Volunteers, and participated 
in the following battles : Wilderness, Laurel Hill and Spottslyvania Court House. He 
was honorably discharged from the hospital at Philadelphia for disability at the 
close of the war. February 15, 1861, he married Adeline Decker, formerly of Greene 
county, and they have three children : M. Loraine, Nettie P., and Mabel E. The former 
married John Jehu of Ludlowville; Nettie P. married Olin -Miller of Jacksonville and 
has one daughter, Elizabeth A. Isaac, father of John Kerst, was born in Berks county 
Pa., March 10, 1811, and came to Halseyville in 1835, where he acted as miller for 



230 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Judge Halsey for two years. He then went back to his former home, returning how- 
ever, after two and a half years, and worked the mill on shares. In 1840 he married 
Catharine Belknap of this town, and they had eight children : Chauncey, William, 
John, Clinton, who died in infancy ; Louisa J., Mary, George, and Frank. Mrs. Kerst 
died February 6, 1885. Isaac Decker, father of Mrs. Kerst, was born in Greene county 
and married Clarissa Thorpe of Greene county. Their seven children were : Justus, 
Daniel, Adeline, Frederick, Edwin, Emily L., and Thorpe. Our subject is a member of 
Sidney Post No. 41, G. A. R. of Ithaca. 

King, Frank, was born in the town of Danby, October 13, 1815, and moved into 
Ithaca township about 1840. He was educated in the district schools and at an early 
age gave his entire attention to farming, buying several adjoining farms, until he now 
owns about 300 acres, all in one piece. Mr. King married, at the age of twenty-eight, 
Mary, daughter of George Everhart of Newfield, and they have five children, three 
sons and two daughters, novo living at home. Mr. King is a Democrat in politics, and is 
at present serving as assessor, having also been trustee of the school for a number of 
years. He is a member of the State Street M. E. Church of Ithaca, to which he is a 
liberal supporter. 

King, Charles F., was born in the town of Dryden, February 12, 1837. His father, 
E. C. King, came from the town of Lansing to Dryden in 1836 and bought farm lot 14, 
which he afterwards sold and returned to Lansing. Our suVject was educated at the 
Groton Academy. At the age of thirty he was married to Melissa Snyder, daughter of 
Jeremiah Snyder, and they are the parents of one son, Nolan A., and one daughter, 
Maggie. He takes the Republican side in politics and is interested in educational and 
religious matters. In 1872 he bought the James Lormor property, and also the Alvah 
Carr property of eighty- seven acres, on which he raises large amounts of hay, grain, 
and stock, making a specialty of dairying. Our subject is a conservative and inde- 
pendent citizen, and is recognized as a practical and successful farmer. 

Krum, Henry S., was born in the town of Caroline, March 12, 1839. He was the 
oldest of six children, and always remained at home with his parents until his marriage, 
at which time he moved to his present farm, which is located on the road from Slater- 
ville Springs to Brookton and consists of sixty acres of fine farming land, for which he 
paid in 1860, $6,000 in cash. In 1865 he married Mrs. Martha A. Landon, a widow, 
with one child, four years of age. They have never had any children. Mrs. Krum's 
daughter is now a teacher in Ithaca. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and cast his 
first vote for Stephen A. Douglass. He has been commissioner of highways for three 
terms in succession. He is a Mason of Caroline Lodge No 681. 

Knapp, Cyrus, was born in Greene county, N. Y., August 17, 1830, and came to the 
town of Dryden in 1834, with his father, Newcomb Knapp. Cyrus Knapp laid the 
foundation of his education in the old log school house, but is pre-eminently a self-edu- 
cated and self-made man. At the age of twenty-eight he married Helen Wilson, 
daughter of Henry Wilson, and they are the parents of twelve children, six sons and six 
daughters. In 1860 Newcomb Knapp passed away and Cyrus inherited and purchased 
the homestead property. In 1874 he bought part of the Tyler estate, and in 1882 he 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 231 

bought part of the Thomas Pew farm, having 143 acres on which he raises hay, grain 
and stock, making a specialty of dairying and potatoes. Our subject is one of the 
leading farmers in his town, taking a deep interest in educational and rehgious mat- 
ters. He has been assessor in his town for nine years and is a man of sterling integ- 
rity and high worth. 

King, Edmund A., was born in Cayuga county in 1837, a son of Philander King, a 
native of Genoa, born in 1806. The grandparents, David and Rachel King, were 
natives of Pennsylvania, coming to Cayuga county about 1800. They had eight chil- 
dren, Philander being the second. The latter was a farmer, also a practicing physician 
at Genoa. His wife was Emelme Wightman, by whom he had eight children : David 
Philander, Edwm A., Louisa, Rachel, Emma, Francis, and Addie. He died in 1889^ 
and his wife in 1892. Edmund A. was reared to farm life, and attended the Ithaca 
Academy until about twenty-three, when he returned to Genoa in 1861, and engaged 
m the business of growing fruit. Here he lived until 1880, then bought the farm of 198 
acres on which he now lives. He has fifty- three acres of grapes, twenty-four acres of 
plums, fourteen acres of peaches, four acres of raspberries, and a small portion devoted 
to general farming. In 1861 he married Mary Jennings, of Genoa, who died in 1869, 
and in February, 1871, he married Jane Jennings, sister of his first wife. She died in 
1884. They had three children : Verne, born in 1872; Edmund A., jr., born in 1875 ; 
Mamie E , born in 1877, died in 1884. In 1886 Mr. King married third Mary Benson, 
of Lansing, by whom he has had two children : Mamie, born in 1887 , and Claud, 
born in 1892. His oldest son conducts a fruit farm in Lansing, his wife beino- Etta 
Davis, daughter of Calvin Davis, of West Groton. Mrs. King is a daughter of Charles 
and Mary Benson. 

Jefferson, Theodore T., an old and prominent resident of Lansing, was born in 
Ulysses in 1828, a son of Benjamin Jefi^erson, a boatman on Cayuga Lake, who married 
Betsey Cold, and had four children : Sanford, Clinton, Theodore T., and Marvin. His 
wife died in 1831, and he married second Sophia Earl, by whom he had four children : 
Alvira, Bmeline, Adaline, and Firman, the latter killed in the Rebellion. Mr. Jefferson 
died about 1875. Theodore T. came with his parents to Lansing in 1839. He re- 
mained on the farm until the age of twenty, then engaged as boatman on the canal, be- 
tween his place and New York city, following this about twelve years. He then re- 
turned to farming, which he has ever since followed. In 1876 he bought a place of 
eighty-eight acres to which he has since added, and now owns about 100 acres, the 
farm sloping towards Cayuga Lake. On this farm the Mormon, Brigham Young, lived 
in his boyhood days, attending the district school in the neighborhood. In 1848 Mr. 
Jefferson married Eliza, daughter of George and Margaret (Houtz) Bunnell, and they 
had three children, John, Frank, and Ida (deceased). Mrs. Jefferson died in 1891. 
John married Augusta Morey of Lansing, by whom he has one son, Clarence B. Frank 
was educated in the common schools, and has made his home with his parents. He 
and his brother bought the old homestead in 1886, and they make grape culture a 
specialty. In 1878 Frank married Lucy A. King, of Groton. Both Mr. Jefferson and 
his sons are Democrats. 



232 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Johnson, Frederick D., was born in the town of Ulysses in 1852, a son of Daniel, 
who was a native of Orange county, born in Newburg in 1818. He bought a tract of 
land about Taughannock Falls, where he built the first hotel at that resort, and where 
he made his home, dying in 1885. The mother of our subject, Sarah Lee, was a de- 
scendant of Jefferson Lee of Revolutionary fame. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were the 
parents of six children, five surviving. Our subject acquired his education in the com- 
mon schools and the Ithaca Academy, and his first business venture was as proprietor 
of a general store at Jacksonville, which he conducted three years. In 1879 he came 
to Ithaca. He was for six months book-keeper for H. B. Tillottson, becoming the 
proprietor after his failure. For a number of years he conducted this store, then sold 
out and was engaged with Mr. Reed for four years. January 17, 1893, he became a 
partner with Sherman Collins in his shoe store on State street, where he is at the 
present time. Mr. Johnson is a Republican and in 1892 was elected alderman from the 
Fourth Ward. He is a member of Hobasco Lodge F. & A. M. In 1872 he married 
Marie S. FoUet of Ulysses and they have two daughters. 

Johnson, Theron, was born in Virgil January 20, 1847. His father, Philo Johnson, 
was one of the first settlers in that town. He was educated in the common schools 
and finished at Harford. At the age of thirty he married Mary Hollister, daughter of 
Hiram Hollister, and they are the parents of three children, two sons, Frank and Hol- 
lister, and one daughter, Anna. In 1879 he bought the S. D. Hamblin property of 
ninety acres, on which he resides, raising hay, grain and stock, and making a specialty 
of dairying. He takes the Republican side in politics and is always identified in ad- 
vancing the best interests of his town. He is now treasurer of the Dryden and Groton 
Fire Insurance Company, the treasurer of the Willow Glen Cemetery Association and 
a' director in the Dryden Agricultural Society, and is recognized throughout the town 
as a conservative and independent citizen and a practical and successful farmer. 

Jamison, Jackson, was born in the town of Dryden, May 24, 1824. His father, 
Thomas Jamison, came from Orange county about 1800 and resided on the Cramer lot 
which he partially cleared up, but afterwards was dispossessed, and then bought a farm 
about a mile and a half south. He took part in the War of 1812, going in the place of 
one of his neighbors who was a married man and had a family to support. Our subject 
was educated in the common schools, finishing at the Dryden Academy. At the age 
of thirty he married Miss Sarah A. Lovinor, daughter of Thomas Lovinor. He takes 
an active interest in temperance principles and in educational and religious matters. In 
1860 he bought part of his father's estate of ninety acres, also bought a wood lot on 
the old homestead farm. In 1867 he built a handsome residence, in which he now 
lives. He is known as a conservative, independent man, and a practical and successful 
farmer, making a specialty of fine grade sheep, 

Jones, James W., was born March 16, 1826, in the town of Ithaca. He was edu- 
cated in the district schools and Ithaca Academy under Professors Williams and Carr. 
After leaving he taught school for six years, then bought a farm, to which he has given 
his sole attention since. At the age of twenty-eight he married Susan Everhart, daugh- 
ter of John Everhart of Newfield. He is a RepubHcan in politics, and takes an active 



FAMILY SKETCHES. . 233 

interest in educational matters, having been trustee for a number of years. He has two 
sons and four daughters, who are all taking prominent positions in social and business 
life. Mr. Jones is a practical and successful farmer. 

Judson, Stockton B., was born April 6, 1818, in the town of Danby, on the farm 
where he now lives, and where his father, Joseph, resided before him. The latter came 
into the town in 1797. Our subject was educated in the district schools, but from force 
of character and ability soon became one of the leading men of the town. At the age 
of thirty-eight he married Elizabeth M., daughter of E. L. Hills of Syracuse. Mr. Jud- 
son is a Republican, and takes an active and intelligent interest in the events of the 
time. He is the owner of a place of 184 acres, comprising some of the best farming 
lands in the town, and is a practical and successful farmer. 

Jooes, Heth T., was born in Ithaca, December 1, 1872, educated in the cotnmon 
schools, and finished at the Ithaca Academy, under Prof. S. D. Carr. Our subject is a 
Republican and has been inspector of elections for seven successive years, taking an 
active and intelligent interest in the leading events of the day. Mr. Jones has a farm 
of 170 acres on which he raises large quantities of grain and hay, the old homestead 
adjoining being also his property, he having bought the claims of the other heirs on the 
death of his father in 1887. He is a leading farmer in the neighborhood, and is recog- 
nized as a man of sound judgment and high ability. 

Jenks, Anson L., was born in the town of Caroline, May 9, 1862, a son of D. B. 
Jenks, a native of Tioga county, who came to this locality in 1843, buying the farm 
now owned by Anson L. He married, fifty-one years ago, Nancy Lyman of Berkshire, 
Tioga county, by whom he had four children, our subject being the youngest. The 
latter has conducted the farm since he was seventeen years of age, his father having 
been an invalid for twenty-five years. He has made a specialty of raising blooded 
horses, and his farm is known as the Hillside Stock Farm. He has about forty head of 
cattle and six Percheron horses. His wife was Mary Blackman of Caroline, and they 
have one daughter, Anna M., now five years of age. Our subject is a Good Templar, a 
member of the G-range, and supports the Prohibition party. 

Jarvis, William, was born in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England, December 9, 1841, the 
only living child of Henry Jarvis, a ropemaker of that country. Subject was educated 
in private schools and at fourteen years of age went as an apprentice to learn the boat 
and ship builder's trade with Samuel Sparrum, with whom he remained seven years, 
and then spent six years in Woolwich Navy Yard on government vessels. In 1869 he 
emigrated to this country. He first located in Watkins, N. Y., where for three years 
he had charge of the Morris Run Coal Company's boat yard. He was engaged in boat 
building in Watkins until the spring of 1874, when he removed to Ithaca and estab- 
lished a boat yard, principally for the construction of boats for the Cornell Navy. He 
has ever since been engaged here in the construction of row boats, sailing yachts, and 
all boats of that class. He also conducts a boat livery of forty boats. Mr. Jarvis 
married in his native land, Maria M. Smith, and they are the parents of four daughters : 
Eva F., wife of 0, L. Stewart, Louise E., Beatrice and Florence. 

dd 



234 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Jacobs, Jesse, was bora in Lansing, January 7, 1822, a son of Benjamin, a native of 
Pennsylvania, born March 29, 1775, a clothier by trade, vpho came to Lansing at an 
early day with his family. Here he cleared a farm, and remained until his death. He 
married Catharine Geist, born May 10, 1779, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had 
nine children : John, Betsey, Catharine, Richard, Benjamin, Mary, Sally, Israel and 
Jesse. He died October 7, 1858, aged eighty-lhree. His wife died May 10, 1871, 
aged ninety-two. Jesse was educated in,the district schools and has followed farming 
all his life. When about eighteen he began for himself, working at farming until 
twenty-three, when he bought a piece of land for himself, and five years later traded 
this for a part of his present farm of ninety acres. In 1844 he married Sarah, daughter 
of Elias D. and Elizabeth (Sindelbox) Kent, natives of New Jersey. She was born in 
Lansing, in October, 1825, one of ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have reared 
eight children : Henry C, born July 11, 1845; Catharine, born November 7, 1846; 
Calvin, born October 1, 1848; Elizabeth, born April 26, 1851 ; George, born March 17, 
1853; Edson, born July 13, 1855 ; Mary, born May 1, 1860, and Ella, born April 14, 
1869. Mr. Jacobs is a Populist in politics, and is known as a thoroughly upright man. 

Hill, Elbert B., was born July 12, 1866, in the town of Danby, a son of Edward B., 
who died in 1885, and was one of the prominent men of the locality. Our subject was 
educated in the district schools, to which he added by reading and close observation, 
and on the death of his father he took charge of the farm where he now lives, and 
which contains, with his mother's estate, 209 acres of some of the best farming land in 
the town. He makes a specialty of Chester white swine and Oxforddown sheep, also 
raising large quantities of hay and grain. At the age of twenty-one our subject 
married Anna, daughter of Andrew J. Beers of this town, who bore him three children, 
one son and two daughters. He takes and active interest in educational and religious 
matters, being a member of the M. E. Church at South Danby. 

Hamblin, S. D., was born in Albany county, April 18, 1818. He was educated in 
the district schools of Dutchess county, which he attended during the winter time, 
working summers on his father's farm. In 1835 he came to Tompkins county and 
settled near Dry den, and at the age of twenty- eight he married Almira J., daughter of 
James Toogood of the town of Dryden, and they were the parents of four children 
three now living. He is a Democrat in politics, taking an intelligent interest in edu- 
cational and religious matters. In 1886 he came to the town of Danby and bought the 
George Nourse farm of 244 acres, five years later exchanging this for property in Beloit, 
Wis., and in 1877 bought it back, and resides there at the present time. His crops 
consist chiefly of hay and grain, and the farm also supports a quantity of stock. 

Hall, William L., was born in New York, October 16, 1844, was educated in the 
public schools, and finished bis education in a boarding school. In that city he learned 
photography, and made several trips into the country, working at his favorite profession 
for others, also in the city. Fmahy he came to Trumansburgh, and some time after- 
wards bought a half interest in J. E. Lewis's gallery. He has passed through many 
changes and vicissitudes, but has always been successful in his undertakings. In the 
summer of 1893 he invented a new enamel process for printing photographs, which is 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 235 

unsurpassed and will be found of much benefit to the trade. He has secured letters 
patent on this valuable invention, which will be a source of much revenue to him. He 
keeps one of the largest stocks of frames, manufactured by himself, in the place. He is 
also a very fine ornamental carver, and competes with the largest cities successfully. 
In 1868 he married Mary P. Allen of Trumansburgh, and they had two children : Henry 
St. Clair, and Elizabeth C. Mr. Hall's father was born in Woodstock, Ulster county, 
and at the age of seventeen became a school teacher. Later he entered a dry goods 
house in New York as clerk and afterwards as partner, becoming finally its sole pro- 
prietor. He married Cornelia Turner of that city, and these children were born to him : 
Elizabeth, Cornelia, William S. and Ogden H. He died aged forty-eight years, and his 
wife survives him, residing in Brooklyn. Our subject is treasurer of the E'ire Depart- 
ment, is active in Republican affairs, and holds various offices, in the several societies of 
the place. 

Howell, Milo, was born in Lansing, March 4, 1846, a son of Alanson T., a native of 
New Jersey, born in 1800, who came to Lansing, and followed cabinet-making, car- 
pentry, etc., for twenty -five years, then removed with his family to Great Bend, Pa. 
Ten years later he moved to Groton, and in 1868 to Ludlowville, where he spent the 
remainder of his life. He married Celesta, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Scatt) 
La Bar of Lansing, and they had twelve children : Hannibal, Darwin, Elizabeth, Wel- 
lington, Myron, Marion, Serena, Byron C, Jane, Tappan, Addison and Milo. He died 
in 1890, aged ninety years, and his wife died in 1882, aged seventy-six years. Our 
subject was educated in the common schools and Groton Academy, and learned the 
painter's trade. In 1863 he enlisted in the United States navy at New York city 
whence he was sent to the Pacific via Panama, to the flagship Lancaster, and with this 
ship he remained till the close of the war, cruising along the coast of South America, 
Mexico and California, under Captain Davenport, their chief work being the capture of 
pirates wlio had boarded the mail steamship San Salvador from Panama, with the in- 
tention of capturing it and turning it into a pirate ship. Mr. Howell received his dis- 
charge at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He then returned home and engaged in painting, 
farming, etc., in Hector, then went to Cedar Rapids, la., where he was clerk in a hotel 
for two years. . He returned to Lansing and was then engaged in railroad work in this 
State, Ohio and West Virginia. Again returning to farming, he remained seven years, 
then went again into public works, which took him to Kentucky, West Virginia, New 
York Harbor, Charleston Harbor and Greytown, South America. He remained at the 
latter place five months, but was obliged to return on account of fever contracted there. 
He started the first hydraulic dredge on the Nicaragua Canal, actiug as superintendent 
for the Joseph Edwards Dredging Company, the United States Dredging Company and 
the North America Dredging Company. Returning again to Lansing he settled down 
to farming. In 1869 he married Ella, daughter of Abram and Frances D. Bower of 
Lansing. Mr. Howell is a Republican, and a Free Mason, also a member of the G. A. R. 

Hamblin, James E., was born in the town of Dryden November 1, 1853. His father, 
S. D. Hamblin, was one of the prominent farmers of the town. James E. was educated 
in the common schools and finished at the Ithaca Academy. At the age of twenty- 
four he married Carrie, daughter of Z. Lupton, of Dryden, and they are the parents of 



286 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

two daughters : Edna ?nd Cora. In 1890 he bought the Robert Smiley property of 
ninety-four acres, raising hay, grain and stock, and making a specialty of dairying. He 
has rebuilt the house, barns and fences and has thoroughly changed the appearance of 
the property. Our subject is one of the leading men of his town, identified in advanc- 
ing its best interests and recognized as a man of sterling worth and character, taking 
an intelligent interest in temperance, educational and religious matters. 

Hiles, Andrew, was born in Dryden, Februury 20, 1824. His father, John Hiles, 
came from New Jersey in 1814, and settled on Fall Creek, movmg from there to the 
foot of Dryden Lake and for years operating the largest saw mill in the town. He 
died in May, 1865. Andrew was educated in the common schools and at the age of 
twenty-five married Sarah H. Sweetland, and they have two children, Hiram D. and 
Frances A. In 1855 our subject bought of his father sixty- five acres, and in 1865 he 
inherited another portion of his father's estate. In 1872 he bought the Greorge A. 
Sweetland farm of sixty acres, making 150 acres in all, on which he raises the regular 
farm produce, making a specialty of the breeding of grade fine wool sheep. 

Hungerford, Amasa A., was born in the town of Sherman, Fairfield county, Conn., 
May 13, 1848, a son of Levi, a lawyer of Connecticut. The latter was a Republican in 
the State Legislature, and was at one time judge of probate. He was a lieutenant in 
the 28th Connecticut Regiment, and Avas wounded at Port Hudson, dying at Vicksburg 
ill August, 1863. His only son was Amasa A., who was educated in the common 
school and was a drummer boy in his father's regiment for three months, going only as 
far as New Haven, when his father sent him home. December 11, 1863, he enlisted 
from the town of Danby, where he had come on a visit, and served till July 5, 1866, 
being discharged at Denver, Colo. He was in twenty- eight different engagements, and 
the most important part of his army life was in Hunter's raid, where they were the 
first troops to enter Lynchbuig. After the close of the war he located in Ithaca, where 
he began the study of law under Judge Jerome Rowe, and afterwards was with Moses 
Crowe, being admitted to practice in January, 1871, at Albany. He began practice in 
Ithaca, where he has ever since been engaged, making a specialty of criminal cases. 
He was the attorney for the defense on the Blakesley case, and also on the Barber trial. 
Mr. Hungerford is a Democrat and has served several years as justice of the peace. 
He is a member of Sidney Post, Gr. A. R., anJ has always worked hard for the organ- 
ization. He is also a member of the S. 0. V. and of the Baptist Church. In 1867 he 
married Clara White, of the town of Lansing, and they have six children. Our sub- 
ject's store was opened January 1, 1889, as a grocery and provision store, and is man- 
aged by his son-in-law, L. M. Rigby. 

Hook, John, was born December 12, 1815, in Norwich Corners, Herkimer county, 
was educated in the common schools, and at the age of thirteen was put to work on 
the farm. When he attained his majority he married Mary L. Mitchell, of Edmeston, 
Otsego county, by whom he had two sons. Mr. Hook is a man of conservative and 
independent views, and a firm advocate of prohibition principles, being also interested in 
church and school. In 1861 he, in company with P. B. Crandall, bought the east side of 
what was known as the Purdy faim, which they divided between them, Mr. Hook 
retaining fifty acres, which comprises one of the finest fruit farms in New York State. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 337 

Hildebrant, Theodore, was born in New Jersey, November 19, 1820, and came to 
the town of Ithaca in 1822 with his parents. At the age of twenty-eight he mar- 
ried Mary, daughter of Sylvanus Kellogg, of Newfield, by whom he had one son, now 
at home. In 1857 our subject bought the farm known as the old Hildebrant farm of 
100 acres, to which he afterwards added forty acres, and on which he now resides. 
He devotes his farm largely to dairying, producing about 175 quarts per day. He is a 
Republican and takes an active interest in educational and religious aflfairs. 

Hazen, Blair A., was born in the town of Ithaca, May 18, 1833, educated in the 
common schools, and finished at the Ithaca Academy under Professor Carr. Upon 
leaving school he returned to his father's farm. He is a son of Allen B. Hazen, who 
came from Putnam county in 1832 and bought a farm on the Coddington road, con- 
sisting of 140 acres, where Blair A. was born, and which he now owns. At the age 
of twenty-five the latter married Caroline L. Downing, daughter of Thomas Downing, 
and they have two children, one now living, Fred D. Charles T. died, aged eleven 
years. Our subject is a Republican and takes an intelligent interest in the events and 
questions of the day. In 1879 he bought out the interests of the other heirs in the 
city property on Marshall street and rebuilt and beautified the grounds and house, hav- 
ing now a handsome and commodious home. 

Hatmaker, Peter A., was born April 1, 1817, in Chestnut Hill, Northampton county, 
Pa. He first moved to Newfield, Tompkins county, and in the spring of 1867 moved 
into the town of Ithaca, buying the Daniel Seaman farm of ninety-five acres. He mar- 
ried Oraminta, daughter of David Atwater, of Trumansburgh, by whom he had a son 
and a daughter. He is a Democrat in politics, and takes an intelligent interest in the 
events of the day. Mr. Hatmaker has always lived on the same farm which he first 
purchased, and is recognized as a thoroughly practical farmer. When a boy his father 
sent him from Pennsylvania to find a suitable location to settle on. He made the 
journey on foot to Owego, and returned to Pennsylvania, taking the cars from Owego 
to Ithaca, and steam cars only reaching to Candor ; the balance of the distance the 
cars were draAvn by horses. 

Hurlbut, Christopher, who since 1869 has held the responsible position of station 
agent at Groton village, and whose residence in the town dates back more than forty 
years, was born in Venice, Cayuga county, October 15, 1842. He was the oldest but 
one of six children of Nelson and Easter (Scott) Hurlbut, the parents being farmers in 
Venice and later on in G-roton, but who afterward moved to Lake Ridge, where the 
mother died. The father went west, and died there in 1865. Christopher Hurlbut 
was brought up on a farm, but at the age of sixteen began to learn the blacksmith's 
trade. He served faithfully three years with William Allen, and afterwards worked as 
a journeyman in a carriage shop until he was twenty-one, when he came to Groton to 
work for Spencer & Son in the old Separator shops. August 14, 1861, Mr. Hurlbut 
enlisted as a private in Co. K, 137th N. Y. Volunteers, and served until the final muster 
out of the regiment, June 9, 1865. A large part of the time he was connected with 
the quartermaster's department. Returning to Groton he started a blacksmith shop in 
the village, and conducted it until 1869, when he was appointed station agent at the 



238 - LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

opening of the Southern Central Railroad through the town. The next year he was 
appointed express agent, and has held that position continuously to the present time. 
December 20, 1859, Christopher Hurlbut married Charrotte A. Carpenter, by whom he 
has had four children, three of whom are still living. Mr. Hurlbut has been connected 
with some of the earher industries of Groton village, beginning with the carriage 
works, then with the Separator Company, both of which have developed into industries 
of importance in this county. He has not only watched the growth of these enter- 
prises, but has had an interest in their welfare, as also in everything that tends to build 
up and promote the welfare of the village. 

Hazen, Harrison (deceased), was born in Covert, Seneca county, July 10, 1832. He 
was educated at the district schools, and married at the age of twenty-two Lydia A. 
Huff of the town of Romulus. He enlisted in the war in 1862 and received an honor- 
able discharge in 1864 ; and he was a charter member of Sidney Post, G. A. R., of 
Ithaca. He has two sons and one daughter, one son dying at the age of five years, and 
the other now living on the homestead. The daughter, Mrs. James S. Stone, is now a 
resident of Chicago. Mr. Haven was a- Republican and was active in educational and 
religious matters. He was known throughout his neighborhood as a man of high in- 
tegrity and whose word was above question. Mr. Hazen was private secretary to 
General Wietzel, and on the death of Adjutant-General Hubbard, Mr. Hazen was 
appointed to his place until the fall of Port Hudson, he beirg the first Union man to 
enter that town upon its surrender to the United States forces. 

Hart, George H., was born in the town of Groton, September 17, 1846. His father, 
John P. Hart, was a native of New Jersey and came to Tompkins county in 1820, and 
followed farming and dairying. Our subject was educated at the common schools and 
afterwards took a business course at the Eastman College, Poughkeepsie. At the age 
of twenty-two he married Ellen M. Outt, daughter of John J. Outt, of Preble, Cortland 
county, and they are the parents of seven children, three sons and four daughters. 
He takes the Democratic side in politics and has been a member of the county commit- 
tee for several years past. He takes an active and inteUigent interest in church and 
school matters. In connection with Ogden Hart, he is the largest dealer and shipper of 
live-stock in Tompkins county, where he is recognized ss an active, energetic business 
man, respected and selected by his townspeople to fill different positions of trust in the 
town. 

Hart, John C, was born August 2, 1867, was educated in Ithaca, and finished under 
Professor Williams at the academy. He married Edna, daughter of Orrin Moffatt of 
Ithaca, Mr. Hart is a Democrat and takes an active interest in the political and educa- 
tional events of the day. He carries on the old homestead farm of 103 acres, and 
makes a specialty of the milk business, handling about 241 quarts per day. 

Higgins, C. B. was born in the town of Caroline, near the Center, November 30, 
1823. Reuben, his father, was born in Cayuga county and followed farming, working 
in early life with his father, John, who carried on farming in Caroline His uncle, 
Moses Reed, was one of the pioneers. Reuben moved finally to his farm located about 
a half mile north of Caroline Center, known as the Davis farm, consisting of ninety 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 239 

acres, and here he died in March, 1889, aged ninety years, his wife dying two years 
later at the age of eighty-nine. They liad nine children : C. B., Roxanna, John, Robert, 
Gilbert, Moses, Elizabeth, Mary, and Louisa. Our subject was the oldest of these chil- 
dren. He worked at shoemaking from fifteen till thirty years of age, and then took up 
farming which he has since followed, his place consisting of seventy-five acres, but he 
sold that farm, and bought the one he now occupies, which consists of about 221 acres. 
He has made a specialty of dairying. Mr. Higgins married first Eliza, daughter of 
Lathrop Wattles of this town, and second a Miss Robbins, whose father, W. 0. Rob- 
bins, is a native of Caroline. By his first wife Mr. Higgins had two children: Frank 
and Clara, the former being in business in Cortland, and the latter a teacher of music in 
Binghamton. 

Ham, George W., was born in Ithaca, July 7, 1823, and his occupation has been 
clerking and keeping a general merchandise store in this place. He conducted his store 
for two years, then began farming on his own land, which is situated in the town of 
Newfield, and consists of forty-six acres. August 13, 1844, he married Susan M. Earl 
of Ithaca, who died November 2, 1891, and they had six children, two daughters and 
two sons living, and two sons deceased, one having been drowned and one accidentally 
shot. M. Ham is a member of the Grange and has been collector, town clerk and in- 
spector of elections. He is a Republican. 

Holman, I. M., of Newfield, was born in this town May 18, 1852. John W., his 
father, was a native of Ulysses, born November 29, 1821, whose occupation has been 
farming, with the exception of a few years when he worked at wagonmaking. He is 
now retired. He married Laura A. Forsythe of Ulysses, and of their se\ien children our 
subject was the eldest. He has followed the occupation of his father, farming, and is 
part owner of the place they now work, consisting of eighty-seven acres. He is un- 
married, is a member of Phoenix Lodge of the Grange, and was the town collector in 
1886. In politics he is a Republican. 

Harris, Nelson, who for more than forty years has been known and identified with 
some of the best business interests of Groton, was born in the town of Locke, Septem- 
ber 24, 1825, one of ten children born to Howard and Melinda Harris. His father 
being a farmer. Nelson was brought up to that occupation. In 1852, with his brother, 
Leonard, Nelson came to Groton to work a tract of land, but after a year he purchased 
twenty acres and began for himself. Later on by the death of an uncle, Mr. Harris 
became the owner of a good farm located east of the village. After successfully work- 
ing this property several years, it was rented and finally sold, after which Mr. Harris 
purchased eighteen acres of the village tract. About 1871, then being a village resi- 
dent, Mr. Harris started a coal and lumber yard, which he carried on about eighteen 
years, then sold out and two years later engaged in the hardware business. This he also 
sold after about two years and retired from active business life, having, however, capi- 
tal invested in the leading manufacturing enterprises of Groton, also in the First 
National Bank, of which institution he has been a director about twenty-five years. 
In 1852 he married Maria Harris, who died leaving no children. His second wife was 
Adeline Bothwell, by whom he has two children. Our subject has been a Whig and a 
Republican, and has been village trustee and is now one of the assessors of the town. 



240 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Hart, Charles Aaron, was born in Groton on the farm where he now Hves, March 19, 
1859, a son of John B. and grandson of Charles D. Hart, and the great-grandson of the 
pioneer, Amos Hart, better known during his lifetime as "Deacon" Amos Hart. This 
family are mentioned at length elsewhere among these sketches. Charles A. was the 
third of seven children born to John B. and Anne E. (Breed) Hart, and has always re- 
sided on his farm. He received his education in the common and Normal schools of 
Cortland. He married, June 22, 1882, Ella Josephine, daughter of Alanson and Maria 
Field, and they have three children : Grace Mildred, Anna Maria, and John B. 

Horton, William H., of Newfield, was born January 27, 1833. His father, Henry, 
was born in Orange county, April 11, 1811, Joseph Horton, his father, being a native 
of Orange county also. Henry came with his father to Tompkins county in 1813, he 
then being two years old. His wife was Sarah Smith of Pennsylvania, and they had 
three children, our subject being the oldest. He has also followed farming, and has a 
fine place of 177 acres. December 3, 1863, he married Philena Nobles of Newfield, a 
daughter of Anson Nobles, and they have three children : Maude, who died, aged seven- 
teen ; Katie, aged twenty-three ; and Blanch, aged fourteen. Mr. Horton is a member 
of the Grange, and a Republican. 

GifFord, Gardner C, attorney, of Ludlowville, was born in Scipio, Cayuga county, 
October 17, 1825, the son of S. J. Gifford, who was born in New Bedford, Mass. At 
the age of twenty-one the latter came to Cayuga county, and married in 1824 Phoebe 
Chidister of Scipio, and they have one child, our subject. His wife having died in 
1835, he moved to Calhoun county, Mich., where he died in 1S80. The grandfather 
was a native of Saratoga county, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Our 
subject was reared in the family of his grandfather Chidister, in Scipio, was educated in 
the district schools and Genoa Academy, and at the age of nineteen taught school, 
which he followed about four years. Returning home he went to farming, but soon 
abandoned it and in 1860 entered the law office of Wright & Pomeroy of Auburn, and 
was admitted to the bar June 9, 1864. From that time until 1875 he practiced in 
Aurora, Cayuga county, thence to Ludlowville, where he has ever ginoe resided and 
practiced. He served as school commissioner four years, was justice of the peace 
thirteen years, and in 1863-4 was deputy county clerk of Cayuga county. In 1867 he 
was elected special surrogate of Cayuga county, holding this office three years. He 
married, October 17, 1850, Anna M., daughter of Richard and Mary E. (Haynes) Sear- 
ing of Ledyard, Cayuga county, formerly of Long Island. They had two children : 
Mamie B., wife of Harry Bower of Ludlowville, and Charles S., born September 25, 
1867. The latter having a taste for law, passed the required examination in 1887, at 
the age of twenty, and entered the first junior of Cornell Law School, graduating with 
his class in 1889. He was admitted to the bar in 1890, when he entered the office of D. 
M. Dean of Ithaca for a few months. In August, 1892, he went to New York, and 
there began practice. 

Griswold, Clarence, was born in Spencer, Tioga county, January 28, 1861, and re- 
ceived his education in the common schools, finishing at the Cortland Normal School. 
At the age of twenty-two he married Adelaide Glazier, daughter of Joseph A. Glazier 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 241 

of Cortland. Mr. and Mrs. Griswold have had four children: Earl, Grace, Ina and 
Iva. In 1890 he bought the Israel Hunting property on lot thirty-nine, comprising 115 
acres, on which he raises hay, grain, etc., and makes a specialty of dairying. In politics 
our subject is a Eepublican, and has served in various town offices, being always 
identified with the best interests of the place. 

Glenzier, John J., was born near Hesse Cassel, Germany, May 30, 1834 and 
came to this country in 1854. He learned the cabinetmaker's trade in his native land 
and followed that trade in New York city until November of that same year. That 
month he moved to Tompkins county, following his trade in Newfield until March 
1855. He was then employed by Justice Denning, and in 1859 became a partner 
under the firm name of Denning & Glenzier. This partnership existed until June 1 
1861, and then Mr. Glenzier embarked in the general grocery and provision business. 
The first store was located on the corner of West State and Westford streets, under tne 
firm name of Glenzier & Kiper. In 1863 Mr. Kiper sold his interest to Samuel D. 
Sawyer, and the firm of Sawyer & Glenzier has become one of the most popular in the 
city. Mr. Glenzier is a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of alderman of the 
First Ward two years, and in 1876 was elected school commissioner of this district, and 
has held the office ever since. He is a member of the Congregational Church in 
which he is a deacon. He is also a member of the Board of Health. He was married 
in 1865 to Antoinette Kiper, a native of Ludlowville, and they have no children. 

Garrett, Charles C, was born in Ithaca, December 2, 1857, and is a son of Gilbert 
T. Garrett, for many years a boat builder of this town. Charles was educated in the 
public schools of this city, and after leaving school entered the West End Druo- store. 
He became a competent pharmacist and for a number of years has been the head clerk 
in White & Eurdick's drug store. He is prominent in the different Masonic organiza- 
tions, and in January, 1893, was made the first assistant engineer of the Ithaca Fire 
Department. 

Gardner, Ira M., was born on a farm in the town of Newfield, January 2, 1819 a 
son of Thomas S., a native of Newark, N. J., born April 12, 1789. The latter learned 
the cooper's trade, and in 1812 moved to Tompkins county and took up a farm of 
sixty-four acres in Newfield, the land being then a wilderness, and Mr. Gardner suf- 
fered all the hardships of a pioneer in making the place into a home. His first crops 
he carried nine miles to the village to be ground, and his first house was a log cabin, 
his second house being erected in 1835. He married in New Jersey in 1812, Abbey 
Earl, of Newark, and they had six children, only two now living : Aaron E., of Michi- 
gan ; and Ira M., our subject. Thomas S. died June 14, 1851. The early life of Ira 
was spent on the homestead. At the age of seventeen he came to Ithaca "to learn the 
mason's trade with Isaac Randolph, with whom he remained about nine years. In 
1845 he began business for himself, and since that time he has built and been employed 
on many of the moet important buildings of the city. He was the mason for the con- 
struction of the first two buildings of Cornell and was employed on Sibley College, 
also the Cascadilla Place, the Baptist Church, the Dunning Block, the Grant Block', 
Hibbard Block, also being employed in the construction of the Gas Works, the Water 



242 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Works and a large number of fine residences in this city. He is a Republican and was 
assessor in 1878-79-80. December 3, 1843, he married Mary A., daughter of Samuel 
Hill, a native of England, who came to this country in 1819 and settled in Ithaca. Mr. 
and Mrs. Gardner have had six children, three now living : Edward T., Mrs. George 
Pollay, and Emma, widow of Cassius Taber. 

George, William F., was born in the town of Alexandria, Jefferson county, February 
3, 1861, the oldest son of James J., also a native of that county. Our subject was edu- 
cated in the public schools of Redwood, and at the age of eighteen went to clerk in the 
station of the Utica and Black River Railroad at Redwood. Three years later he 
started to learn the trade of glassmaker, first as helper, then gatherer, and rose to be a 
journeyman blower in 1884. In 1882 he removed to Ithaca, where he entered the em- 
ploy of the Ithaca Glass Company, and then spent one season at Monongahela City, 
since which time he has resided in Iihaca. He is a Democrat, and in 1893 was elected 
alderman of the Third Ward, which office he now holds. He is the chief preceptor of 
Local Assembly No. 300, K. of L. In 1882 he married Jennie Pickert of Redwood, 
and they have five children. In 1883 Mr. George established a store at 51 Hancock 
street, which he still conducts, the stock consisting of groceries and provisions, bake- 
stuflfs and workingmen's clothes. 

Gray, Almon, was born in Connecticut February 19, 1824, and came to Tompkins 
county in 1851. His father, Rufus Gray, came in 1849 and settled on lot seventy-five. 
Almon Gray laid the foundation of his education in the common schools, but is a self- 
educated and self-made man. At the age of twenty he married Sarah, daughter of 
Robert Lawrence of Patterson, Putnam county. In 1886 he bought the Wesley Hurd 
property of 133 acres, raising hay, grain and stock. Our subject, in connection with 
his father, has been a prominent contractor and builder, erecting some of the finest 
buildings in the town. He takes the Republican side in politics, and an active intelli- 
gent interest in school and church affairs, having been connected with the Ellis Hollow 
M. E. church for forty years. He takes a prominent part in the events of the town, 
and is known as a man of sterling worth and high integrity. 

Graves, the late Orange S., was born in Delaware county, N. Y., July 4, 1804, and 
was educated in the public schools, coming to Seneca county with his parents at the 
age of ten years. September 18, 1842, he married Mrs. Sarah Hopkins of Trumans- 
burgh, whose maiden name was Pease, and they had three daughters : Julia, now Mrs. 
Gregory of Ithaca; Frances, now Mrs. Leggett, of Covert; and Laura H., now Mrs. 
Gillett of Ithaca. Mr. Graves died April 11, 1873. Mrs. Graves's first husband was 
John S. Hopkins of Ithaca, by whom she had one daughter who died in infancy. Mr. 
Hopkins died in October, 1841. Sylvanus, father of Orange S. Graves, was a soldier 
in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Graves moved from Seneca to Trumansburgh about 
1850. 

Galloup, Ernest G., the enterprising and well known merchant of McLean, was 
born in Farmer, Seneca county, November 23, 1849. He was the son of William and 
Ehzabeth Galloup, and the second of their five children. Ernest learned the druggist's 
trade in the store of his uncle at Lodi, with whom he worked three years. In 1871 he 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 243 

came to McLean, where he opened a drug store, and in the course of the next five 
years added teas and coffees and a few groceries, which was followed a few years later 
by a full line of the latter, together with other merchandise, and for betler accon mo- 
dations moved to his present location in 1880. He also dealt extensively in coal, plas- 
ter and phosphates, but in 1880 discontinued the latter branch and became a general 
undertaker and funeral director. Mr. Galloup also handles annually thousands of fence 
posts. He is one of the trustees of McLean M. E. Church, and for ten years has been 
superintendent of the Sunday school. In 1873 Mr. Galloup married Miss J. J. King, 
daughter of B. D. King of Moravia, and they had one child, Bera, who died at the age 
of nine years. Our subject is interested in local and county affairs and is a strong 
Republican. He has been delegate to the county conventions and has also served as 
county committeeman for his tow^n. 

G-ould, Lotan H., was born in Trumansburgh, December 19, 1850. He was educated 
in the public schools and Trumansburgh Academy, and in early life assisted in his 
father's planing mill, and finally succeeded to the business. He is now a contractor 
and builder, and his business is expanding and prosperous. February 19, 1875 he mar- 
ried Julia F. Ash, formerly of Fairfield, Conn., and they have two children : Lotan E., 
and Grace D. Mr. Gould's father, Joseph, was born in Hector, Schuyler county, July 
28, 1821, and was a contractor and builder. December 1, 1847, he married Emeline 
G. Pease of Trumansburgh, and they had one son, Lotan H. Mr. Gould died July 23, 
1879, and his wife resides with her son. The grandfather, Abel, was born January 23, 
1798, in Greenfield, Conn. Mr. Gould is a member of Trumansburgh Lodge No. 157, 
F. & A. M. Mr. Gould's grandfather, on his mother's side, Allen Pease, was born in 
Enfield, Conn., June 18, 1792, and came to this region at an early day. Mr. Gould's 
great-grandfather, Simeon Pease, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. 

Gale, William, an early settler of Groton, came from Fairfield county, Conn., and 
married Polly Welch, who bore him these children : John P., Betsey, James, Maria, 
Peter B., Samuel S. and Hannah. Mrs. Gale died August 16, 1822, in Locke, the family 
having moved to Cayuga county. The second wife of William was Lydia Smith, by 
whom he had these children : Zenas S., who died in October, 1883 ; William W., Mary 
and Eliza, who died yourig; Thirza Jane, wife of C. B. Green; Amelia D., now in 
Michigan ; Manly P. and Mary E., wife of Daniel Mcintosh of Locke. William Gale 
died April 11, 1850, and his wife March 13, 1872. Manly P., son of William, was born 
in Groton April 5, 1835, and until sixteen years of age lived on the farm. In 1851 he 
came to Groton and learned the trade of wagonmaking with B. & J. Williams, and since 
that time has been connected with this important industry in the village, being now a 
contractor for certain work in connection with the Groton Carriage Compasy. His 
partner is F. B. Sawyer, the firm name being Gale & Swayer. Mr. Gale has served his 
town in various offices, notably those of trustee and member of the Board of Educa- 
tion. September 16, 1858, he married Mary M., daughter of David Backus, and they 
have two children ; Ella and Walter, the latter a clerk in the First National Bank of 
Groton, and also one of the shoe firm of Stevens & Gale of this village. Ella Gale was 
educated at the Groton Academy and Union School and graduated from the Cortland 
Normal School. She taught school for six months on Long Island and for eight and a 



244 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

half years in Moravia. In the fall of 1892, as a candidate of the Prohibition party 
Miss Grale was elected county school commissioner of the second Tompkins county dis- 
trict, and she qualified and entered on her duties January 1, 1893. 

Francis, G-ilbert, son of Pioneer Richard Francis, was born in Groton (on Jackson 
Hill) July 17, 1826, was brought up to farm life and work, and except for a few terms 
spent in teaching school, has devoted his whole attention to agricultural pursuits. At 
the age of twenty-one he began for himself, but the greater part of his his life has been 
spent on the old home farm. In 1889 Mr. Francis married Lucinda Tyler of Richford, 
and they have one son, Grilbert Tyler Francis. In politics he is a Republican, and was 
once elected justice of the peace, but not desiring the office declined to qualify. He is 
connected with the McLean Universalist Church, and has held the ofBce of trustee 
therein. 

Hall, John L., was born February 10, 1844, in the town of Danby and was educated 
in the district school, to which he has added by reading and close observation. He mar- 
ried at the age of twenty-two Fannie M., daughter of Almond Pitts, of Bast Charles- 
ton, Tioga county, Pa., by whom he has had two children, a son and a daughter. He 
is Republican in his political views, and has held the office of school trustee for eight 
years. In 1868 ht "bought a farm of 100 acres where he now lives, and on which he 
raises large quantities of grain, hay and stock. Our subject is known as a conservative 
man of high principles and as a man who takes a great interest in the welfare of his 
town, being one of the leading members of the old Farmer's Club, of which he was pre- 
siding officer for several years. 

Fulkerson, Samuel C, was born in West Dryden, July 19, 1823. His father, Chap- 
man Fulkerson, was born in New Jersey and came to the town of Lansing with the 
first settlers. He came to Dryden about 1812 and was drafted in the war of that time, 
but being a married, sent a substitute and taking his own team to draw provisions for 
the continental army, and assisting in various ways. Samuel C, was educated in the 
common schools to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. 
At the age of twenty-six he married Lucinda Hill, daughter of Joseph Hill, of Dryden, 
and they are the parents of five children : three sons and two daughters, James, Joseph 
and Elias and Sarah and Esther. In 1852 he bought the Andrew Hill property of 100 
acres, which he exchamged for Wm. Minah's in 1864. In 1871 he bought the R. J. 
Lany homestead which he now occupies. In 1889 he bought sixty-eight acres of the 
Oliver Cady estate and be also owns a farm of sixteen acres in Marion, Linn county, 
Iowa. Our subject is one of the prominent men of his town being recognized as a man 
of sterling worth and integrity. 

Fowler, Eli, deceased, was born near Cayuga Lake in the town of Ulysses, February 
22, 1819. He was educated in the schools of that day and was a teacher and farmer. 
February 12, 1843, he married Mary M. Carman, formerly of Orange county. She 
came here with her parents when five years of age, and Mr. and Mrs. Fowler had two 
children : Elizabeth and George H. Miss Fowler lives at home, and the son, who 
resides at the Falls station, married Flora Wilcox, and has two children. Mr. Fowler 
died October 6, 1885. Mrs. Fowler's father, John Carman, was born in Orange county, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 345 

and married Bethia Bloomer, of his native county. Ten children were born of this 
union, as follows: Robert, William, Anna, Haschel, Cornelius, George, Andrew, Mar- 
tha, Caroline and Mary M. Mr. Carman died about 1867, and his wife the same year. 
Mr. Carman's father, John C, was a soldier in the Revolution. 

Farmer, William E., was born in Steuben county, September 19, 1841, and has lived 
in Newfield since infancy. He worked at his trade of harnessmaking for ten years, 
then engaged in the hardware business in 1871, which he has conducted ever since, 
being the oldest firm on the street, having a very large store, and carrying everything 
in the hardware line. In 1868 he married Thirza Westmiller, cf Lansing, and they 
have two children : Myrtie M. and Maude A. Our subject has served as town clerk 
for seven years, and has also served on the School Board. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat. 

Fuller, Wilson A., was born in Delaware county, December 1, 1830. He was edu- 
cated in the public schools, but owing to the death of his father when Wilson was 
nineteen, he and his mother moved to this section, where he had a variety of occupa- 
tions, and finally learned the painter's trade, which he followed many years, but for 
ten years has been a retail grocer. He married, in 1851, S. Antoinette Teed, of Tru- 
mansburgh, by whom he had one son, Truman R., who resides in New York. Mrs. 
Fuller died in 1882, and he married second Anna Daley, of Aubuin, who died in 1889. 
In 1861 Mr. Fuller enlisted in Company F, 75th N. Y. Volunteers, and was promoted 
second sergeant. Through losses in nineteen battles the regiment was consolidated into 
a battalion, and he was made orderly sergeant. He participated in all the battles and 
was honorably discharged at the close of the war. 

Fish, George, was born in Groton, Conn., in 1798, and at the age of nineteen came 
to this town, where he married Clarissa, daughter of Richard Francis, a lady noted for 
her influence for good in the community. Their children were: Harriet and Clarissa, 
both of whom died young; Hobart, who moved to Wisconsin ; Mary, who married 
Samuel Crittenden; Lucinda, who married George H. Mmeah ; James, who died in 
1863; and Edwin. George Fish was an influential man in public affairs and died in 
1882, his wife some years later. For several years he was supervisor, poormaster, etc., 
and was a strong Whig and Republican. On the occasion of the raising of the frame 
for the mill at La Fayette, Mr. Fish was called upon to christen the building, in accord- 
ance with the customs of the period. This happened on the day on which the Marquis 
de La Fayette was at Auburn, and being fired by the spirit of the occasion he named 
the mill the " La Fayette." Edwin Fish was born in Groton, March 20, 1839, worked 
on a farm till 1861, and in September of that year enlisted in Company C, 76th Regi- 
ment, and was promoted to sergeant. He served twenty months and was then dis- 
charged on account of disabilities contracted at the south. For three years he lived in 
Iowa, and then returned to this town, where he has lived since. June 1, 1870, he mar- 
ried Rowena E. Dean, and they have one child, Gilbert Francis Fish. 

Fish, Charles H., was born in the town of Enfield, May 4, 1832. He was educated 
in the public schools and learned the mason's trade, which he has followed most of his 
life until he retired two years ago. January 5, 1854, he married Lorinda Terry, of 



246 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Trumansburgh, and they have eight children : Lucy C, Lizzie, Cora M., Bertha K., 
Charles B., Kittie T., Fra and A. De Vere. Lucy C. married G-eorge Northrup ; Lizzie 
married Henry Weed, and has one daughter, Lola; Bertha K. married Arthur D. Stout, 
of Farmers ; Fra married Charles Voorhees of Elmira, and has two children, Hamilton 
and G-eorge. Mr. Fish's father, John R., was born in Delaware county, April 23, 1805, 
and married Charlotte Harvey, of Enfield, and had seven children : Lydia, Marinda, 
Charles H., Reuben H., J. Corey, Rosina and Florence B, In September, 1863, Charles 
H. enlisted in Company M, 21st N. Y. Calvary, was wounded near Martinsburg, in the 
Shenandoah Valley, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. 

Freeman, Lyman D., was born in the village of Etna, July 3, 1823. His father, 
Thomas D. Freeman, was among the early settlers. Our subject was educated in the 
common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. 
After leaving school he learned the trade of carding wool and dressing cloth. But for 
the past thirty-nine years he has engaged in the business of moving buildings, and his 
reputation soon became so well established that his services were in demand over the 
entire county. He is deeply interested in temperance principles and educational and 
religious matters. In 1869 he bought what was known as the Robt. McCutcheon prop- 
erty of thirty-one acres. In 1882 he bought the Michael Van DerhofF property of 
forty acres. In 1854 he bought a building in Etna of Harvey H. Harris and erected a 
a fine house, where he now resides. At he age of thirty-seven he married Catherine, 
McCutcheon, daughter of Robt. McCutcheon, and they are the parents of one son, 
Orria R. Freeman. Our subject is known throughout his town as a man of unswerving 
integrity, a man whose life has proven his word to be as good as his bond. 

Fish, Cary B., was born in the town of Danby, July 28, 1865. John B. Fish, the 
father of our subject, was also a native of the county, born in Enfield June 11, 1829, 
and he followed farming nearly all of his life. He died December 16, 1892. He was 
the father of two sons, Dr. Wilbar C Fish of Ithaca, and Cary B., our subject. The 
The boyhood of the latter was spent in Danby and he was educated in the common 
schools, the Ithaca High School and Cornell University, graduating with the degree 
LL. D. in the class of 1889. He was with J. A. Ellston for four or five years, and in 
December, 1892, he opened an office on the second floor of 22 State street, where he 
has since been in practice. In politics Mr. Fish is a Republican and was clerk of the 
Board of Supervisors during the years '88 and '89. He is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. Fidelity Lodge, Eagle Chapter, and Ithaca Council, St Augustine Comman- 
dery and of the Damascus Temple of Rochester. Mr. Fish practiced a year in Denver 
previous to opening an oflice here. 

Force, Albert W., was born in Bergen county, N. J., April 29, 1834, a son of Edward 
B. Force, a manufacturer of woolen goods, who died when Albert was sixteen years 
old. The latter came to Seneca county to serve an apprenticeship at the wagonmaker's 
trade, which business he followed for seven years, and in 1861 he moved to Trumans- 
burgh, working at boat building until 18G5, and then went into a machine shop, where" 
he remained until 1870, when he moved to Ithaca and filled the position of foreman 
with the Ithaca Agricultural Works for fifteen years. He has followed various employ- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 247 

raents since that time, spending the last four years in the store of Collins & Johnson. 
Mr. Force has been prominent among Masons in this county since June. 1855, his initia- 
tion having been in Farmer Lodge No. 183 in Seneca county. He has passed all the 
chairs in the Blue Lodge Chapter, Council and Commandery. December 28, 1858, he 
married Eliza J. Hopkins of Farmer, and they have two children : Edward B. of Water- 
loo, N. Y., and Anna Force. 

Francis, Jonathan, came with his family from Vermont in 1818 and settled in the 
town of Danby, later removing to Ithaca, where he became a merchant and general 
trader, but was drowned in 1836 at Kidder's Ferry. Of their seven children, six were 
born in this county, the oldest, Charles C, being a native of Vermont, born in May, 
1818. His early life was spent in assisting his father at his work, but at the age of 
fifteen he became a boatman, which pursuit he followed more or less until 1848. Dur- 
ing his young life Mr. Francis had become acquainted with David Stoddard, a pioneer 
of Groton, hence after the death of Jonathan Francis, and also of his own wife, Charles 
C. was induced by Mr. Stoddard to become a resident of Groton in 1849, and on May 
31 of that year he married Irena Stoddard, by whom he had two children : Maria, wife 
of Dr, Gibbs; and David W., of Groton. His first wife, whom he married in 1842, 
was Maria Davenport, by whom he had two children, Orrie A. and Laura. His first 
Avife died in 1848. Mr. Francis, during his long residence in Groton, has been regarded 
as one of the most enterprising of its citizens. He has never been active in political 
life, and in his views sides with the Prohibitionists. 

French, Mrs. Sarah (Bowker), is a native of Lansing, born in January, 1838, a 
daughter of Madison and Sallie (Davis) Bowker, also of this town. Mr. Bowker was 
born March 23, 1808, and when a young man bought the farm of forty acres at Beards- 
ley Corners (now North Lansing), where he kept hotel for several years, also conduct- 
ing a grocery store. He had three children: William, deceased; Margaret, wife of 
John H. Ingersoll, of Iowa; and Sarah, our subject. Mr. Bowker died in 1838, aged 
thirty years. His wife survived him many years, and died in 1883 at the age of sev- 
enty-four. John Bowker, grandfather of Mrs. French, was born in Ulster county in 
L771, and came to Lansing with his two brothers, Joseph and Noah, bringing their pro- 
visions on their backs from Owego. They cut and cleared away on the land where 
ihey settled, building themselves a log cabin, and when their stock of provisions was 
exhausted they had to walk to Owego for more. John bought one hundred acres of 
the State (where A. J. Brink now lives), where he spent the remainder of his days, 
growing into prominence in his town. He was the first justice and constable in the 
town of Milton, and was also supervisor. He was twice married. By his second wife, 
Jerusha Robinson, he had twelve children, and at his death, in 1855, he had 140 child- 
ren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The great-grandparents of our subject were 
Silas and Esther (Hubbs) Bowker, of Massachusetts, the former a Revolutionary 
soldier. The Bowker family is of Welsh ancestry. Sarah Bowker married in 1853, 
Johnson French, a native of Oswego county, born in 1832, a son of Thomas and Polly 
(Bull) French, of Canada, and they had two children : Ida, born October 26, 1857, died 
March 12, 1883 ; and Edward, born March 14, 1861. Mr. French was a farmer, and 
the last years of his life went to Pennsylvania to visit the oil regions, where he con- 



248 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

tracted a fever. Returning home he died seventeen days later (in February, 1863.) 
For many years Mrs. French conducted the farm alone, until her son vi^as old enough to 
assist, and later to take charge of it. In 1886 she bought her sisters' interest in the 
homestead, and removed to this farm where she and her son have since resided. Mrs. 
French is a member of the North Lansing Baptist Church, in which she is an active 
worker. 

Eagles, Joseph Dunlap, was born in Waterloo, Seneca county, January 18, 1837. He 
was educated in the High School of his native town, "and at sixteen years of age began 
an apprenticeship with 0. Bellew, the celebrated painter, and was with him for nearly 
five years in portrait and landscape painting. He was with Shultz for a year and a 
half. In 1860 he opened a photograph gallery in Waterloo, which he conducted in 
that town until 1865. He has been located in Auburn, Buffalo, Rochester, Detroit and 
Philadelphia. In 1875 he located in Ithaca, where he has ever since been engaged. In 
the fall of 1898 he removed to the opposite side of the street from where he had built a 
a gallery, and is now engaged in the photographic supply business, catering to the ama- 
teur photogiaphers of the University. 

Ellsworth, Perry C, was born at Saratoga Springs, May 20, 1818. After having 
taken a preparatory course in the common and graded schools he entered Union Col- 
lege, from which he graduated in 1838. He had, from the age of thirteen, been a fix- 
ture of the law office, and after leaving college spent two years as a student with one 
of the leading lawyers of Saratoga county. He was admitted to practice in 1840, and 
until 1844 conducted business at home. That year he removed to Florida, but returned 
in 1845 to this State and settled in Plattsburg, where he acquired the prominent repu- 
tation as ajurist that caused his election to the office of judge of Clinton ccunty for 
two terms. His health failing in 1863, he settled on a farm near Madison, where he 
lived until 1870, the year of his settlement in Ithaca, where he has since followed the 
practice of his profession. He married in 1849, Chloe A. Deming, of Burlington 
county, Vt., who has borne him five children, four now living. 

Davis, Samuel L., a life resident of Lansing, was born in Lansing, November 19, 
1839. He is the son of Llewelyn Davis, also a native of Lansing, born in November, 
1816. The grandparents were Samuel and Margaret Davis, formerly of Pennsylvania, 
of Welch and Dutch ancestry. They were among the pioneer settlers of Tompkins 
county. They raised eight children, William, John, Joshua, Joseph, Isaac, Samuel, 
Llewelyn and Sally. Llewelyn, the father of our subject, married Mary Osmun, who 
was born November 24, 1815, daughter of Jacob L. Osmun, of Lansing, and they had 
four children : Jacob L., Samuel, Isaac and Arimlnta, who died in infancy. The father 
died in 1861 and the mother in February, 1844. Our subject attended the common 
schools of his neighborhood and the Ithaca Academy one term. He remained on his 
father's farm until 1863, when he, with his brother Isaac, purchased the farm cf 110 
acres, where he has ever since resided. They now own 280 acres. He married in 
April, 1863, Emma S., daughter of John Bloom, of G-enoa, and they had one son, 
Llewelyn B., who died in infancy. His wife died in August, 1864. Mr. Davis married 
in 1872, Abigail L., daughter of Erastus D. and Mary (Cummings) Shaw, of Groton. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 249 

Her grandparents were Benjamin and Sarah Shaw, natives of Vermont, They came 
to Tompkins county in 1816. Mrs. Davis's grandparents Cnmmings, were Gurdon and 
Abigail (Pettis) Cummings, from Connecticut, and came to Tompkins county in 1812. 
Mrs. Davis is one of seven children : Daniel J., of Wesica, Minn. ; Abigail L., Mary E., 
wife of 0. H. Cummings, of G-roton ; Ella A., Emma, died at seven years ; Ida, wife of 
H. S. Bradt, of G-roton ; Rhoda, died at four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have 
one child, Ruby A., born December 16, 1877. Mr. Davis is a member of the Lansing- 
ville Grange and is a Republican. Isaac Davis, a brother and partner in business of our 
subject, was born in July, 1842. They live together and have farmed it ever since they 
left the old homestead farm. Llewelyn, father of our subject, married second Mary 
Ward, of Lansing, April 30, 1846, and they have had one child, Arminta, born January 
2, 1847, wife of Theodore Swayze, of Lansing. The mother died December 4, 1849. 
His third wife was Lydia B. Shaw, whom he married in February, 1851, and they had 
two sons, Frank L.^ born July 1, 1853, and Edwin F., born April 28, 1856. She died 
in October, 1891. 

Darling, J. J. Ayres, was born in the town of Ithaca, March 17, 1838, a son of Aaron 
Darling, who was born in Ulysses in 1809. The father of Aaron was Garret Darling, one 
of the earliest settlers of the county. Aaron came to Ithaca in 1830, and after learn- 
ing his trade he followed it the balance of his days, dying June 6, 1886. Our subject 
was educated in the common schools and in the old Lancastertan Academy, after leav- 
ing which he learned the painter's trade, which he followed sixteen years. In 1872 he 
entered the employ of Johnson Brothers, where he remained five years. In 1877 he 
opened a general store at Jacksonville, which he conducted successfully for ten years 
and then returned to Ithaca, where he built a large store and stocked it fully with 
groceries and provisions of all kinds, dry goods, drugs, boots and shoes, etc. Mr. Dur- 
ling has always been an active worker in the Republican party, but never was a candi- 
date for office. May 8, 1860, he married Sarah L. Barnes, daughter of Samuel Barnes, 
a shoemaker in the village of Varna, town of Dry den. 

Drake, Henry B., an old.and highly respected resident of Lansing, was born May 16, 
1 820, a son of Freeman Drake of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The grandfrather was Fufers 
Drake, also a native of the latter town, where he died. About 1808 Freeman came 
and settled in Lansing, being a carpenter by trade, and a farmer. He married Cathar- 
ine, daughter of General Henry Bloom of Lansing, a veteran of the war of 1812, and 
they had ten children. He died May 12, 1862, and his wife in March, 1861. Henry 
B. was reared on the farm, received a common school education, and at the age of 
nineteen began farming, working for nine years for his uncle. In 1848 he bought the 
farm of 125 acres where he now lives, to which he has also added until now he owns 
187 acres. He has been very successful in agriculture, and has acquired more than a 
competency. He has always been a staunch temperance advocate. In 1845 he 
married Lucinda, daughter of Daniel and Catharine (La Bar) Teeter, of Lansing. Mr. 
and Mrs. Drake have no children of their own, but have adopted two: John, born 
January 31, 1869, and Jennie N., born January 4, 1871, both children of his deceased 
brother, Lewis J. Drake. 
ff 



350 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

Elyea, Horace, was born in che town of Danby, on the farm where he now resides, 
April 6, 1822. He acquired his early education in the district school, and on leaving 
school went back to his father's farm, which afterwards came to him through his buy- 
ing out the other heir, and here he now resides, having built new barns and a beautiful 
house on the west side of the main road. He is a Eepublican in politics, and has 
served in various offices in the town, having been collector and assessor for the past 
six years. H« has nearly 100 acres of fine farming land, and is one of the town's 
prominent men. He makes a specialty of dairying, the produce being about 200 quarts 
per day. In 1865 he married Francis Nelson, daughter of William Nelson, of Danby, 
and they have had five children, two sons surviving. 

Emmens, Daniel, was born in Ithaca, November 9, 1818, and has passed a lifetime 
on the farm on which he now resides. He was educated at the district schools, but at 
an early age devoted himself to farming. He married at the age of twenty- two 
Dehlah McOutchen, daughter of Robert McCutchen, by whom he had one son, Theodore, 
who now lives on the farm with him. The wife of Mr. Emmens died in April, 1877, 
and he married second Orvilla McCutchen. Mr. Emmens is a Republican and takes 
a deep interest in educational and religious matters, being a regular attendant at 
the M. E. Church at Varna, to which he gives liberal support. He is known and 
recognized in his neighborhood as a successful farmer. 

Drake, N. Eugene, was born in the town of Newfield, September 10, 1854, a son of 
WilUam H., also a native of this county, born September 6, 1825. He was a farmer 
and lived in the town of Newfield until thirty years of age, when he removed to En- 
field, where he still resides. His wife was Sarah Henry, of Irish descent, born July 18, 
1830, and died August 3, 1856, leaving two children : Joseph H., a carpenter of Cleve- 
land, 0., and Eugene. The latter was educated in the common schools and assisted his 
father on the farm until the age of twenty-one, after which he was for two years em- 
ployed in wagonmaking in Newfield. In 1878 became to Ithaca, engaging with S. C. 
Wattles in his produce store, where he remained four years. He was with George 
W. Frost for over three years, after which, in company with James Mitchell, he es- 
tablished a general grocery and provision store at 67 East State Street. The firm of 
Mitchell & Drake existed about eighteen months, and then Mr. Mitchell sold his in- 
terest to Herbert B. Townsend. Drake & Townsend conducted business till March 6, 
1892, and Mr. Drake bought his partner's interest and has since conducted the business 
alone. He is one of the leading grocers of the city, carrying a line of staples, and also 
deahng in fruit. He has been a member of Ithaca Lodge I. O. 0. F. since 1893 and is 
also a member of the Fire Department. In 1883 he married Jennie Card, daughter of 
Timothj"^ Card of Candor. 

Dale, Alfred D., was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire county, England, February 15, 
1830, educated in the pubUc schools and under private instruction in his native 
country. At fifteen he went to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed five 
years in England. In 1845 he came to this country and located in Ithaca, where for 
four years he was employed as a journeyman carpenter, then going into business for 
himself which he conducted twenty years, the first man to pay cash for labor in this 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 2.^ 

city. He always had a natural tact for drawing, and spent a year with I. Gr. Perry, 
superintendent of architecture of the State capitol ; and as Ithaca at that time had no 
architect, in 1870 he established an office there, which he has ever since conducted. 
Mr. Dale was the designer of the Masonic Hall, Sprague block, Wilgus block, Journal 
block, the Gregg block, Titus block, the Ferrey and Bates block ; the first High school 
building he planned, and many stores, residences, etc. He is a member of the Demo- 
cratic party, and is now serving his fifth year as an assessor, iii which office he has won 
the respect and admiration of the community by his impartiality and honesty. He 
married in 1853, Julia A. Whitlock, a native of the town. Mr. Dale is a member of 
Fidelity Lodge No. 71, F. & A. M., Eagle Chapter, and St. Augustine Commandery. 

Dean, Oscar K., was born in Jacksonville, educated in the public schools, and before 
the war was a tinsmith. August 5, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, 109lh N. Y. Vol- 
unteers, and was in the department of the Army of the Potomac. He was wounded 
in the battle of Hatcher's Run, October 27, 1864, his right arm being amputated on the 
field. He was afterwards in Howard Hospital, Washington, D. C, and was honorably 
discharged for disability, January 14, 1865. March 13, 1872, he married Addie Folett, 
of Ulysses, and they had one daughter, Edith R. Mrs. Dean died May 15, 1888. Wil- 
liam C, father of Oscar, was born in Connecticut in 1803 and came here when a young 
man. He married Sallie B. Smith, formerly of his native county, and they had nine 
children: Amy, Beverly S., Hattie E., Emily E., Julia F., William E., Alden, Oscar 
K., and Chauncey. He died November 13, 1876, and his wife December 22, 1889. 
Beverly Smith, grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the war of 1812. 

Dorsey, Mrs. Adel, was born in Washington, D. C, in 1852, her maiden name being 
Thornton. She came north in 1870, locating in Lodi, Seneca county, and afterwards 
in North Hector, coming to Trumansburgh in 1871. The same year she married George 
P. Dorsey of Trumansburgh, and they had six children : Lottie, who died aged nineteen 
years; Mary J., Ella M., Leona, who died in infancy, Walter P. and Nancy. Mrs. 
Dorsey, through her own well directed and continuous efforts has paid for a comfort- 
able home in Trumansburgh. 

Dumont, Waldron B., was born in Cairo, Greene county, December 15, 1810, was 
educated in the common schools of that day, and has always been a farmer. He came 
to Seneca county at an early day, and to Tompkins county in 1857. About the year 
1859 he married Melinda M. Van Duser of Trumansburgh, by whom he had two sons 
and a daughter: Frederick S., who died in 1873 ; Balle, who died in 1873 ; and Charles, 
a mechanic in Weedsport. Mrs. Dumont died April 29, 1892. Walter, father of W. B., 
was born at the old home about 1775, and married Halsey Smith. They had six chil- 
dren: John, Elizabeth, Mary, Frederick, Waldron B. and WiUiam. He died about 
1848 and his wife about 1852. The ancestry of the family is French, German and 
Dutch. 

Darling, Reuben, was a native of New Hampshire, and from that State served as a 
musician (fifer) in the War of 1812-15. In the course of his army experience he be- 
came acquainted with the fertility of the land in Central New Tork, hence after the 
close of the war he came to Moravia and thence to Groton, settling at Peruville, where 



252 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

he worked at his trade (cabinetmaker) about twenty years. He then bought a farm, 
a patt of the extensive farm now owned by his son Lyman, and here resided until his 
death. His wife was Frances, daughter of Timothy Ha,rt, and by whom he had these 
children : Emeline, who married Julius Bement; Caroline Matilda, who married Daniel 
Conger; Lyman, Rebecca Jane, the second wife of Daniel Conger, and Edward, now 
living in Dryden. Reuben Darling died in 1870, aged ^seventy-nine years, his wife 
preceding him by a number of years. Lyman Darling, known throughout the region of 
his residence as one of the most thrifty and successful farmers, also as a man of much 
personal influence, was born August 24, 1826, and has devoted his life to farm work. 
That he has been abundantly successful is attested in the fact that his present farm of 
228 acres is one of the best cultivated and most productive of the county, while its 
buildings and equipment are not to be surpassed in the region. In February, 1872, he 
married Sarah, daughter of Joseph Smiley. Four children have been born of this mar- 
riage, all of whom are now living. In pohtics Mr. Darling has generally been a Repub- 
lican, but during later years he has been somewhat identified with the principles of 
Prohibition. 

Dusenberry, Corry Gr., was born November 16, 1863, in the town of Dryden. His 
father, Henry L., was also a native of the town, the family having originally come from 
Hall among the early settlers. Henry L. married Catharine Smiley, daughter of John 
Smiley, and they had two children: Mrs. Ellen Reed of Freeville, and our subject, 
Corry Gr. Henry L. died January 9, 1890. He was a well-known man in his town, 
and of recognized ability and integrity. Corry Gr. was educated in the common schools 
of his native town, finishing at the Cortland Normal, and later taking up a business 
course at the Elmira Business College. He is now living on the old homestead, which 
has been in the possession of the family for seventy-five years. The farm comprises 
103 acres of fine dairy land. 

Dean, David M., was born in the town of Newfield, October 31, 1852, the youngest 
sou of Jeflferson Dean, a farmer, who is a native of Ithaca, still living at eighty- two 
years of age. The mother of our subject was Matilda Barnes of Newfield. The grand- 
father, Bliakim Dean, was one of the pioneers of the county, and owned a tract of 600 
acres of land in Newfield. He was justice of the peace, appointed by Grovernor Clinton. 
David was educated in the common schools and the old Ithaca Academy ; leaving the 
latter in 1869, he followed teaching in the common schools for two years, and then en- 
tered the office of Merritt King. He had been a student of law with him from the age of 
sixteen, teaching winters and studying summers. His last teaching was as principal of 
Newfield High School with 100 scholars. He was admitted to the bar at Albany Jan- 
uary 8, 1874, opened an office in his native village, and was engaged in practice there 
until the fall of 1876, when he was nominated for district attorney and elected, an office 
he held for six years. He married, December 27, 1882, Hattie B. Lebarre of Newfield. 
Mr. Dean enjoys the reputation of being one of Ithaca's leading lawyers. 

Dates, William Morehouse, one of Lansing's prominent farmers, was born on the 
farm he now owns, June 21, 1847, the son of John D. Dates, of New Jersey, born in 
June, 1808, who, when a lad of thirteen years, started out in hfe for himself. The 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 253 

latter when a young man bought a threshing machine, and returned to New Jersey 
with it, following threshing for a few seasons, then engaged in farming, which he fol- 
lowed for the rest of his life, though at the age of about forty he studied law and prac- 
ticed in the justice's courts ; this he followed till within ten years of his death. His 
practice was extensive in all parts of the county. He was a Republican. His father 
was Derrick Dates of New Jersey, who came to Tompkins county about 1820. John 
D. married Mrs. Electa Jane CMorehouse) Mack, of Lansing, by whom he had three 
children: Charles H., born in 1845; WiUiam M., born in 1847, and Mary J., born in 
1850. John D. Dates died May 5, 1885, after a long and useful career. William M. 
received his education in the common schools and in G-roton Academy, and after leav- 
ing school he returned to the farm. At the age of twenty-two he bought of his father 
8 portion of the farm and began for himself. To this he has added, until he now owns 
about 300 acres of farm land, all of which he operates, raising fruit to quite an extent. 
In October, 1869, he married Mary A., daughter of Hiram and Abby Ann (Baker) 
Holden, of Lansing, and they have had six children : John D., born July 26, 1870 ; 
Myra S., born December 8, 1874 ; Helen St. John, born May 22, 1880 ; Mary L., born 
August 29, 1882; Florence H., born April 18, 1885, and Abbie May, born January 14, 
1892. Mr. Dates is a Granger of Lansingville Lodge, No. 282, and an Odd Fellow, 
Lodge No. 544, Rebekah Degree, of which latter Mrs. Dates is a member. Our sub- 
ject's mother resides with him, and is still a well preserved woman at the age of eighty- 
five years, having been a member of the Presbyterian Church seventy-five years. 

Drake, A. 0., was born in Newfield, June 21, 1846. Joshua Drake, his grand- 
father, was a native of Connecticut. William Drake, father of our subject, was a native 
of New York State ; Prudy, his wife, also being a native of New York State. The 
father of our subject was a prosperous farmer A. 0. was educated in the Newfield 
schools. His business through life has been farming, never aspiring to any political 
oflBce. He married, in 1866, Alice Drake, of Catherine, N. Y., and they have one 
child now at home. Our subject is a member of the Grange and Newfield Lodge 

Dassance, Albert, was born in Newfield, June 2, 1856. Hosea, his father, was a 
native of Vermont and came to this town in 1816. He was a farmer and carpenter. 
He married Elizabeth Tense, born in Lansing, and of their six children our subject was 
the youngest. He has followed his father's occupation of farming and carpentry, and 
in 1890 he married Nora B. Grant, of Danby, by whom he has two children, Ruth E. 
and Deland G. Mr. Dassance i«! a Mason, of King Hiram Lodge, No. 784, is a Repub- 
lican and has been collector two terms. 

Dnscoll, Brothers.— This firm is composed of Patrick, John C. and William M. Dris- 
coU, and was established in 1880 to carry on general contracting, with a specialty of 
mason work. Their hne is to furnish all building material and execute all kmds of 
building, and they employ about sixty men. Many of the buildings they have erected 
are from their own designs, and the most of their work has been residences. They 
contracted for the laying of Telford Macadam three-quarters of a mile on Aurora street 
and for about 1,200 feet of Medina stone on State street ; also for the whole of the 
mason work of the new Lyceum Theater. This firm also represents the Glen Falls 



254 LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

and British American Fire Insurance Companies for this county, and ihey are special 
agents for the sale of the Alba and Atlas Portland Cements. Their office and store 
rooms are located at 14 South Tioga street. 

Dowell, William, was born in London, England, in 1828, and came to this country 
in 1859, settling first in Danby, where he remained four years, and then coming to 
Ithaca in 1863, where he bought a farm of ninety-nine acres, on which he still resides. 
He married at the age of nineteen, Rhoda Sable, of England. Mr. and Mrs. Dowell 
have never had any children, but during their life have adopted twelve, all now settled 
in homes of their own with the exception of two, who reside at home. Mr. Dowell 
makes a specialty of dairying, having a milk route in the city of Ithaca. The daily 
output of his dairy is about 125 quarts. 

Curtis E. L. B., was born in the town of Danby, September 9, 1822, was educated 
in the schools of the day and finished at Mount Vernon Street School in Boston, after 
leaving which he returned to the homestead farm. In 1850, Anna K. Mills (daughter 
of Charles L. Mills of Corning) became his wife, and they have had six children, of 
whom two sons and three daughters survive. Charles E., the oldest, is now a resident 
of Ouray county, Colo.; Arthur M., the youngest son, is now principal of the Union 
School of Mount Morris, Livingston county. Our subject is a prominent Republican of 
the town and in 1864 was tendered the nomination to the Assembly, which he de- 
clined preferring to give his sole attention to his business affairs. He is the owner of 
about 500 acres of some of the best farming lands in the locality, and makes special- 
ties of dairying and sheep-raising. He is an active and energetic man and takes a 
prominent part in all the local events of the day in his town. 

Crittenden, Samuel was a native of Guilford, Coun., born December 18, 1778. At 
the age of nineteen he came to this region, travelmg the entire distance with an ox- 
team. He finally located near McLean village, where he died April 1, 1862. He was 
one of the early judges of the court ^of the county, was a man of large interest in 
local affairs, and generally known as Judge Crittenden. He married Hannah Terry, 
who bore him nine children : Seth, who died in infancy ; Seth Rossiter, Asa, Samuel, 
an early lawyer of Ithaca ; Chauncey, Sally, Norman, a merchant of Ithaca, and 
a prominent man in town affairs ; Polly, and Caroline. Asa Crittenden mar- 
ried Sally Harris, and had three children : Minerva, born December 12, 1823, 
died the same year ; Gilman D., born Norn November 18, 1825 ; Samuel R., 
born December 25, 1827 ; Mary Jane, born May 4, 1830, who married James Wilcox; 
Sarah Ann, born February 10, 1832, married first William T. Lormor, and second Elliot 
B. Wheeler. Asa Crittenden died May 5, 1891, and his wife October 5, 1859. Oilman 
D. son of Asa, was born November 18, 1825, and in the war of the RebeUion was a 
prominent figure in the Tompkins county militia. He was elected captain of Company 
0, 76th Regiment, and served with honor three years and six months. His wife was 
Helen, daughter of Jehiel Backus, by whom he had five sons, three of whom are liv- 
in<y: Elmer O., now on the farm; Wilbur, of Cortland village; and Ploren W., a 
member of the firm of Begent & Crittenden, of Groton. The latter was born August 



FAMILY SKETCHES. . ■ 255 

26, 1866, was educated in the Grroton Union School, and in 1886 was clerk for D. Mc- 
Lachlan. In November, 1890, the firm of Begent & Crittenden succeded Mr. McLachlan. 

Camp, Edward, was born in Ulysses June 13, 1842, educated in the pubhc schools 
and Trumansburgh Academy, and at the breaking out of the war enlisted in Company I, 
32d New York Volunteers, being the first to volunteer in his town. He was wounded 
in the foot at West Point, Va., May 7, 1862, was promoted duty sergeant, and honor- 
ably discharged in September, 1862, on account of his wound. Mr. Camp has been 
president of Trumansburgh. and is serving his second term as supervisor of his town. 
January 28, 1862, he married Susan J. Winfield of this village, and they have two 
children : Harmon W., and M. Hermione, both living at home. Mr. Camp's father 
Hermon, was born in New Milford, Conn., October 6, 1787, and came to Trumans- 
burgh in 1805. His first wife was Carohne Cook of Geneva, by whom he had two 
children. His second wife was Catharine Cook, a cousin of his first wife, by whom 
he had two children : Edward and Hermon, the latter dying in infancy. He married 
third Sarah P., widow of Frederick Camp, and they had one daughter, who married 
Major P. H. Griswold and now resides in Rochester. Mr. Camp, sr., was a member of 
assembly in 1820, was president of Trumansburgh Academy, which he, with several 
others, was instrumental in founding, and was a prominent temperance man, having 
been elected president of the State Temperance Society. He was commissioned cap- 
tain of cavalry in 1810 and as lieutenant-colonel soon afterwards, and held the rank 
of colonel of cavalry in the war of 1812. He was greatly interested in the growth 
and prosperity of Trumansburgh, to which he contributed not a little. Edward has 
resided in Virginia for twenty years since the war, having an interest in the Norfolk 
Knitting Mills there. He was deputy United States marshal for the eastern district for 
five years after his discharge, and was appointed recruiting officer until the close of the 
war. He is a member of Treman Post No. 572 Gr. A. R., and one of its past comman- 
ders. He is also a member of Trumansburgh Lodge 157, F. & A. M., Pidehty Chapter 
77, R. A. M., and was its high priest two years. He is a member also of St. Augustine 
Commandery of Ithaca. 

Coggshall, David H., respected head of one of G-roton's substantial pioneer families, 
came from Saratoga county in 1820, and settled on the farm now owned by John 
Smith. Here the pioneer lived, and in connection with his farm work, worked as a 
tailor, having learned the trade during his young life. In his family were: William 
Alanso, David, Tamasy and Clara. The third son, David Hoyt, came to the town with ' 
the family, and although he began his business life with very little help, he nevertheless 
succeeded in building up a goodly fortune for his children, and his accumulations were 
the result of his industry and perseverance. He possessed 1,000 acres of good land in 
the town, and likewise was a man of large influence in public affairs. He was captain 
of one of the State militia companies. His wife was Lois Green, by whom he had 
these children : Calphronia, who married John Smith and now lives on the old home 
farm; Van Buren, now living in Locke; David H., and William Lamar. David H. 
Coggshall, son of David Hoyt, and grandson of the pioneer David H., was born in 
Groton, December 1, 1847, and has alwas been a farmer of the town. He is also an 
apiarian of prominence, was one of the pioneers of bee culture in the region, and one 



a 



256 ■ LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 

of the most successful honey producers in Central New York. His new residence is 
unquestionably the most complete and attractive in Groton. February 24, 1869, he 
married Clarinda F., daughter of John Smith, by whom he has had three children ; 
Louis Le Roy, Ella N., and Claude. The latter died in infancy. 



INDEX-PART I. 



Abel, Loretta, Dr., 91. 

John J., .^53- 
Academy, Ithaca, 184 et seq. 

Trumansburgh, 22. 
Ackley, Gibbons J., 176. 

Henry, 97, 127, 128, 134, 137, 
161, 175, 187. 

Julius, 104, 122, 128, 130, 147, 
148,-162, 17s, 176. 
Adams, C. L., 46, 220. 

Charles Kendall, 511, 518, 
563, 572-574. 663. 

Henry C, 572, 573, 576. 

Nathan, 298. 

Nathan and Seymour H., 
296. 

Moses, Rev., 309. 

Seymour H , 298. 
Adler, Felix, 546. 
Agassiz, Louis, 413, 447, 448, 480. 
Agricultural Society, Dryden, 
262. 

Society, Tompkins county, 
48. 
Akins, W. H., 177. 
Albright, Andrew, 260. 

Jacob, 262. 
Aldrich, Fred. E., 150. 
Alexander, Robert, 332. 
Allen, A. P., 46. 

Andrew and David, 314. 

Chas. De L., Rev., 242. 

Clinton B., Dr., go. 

D. K., Dr.,87. 

E. Davis, 258. 
Edward D., Dr., 87. 
Isaac, 312, 315. 
Job, 48. 

J. R., Rev., 302. 

Lyman, 322. 

Oliver E., 149. 

Mary A., Dr., 90. 

Perry W., 327. 

Rachel, loi. 

W. E., Rev., 243. 

William. 322. 

W. H., 47, 324. 
Ailing, Job, 313, 315. 
Almy, Bradford, 59, 72. 144, 157, 
180. 

E. C, 244. 

G. H., 220, 221. 

Samuel, 221, 232. 
American party, the, 37. 
Andrews, Ezra, 315. 

George H., 410. 

Henry C, Rev., 309. 

Isaac C, 189. 

John P., 62. " 

gg 



Andrus, Elnathan, 167. 

Frederick H., 150, 188. 

William, 42, 104, 148, 150, 163, 
187, 200, 201, 409, 451. 
Anthonv, Alonzo, 321. 

Wilfiam A., 581, 582. 
Anti-Masonic excitement, 27. 
Apgar, D. J., 43, 200. 

George W., 44, 195. 

Peter, 149, 150. 
Apley, Griswold, 149. 
Applegate, C. C, 353. 

John, 13, 350, 353, 354. 
Applegate's Corners, 350, 354. 
Armitage, B. B., Dr., 78. 
Armstrong, T. S., 26. 
Ashdown, James, 155. 
Ashley, James, Dr., 78, 280, 288. 

James and Simeon, Drs.. 
275- 

Samuel P., 287, 290. 
Assemblymen, 24, 
Atkinson, George F., 593, 691. 
Atwater, David, 209, 353. 

Edward, 18. 

Elijah, 24. 

Jason, Dr., 77, 78. 

Leonard, 18. 

Wm., 2:)4. 

Atwood, C. P., 324. 

E. P., 322. 

Origen, 148, 170. 
Austin, Francis M., 215. 

William, 72. 
Avery, Eliakim, 63. 

E. M., 321. 

Frederick, 321. 

Oliver, 323. 

Oliver, jr., 322. 
Ayers, E. J., 219. 

Mathaniel, 219. 
Ayres, Clinton, 151. 

David, 121, 122, 130, 185, 186, 
192, 193. 

D. H., 221. 

Richard, 210. 

William W., 26. 

Babcock, Charles, 503, 638, 691. 

George W., 146, 151. 

Horace, 449. 

John L., Dr., 91. 
Bachelor, Rev. Elijah, 302. 
Bacon, Daniel, 333 

Horace, Dr., 78. 

William, Dr., 78. 
Badger, H. C, Rev., 196. 
Bailey, Daniel W., 353. 

James, 351. 



Bailey, Liberty H., (=30, 691. 
Baker, Albert, 20. 

Albert J., 259. 

A. M., 201. 

Brothers, 261. 

David J., 250, 258. 

Eugene, Dr., 79, 80, 90. 

George H., 50, 166. 

James L., 60, 72, 146, 147, 203. 

Judah, 349. 

Samuel, 330. 

Stephen, 215. 

William H., 179, 299. 
Balch, Charles, Rev., 194. 
Balcolm, F. D. C, Dr., 92. 

Ransom, 19, 
B^aldwin, Alva M., 320. 

Asa, 314. 

A. M., Dr., 80. 81, 86. 

Emery R.. Rev., 321, 327. 

Myron, Dr., 79. 

M. M., 72, 319. 

WilliaiS D., 319. 
Ballard, D. Clarke, 263. 

Erasmus, 132. 
Banfield, Moses, 297. 

Peter, 13. 
Bar, early members of the, 65 
et seq. 

the present, 72. 
Barager, Charles F., 24. 
Barber, Charles R., Dr., 89. 

D., Dr., 79. 

William, 354. 
Harden, John, 151, 162. 

Wallace W"., 200. 201. 
Baright, Julia S., Dr., 91. 
Barker, Moses, 297, 301. 

Oliver, Dr., 79. 
Barnaby, A. E., 44. 

& Hedges, 133. 
Barnard, Frederick, 148, 149. 

John, ^00, 204. 

L. A., 203 

M. R., 184. 

W. S., 603. 

& Allen, 262. 
Barnes, Alfred S., 473, 502. 

Myron S , 46. 
Barney, B. R., Dr., 86. 
Barnum, R. W., 262. 
Barr, D. C, Dr., 82. 

David T., Dr., 86. 

John H., 659, 692. 

William, Dr., 81. 

W. H.,Dr., 88. 
Bartholomew, Caleb, 254, 262. 

Daniel, 249, 263. 

Jesse, 249, 328. 



258 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



Bartlett, George, 19. 
Hartley, John, 53. 
Barto, C. P., 220. 

Daniel O., 188, 222, 240. 

F D., 221. 

Henry D., 19, 58, 59, 63, 65, 
21T, 242. 

R. v., 220. 
Barton, Lewis, 258, 259. 
Bates, Charles W , 104. 

Daniel, 127, 128, 147, 161, 165, 
173, 174, 184. 

Fred E., 287, 291. 

N. L., 258. 

Rufus, 150, 153, 159, 188. 

Selick, 297. 
Baucus, Nettie, i8g. 

W. I., 262, 263. 
Beach, Amos, Rev., 195. 

D. A., 301. 

Judson, Dr., 79, 80, 87. 
Beaman, Charles P., Dr., 93. 
Beardslee, CM., 306. 

Noah, 505. 
Beardsley, George F., igS. 

Henry, 300. 

J., 155. 

John, S. T., 194. 

Lewis, 296, 298, 300. 

Roswell, 162, 337, 348. 
Becker, G. P., 220, 221. 
Beckwith, Geo. M., Dr., 86. 
Beebe, Alvah, 39, 175. 

John C , Dr., 92. 

Jeremiah S., 104, 120, 127, 133, 
134, 161, 162, 170. 
Beers, Abner, 300. 

Abner, jr., 296. 

David B., 120, 173. 

Eli, Dr., 24, 78, 87, 298, 299. 

Frederick, Dr., 78, 298, 299. 

Jabez, 13, 295, 296. 

James L., Dr., 90. 

John E., Dr., 25, 87, 299. 

Lewis, Dr., 13, 78, 199, 295, 
296, 298, 300, 302. 

George D.. 20,' 23, 68. 

Ira, 185. 

Isaac, 103, 119, 127, 128. 

Isaac M., 148, 149. 

Levi C, 299. 

L. L., 50. 

Nathan, 296. 

Samuel, 146. 

Stephen, 298, 300. 
Begent, F. A., 320. 
Bell, Prof., 449. 
Benedict, John, 315. 
Benjamin, Charles G., 346. 

Charles M., 43, 200. 

G., 185. 

Joseph, 34, 125, 127. 
Bennett, Aaron. 298. 

Charles E., 541, 692. 

J., 63. 

James B., 150. 

J- D., 145. 

Jonathan, 311, 315. 

L. D., 233. 

M. R., 221. 

Phineas, 37, 124,128, i6g, 174. 
Benson, Nathan, 24, 315. 

William, 155. 
Benton, Frank R., 72. 
Bergholtz, H., 160. 
Berry, Levi A., 155. 

Thomas, Rev., 243. 

William S., 153. 



Besemer, Howard B., Dr., 86, 
92. 

Martin, Dr., 8g. 
Bierce. Erastus, 300. 
Biggs, C. P., Dr., 79, 80. 

D. S., 221, 233. 

Frederick C, 221. 

Joseph, 227. 

Joseph H., 216. 

&Sons, D. S., 233. 
Bingham, Charles, 63, 64. 
Bishop, Daniel, 197. 

Daniel L., 187. 

Alonson, Dr., 80, 87. 

Samuel P., Dr., 78. 

Thomas, 24. 
IMackman, Abram, 288. 

W. F., Rev., 198. 
Blair, Andrew S., Dr., 91. 

Charles H., 177. 

George, 282, 286. 

James A., Dr., 93. 

William H., 287. 
Blake, Eli W., 412, 505, 581. 
Bliesmer, C. A., 320. 
Bliss, Luther, 311, 314. 
Blodgett, Admatha, 311, 315. 

Samuel, 360. 

Xury, 315. 
Blood, Charles H.,72. 

C. F. , 153, 157, 164, 166, 180, 
183, 192. 

Seth, 315. 
Bloodgood, Francis A , 23, 39, 
no, 161. 

S. DeWitt, 35, 3 

tract, no. 
Bloom, Ephraim, 3 ;i 

Henry, 16, 23, 6-..:, C3. r,'Z. 
Bloomfield, A. G., Rev., '-.02 
Blue, Michael, 167, 
Blythe, George, 128, 147, 173. 

Samuel J., 122, 133, 173. 
Boardman, Allen, 210. 

Douglass, 58, 59, 61, 70, 145, 
162, 163, 188, 210, 451, 663, 
664, 666. 

Henry, 210. 

Truman, 25, 163, 210, 216, 221, 
222, 234. 
Bogardus, J. B., 339. 
Bogart, William H., 24, 70, 207. 
Boice, Abraham, jr., 280. 

Eli, 280. 

William, 332. 

James, 287. 

William K., 287, 288. 
Booth, John I., 320, 
Bostwick, Andrew, 351. 

Hermon v., 157, i8i, 195. 

William L., 19, 25, 104, 1S8, 
353 
Bouton, Clinton D. W., 72, 144, 
151, 262. 

Edwin P., 221. 

J.D..221. 

Nathan, 262. 
Bowen, Ichabod, 311. 

Ellas, Rev., 193. 
Bower, Alexander, 25, 48, 209, 
214, 215, 219. 

Alonzo, 305. 

Charles R,, 339. 

David, 24. 

Daniel, 214. 

D. E., 261, 263. 

Horace A., 215. 

Ira, 130, 148. 



Bower, Thomas, 214, 215. 

Tilman, 332. 
Bowker, Harrison, 322. 

John, 6^, 64, 330. 
Bowman, John, 63, 64. 

M. J., Mrs., 738. 
Boyce, Charles A., Dr., 89. 
Boyeson, H. H., 556. 
Boyd, L. S., Rev., 242. 
Boyer, Augustine, 277, 281, 287, 
292. 

Charles, 104. 
Boynton. John, 315. 

Frank D., 188, 189, 193. 
Boys, Almon, 155, 156. 

R. Willard, 155. 
Bradley, Daniel, 314. 

Daniel L., 319, 320. 

Major Lemi, 328. 

Sara K., 224. 
Bragdon, George C, 43. 
Braman, Anson, 149. 
Branch, Nathan, Dr., 311, 314. 
Branner, J. C, 590. 
Brearley, Joseph, 284. 
Brewer, Henry, 19, 24, 352, 353. 
Bridges, Jonathan, 174. 
Briggs, Diana C, Dr., 86. 

Elisha, Dr., 275. 

Isaac S. , Dr., 79, 87. 

James and Isaac, 297. 

Mary L., Dr., 87. 
Brigham, G. H., Rev., 320. 
Brink, Robert E., 292. 
Brinkerhoff & Son, W, D., 233. 
Bristol, George H., 25. 

George P., 692 
J'jrii - '' H., Rev., 355. 
B'o: ~ ^'^v.,355. 

Brok.t. ,. 

lironsi'U, O. A , 
Brooks, ^\ if red, 

Arthur B., ±^, , 

Erastus, 407, 418, 410. 

F. W., 153, 166. 

Phillips, Rev., 471. 
Brookton 'Mott's Corners) 290. 
Broome. Joseph R., Dr , 91. 
Brost, Henry, 154. 
Brown, Abraham, 304. 

Amos, Rev., 381-383, 396. 

A. F., Rev., 293. 

C, 2d, 63. 

Charles, 104. 

C. A., 172. 

C. B., 145, 150, 151, 157, 195, 

20^, 202. 

D. H , 320 
Edmund, Dr., 78. 
Eleazer, 27. 

P. A., 153. 

Horatio, 339. 

Ichabod, 14. 

John, 336. 

John E., 146, 147. 

J. Watson, Dr., 80, 81, 87, 146, 

348. 
M. M., Dr., 79, 203. 
Samuel R. and Christopher, 

333- 
Sumner, 315. 
Wm. Rev., 172. 
W. Jerome, 150. 
Brundage, Wm. H., 167. 
Brush, George, 214. 
Bruyn, Andrew D. W., 15, 16, 39, 
58-60, 63, 65, 67, 103, 104, 128, 
147, .t6i, 173, 186. 



INDEX. 



259 



Buchanan, Samuel, 130. 
Buck, George E., 194. 

James G., 33Q. 
Buckbee, Enos, 148, 
Buell, Don C, 219. 

Salmon, 174. 
Bull, Aaron, 27Q. 

Henry W., Dr., 89. 

John, ig, 287, 29J. 

Moses, 294. 
Bunstead, Chas. H., 203. 
Burch, Calvin D., 50, 263. 

Wm. S., 214. 
Burchell, Geo. R., 72. 
Burdick, Francis M., 666. 

D. W., 151, 157, 160, 195, 204. 
John F., Dr., 79, 89. 

M. A., 221. 

Wm. P., 103. 
Burleuw, Frederick, 210. 
Burling, Walter, 153. 
Burns, Thos. W., 72. 
Burr, Calvin, 161, 333, 339. 346. 

George L., 573,693. 

J. E , Dr., 80. 

Walter, 221. 
Burritt, Abel, 159. 

E.J.. 151. 

Joseph, 119, 122, 123, 130, 148, 
194. 

William A., 47. 
Burt, David L,, 104. 

William S , 187, 188. 
Burtt, Hugh T , 104. 
Bush, Charles, 168. 

E. G., Dr., 79. 
Francis M., 192. 
Isaac L., 290. 
John J., 19, 28-'. 
Oakley, 272. 
Richard, 272, 287. 

Butler, Com v-.r:, 124, 172, 296. 
Byington, Abram, 167. 
vVilliam, 76. 

Cadv, Charles, 262. 

Elias W., 24, 25, 251, 254, 262. 

John E., 25. 
Caldwell, G. C, iq6, 412, 480, 505, 

584, 670, 693. 
Camp, Edward, 215, 220, 221, 
234- 

Hermon, 16, 23, 24, 62, 63, 
161, 162, 211, 219, 222, 227, 
233-237- 
Campbell, John, 231. 

John, jr., 146, 147. ■ 

Martin V., 205. 

P. A., 203. 
Canal, the Sodus, 37. 
Canals, projected, 38. 
Cane," Elbert, 130. 
Cantine, Caroline, 288. 

John, 23, 270, 271, 288, 291. 

John M , 130. 

Locations," 271, 

Moses I., 23. 
Carbeii, Father, missionary, 3. 
Card, Elnathan H., 288. 
Carder, Rev. Dr., 195. 
Carey, William L., 150. 
Carman, James S., Dr., 90. 

W., 181. 
Cams, W. J., 289, 290. 
Caroline, churches, 293. 

early settlers qf, 279. 

supervisors of, 287. 

town of, 267. 



Caroline, Center, 292. 

Depot, 292. 

Post-Offlce, 291. 
Carpenter, L. W., Dr., 81, 82, 86. 

Ezra, 311, 315. 

E. S., 104. 

George, 322. 

Isaac. 1Q7. 

Jencks, 315. 

L. W., 221. 

Matthew, 139. 

RoUa C. 659, 694. 

S. Jenks, 311, 317. 
Carr, James M., 264. 

John, 242. 

Samuel D., 187, 319. 
Case, Philip, 150. 
Cass, Aaron, 283. 
Cathell, J. Everest, Rev., 243. 
Cayuga Lake Salt Company, 

346. 
Chadwick, Jabez, Rev., 265, 344. 
Chaffee, J. B., 200. 
Chambers, Ephraim. 287, 288. 

Jacob, 209. 

John, 287. 

Joseph, 272, 287, 291, 293, 303. 

Richard, 287. 
Chandler, G. W., Rev., 193. 
Chapin, L. N., 4.7, 324. 

Joseph, 33, 246. 
Chapman, A. G., 315, 320. 

Clara, 224. 

Clark, Dr., 314, 315. 

Newton D., Dr., 92. 

James, 130. 

Jedediah, Rev., igi, 240. 
Chase, Abraham, Dr., 79, 89. 

Ezra, Rev., 309. 

Henry B., Dr., 79, 86, 214, 

sis- 
Salmon P., 364. 
Chatterton, John, 132. 

T. S., 44. 
Christiance, Ralph C, 200, 202. 
Christopher, Wm. B., Dr., 92. 
Chronicle, the Ithaca, 44. 
Church, Austin, Dr., 79. 

Irving P., 694. 

William A., 198, 201. 
Cliurches, Caroline, 293. 

Danby, 301. 

Enfield, 355. 

Groton, 320. 

Lansing, 341. 

Newfield, 308. 
Civil divisions, 4. 
Clapp, Asahel, 44, 45. 

Charles, 154, 221. 

Lewis A , 44. 
Clark, A. M., 259, 260, 263. 

Daniel, 33. 

David, 296, 300. 

Guy C, trial and execution 
of, 76. 

Hezekiah, Dr., 296, 298, 300, 
301. 

Hiland K., 20, 25. 320, 322, 
325. 

Jesse, Capt., 311, 314, 328. 

John S., Gen., I notes of, on 
Sullivan's expedition, 2. 

J. W., 308. 

Lyttleton F., 299. 

Otis O., 202. 

R. A., 130. 

Samuel E., Dr., 79. 

Stephen W., 319. 



Clark, Uri, 153, 157, 183, 192, 300, 

W. S., 14, 311, 314, 328. 
Clarke, Thomas C, 449, 
Clausen, Ebenezer, 13, 246, 254. 
Cleaves, E. C, 659, 694. 
Cleveland, William C., 639, 640. 
Climatology, 9. 
Clinton, Charles M., 180. 

De Witt, Governor, extracts 
from letters of, 112, 218. 
Clisbe, Samuel C, 44. 
Clock, Fred L., 72, 151. 
Close, R. H., Rev., 319. 
Clough, Stephen, 242. 
Cobb, Amasa, 325. 

Elisha, 313. 

Lyman, 121, 122, 285. 

William, 315. 
Coborne, Chester, 63. 
Coburn, Chester, Rev-^ 19S;- 
Coddington, A, P., 221. 

David, 103. 
Cogswell, James F., 187. 
Coggshall, David H., 313. 
Colbert, William, Rev., 192, 340. 
Colburn, Adolphus, 130. 

Asaph, 132. 

Elias, 130. 
Colby, Ellery, 318, 322, 323. 
Cole, Alvin, 259. 

A S., 156. 

Frank, 146, 156. 

George, 258. 
Colegrove, Daniel, 353. 

James, 63. 

Lockwood F,, 104. 
Collier, J., 185. 

Collin, Charles A., 145, 666, 695. 
Collins, John, Dr.. 78. 

P. W., 220. 

William R., 48, 115, 121, 128, 
147, 148, 161, 162, 163, 184, 193, 
214. 
Collis, H. J., Rev., 194. 
Colston, John, 130. 
Comfort, George, 220. 
Compton, Peter, Rev,, 302. 
Comstock, Alex. McG., Dr., 77, 
78. 

J. H., 615-621, 695. 

Oliver C, 16, 23, 58, 59, 63, 77 
-79, 196, 210, 219, 233, 240. 

Theodore B., 597. 
Conde, S. C, 221. 
Congdon, Lyman, 20, 25, 215. 
Conyer, Benn, 318, 320. 

Corydon W., 315, 322, 323. 

Corydon W., Mrs., 324. 

Frank, 323. 

Jay, 324. 

Jonathan, 313. 
Conklin, John H., 339. 
Connor, Charlies W., 134,1128, 161, 

186. 
Conrad, Dayton, 292. 

Jacob, 24. 

Vincent, 121, 179. 

Wallace W., 291. 

Conway, Michael P., Dr., 
90. 
Cook Charles, 390-392, 404-408. 

Christopher C, Dr., 20, 79, 
88. 

Nathan, 130. 

Z., 50. 

& Conrad, 134. 
Cooley, Charles, 130. 
Coon, David, 139. 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKIN^ COUNTY. 



Coon, William C, 25. 
Cooper, Horace G., 215. 
Pelton & Co., 173. 
Thomas, 20g. 
William, 132, 287. 
Corbin, E. N., 203. 
Cornell, Alonzo B., 36, 104, 159, 
163, 191. 
Benjamin F., Dr., 89. 
Ezra, 24, 25, 133, 162, 163, 168, 
i7°i '75, 190, 398-400, 402, 403, 
405-407, 409-411, 413-423, 440 
-442, 446, 447, 451, 466, 497, 
4q8, 507, 668, biography of, 
672, 
F. C., 145-471 151, 156, i57i 164, 
l8g, I91, 291. 

Library, 190. 
University ; 

Agriculture, depart- 
ment of, 621. 

Alumni representation 
in the Board of Trus- 
tees, 456. 

Architecture, depart- 
ment of, 637. 

Athletics, 529. 

Botany, department of, 
587. 

Buildings, collections 
and museums, 500 

Campus and buildings, 
474- 

Charter of the univer- 
sity, 398. 

Chemistry, department 
of, 583. 

Church, the, 468. 

Civil engineering, de- 
partment of, 639. 

Coeducation, 442. 

Constitution of the uni- 
versity, 423. 

English literature, etc., 

547- 

Eutomology, depart- 
ment of, 614. 

Geology, departmenfof, 
596. 

History and political 
science, department 
of, 564 

History, department of, 
565. 

Intercollegiate literary 
contests, 526 

Introduction, 359. 

Journalism, 574. 

Land Grant Act, the, 
360. 

Land Grant, manage- 
ment of the, 413. 

Languages, 540 

Latin, department of, 
544- 

Law School, 663. 

Library, the, 482. 

Manual labor, 440. 

Mathematics and as- 
tronomy, 578. 

Mathematics and phys- 
ics, 578. 

Mechanic' arts, depart- 
ment of, 642, 

Military department, 
the, 436. 

National government, 
the, and higher educa- 
tion, 360. 



Cornell University : 

Natural Science, 583. 

New York State Agri- 
cultural College, the, 
384. 

Non-resident lecture 
system, the, 447. 

Opening of the univer- 
sity, 474. 

Oriental languages, the, 

545- 
Pedagogy, 563. 
People's College, the, 

384. 
Philosophy, department 

of, 557- 
Physics, department of, 

581. 
Plan of organization, 

423- 
Political Science, de- 
partment of 576. 
Preliminary history, 

384. 
Professional schools, 

659- 

Quarter-centennial, 667. 

Relation of the univer- 
sity to the State, 463. 

Romance and|Germanic 
languages, 554. 

Scholarships, 463. 

Sibley College of me- 
chanical engineering, 
643- 

Soc:eties, 515. 

Special Departments, 
54°- 

Student life, 512. 

Suit, the great, 491. 

Technical Departments, 
621. 

University administra- 
tion, 450. 

University Press, the, 

521. 

University Senate, the, 

452, 
University, the, as es- 
tablished, 504. 
Vertibrate zoology, de- 
partment of, 599. 
Veterinary science, de- 
partment of, 632. 
Corson, Hiram, 548. 
Corwin, Abel, 161. 
Coryell, Charles, Dr., 78, 149. 
Counties, erection of, 5. 
County clerks, 25. 
seat, 62. 
superintendents of schools, 

25- 
treasurers, 25. 
Court, County, 58. 
house, 63. 
house, jail and clerk's office, 

164. 
of Appeals, 54. 
of Common Pleas, the first, 

64. 
of General Sessions, the 
first held in the county, 
63- 
of Special Sessions, 61. 
Supreme, 55. 
Surrogate's, 60. 
Courts, evolution of, 53. 
Covert, George, 149. 
Coville, P. v., 592. 



Cowdry, Adam S., 149, 150. 

Chauncey, 148, 153. 

Resolve L., 148. 
Cox, William, 306, 309. 
Crafts, James M., 412, 505, 584. 
Grain, E. W., Dr., 325. 
Crandall, Albert, 209. 

C. L., 145, 146, 196, 695. 

Peter B., 188. 

Typewriter Co., 323. 
Crane, Eleazur, Dr., 79. 

T. Frederick, 556, 695. 
Crary, Augustus, Dr.,. 77, 78. 

Spencer, 315. 
Creque, John, jr., 45, 210, 219, 230, 
234- 

W. F., 220 
Cristman, Jacob, Dr., 90. 
Crittenden, Norman, 25. 

Samuel, 24, 148, 312, 315. 
Crocker, David, ao, 24, 336, 339. 
Cross, Richard E., 91. 
Crowley, Patrick, 151 
Crozier, Richard A., 104, 150, 157, 

166. 
Crum, Daniel and Lyman, 283. 
Crutts Brothers, 264. 
Cully, Matt , 220. 
Culver, Lewis H., 125, 148, 149. 

Miner, 200. 

Thomas, 203. 
Cummings, Herraon, 204. 

Joshua, 33. 
Cunningham, H. D., 43, 45, 47. 

John, Rev , 328. 
Curran, Obadiah B., 163. 
Curry, Amos, 353. 

James F., 209, 214. 
Curtis, Aaron, 288. 

C. E., Rev., 327. 

David, 103, 128. 

Elbert, Dr., 50, 297, 298, 299. 

E. L. B., 19, 24, 295, 299, 301. 

George William, 413, 447, 
448, 478. 

Levi, 299. 

William, 19, 287. 
Curtiss, Albert, Dr.. 78. 
Gushing, Stephen B., 24, 28, 71, 

104, 119, 148, 202. 
Cutler, Manasseh, Rev., 363, 364. 
Cuyler, Dr. V., 78. 

Daggett, Clark, 242. 

Dailey, John, 220. 

Dake, L. E., 221. 

Dana, Amasa, 24,, 58, 59, 61, 67, 

75, 104, 148, 162. 
Danby, churches of, 301, 

pioneers of, 295 et seq. 

supervisors of, 298. 

village, 300. 
Dann, Hollis E., 166, 189. 
Dans, Frank, 146, 147. 
Darragh, Robt. L., 37. 
Dart, George, 249. 
Davenport, Abram, 102. 

Cornelius, 214. 

E. P., 203. 

Moses, 103, 167. 

Nathaniel, 100, 102, 214. 

W. G„ 155. 
Davey, George W., 324. 

Vernon L., 320. 
Davidson, Edward, 130. 
Davis, Caleb, 103. 

Charles, 162. 

Clarkson T.,'260. 

Geo. B., 72,, 201, 



INDEX. 



261 



Davis, Geo. W., Dr., 90. 

John, 202. 

Joshua B., M7- 

Peter and William, 297. 
Day. Chailes G., 25, 72. 

Isaac, 184. 

John W., Rev., 196. 

S M., 45. 
Dayton M. M., 193. 
Dean. David M., 61, 72. 

Eliakim, 103, 214, 306. 

Fred. N., 72. 

Ira M., 220. 

Jefferson, 306 

Joshna 315. 

J. W. & C. W., 233. 

Oliver L., 154, 192, 200. 

Samuel H., 24, 287. 
Dearborn, Col. Henry, i, 2. 
Dedrich, Adelbert M.. 288. 
Deland, James, Dr., 79. 
Delano, Daniel S.. 318. 

Martin S.. 25. 

Will, Dr., 91, 
Deming, Frederick, 104, 130, 148, 
149, 170. 

Justus 140. T55. 

Democrat, the Tompkins, 44. 
Demond, Peter, 214. 
De Mund, Mathias, 210 
Denman, J. T., 25 
Dennis & Vail, 133. 
Densmore, George, Rev., 193, 
Depeu, Moses and Nicholas, 

331 
Depew, Chauncey M.. 668. 
De Riemer, Peter, 1:32. 
De'wey, Eugene, 233. 
De Witt Guard, the, 18, 182. 

Richard Varick, 35, 39, 136. 

Simeon, 23, 106, 109, no, 121, 
136. 
Dexter, James E., 319. 
Deyo. Elias, 296. 
Dickerman Aaron B., 214 221. 
Dickinson, James A., 18. 
Diltz, John. 153. 
Dimon H. G.. 319, 320. 
District attorneys, 61. 
Dix, John A-. 422. 
Dixon, George J., 154, 181, 201. 
Dodsley. Rev. Joseph E., 326. 
Doolittle. Rev. N., 294. 
Downing IVI. A.,3ic;. 
Donnelly, H. D.. i8S. 
Donovan, John, 146, 147. 
Douglass, C. B.. 220. 

William B., 161. 
Dowe, Harvey A., 61, 149. 
Downing, Thomas, 128. 
Drake, Amasa I. . 153. 

Amasa L., 155. 

Benjamin, 115-118, 122, 127, 
130, 132, 147, 161, 185. 

Caleb, B., ng, 148, 184, 199. 

Sidney, 333. 

Theophilus, 149, 197. 

Thomas N., 203. 
Driscoll, J. E., 154. • 
Dryden, town of, 244 et seq. 

early settlers in, 250. 

supervisors of, 254. 

Agricultural Society, 262. 

churches of, 264. 

village, 255, 

early settlers of, 257. 
mercantile interests of, 
261. 



Dryden village, officers of, 259. 
original land titles in, 

255 
schools of 259. 
secret societies of, 263. 
Dudley. George. 307. 
George F., Dr , 88. 
P. S.. 20, 307. 
William, 305. 
W. R.. 5QO, 59I' 5921 593- 
Dumond, Isaac, t2, 94:, 95-; gS, 
295, 297. 
John, 95,58^, 255, 298. 
Marcus A., Dr., 86. 
Peter, 102. 
Dumont, David, 20, 242. 
Frederick S., 24, 216, 234. 
W. B., 242. 
Dunning, Benjamin Dr., 88, 242. 

Urban, 130. 
Durand, William F., 659, 696. 
Durphy, H M., 150, 155, 177'. 
Dutton. J. F., Rev., iq6. 
Dwight, Jeremiah W., 25, 251. 
253, 254. 258. 
John W.. 19 261. 
Theodore W., 413, 447, 448, 
450, 567, 576- 
Dykeman, Jacob G., 48. 

Eakin, Emory A., Dr., go. 
Earl, Isaac, 149. 
Earsley. Francis, 291. 

Maria, Widow, 13, 269, 270, 
291, 293. 
East Lansing, 348. 
Eastman. Emma Shiffield, 445. 
Eaton, W. M., 151. 
Eddy, Hannah 183. 

L S.. 43- 

Otis. 130, 148, 171, 173, 175, 
185. 186. 

W. T., 15. 34, 123-125, 183. 
Edmunds, Charles, Dr., 79. 

George F., 499. 
Edsall, George 155. 
Edwards. Edward, 127. 

Timothy, 123. 
Eels & Co , H. P., 47, 324. 
EgHn, William. 156. 
Esrbert, Charles M., 348. 
Eldridge Kd. H., Dr., 78, 79. 

Lyman, Dr.. 78. 
Elliott, David. 130. 

Helen M.. 197. 
Ellis, Elias M., 201, 202. 

Francis E., 255. 

John, 24, 63. 64. 248, 254, 259. 

Peleg, 247,254, 259. 

Richard W , Dr., 90. 
Ellison, M. P.. 197. 
Ellsworth. Perry G., 72, 145, 201. 
Elston, Judson A., 60, 72. 
Ely, Daniel, 235. 

Edward, 219. 
Elyea, John, 297. 
Emerson, Alfred, 543, 697. 
Emery, Charles E., 450. 

J. R., 221, 227. 
Emig, Adam, 151. 
Emmons, Charles, Dr., 77. 

Richard, 146, 147. 
Enfield Center, 354. 

churches of, 355. 

supervisors of, 353. 

topography and settlement 

of, 349. 

English, Andrew, 213, 214. 



Ennest, Hartman, 272. 
Ensign, Orville S., Dr., 26, 86. 
Hnz, Frank J., 25, 145, 157, 194, 
200. 

& Miller, 172. 
Estabrook, H. A., igg. 

W. B , 72, 166. 
Esty, Albert H , 151, 157, 163, 

164, 189, 191, lg2. 

Clarence H., 72, 163. 
Edward S., 24, 25, 143, 145, 
146, 150, 152, 155, 159, 163, 
178, 188. 
Joseph, 104, 130, 148, 163, 175, 

178. 
Joseph, jr., 153, 183. 
William W., 155. 
Etna village, 263. 
Evans, Alfred J., Rev. Father, 
199. 
David H., 24. 
E. W , 412, 505, 578. 
Evarts, George W., 146 
Everitt, E. A., Dr., 89. 
Ewers, Paul, 251. 

Fahey, J. P., Dr. 80, 92. 

Fairbrother, F. A., 301. 

Fairchild, David, 45. 

Farley, T. H., 172. 

Farlin, Chauncy P,, Dr., 79. 

Farr, Eva, 224. 

Farrington, J. M., Dr., 70, 88, 

211. 

Fenner, Frederick, 347. 
Ferguson, I. P., 258, 262, 263. 

Michael, trial and execution 
of, 76. 

T. R., 26. 
Fernback, O. H , 202. 
Ferris, Benjamin G., 24, 70, 104, 

no, 130, 148, 149. 
Field, E'lisha, 318. 
Fields, David, 121. 
Financial crisis of 1837, 17. 

panics of 1857 and 1873, 22. 
Finch, Dudley F., 191. 

Edwin M., 183. 

Francis M., 55, 72, 84, 163, 
164, 178, 188, 409, 513, 665. 

Miles, 62, 124 

Wm. A., 72, 667. 

W. F., 178. 
First National Bank. 162. 
Fish. Carey- B., 50, 72, 200. 

Florence, 220. 

George, 328. 

Henry, 1 r., 78. 

R. H., 76 

Wilbur G., Dr., 93. 

William H., Rev., 195. 
Fisher, John A., 154. 
Fiske, A. S., Rev., 192. 

D Willard, 261, 413, 483, 490, 
492, 49!, 521, 523, 546, 555, 
575, 667. 

George, Dr., 91. 

John, 44g 

Fitch, A. Norton, 320. 
Mortimer D., 315. 
William H., 323. 
William R., Dr., 24, 79, 87, 

Fitts, Edwin, 258. 

Horace G., 258. 

Paschal, 314. 
Fiagg, Isaac, 541. 
Fletcher, M. J., 259. 



262 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



Flickinger, John, Dr., 88. 
Flood of 1857 in Ithaca, 138. 
Folger, Charles J., 40Q. 
Follett, John K., 62, 219-221, 
Foot, David, 13, 246, 254. 
Foote, Dyer, Dr , 16, 77, 78. 
Force, Albert W., 200-202. 
Ford, Isaac, 258 

J. B. & W. A., 46. 

J. I., 290. 
Forest Home, 204. 
Fortner, Lewis, 254. 
Foster, James P., Rev., 243. 

L. C, 189. 

Lottie A., 189. 

Newel K., Dr., 80, 81, 88. 
Fowler, Daniel, 150, 

George, 150. 
Fowles, Geo. W., 150. 
Fox, Dana, Rev., 193. 
Fiancis, Charles S., 531, 533. 

Richard, 312. 
Franklin, Benjamin, Rev., 340, 

344- 
Frazier, Samuel, 215. 
Frear, Alexander, 104. 

William, 150 157. 
Fredenburg, E. E., 72 
Frederick, Adam, 181. 
Freeland, E. L,, 290. 

Robert, 276, 287, 289. 
Freeman, Edward A., 449 

Wm. C, Rev ,9.. 
Freer, Henry D., 169, 

George G., 43, 61, 68. 

John A., 234. 
Freeville, 264. 
French, John B., 204. 
Frisbee, Felicia A., 222. 

Salmon, Dr , 79. 
Fritts, D. J., 221 
Frost, George P., 104, 121, 130, 

132, 148, 194 
Froude, James Anthony, 449, 
Puertes, Estevan A., 697. 
Fulkerson, E. V.. 18. 

J. B., 261, 263 
Fury, John, 166. 
Furry, F. E., 626. 

Gage, Simon H., 603. 

S. H. and Mrs., 80. 
Gager, R. E , 194, 204. 
Gale, Ella, 26. 

Manley P., 319. 
Gallagher. W. C, Dr., 79, 80, 88, 

289, 292. 
Galpin, S. IJ., Rev., 302. 
-Ganoung, Jarvis, 215. 
Gardiner, A. B., 153. 
Gardner, D. P., 262. 

G W. L., 204. 

James, 204. 

John, Capt., 251. 
Garrett, Charles C, 156, 199, 200, 

202. 
Garrison, William, 2"4. 
Gastin, Alexander, 298. 
Gaston, Norman, Dr., 79. 
Gates, R. F., Dr., gi. 
Gauntlett, John, 104, 150, 188. 

John C., 157. 162-165, 183. 
Gay, Charles W., 151, ig8. 

John S., 203. 
Gee, Hiram, Rev., 193. 

Reuben, 204. 
Geer, Ezekiel, Rev., 194. 
Genung, Amasa G., 26, 104, 151. 



Genung, Ben. W., Dr., 92. 

Homer, Dr., 90. 
George, J., 181. 
James H,, 254. 
Japhet, 179. 
William F'., 151, 181. 
Georgia, William, Dr., 78. 

W. B., 199. 
Gere, Isaac B., 132. 

Luther, 48, 103, 109, 712, 122, 
123, 125, 127, 161, 165, 167, 
184, 185, 186. 
Gibbs, Barnabas, 304. 
Judson S., Dr., 88. 
Gifford, Gardner C, 72. 

N. R., 219, 220. 
Gilbert, D. B., 290. 
Edward P., 192, 
P. C, 204. 
Giles, Samuel, 104, 148. 

W. H., Rev., 193 
Gillett, Charles, 304. 
Gillette, E,, 181. 
(liltner, John, 13, 349. 
Ginn, Wesley C, 187. 
Givens, Charles, 19, 254, 262. 
Glazier, Walker, 234. 
Glenzer, J. J., 146, 150, ict, 189, 

198. 
Goddard, Sam, 153. 

Willet B., 25. 
Godfrey, Edgar O , 146, 147, 203. 
Godley, Wm. M., 18. 
Goewey, John E., 150. 
Goldsmid, A W., 150. 
Goodhue, David P., 258, 259, 26 
Goodnough, Alfred, Rev., lo' 
Goodrich, Eleazer, 286. 
Geo. E., 72, 258, 259. 
Joseph, 274. 
Milo, 71. 
Goodsell, H. S., 194. 
Goodwin, Benjamin, 208. 
Elijah H., 35, 219. 
H. C, 46, 100, 335. 
Joseph, 63. 
Richard, 208, 214. 
Richard 2d, 214. 
William, 333. 
W. H., 262, 263. 
Goodyear, John, Dr., 87. 
J. J., Dr., 86. 
Lewis, 221. 
M. D., Dr., 88, 319. 
Gosman, Jonath.m B,, 24, 43, 
104, 298. 
Robert, 202. 
Gould, Bethuel V., 353. 

John .'itanton, 4r2, 484, 622, 

647. 
L. H., 233 
M. C, 220. 
Graham, Alexander, 24. 
Henry A., 354. 
John, trial of, 76. 
Sainuel V., 19, 353. 
Grand Army of the Republic, 

Ithaca, 204. 
Granger, M. L., 153. 
Grant, Chauncey L., 120, 748, 
162, 168, 171. 
Henry [., 159. 
Jesse, 120, 12S, 168. 
Schuyler, 151. 
& Co , Chauncey L , 33. 
& Son, Jesse, 33. 
Graves, Herbert H., Rev., 326. 
Jackson, 26. 



Graves, R. O., 319. 
Gray, Cyrus, 353. 
F. D., 154- 
Geo. W., 204. 
John, 45, 46. 
Greeley, Horace, 385, 386, 388- 
„ 39°< 394, 407-409, 410, 451. 
Green, Archer, 16, 23, 25, 63, loi, 
103, 124, 173, 174, 185, 193, 
igg, 214. 
Charles, 151. 
H. D., 150 
Samuel E., 287. 
Greene, George W., 440, 571. 
Greenly, Calvin C, 183'; 

Frederick T., 149. 
Gregg, A. H., E. C, and C. P., 
233. 
Chauncey P., 220, 224. 
Edia, 224. 
E. C, 221. 
H. C, 220. 
Gregory, John R., Dr., 79, 89. 
Lewis, 148. 
O. H., 166, 174. 
Ward, 44 
William U., 202. 
Gress, S. S., 155, 156. 
Griffin, H L., Rev., 355. 
Griffis, William E., Rev., 198. 
Griggs, ElmH, Dr., 92. 
Griswold. C. D., 263. 
Charles F.. Dr.. 92. 
Edward, 249, 256. 
John, 339. 
■ Luther, ig, 254, 262. 
'NatiiM'i 256. 
Gross, V i;., J15, -->.;. 
G , otto, 328. 

Groton "X'.iiage .-il lllanufac- 
turing Co., 
Carriage Co'mpai.^ 
churches of, 320. 
erection and topography of, 

310. 
newspapers of, 324. 
settlement of, 311. 
supervisors of, 315. 
village, 316. 

cemetery, 324. 
fire department, 318. 
manufacturers of, 321. 
schools, 319. 
water works, 3^8. 
City, 328. 
Grover, Lemi, 254, 262. 
Grummon, Michael, 311. 
Guild, E. C, Rev., 195. 
Guinnip, George B., 24, 251. 
Gulick, W. J,, Dr., 88. 
Gunderman, W. R., 300. 
Gunn, Newton, 130. 
Guthrie, John, 14, 50, 311, 313, 

338. 
Gut.stadt, M. M., 166. 

Haeer, Petei 2d, 23, 24, 62, 76. 
Hagin, Barnard M., 62, 339. 
Hahnemann, Frederick, 80. 
Halbert, Edwin G., 24. 
Hale, William G., 541. 
Hall, Amos, 297. 

Darius, Dr., 24, 88. 

Edwin M., 156, 157. 

E. G, W., Rev., 302. 

James, 413, 447. 

Jeremiah!, 307. 

J. C.,Dr.,78. 



INDEX. 



263 



Hall, Pliny, igS. 

R. H.,202. 

Wm, Henry, 162, 202. 
W. L., 220. 
Halliday, Samuel D., 25, 61, 72, 

14s. 147, 148, 1571 163, 233. 
Halsey, Gilbert, 237. 

Lewis, Dr., 24, 70, 237. 
J^ S., 242. 

Nicoll, 24, 50, 62, 75, g8, 109, 
210, 214, 2ig, 234. 

Robert 148, 155, 162. 
R. S., 354- 
Sanford, 233. 
Warren, 242. 
Hamblin, S. D., 258. 
Hamilton, D. H., 206. 
Hammond, W. H., 153. 
Hance, E. G., 154. 
John L , 299 
William, 148. 
Hand, Abraham, 219, 

L. P.,234, 
Hanford. William, 251. 
Hanley, Cornelius, 218. 
Hantner, David, 148, 161. 

Jabez, 214, 349. 
Hanshaw, Comfort, 146, 150. 
Hardenburg, John, 353, 
Harding', Fred, 204. 
Hardy, Charles E., 21, 121, 148, 
158, 162. 
Miss Jane 1 ., ig. 
& Rich, 134. 
Hare, William W., 72, 319. 
Haring, Chauncey, 348. 
Cornelius, 33 ^ 
Delos C, 339- 
Harmon, George, Rev,, 193, 293. 
Harned, William, 254. 
Harriman, Jesse, 208, 2x4, 217, 

352- 
Harring, Delos, 50. 
Harrington, Theodore J., 204. 

W. P., 104, 157. 
Harris, H., Dr., 79. 
Joseph, 413. 
Nelson, 319, 324. 
Harrison, Lucy W., 88. 
Hart, Alexander, 178. 
Alonzo, 255. 
Amos, 314, 325. 
Araos O., 104. 
Anna, 224. 

Charles A., 1S8, igg, 202. 
George H., 258. 
James Morgan, 552, 554, 698. 
John P., 20, 262. 
Joseph, 250. 
Hartt, Charles Fred, 413, 524. 

589, 596- 
Harvey, Samuel, 352. 

Seth B , 353. 
Hasbrouck, Alfred, 104. 
Haskell, S. H., Rev., 343, 344. 
Haskin, H. L., 156, 203. 
Hatch, Oliver, 313. 
Hathaway, Abiatha, 311, 314. 
Jerome, 320. 
Peleg, 311. 
Hause, M. D., Dr., 78. 
Haven, Alfred H., Dr., 89. 
Havens, Ebenezer, 353. 
Hawes, Josiah, iq, 299. 
J. H., 177. 
& Hooker, 45. 
Hawkins, John, 124. 
J. F., 153, 203. 
N. S , 166. 



Hayt, A. C, Dr., 77. 

John C. Dr., 78, 184. 
Hawley, Joel E., Dr., 78. 
Hazard, Uri Y., 130. 
Hazen, John C, 183. 
Healy, Edwin P., Dr., 79. 
Hearmans, C. P., Dr,, 78, 121. 
Heatii, Chauncey G., 148. 

Milo, 288. 
Hedden, Josiah, 24, 339. 

Luther, 339. 
Hedger, Louise, 222. 
Heermans, Cornelius P., 30. 
Heggie, J. M., jr., 155, 200. ' 
Hendrick, John P., 187. 
Henning, George, 124, 148. 
Henry, John H., 200. 
Henshaw, Robert, 209, 218, 234. 
Herald, the Dryden, 46. 
Herrick, Nathan, 103, 104, 120, 

128, I2g, 147, 148, 165, i86. 
Herrington, W. H., 156, 204. 
Herson, Michael, 154. 
Hewett, Waterman T., sig, 556. 
Hibbard, George P., Rev., 195. 
Henry, 130, 134, 148, 175. 
Henry F., 104, 153, 178. 
Horace M., 36, 104, 145, 156, 

157, 178, 20T. 
Lydia, 183. 
Hicks, Benjamin, Major, 311. 
David, William and James, 
312 
Higgins, Moses, 276. 
Hiles, John, 250. 
Hill, Arthur R., 203. 
C. D , 258. 
Isaac E., Dr., 89. 
Frank D., 258. 
Harmon, 150. 
O. J., 261, 263. 
R. B., 220. 
Uri, 298 
Hiller, Fred. L., Rev., 265. 
Hills, William S., Rev., 294. 
Himrod, Edward, 45. 

Peter, 48. 
Hinckley, Charles, 130. 
H. L.. 36, 157, 162. 
Henry W., 130. 
Hinepaw, Peter, 12, 94, 95, 98. 
Hitchcock, E. H., Dr , 80, 90, 
698. 
W. A., Rev., 195. 
Hixson, Amos, 104. 

Joseph S., 104. 
Hoagland, B, B , i6g. 
Hodson, H. N., ig3. 
Hoff, S. S., 264. 

Hoffman, William D., Dr., 89. 
Hogg, Samuel, 14, 311. 
Holcomb, E., 221. 
Holbrook, Frederick, 413, 447, 

623. 
Holden, Cora L., 261, 
Fox, 188. 
John, 332. 
Hollister, George, 130. 
Holmes, 166. 
John, 132. 
Hobnan, A. M., 215. 
Irving, 306. 
John, 148. 
Jonas, 130. 
Holmes. Samuel A., 169, 202, 

William, Dr., 79. 
Holt, Channing A., Dr., 92. 
Holton, Isaac, 220. 
Mark E., 264. 



Hood, John N., 220, 221, 
Hooker, Wesley, 25, 163. 
Hopkins, George A,, 221. 

Hermon S., 72, 320. 

Isaac, 37 2. 

Peter W., 24. 
Horton, Clinton, 2ig. 

Henry B., 777, 178. 

Randolph, 72, 305, 308. 
Hottes, C. F., 104, 151. 
Houghtaling, J., 14, 311. 
Houpt, Henry H., 262. 
House. William A,, Rev., 

=94- 
Houtz, George H., 263. 
Hovey, James A., Dr.. 78. 
Howard. Henry, 384, 3go. 

& Lyons, 125. 
Howe, Epenetus, 19, 287. 

Frank E., 200-202. 

George W., 148. 

Henry H,, 150. 

J. T., 221, 224, 233. 

Solomon L , 26. 
Howell, Char.es C, 62. 

Milo. 339. 
Howland, A. J., 220. 

Abner W., 122, 124. 
Hoyt, Charles G., 200. 

John C , Dr., i^. 

William, 132. 

William S., 25, 104, 148, 
Hubbell, Levi, 24, 136, 14S. 

Sullivan D., 50. 
Huffcutt, Ernest W., 666, 699; 
Hui'g, David F., 148, 194. 

William, 301. 
Hughes, Thomas, 229, 530. 
Hulburt, Alvah, 24. 
Hull, A. M., 21, 146, 150, 171, 189. 

Joel, 248, 254, 256. 
Humphrey, Andrew B., 26. 

Charles, 15, 24,34, 61, 65, 66, 
103, 120, 127, 130, 136, 148, 
186. 

Cornelius, 214. 

I'^rastus, 283. 

Evans, 61. 

Roswell, sr., 283. 

Wm. R., 72, 120, 148, 149, 184, 
187, 197, 202, 203. 
Hungerford, A. A. ,'72, 204. 

Edward, 62, 287. 

Newell, 149. 

Spencer, 287. 
Hunt, Horton, 251, 

Isaiah, 130. 

J., jr., 46. 

R. J., 216, 2lg, 220, 233. 

R. W,,45o. 

Sylvester, 130, 193. 

Warren, 36. 

Washington, 385-388. 
Hunter, Alisina, Dr., gi. 

C. F , 220 

J. S., 227. 

Thomas, 24. 

William, 353. 
Huntington, Orestes S., 132. 

Wait T., 27, 25, 121, 127, 148, 
149, 174, 783, 186, igg. 
Hurd, Lyman, 247. 
Hurlburt, E. R., 204. 
Hutchings, Henry, 215, 299. 
Hutchins, H. B., 666. 
Hutchinson, James, 181. 

Silas, 14S, 288. 

Stephen, 181. 
Hyatt, George F., 150. 



264 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



Hyde, Orange P., 25, ig8, 201, 

202. 

Robert, 75, 287. 
Robert H., 277. 
Robert H. S., 25, 287 
Hymnpough, Peter, 213. 

Illston, F. K., 150. 
Incorporation of county, 16. 
Indians, local tribe, i. 
Ingalls, Samuel, 311. 
Ingersoll, Charles, 25, 150. 
Henry, Dr., 78. 
H., jr.. Dr., 78. 
Jonathan, 42. 
Samuel, jr., 218. 
Irving, William A., 132, 187. 
Ireland, William J., 156. 
Ithaca Autophone Company, 
178. 
Calendar Clock Company, 

177. 
city, banks of. 160 
churches of, 191. 
fire department of, 151. 
incorporation of, 145. 
raanufrctures of, 169 et 

seq. 
officers of, 151. 
protective police of, 157. 
public houses of, 167. 
public schools of, 183. 
Recorder's Court, 164. 
secret societies of, igg. 
streets of, 166. 
early officers of, 102. 
Gas Light Company, 159. 
Lyceum Company, 166. 
statistics of, 105. 
supervisors of, 104. 
Trust Company, 163. 
village, 106. 

business concerns of, in 

1834, 132. 
business concerns ot, in 

1865, 141. 
cemetery, first, 129. 
early ordinances of, 128. 
east view of, in 1836, 

(illustration), 135. 
fire department, estab- 
lishment of, 130. 
fire engine, first, 130. 
incorporation of, 127. 
legislative acts for im- 
provements in, 143. 
presidents and trustees 

of, 147. 
State street in, about 
1866 (illustration!, 142. 
view of, from West Hill 
in 1839 (illustration), 
137- 
Water Works Company, 15S, 
what formed from, 93. 
Ithacan, the Weekly, 44. 
Ives Charles A., 46, 147, 155. 
Joseph N., 150, 155. 
Richard J., 62. 

Jackson, Byron, 353. 

M. J., Dr., 90. 

William, 287. 
Jacksonville, 244, 
Jacoby, H. vS., 193. 
Jamieson, J. M., 166. 
Jansen, Matthew, 274. 
Jarvis, E., 153. 



Jarvis, Jacob S., 74. 
N. S.,Dr., 78. 

William, 181. 
Jayne, B. G., 20, 48, 150, 177. 
Jefferson, Thomas, 361. 
Jeffrey, Jeremiah, 102, 215, ■■. 
Jenkins, Ebenezer, 176. 
Jenks, Jeremiah W., 699. 

Laban, 287, 290. 

Laban, Elisha and Michael, 
283. 
" Jenksville," 290. 
Jennings, Benjamin, 24, 296, 298, 
300. 

F. S., Dr.. 88, 263. 

Homer, 62. 

Hudson, 298, 300. 

Isaac, 297. 

Jesse H., 61, 72. 

Lemuel, 299. 
Jerome, J. H , Dr., 78, 234. 
Jervis, B. F., 166. 
Jessup, David G., Dr., 78. 

John, 24. 
Jewell, Henry, 220. 
Johnson, Abram, 99, 100, 102,214, 

Arthur S.. 25, 60, 61, 124,148. 

Ben, 64, 65, 69, 75, 104, 127, 
148. 

C. D., 153, 157. 

Daniel, Dr., 77, 79. 

Edward K., 25, 145, 146, 157, 
189. 

Fred D., 151. 

Ira C, 221. 

Jesse, 155, 182. 

John, 103. 124, 130, 165, 185, 
204. 

John J., 354. 

Ransom Dr:, 89. 

Robert C. and Samuel W., 
267. 

Theron, 263. 

& Humphrey, 121. 
Johnston, John, 25. 
Jones, George W.^ 579, 700. 

H. B., 227. 

H.J., 193. 

John W., 315. 

J. R., Rev., 301. 

Molo C, 203. 

R. T , Rev., 197 

S N., Dr., 82,88, 320. 

Tertelus, 353. 

Thomas. 312. 

Wilfred M., 203. 

Will, 220. 

William T., Dr., 92. 
Jordan, David S., 590. 
Journal, the Groton, 47. 

the Ithaca, 42. 
Joy, Benjamin 24, 336, 337. 
Judd, Reuben. 103. 

Rev. Dr., 195. 
Judson, Joseph, 296, 298. 

Keeler, Charles B., 299. 
Keene, E. 308. 
Keeney, E. S., 47. 
Kellogg, Charles, 36. 

M. C, Dr., 78. 

Joseph, 167. 
Kelly, Charles, 63. 

C M., 156. 

Freeman, 153. 

John R., 130. 

William, 396, 403, 409, 410, 
421, 451, 485, 



Kelly, William D., 130. 
Kelsey, Charles T,, Dr., 88. 

James, Rev , 192, 309. 
Kennedy, Isaac, 175. 

John, 259. 

John H., 254, 259, 260, 262, 
263 
Kenney L , 153, 157, 164, 166, 183. 
Kenyon, Geo. J., 153, 155. 

H. L., 150 
Kerr, George W., 161. 

[acob, 167. 

Walter O., 202. 
Kerst, Frank A., Dr., 89. 
Ketchum, Piatt, 48. 
Keyser, Koland S., 320. 
King, Barzillai, jr., 65. 

Francis, 188, 214. 

Horace, 12 68, 95, 96, 99, 106, 
118, 138, 167. 

Joseph, 188. 

Joseph C, 149, 150, 153, 155, 
188. 

J. Parker, 215. 

L. R., 20, 159, 162, 166. 

Merrit, 61, 71, 201. 

Rufus, 188,363. 

R. Willard, 149. 

Warren L., 188. 

William E , 188. 
Kimball, Jacob M., 2-0, 202. 
Kingman, Lyman, 287. 
Kirkendall, J. S., Dr., 80-82, 86, 

151- 
Kirkham, Levi, 197. 
Kirtland, J C , 2r 
Kittle, T. L., 203 
Knapp, Frank V 

(jeorge, 247 
Knettle-i. Anson, ^ 

A. W., 20. 

Joseph, 336. 
Knights of Pythias, Ithaca, 203. 
Koykendall, Jacob, 214. 
Krum, Adelbert J.. 215. 

Henry, 287. 

Henry, sr., 283. 

Matthew, 279. 

Michael C, 286, 287. 

William B., 229. 
Kyle, E. H., Dr., 79, 87. 

Labar, Epliraim, 62. 

George, 333. 
Lacy, Aaron, 247. 

Benjamin, 256. 

Brothers, the, 248. 

D., Dr , 79. 

Daniel, 254. 

John C, 258, 259 

M. L. W., Dr., 81, 86. 
Ladies' Volunteer Association, 

19. 
La Payette, 328. 
Lake Ridge, 347. 
Lambert, W.'j., 155. 
La Mont, A. H., 262'. 
Lamport, Stephen H., 25. 
Landon, Edward, 153. 
I^ang, John B , 150, 170, 197, 204. 
Lanning, Benjamin, 209. 

Richard, Dr., 79, 86, 325. 
Lansing, churches of, 341. 

early settlers of, 330 et seq. 

minor poft-offices of, 348. 

supervisors of, 339. 

topography and erection of, 
329. 



INDEX. 



265 



t^ansingville, 348. 

Larned, S3'lvanus, 24, 315, 325. 

Latourette, R., 153. 

Latta, E. M., 150, 153, 157, iqj 

Janaes, 155. 
Lattetnore, George, igg. 
Law, James, Dr., So, 197, 506, 633 

-637- 
Lawrence, Josiah, 200. 

Samuel, 24. 
Lawyers, first, 15. 
Leary, Cornelius, 146, i8q. 

Frank M., 72. 
Lee, Hart, 132. 
Jeptha, 2og 
Joshua S., 121, 130. 
Leet, Samuel, 283. 
Leg-g, Reuben, 282. 
Legge, W S., 290. 
Leonard, Henry, 124. 
Levi, 148. 
William H., 36. 
Lesley, William. 148, 176. 
Letts, Azariah. 210. 
Levensworth, Lucas, 133. 

William, Rev , 309. 
Lewis, Charles, 288. 
George B., Dr., 92. 
Justus, Dr., 78. 
James A., Dr., 90, 146, 151. 
J. D., Dr., 79. 220. 
J. Van Vranken, Dr , 93. 
Lighthill. Edward B., Dr., 91. 
Linderman, David, 304. 

James F., 308. 
Linn, William, 68, 121, 185. 
Lisbee, William, Rev., 293. 
Lisk, Charles, 220. 
Livermore, George, 180, 104. 
Lobdell, R. F., 204. 
Lockerby, Walter H., Dr., 80, 

89. 
Lockner, W. S., 320. 
Longhead, Wm. H., jr.. Dr., 92. 
Loomis, Ezra, 311,315. 

Richard, 97. 
Lord, Chester W., 298. 
^ Erastus H., 259 
• Harley, 148, 298. 

Henry B., 20, 25, 145, 159, 
163, 198, 261, 330, 346, 407. '' 
Lormor, James C , 255, 260. 
Lounsberry, Peter, 24, 285, 287. 
Loux, Hendrick, 108, 109. 
Love, Samuel, 25, 27, 61, 63, 314. 
Lovell, Ashbel, 350. 

H. M , 22c. 
Low, Addison L., Dr., 91. 
Lowell, James Russell, 413, 447, 

448. 
Luce, A. D., 201. 
Ludlow, Henry, 329, 338. 
Jehiel, 24, 62, 330. 
John, 64. 
Silas, 329. 

Silas and Henry, 14. 
Thomas, 338. 
Ludlowville, 346. 
Lumbard, Jacob, 251. 
Lupton, G. M., 262, 263. 
Luther, James, 315. 
Lyon, A. T., 47. 

Joseph M., 104, 153, 200. 
Marcus, 26, 59, 61, 72, 157, 

188, 198, 200. 
Nelson E., 346. 

McAllister, B, R., 20. 
Ml 



McAllister, David, Dr., 78. 
McCarty, Thomas, 150. 
McCham, George, 149, 150, 159. 
McCool, Bernard, Rev., go 
McCormick, B. F., 154. 
George, 121, 130. 14S. 
Jacob, igg. 

Jacob M.,"io4, 148, 155, 173. 
Walter, 151. 
McCorn, Charles W.. 308. 

William A., Dr. 8q. 
•McCullough, R. W., R'ev., 241. 
McDaniels, Howard, 305. 
McDowell, John, log. • 

Robert, 23, 97, 98, 102, 109. 
214, 215. 
McElheny, J. E., 258, 259, 261 
M. D., 261. 

Thomas J., 19, 25, 157, 193, 
258, 262. 
McGill, Clinton, 18. 
McGillivray, E., 154. 
McGowan, Minos, 62, 76. 
McGraine, William, 154. 
McGraw, John, no, 162, 163, 251 
-253 451, 467. 484, 491, 502 
John, biography of, 686. 
Jennie, Miss, 491, 520. 
McGraw-Fiske, Jennie, 2^2, 261, 

487 
Mcintosh, John E., 204. 
Mclntire, D., 151, 179. 
Mclntyre, Arnold, 205. 
McKee, Wm.. 263. 
McKinney, Jesse, 24, 60. 

James A., 146, 150, 151, 200, 

202. 
J. M., 166. 
McLachlan, Arch., 320. 

James, jr., 26. 
McLallen, D. K., Dr., 79. 
Henry, 209, 214, 218. 
James, 219, 233, 234, 241. 
John, 207, 208, 214, 217, 237. 
Robert, 209, 215. 
McLean, 325. 
McNamara, James, 180. 
McNetten, Dixon H., 216 
McNish, Rev. C. W., 203, oq, 
McQueen, John, 33. 
McTaggart, John E., Dr., 92. 
Mc^horter, C. Fred, 202. 
Mack, Ebenezer, 23, 3g, 42, 120, 
127, 147, 161, 185. 
Horace, 24, 25, 104, 120, 130, 

148-150, igi, 162, 171. 
Nathaniel and John, 209. 
Nathaniel F., 63. 
Stephen, 68, 120, 121, 186. 
William, 146. 
Andrus & Woodruf=E, 133. 
& Andrus, etc., 172, 285. 
& Morgan, 172. 
Mackey, L. S., 204. 
Macomber, I. J., 193. 
Madden, Father M. T., Rev 



243. 
Madison, James, 360. 
Major, Chas. W., 156. 

William F., 150, 156, 201 
Mallery, L. D., 72 
Malloryville, 264. 
Maloney, C. F., 154. 

Timothy, 44. 
Manchester, Chas, W., 150. 
Mandeville, Gerrit, Rev., 191, 

^ 27s, 293. 

Lyman A., 227. 



Mandeville, W. A., 19, 209. 
Mann, Alexander M., Rev,, 197. 
Horace, 444. 
Seth H., 162, 
Manning, Eri, 220. 
Map of estate of Simeon De- 
Witt, III. 
Ithaca in 1807, 107. 
Ithaca in 1836, 131. 
Marion, Ezra, 305. 
Markell, Joseph, 333, 
Market, public, in Ithaca, 129. 
Markle, Abram, 100-102, 213, 214 

Henry, 102 214. 
Marsh, Arad S., 324. 
Augustus C, 162. 
D. B , 20, 315, 3ig. 
U. rl., 322-324. 
Dioclesian A., 299. 
Ebenezer S., 24. 
H. C., 47, 324. 
n. rl., 320. 
Rochester, 258, 259. 
Walker, 262. 
William, 61. 
W. M., 324. 
Zimri, 317. 
Marshall, E. M., 153, 157. 
Martin, William, 63. 
Marvin, Harrison, 254, 259. 
Mason, J., 315. 
Masonic, Caroline, 292. 
Dryden, 263. 
Ithaca, igg. 
Newfield, 308. 
Masters, Edgar, 104. 
Mastin, H., 153. 

Lucius, igg, 200, 202. 
Maston, Henry, 321. 
Matson, Aurelia, 188. 
Mathews, S. F., Rev., 321. 
Matthewson, Thomas, 124. 

Thomas S., 171. 
Maurice, L. V. B., 150, 155. 
May, Samuel 7., Rev., 105, 485. 
Mayo, Warren, Rev., 2gg. 
Mead, Daniel, Dr., 16, 317. 
Daniel L., Dr., 77, 78, 287. 
John, 332. 
M. M.,72. 
Silas, 133. 
William, 33g. 
Meaney, Edward, Dr., 79, 80, g2, 

146. 
Meddaugh, R. W.. Dr., 78. 
Medical Society, Homeopathic, 
of Tompkins county, 80. 
Tompkius County, 77. 
study, early methods of, 77. 
Meeks, Charles E , 288. 
Melotte, Geo. W., Dr., igs, 200, 

202. 
Merchants' and Farmers" 

Bank, 18. 
Merrill, Jason P., 147; 
Jesse, 127. 
Martin, 286. 
Merritt, Jesse, 103, 121, ig3. 
Metcalfe, Henry, 449. 
Metzgar, Jonas and Mary, 313. 

Lyman, 321. 
Middaugh, W. S., 254. 
Miles, Charles F., 194 
Miller, Abijah, 63. 
Abraham, Dr., 78. 
Andrew J., Dr.,l 16, 77, 78, 

130, 147- 
Christopher, 353.;^ 



266 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



Miller. Harvey D.. ig. 

Horace, 154. 

Isaac, 274. 

Joseph, 336. 

Joshua S., Dr., 78, 353. 

James M., 46, 115. 

John M., 214. 

Sherman, 24, 2g8. ^^ 

Thomas Gr., 192. — 

William, 254, 263. 

W. H., 196, 502. 
Mills, E. M., 291. 
Millspaugh, Leander, 25, 149. 
Milne, John A., 72. 
Minier, Abram, 331. 

Daniel D., 339. 
Minturn, Alexander, 194. 
Mirrick, Frederick A., 74. 
Mitchell, L. H., 413. 

William G., 188. 
Mix, Edwin, 148. 

Miles C, 298. 

Nathan, 315. 
Moe, Hiram, Dr., 79. 

H. G.,321, 324, 

Robert, 313. 
Mofeat, W. S., 262. 
Mogg, C. E., Rev., 193. 
Moler, G. S., 193, 582. 
Monroe, George E., 72, 259, 260, 

262, 263. 
Montfort, James M., 315, 327. 
Montgomery, Daniel R., 259, 
261. 

John I., Dr., 88. 

J. J., 261. 

J. W., Dr., 79. 

James W., 24, 251. 

John, 254. 
Moore, C. E., 202. 

C. W., 220 

Edward I., 150, 153. 

Henry H., 130, 148, 188, 194. 

William, 155. 
" Moral Society," the, 115. 
Moreland, Sherman, Rev., 294. 
Morgan Edwin B., 410 

Edwin D., 410. 

E. J., jr.. Dr., 80-82, 87. 

E. J., sr., Dr., 80, 82, 87, 159. 

Pliny B., Rev., 195. 
Morrell, Charles H., 285. 
Morrill, Justin S., 366-368. 370, 

378- 
Morris, John, 65. 

John L., 198, 413, 642, 659, 
700. 
Morrison, William, 48. 
Morse, Ben, 173. 

Royal T., 314. 

Virgil D., 173. 

Mortimer, J. A., 201. 
Morton, David, 312, 315. 

L. M,, 320. 

Mordecai, Dr., 79. 
Mosher, Albert F., 224. 

Fred, 318. 

Horace A., 216, 219-221, 234. 
Mott, William, 284. 
Mott's Corners (Brookton), 290. 
Morent, James H., 287, 327. 

William D., 20,314, 315. 

William E., 318, 320. 
Mowry, E. H., 155, 156. 

Geo. C, 201. 
Mulks. Benoni, 272. 

Charles, 50, 287. 

Charles F., 177, 255, 276, 2S0, 



Mulks family, the, 273. 

Frank F., 291 

James, 148. 

John, 281. 
Munger, Svlvester, 130, 148. 
Munn, Stephen B., jr., 130, 148, 

306. 
^Murphy, Edward, 221. 
Murray, Isaac, 242. 

James. 305. 
Myers, Andrew, 331. 
Myres, Joseph, 154. 

Napier, H. B., 261. 
Nash, Horace W., Dr., 91. 

Sylvester, 315. 
Neideck, Albert, 146, 147. 
Neill, Louis S , 156. 
Nelson, Lyle, 104. 

Caleb, Rev., 196. 
Newbury, Spencer B., 587. 
Newcomb, Wesley, Dr., 88. 
Newfield. churches of, 308. 

organization and settle- 
ment of, 303. 

town officers of, 305. 

village, 306. 
Newman, Isaac, 353 

Jared T., 60, 72, 192. 

Levi, 149, 

Levi J.,'353- 

W. O., 50. 
Newspaper, the first, 15, 42. 
Newspapers, defunct, 46. 

of Gi'oton, 324. 

of Ithaca, 42. 

of Trumansburgh, 45. 
Nichols, Edward L,, 583. 

Elizabeth Pease, Mrs., 485. 

James, 148, i6i, 185. 
Niles, \Vm., Rev. Dr., 240. 
Nina, 308. 

Niver, A. L., 151, 199. 
Nivision, Anna T., tn-.. 87. 

Nelson, Dr., 78. 

Oziel, Dr., 87. 

Samantha S., Dr., 86, 261. 
Nixon, George H., 288. 

William, 50, 150. 
Noble, Timothy B. and Squire 
J., 35^- 

William N., 72, 180, 198. 

Ossian G., 72, 219, 
North, Joshua, 24. 
Northrup, Charles, Rev., 294. 

George H., 25, 198, 200. 

John, T97. 

John A., Dr., 86, 204. 
North Lansing, 348. 
Norton, C. S., 204. 

Edward D , 45, 47. 

George, 153. 

M. H., 155. 

Sylvester, 153. 
Norwood, Francis, 289. 

Jonathan, 276. 
Nourse, Francis, 299. 

O'Connell, M. J., Dr., 92. 
O'Connor, Francis, 150, 188. 
Odd Fellows, Dryden, 263. 

Ithaca, 2C2. 
Odell, David, 260. 
Official list, 23 et seq. 
Ogden, Amos and Gilbert J., 
351- 

Gilbert J., 50, 353. 
Oliver, James E., 196, 579. 
Olmsted, Frederick Law, 476. 



Oltz, A. B., 146. 156. 

B.,50. 
Orton, G. E., Dr., 80, 87. 
Ormsbee, A. H., Rev., 242. 
Osborn, A. P., 36, 45, 72, 212, 
221. 

Horace, 219. 

R. C., 193. 
Osborne, C. Francis, 639. 
Osburn, J mes, 194. 
Osmun, W. E., 262. 
Osterhout, Edi'ar R., Dr., go. 
Owen, Anning, Rev., 339, 340, 

341- 
Jonathan, 209. 
Levi H., 214, 215. 

Page, Emmett D., Dr., 91. 

John, Dr., 79. 

Wm., Rev., '355. 
Paine, Edward and Thomas, 

275. 
Palmer, Joel, 175. 

Nelson, 148. 

& Maxson, 45. 
Pangborn, Richard, 102. 
Parker, Carleton, 319 

John M.,451. 

S. J., Dr., 8c^82, 88. 
Partenheimer, Ferdinand, 188. 

Henry, 188. 

H.p., 153. 

Philip J., 25, 104, 149, 150, 
155, 162, 182, 200, 202, 203. 
Patchen, Ebenezer, 305. 

Ira. 301. 

Isaac, 102, 211. 

Jared, 24. 

John, 301. 
Patterson, Ashbel, Dr., 78. 

Ira, 130. 
Payne, J. W., Rev., 195. 

Walter, 352, 353 
Pearsall, Edward, 242. 
Pearson, John M., 109.. 

Nicholas, 104. 

Pierce, 1^4, 
Peck, George W., 308. 

S. H., Dr., 79, 80, 88. 

Tracy, 541. 
Peet, Amnah, 254. 
Peirce, Claence W , 199 
Pelton, Benjamin, 23, 100, 102, 
103, 109, 127, 169, 214. 

Edmund G., 60, 68, 162. 

Richard W., 102, log, 173. 

W. S., Dr.. 78. 
Pennoyer, Justus P., 24,315, 321, 

324. 
Perkins, J. Newton, 130. 

Simmons, 269. 
Perrigo, Charles, 20, 320, 322, 
323. 325. 

John, 259. 

Lyman, 322, 325. 

William, 323. 
Perrin, John, 311, 314, 316. 

Lemuel, 311, 314. 
Perry, G. H , 290. 

William H., 150, 186, 196. 
Tersonius, James, 282. 
Peruville, 326. 
Peters, Henry L., 199, 200, 202. 

Jacob, 151, 200. 
Pew, Richard, 103. 

William P., 184, 187, 202. 
Phelps, A. E , Dr., 79. 

Cicero, 315. 

Oliver, 34, 336, 346. 



INDEX. 



267 



Phelps, W. W.. 45. 
Phillips, Albert, 147. 

Augustus H., 25S. 

George W., Dr., 77, 78. 148, 
184. 

F^ W., 166. 

John W., Dr., 77, 79, 259. 

Joshua. 24, 254, 25Q. 

Michael, Dr., 79, 

Nathan, 148. 

Thomas J , 19, 300 

W. W., 154. 
Phinney, Samuel, Rev., 104. 
Physicians, first, 16. 

1 agister of, 86 et seq. 
Pickens, George, 319 
Pickering, Charles, 360. 

George, 153. 
Pierce, Ebenezer, Capt., 313. 

Frankbn D., Dr., 92. 

R.J.,315. 
Pierson Albert H., 25, 26, 50, 
215, 221. 

William, 215. 
Pike, William s., 318,322. 
Pioneers, work of, 14. 
Piatt, C. C„ 19b. 

Jonathan, 161 
Platts, Albert H., 145, 150. 

Hervey, 149, 177. 
Political, 26 et seq. 
Pomeroy, Hunt, 130. 
Poole, Murray E , 72. 
Poorhouse, county, 50. 
Popplewell. C, 153. 

James, 150 
Population, 6. 

Porter, Edward L., 62, 76, 130, 
148. 

Ephraim, 130. 

K. J., 352. 

Lewis, 216, 219. 

Solomon, 170. 
Post, W D.. 290. 
Potter, Bina A., Dr., go. 

Ithiel, 130, 148. 

Jeanette M., Dr., 92. 

J. M,, Dr., 80. 

Ziba H., Dr., 87, 204. 
Powers, Elijah, 286. 

Geo. E., Dr., 79. 

Herman, 148 
Prager, E. W., 156. 

John H., 155, 259. 
Pratt, Chauncey, 171. 

Daniel, 130, 197. 

Ephraim S., 234. 

H. F., 263. 

John H., 260. 
Prentiss, Adeline E., Dr., 89. 
Albert N., 413, 506, 587. 
Prescott, C. W. E., 174. 
Preswick, Ed., 121. 
Priest, Geo. E , 43. 
Primirose, Jacob, 249. 
Pringle, W. J., 154. 
Puff, John L., 308 

Oliver, 20. 
Pumpelly, James, 34, 39, 267. 

John, 296, 300. 
Purdy, Ebenezer, 150. 
Purvis, Robert, 262. 

Quick, Henry, 276. 
Quigg, David, 100, 123, 167. 
James, 153, 157, 200, 201. 
Ouigley, D. C, 221. 

Railroads, 39. 



Randall, Nathan, 43. 

William, 161. 
Randolph, A. W., 156. 

F. P., .57- 

Isaac, 148, 149. 

T. L., Rev., 242. 
Rankin, Geo. S., 192. 
Rappleye, Charles F., 197, 204. 
Kappleya, Peter, 63. 
Raymond, Jaines. 133, 174. 
Real estate speculation, 136. 
Rebellion period, the, 18. 
Read, J. Meredith, 409, 451. 
Keed, Bertha P., 189. 

Edward C, 162. 

family, the, 162. 

Fitch, Rev., 193. 

Herman C, 287. 

Moses, 287. 

Robert, 166. 
Reeves, Daniel, 139. 
Regiments, volunteer, 22. 
Reid, D. F, A., Dr., 92. 
Renwick, Major, 124. 

Robert J., 130. 
Republican party, the, 27. 
Reynolds, J. S., 179. 

Robert C, 317. 

Samuel, 130. 
Rhodes, Dana, 72, 315, 322. 

George, 332. 
Rice, Victor M.. 401, 403, 409. 
Rich, David, Ca.pt , 13, 268 

William P., 288. 
Richford, James. 321. 
Ridgeway, James, 149. 
Riegel, P. J., Rev., 266. 
Rife, John, 199, 200. 
Rightmire, George, Dr., 79. 

Homer, 233. 
Rinkham, Henry S., Dr., 79. 
Roads, the first, 32. 
Robbins, Charles. 43. 
Roberts, D. W., Dr., 79. 

Ellis H., 576 

Isaac P., 624. 
Robertson, F. H., 317. 

George, 48, 246, 254. 

Harry D., 147. 

Perry, 154. 

P. D., 146. 

Philip S., 254. 

Smith, 19. 25, 62, 254, 262. 

Thomas 62. 
Robison, James, 287. 

John, 273, 274, 288, 289. 
Robinson, Almon, Dr., 88. 

B. L., Dr., 91. 

Charles, 148. 

David, 264. 

Edmund E., 146, 156. 

Isaiah, 145, 150. 

James, 150. 

Rodney G., 181. 
Rockwell, Erastus, 257. 

George M., 254, 261, 263. 

Ira, 150. 
Roe, David C, 291. 

N. J , 200, 201. 

William, 284. 

& Sutfin, 264. 
Roehrig, F. L. O., 546. 
Rogers, Job, 209. 

Samuel R.,306. 
Rolfe, Chester, 353. 

Jonathan, 350. 

Joseph, 19, 353. 

Samuel, 3'5i. 

Squire B., 25. 



Rollins. Charles. 220. 
Romer, Frank H., 154, 199, 202 
Rood, George L., Ur., 90,263. 
Root, Horace L., 62. 76. 
Roper, Sylvester, 170 
Rose, Peter, Dr., 209. 
Roskelly, Thomas C, Rev., 266. 
Ross, J. Dolph, 260, 263. 
Rothwell, E. J., Dr., 79, 86. 
Rounsvell, Abiathar, 75. 

brothers, the, 275. 

John, 275. 

William, 287. 
Rounsville, Charles J., 24, 287. 
Rowe, Jerome, Capt., 18, 60. 
Royal Arcanum, Ithaca, 203. 
Rudy, Henry, jr., 224. 
Ruhey, Robert, 214. 
Rulloff, Edward H., career of, 

72. 
Runisey, Burr, 308, 353. 

Charles J., 126, 150, 191, 199. 

Henry D., 44, 259. 

Isaac, 351. 

James, 351. 

John, 126, 150, 159, 163, 191. 

William H., 354. 
Rundle, Lester, 156. 
Rush, Benjamin, Dr., 361. 
Russell, \Vm. C, 412, 554, 565, 

57"- 
Ryan, H. J., 659. 
Ryder, William, Dr., 92. — 

Sabin, Benjamin, Rev., 193. 

Pliny, Rev., 294. 
Sackett, D. E., Mrs., 319. 

Solon P., Dr., 79, 80, 86. 
Sage. A. H., 320. 

Dean, 471. 

Henry W., 24, 158, 198, 204, 
444, 446, 467, 470, 4S6, 489, 
490, 501, 502, 504, 543, 558, 
559-561. 59 . 

Henry W. biography of, 
681. 

William H., 157, 164, 400, 538, 
667. 
Sager, George, 99. 
St. John, Ancel, 136, 161. 

Edgar, 46. 

H. A., 14s, 146, 151, 133, 157, 
166, 778, 183, 189, 198. 

R.. 45- 

Thomas P., 143, 149, 150, t6i, 
203. 
Salt. 96. 

licks, 97. 

discovery in Ithaca, 182. 
Sanborn,- Frank B., 574, 576. 
Sandford, Ezekiel, 13. 
Sand wick, W. H., 258. 
Sanford, A. C, 150. 

Ezekiel, 246, 254. 

L. J., 157. 

Mary A., Dr., 88. 
Savings Bank, Ithaca, 163. 
Sawyer, Samuel D., 198. 
Saxton, Charles T,, 24. 

Ed., 204. 
Sayles, Henry, Dr,, 78, 202. 
Saylor, John, 24. 
Schaeffer, Charles A., 586. 
Schenck, George, 258. 
Schermerhorn, John H., Rev., 

197. 
Schofield, Joseph, 254. 
Schoonmaker, Moses and Sim- 
eon, 284. 



268 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



Schriver, A., 156. 

Schurman, Jacob Gould, 512, 

525, 558, 561, 562. 
Schuyler, Abram, Capt., 36. 

Anthony, 66. 

Eugene, 489, 576. 

George W., 25. 14Q, 159, 163, 

4091 451- 

John H., 108. 
Scott, Charles. 204. 

John M.. Rev., 196. 

Joseph E., 319. 
Scovell, Nathan, Dr., 78. 
Scribner, E. E., 2jg, 224, 243, 
Seabring, C, 50. 

Richard, 304. 

S. Augustus, Dr., 89, 305. 
Seaman, Ai G., 203. 

Chas. S., 50. 62, 154, 156, 203. 

William F., Dr., 91. 
Searing, Augustus P., 46, 128, 

172. 
Sears, C. C, 219. 

H. W.. 258. 

John, Rev., 196. 

R. D., 220. 

Marcus, 320. 

Thomas H., 24. 
See, Horace, 449 
Seely, Thaddeus W., 149, 150. 

Zalmon, 148. 
Selkreg, John H., 24, 25, 43, 150, 

159. 163, 177. 
Sellen, Samuel, 313. 
Selover, C. G., 156. 
Senators, 23. 
Sentinel, the Trumansburgh, 

46. 
Settlement, first, 10. 

o£ towns, 13. 
Seymour, E. C, 20, 25. 

Horatio, 422. 

Miles, 122, 128. 
Shackford, Charles C, 548 ; 

biography of, 690. 
Shannon, Patrick, 150, 151. 
Sharp, Dennis P., 200, 201. 

Godfrey, 258. 

Mathew, 104. 

Solomon, 50. 
Shaver, George I., 264. 

W. J., 264. 
Shawa, Alpha, 24. 

A. O., 200, 201. 

Bert, 155. 

C. G., 193. 

Daniel J., 325. 

Joseph E., 149, 158. 
Shelden, Nathaniel, 256, 257. 
Sheldon, Benjamin, 263. 

Samuel L., 130. 
Shepard, Daniel, 174. 

Jonathan, 132. 
Shepherd, George B., 18. 

Owen, Rev., 342. 
Sheriffs, 61. 
Sherman, Belle, i8g. 
Sherrill, Augustus, 68, 187, 197. 
Sherwood, Andrew, 249. 

A C, Dr., 78. 

S. A, 221. 

Samuel P., 177. 

W. I., 221. 
Shoemaker, Jacob, 333. 
Sibley, Hiram, 451, 502, 504, 643- 
647. 

Hiram W., 647. 

Samuel L., Dr., 85. 



Sidney, Joseph S., 102. 
Simonds, A. D., Dr., 79, 86. 
Sinclair, Thomas, 148. 
Sisson, P. Frank, 150. 
Skinner, Chester L., Dr., 90. 

J. W., 204. 
Slack, E. S., 181. 
Slater, Levi, 273, 280, 287, 289. 

Sharrad, 287. 
Slaterville, 289. 
Slave case, a, 74. 
Slavery, 16, 
Slocum, B. F., 179, 180. 
Sloughter, C, 153. 
Small, George, 181, 196, 204. 
Smeed, ZacU. P. 219. 
Smiley, Kverett, 323. 

Frank D., 299. 
Smith. Abram, "98. 

Abram, and Joseph, 97. 

Alexander, 150. 

Asa, 321. 

Brainard G., 575. 

Caleb, 63. 

Charles, 204. 

Clarence L.. 61, 72, 156, 164. 

David, 2r4, 296. 

Franklin B., Dr., 90. 

Goldwin, 446, 459, 483, 502, 
513. 540, 565, 566, 567 ; bi- 
ography of, 687. 

Horace, Dr., 78. 

Huldah T., Dr., 86. 

H. G., Dr., 81. 

Isaac L., 304. 

James, 214. 

John, 103, 109, 122. 

John, Gen., 173. 

J. De Motte, 20, 216, 238. 

John M., 168, 254. 

Lyman F., 219. 

L. H., 180. 

Myron A., Dr., 78, 79, go. 

M. Truman, 224. 

N. B., 234. 

P. B., 172. 

Reuben L., Dr., 86. 

Richard, 58, 59, 63, 64. 

Robertum L., Dr., 92. 

Sidney S., 202. 

Simeon, 61, 72. 

S. Fred, 156. 

Walter G., 25. 

William, 46. 

Wm. A., Rev., 320. 

William F., 353. 

W. Hazlett, 72. 

Wm. H.,320. 

William J , 62. 

William M.. 196. 
" Smoke boat," the, 37. 
Sneed, Moses, 204. 
Snow, James H., 2S7. 
Snyder, Alviras, 26, 262. 

Henry, 249. 

Hiram, 254. 

Jeremiah, 254, 262. 

Peter and Christopher, 240. 

P. v., 262. 

Simeon, 262. 

W. W., 19. 
Southwick, Solomon, 132, 133, 

134, 136, 171, 175, 176. 
Southworth, John, 162, 250, 251. 

Thomas, 250. 

William T., 48, 163. 

Library, 261. 
South Danby, 301. 



South Lansing, 348. 
Sowles, James W., 130. 
Spaulding, Ephraim, 311. 

Jarvis, Rev., 195. 

Louis, 624. 

Myra L., 189. 
Spear, Eli A., 259, 262. 
Speed, Diana Caroline, 288. 

family, the, 277. 

Henry, 279. 

Jame.s R., 287. 

John G., 75. 

John James, jr., 24, 104, 148, 
171, 278 280, 290. 

John J., sr., 287. 

Joseph, Dr., 78, 277, 280, 287, 
288. 

Robert G, H., 26, 50, 287. 

William P., Mrs., 294. 
Speedsville, 290. 
Spence, John, 153. 
.Spencer, Anson, 44, 123, 130, 148, 
149, 158, 187. 

Daniel, 323. 

David D., 44. 

Thadeus, 134. 
Sperry, G. H., 259. 
Spicer, Seneca, 215. 
Spink, George T., 24, 234. 
Sprague, Homer B,, 413, 446, 

547- 

J. B., 150, 530. 
Springer, Wm. O. G., I'r., 87. 
Stage lines, 33. 
Stagg, S. Fayette, Dr., 91. 
Stamp. A. B., 169. 

Jonathan, 30S. 
Stanford, O R , 197. 
Stanley, Frederick G., 69. 
Starr, Benjamin, 20. 

Daniel L., 353, 

Micajah, 332. 
State law. growth of, 53. 
Steamboat's, 34. 
Stearns, Joseph W., Rev., 313. 
Stebbins, Alfred, 188. 

Amanda, 188. 

Freeman, 258, 259. 

R. P., Rev. Dr., 196. 
Steittenroth, William, 244. 
Stephens, George, 154. 

Jesse W., T46, 200. 

Thomas J., 204 
Stevens, H. B., 320. 

John, Dr., 78. 

Aloses, 162. 

Nelson, 25, 315. 

Smith D., 287. 
Stewart, David B., 145, 146, 157, 
164. 

Edwin C, 25. 

E. S., 221. 

G. H., 220, 221. 

Jacob M , 150. 

Olin L., 151. 

R. H., 220, 221. 
Stickles, Jacob, 251. 
Stillwell, Isaac, 219. 
Stockholm. Derrick B., 148. 
Stockton, Henry K., 130. 
Stoddard, David, 312. 

Edward, 149. 

Giles M.. 72, 318, 320. 

John, 203. 

Samuel, 149, 150, 153. 
Stone, Albert &., 154, 210, 233. 

Richard H., 221, 224. 

William J., 210, 214. 



INDEX. 



.269 



Storms. Frederick, 332. 

W. J., 163, 164, 177, 192. 
Story, Judge, ^64. 
Stoughton, Henry, 204. 
Stout, Jesse, 254, 

Monroe, 20. 

Wilson, 209. 
Stoweil, Calvin D., 163, 192. 

John C, 163, 192. 
Strader, Emmet C , Dr., 89. 
Strang, William H., Rev., 293. 
Street railways, 159. 
Strobridge, H L., 221. 

Ijyman, 24, 211, 219, 230, 232, 
233- 
Strong, Benaja, Capt., 330. 

Herman A., 255. 

Rev. Dr., 197. 

Simeon F., 63. 
Strowbridge, John, 1S8. 
Stryker, M. W., Rev., 192. 
Stuart, Charles V., 149, 202. 

Silas, 311. 
Sullivan's expedition, 2. 
Sutherland, L., Dr., 78. 
Sutton, John, 24, 63, 214. 
Swarthout, Thomas, John, 
William, Abraham, 
James and Samuel, 297. 
Swartwood, Daniel B., 24. ' 

M. E., 222 
Swartwout, Bernardus, 24. 

Robert, 24. 
Sweet, Amos, 13, 246, 256. 

William L., 24 
Sweetland, John B., 258. 

Monroe M., 25, 72. 
Swick, T. A., 219. 
Swift, Charles E., Dr., 85. 
Sydney, Joseph S., 214. 
Synnott, S. H., Rev., 191, 195. 

Taber, B. F., 146, 149, 181, 18S, 
189, 194. 

Charles, 204. 

Curtis, 149. 

W. C.,is4. 

Willard W., 130. 
Taft, John, 281. " 

William, 19. 
Talmadge, James, 395. 
Tallmadge, E. H., 220. 

Rufus, Dr., 80-82, 87. 
Tallman, George F., 136. 
Tanner, Abraham, 258. 

Charles B., 258, 263. 

Frank J., 323. 

W. W., 258. 
Tarbell, Charles H., 315. 

Doctor, 18, 25. 

Frank L., 315. 

George S.. 199, 200 204. 
Taughannock Creek and Falls. 

traditions concerning name 
of. 206. 
Taylor, Andrew, 298. 

Bayard, 448. 

Eleazur, 299. 

Henry, 210, 219. 

James B., 149, 150, 153, 157, 

John, Dr., 257. 
"Tecumseh," and his procla- 
mations, 116. 
Teed, Jerome B., 200. 

W. H., 220. 
Teers, Henry, 287. 

Isaac and John, 251, 
Teeter, Henry, 314,332. 



Terry, David P., 91. 
Eugene, 72. 
Frank, 215. 
Geoige E., 155, 200. 
Jacob, 148. 149. 
J. W., Rev , 265, 326. 
O 1 1., 155, 203. 
Terwilliger, Charles, 155. 

John, 146. 
Tetley, J. F., 156. 
Thatcher, John D., 26. 
Th.^yer, E., 122, 130. 
Thomas, Elisha H., 130. 
Henry D., 50. 
James, 14, 303. 
Minor, 218. 
Thompson, Elihu, 449. 
Harriet W., 189. 
James, 187. 
John, 214. 
J. F., 121, 122, 170. 
John O., Dr., 78. 
John McL., 220. 
N. H.,264. 
P. H., 23-i, 242. 
Sewell D., 153, 159, 167, 168. 
Thadeus S., 104, 151, 155, 200, 
■.03. 
Thurston, Robert H., 15T, 449, 

650, 654, 700. 
Tibb, Joseph, 354. 
Tibbetts, Aaron, Dr., 297. 
Frank E., 72, 204. 
J. Warren, 62, 146. 
Tichenor. Edwin C, 72, 202. 
James H., 18, 72, 153, 157. 

204 
J. S., 124. 
Zenas, 332. 
Tillotson. Daniel T., 132. 

Ira, 24, 50, 104, 127, 132, 148, 

i6r, 184, 193. 
John, 130, 147. 148. 
Tisdale, Charles L., Dr., gi. 
Titchener, Edward B., 701. 
Titus, . Charles M., 25, 36, 104, 
no, 14s, 159. 
& Bostwick, 179. 
Tobey, Mary P., Mrs., 294. 

Nathaniel and Samuel, 275. 
Nathaniel, 287, 291 
Tobie, W. N., 193. 
Todd, Frank A., 299, 
John, 304. 
L. G. 104, 151, 200. 
Tompkins, B F.. 219, 224. 

county as originally organ- 
ized, 5. 
County Banl<, 162. 
Moses, Dr.. 78. 
M. N., 72, 146, 164. 
R. C, 221. 
Tondeur, C, 264. 
Tooker, Jonah, 332, 338. 

Lewis, 34, 63, 121. 
Topography, 7. 
Torrey, Alvin, Rev., 241. 265. 
Tourgee, Arthur, 156. 
Tourtellot, Stephen, 150. 
Towner, Daniel A., 148. 

D. R., Dr., 78. 
Townley, Charles, 331. 
J. N., 20. 

Lewis J., 47, 320, 324. 
Martin A., Dr., 91. 
Mary L., Mrs., 334. 
Nicholas, 50, 62, 124. 
Richard, 23, 331. 



Tracy, B. F., 19, 

Gifford, 130. 

Thomas, 270. 
Transportation, early, 113 

early (illustration), 114. 
Tree, Edward, 151. 

Ed., jr., 150, 153. 

Frank D . 1 56. 

Thomas, 156. 
Trembley, Leroy, 238. 
Tremaine, Abner and Philip, 

14. 
Treman, Abner, 207, 214, 217, 

218, 241. 

C E.. 154, 166. 

Elias, 145, 146, 149, 153, 1=55, 

i57i 159. 162, 164, 166, i8q, 

192. 

E. M., 159, i'6. 

F. W., 193. 
John 231. 
Jared, 209. 
Jonathan, 231. 
Lafayette L , 159, 162, 164, 

166, 1Q5. 

Leonard, 149, 150, 163. 

Philip, 207, 208, 213. 

Robert H., 162, 166, 538. 

'<• R. 159. 
Trench, James, 124, 172. 

J-J, ^97. 

Thomas, 148. 
Trials and crimes, important, 

72 et seq. 
Tripp, Delmer C, Dr., 86. 

Martin E., 263. 
Trowbridge, Elisha, 209. 
True, George, 153. 
'J'ruman, Lyman, 19. 
Trumansburgh, 216 et seq. 

cemetery, 234. 

churches of, 239. 

great fire in, 226. 

historical sketch of, 211. 

hotels of, 237. 

incorporation and fire de- 
partment of, 219. 

manufactures of, 220. 

mercantile business of, 234. 

schools of, 121. 

sketch of, from Free Pi'ess 
publication, 225, 228. 
Trumbull, Jacob A. and James, 
3051 3^8. 

Luther, 312. 

Luther, jr., 317. 

2'Jelson, 321. 
Trumbull's Corners, 308. 
Turnbull, Thomas, jr., 91. 
Turner, Charles M., Dr., 24, 78. 

Ebenezer T., 162, 163. 

Samuel B., 72, 163, 164, 166, 
195- 

Urial, 219, 232. 
Turrell, Daniel, 215. 
Tuthill, Gideon, 299. 
Tuttle, Herbert, 572, 573, 667, 701. 

Stephen, 161. 
Twis.;. F. L., 323 
Twoirood, Albert J , 254. 
Tyler, C. M., Rev., 197, 198, 562, 
701. 

John, 60. 

Moses, Coit, 446, 570, 571, 
667. 

Ulysses, organization of town 
of, 213. 



270 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



Ulysses, supervisors of, 214. 

topography of, 205. 
Umbria, 329 

Underwood, George E., 255. 
Updike, Jacob, 210. 

Vail, Benjamin C, 148. 
Van Cleef, Charles E., Dr., 81, 
82, 87, 164. 

Mynderse, 7-2, 157, 163, 164, 
166. 
Van Buren, John D., 422. 
Vandemark, Widow Jemima 

1'., 282. 
Van Dervere, Peter, 231. 
Van Dorn, Peter, 353. 
Van Duyn, John. 221. 
Van Etten, John B., 288. 
Van Hoesen, D. N., 193. 
Van Hoist, Prof., 449. 
Van Kirk, A. J., 308. 

Charles C, 71, 

Eron C, 62, 151, 157, 164, 
202. 

Joseph, 350. 

John C, 202. 

Leroy H., ig, 25, 50, 353. 

Lewis H., 62, 350. 

Morgan P., 30-;. 
Van Marter, Charles, 26. 

Edwin M., 328. 

Isaac and Margaret, 312. 
Van Natta, J. E., 104, 146, 150, 

151, 176, 179. 
Van Order, Abram, 36. 104. 

Lunn, -56, 157. 

William, 104. 
Van Orman, William, 08, 102, 

215. 
Van Ostrand, William, 305. 

Wm. H. 307. 
Van Schaick, Mynderse, 39. 
Van Valkenburg, Mills, 59, 2c», 

20 t, 262 
Van Vleet, D. F., 72, 157, 160, 

164 
Van Vorhees, Koert S., 25, 149, 

204. 
Van Vradenburg, F. A., 155. 
Van Winkle, M.„ Rev., 242. 
V;tn Zoil, A. R., 155. 
Vann, Samuel, 210. 
Vannorman, William, 213. 
Vant, John, 36. 
Varick, A., 121. 
Varna, 264 
Vaughn, J. E., 203. 
Vernooy, Charles D., Dr., 92. 
Vickery, Ebenezer, 62, 103. 
Vickery, George, 275. 
Vorhees, Charles A., 46. 
Vosburg, Samuel L., 200, 201. 
Vose, S. S.. Rev., 302. 
Vote of the county from 181S to 

1894,29-32. 
Vrooman, Jacob S., 167. 

Wade, E. R., 254. 264. 
Wagner, Edward A., 60. 

Lena, 224 
Walt, George D., 315. 

Lucien A., 579, 702. 
Walbridge, Chester, 124, 172. 

Henry S., 24, 59, 65, 69, 130, 
148, 17J, 187. 
Walker, Rev. Dr., 195. 

Robert, 146, 147. 
Wall, John C, Dr., 88. 



Walley, Milo, 155. 
Walters, A. A., 172. 
Walton, Henry, 37. 
Wanzer, D. H., 145. 
War committees, ig. 
Ward, A. R., 201. 
Warne, G. W., 220. 
Warner, J. M., Rev., 244. 
Warren, A. O., Rev., 294 

J.C, 15.. 
Washburn, Frank L., Dr., 93, 

George H., 259. 
Washington, President, 361. 
Waterburg, 244, 
Water courses, 6. 
Watkins, Edmund H., 33. 

& Flint, 267. 
Watrous, E. Jason, 315, 321. 

E. P., 321. 
Watson, Elijah, 264. 

G. M., 264. 
Wattles. Chauncey L., 287. 

E. M., Mrs., 289. 
Wavle. Henry, 262. 
Weatherwax, Ada, 224. 
Weaver, Abram B., 409. 

Elias R., Dr., 87. 

Everett F.,254. 

Ezra, 25. 

Henry B., 25, 254. 

J., 63. 
Webb, R. D., 485, 
Webster, Daniel, 364. 

H. K . Dr., 78. 
Weed, Rice. 251. 
Weidman, Charles E., Dr., 87. 
Welch, C. A., Dr., 85. 

Lute, 202. 

O. B., i.;3, 168. 

W H., Col., 168. 
Weils, Alfred, 43, 59, 70, 158, 167, 
195. 

George, 170. 

Henry R., 159. 

Lucius, 129, 130, 147, 148. 
Welsh, J. M., 156. 
West, Alpheus, 24. 

R. M., 263. 
Westervelt, James, 219. 
Weston, Joseph, 213. 
West Danby, 301. 
West Grotin, 327. 
Wetherell, William, 305. 

Wm. H., 307. 
Weyburn, Sainuel, 207. 
Wheeler, Albert S., 413, 540. 

Benjamin Ide, 541, 542. 

Dewitt P., 263. 

D. T., 259. 

J. C. 220. 

James K., 234, 237. 

Levi J., 215, 224. 

Orin W., 258, 262. 

Seth, 249. 
Wm. A., 422. 
& Co., D T.,261. 
Whiney Ruloff, 257 
White, A. C. 194. 

Andrew D., 402-406, 409-412, 
423. 424. 443i 444. 450, 459, 
467, 469, 482, 484. 485, 489 
-491, 502, 508-510, 518, 563- 
565, 568, 569, 601, 632, 638, 
667, biography of, 677, 
Arthur D., Dr , 93. 

A. J., Dr., 79. 86. 
Chas, H., 160, 166, 177, 181, 
196. 



White, Daniel, 247. 

Daniel and Albert, 333. 

Daniel M., 291. 

David, Dr , 80, 86, 203. 

Henry S., 194. 

■-loratio S., 557, 702. 

John, 13, 50, 304. 

Lysander T., Dr., 90, 353. 

N. G., 204. 

Thomas, 63, 64. 

Walter W., 315. 
Whiting, Jonas, 102, 214. 
Whitlock, Chas. E., 200, 202. 

John, Capt., 19. 
Whitmore, Parley, 254, 256. 

Peter, 63. 
Whiton, Frederic J. .72,164, 166,195. 

George, 149 

John, 103, 176. 

John L. , 20, 104, 149, 159, 163, 

Whittemore, William, 222. 
Whittlesey, J. W., 413, 436, 
Wick, Michael, 150. 
Wickes, Silas R., 20, 25, 221, 233. 
Wickham, George. 260. 
Wigton, Wm., 63, 64. 
Wilcox. C. F., 179. 

Samuel H., 61. 

Seth, 150. 

T. D., Capt.,^35, 36. 

Wm., 179. 
Wilder, B. G., Dr., 80, 89, 412, 

506, 599-614, 702. 
Wi"ley, Edward B., Dr., qo 
Wilgus, H. L., 159. 

H. W., 153. 

John M., 156. 
Willard, I. N., Dr., 92. 
Willey, Albert L., 264. 

F. R , 264. 
Williams, A. J., 322. 

Barnum R., 44, 152, 155, 183, 
204, 323- 

Benjamin, 315. 

Benjamin and William, 312. 

Bros., 179. 

Charles F., 46. 

Charles M., 146, 157, 164, 166, 
189. 

David, 229, 231. 

De F., 166, 180. 

Ebenezer, 311, 3[4, 317. 

Emmons L., 157 164. 

E. R., 220. 

George R., 163, 166, 192 

Henry S., 597.' 

Horace C, 150. 

Howard C, 104. 

J., 14, 311. 

John A , 61. 

John E., 148. 

John Francis, 597. 

Jonas, 314, :ii6. 

Josiah B., 19, 23, 101, 126, 143, 
149, 162, 163, 352, 354, 409, 
410, 451. 

Manuel R , 162. 

Nathan T., 104, 148, 149, 162, 
187. 

Nelson C, 299. 

Parvis A., Dr., 24, 77, 78. 

Roger B., 145. 146, 157, 163, 
166, 189, 190, 191. 

S. G., 151, 187, 195, 319, 563, 
597- 

Timothy S., 23, 14S, 149, 162, 
176, 352, 354- 



/ 



INDEX. 



271 



Williams, Williani,'3i6, 318,322. 
Williamson, M T., 220, 224. 
Willis, John, 242. 

William, 242. 
Williston, Ralph, Rev., 195. 
'Willoughby, Franklin, 325. 
Wilson, H. J., 153, 157. 

Jesse B., 263. 

O. M., 46, 221. 

W. D., Rev., 470, 521, 545, 
546, 557, 566, 573, 576. 

W. D., biography of, 688. 
Wing-, Chester H , 586. 
Winget, Benjamin, Rev , 194. 
Winne, Christian W., Rev., 309 
Winslow, John, Dr., 79. 8q, 314. 
Winton, Samuel H., 166, 198. 
Wise, Jacob, 299. 
Wisner, Samuel P., 59. 

William, Rev., 48, 187, igi. 
Wi.xom, Caleb, 216. 

John, 219. 
Wolcott, John, 287. 
Wood, A. B., 146. 

Charles E., 339. 

George W., 43. 60. 

Jacob, 130. 



Wood, Merritt L., 155. 

Otis E., 177, 262, 264. 

O. W.,320. 
Woodbury, Caleb, 24. 

C. J., 450. 

James M., 339. 

Marshall, 315. 

William, 25, 315, 318. 
Woodcock, David, 15, 16, 23, 24, 
34> 35i 61, 63, 66, 119, 123, 
127, 132, 147, 148, 170, 174, 
184-186. 

Don C, 66, 
Woodford, Ira, 322. 

Stewart L., 484, 670. 
Woodruff, Amasa, 103, 130. 

W. A., 154 
Woodward, Wm., Dr., 78. 

William A., 136, 148. 
Wood worth, Alfred B., 215. 

John, 242. 

Jonathan, 98. 

Jonathan, Neheniiah, and 
Charles, 97. 

Nehemiah, 98. 

Stephen, 63, 21 , 218. 

W. C, 214.' 



Wolcott, Clarence R., 72. 
Wolf, R., 104, 166, 203. 
Wortman. John G , 353, 354. 

J. R,. 150, 153, 155 200. 
Wright, Charles, 354. 

Ellsworth D., 193. 

H. B., 194. 

Henry L., 47, 324. 

Ira, Dr., 79. 

Moses R., ("g, 202. 
Wyckoffi, Joseph, 336. 

Wm. O., 18. 
Wynans, James, 130 

Yaple, Jacob, 12, 94, 95, 130, 29 
298. 

John, 94, 95, 102, 214, 295, 2g 
Yates, Lemuel, 273, 274, 289. 
Young, Daniel, 130. 

Ezra, 221. 

J., Dr., 77, 78. 

John, 315. 
Youngs, John J , 315. 

Zachos, J. C, Rev., 195. 
Zalinski, Lieut., 450. 



INDEX-PART II. 



Almy, Bradford, 44 
Baker, Eugene, Dr., £7. 
Baker, James L., 23. 
Barnard, John, 56. 
Besemer, Martin, Dr., 49. 
Blood, Charles F., 66. 
Boardman, Douglass, 9. 
Carey, William L., 63. 
Collins, Sherman, 67. 
Cook, Andrew B., 54. 
Cornell, Alonzo B., 25. 
Corson, Hiram, 45. 
Crandall, Peter B., 57. 
Davis, George B., 70. 
Dwight, Jeremiah W., 32. 
Enz, Frank J., 35. 



Esty, Edward S., n. 
Finch, Francis M., 30. 
Gee. Hiram, 69. 
Goodrich, Milo, 31. 
Hall, Darius, Dr., 51. 
Ingersoll, Charles, 64. 
Jennings, Jesse H., 52. 
Johnson, Ben, 60 
Lacy, John C, 41. 
McBlheny, Thomas J., 55. 
McKinney, Samuel J., 64. 
Marsh, Dexter H., 24. 
Melotte, George W., 39. 
Paddock, Stephen M., 65. 
Rumsey Family, the, 70. 
Sage, Henry W., 3. 



Seabring, Samuel A., Dr., 50. 
Seaman, Charles S., 21. 
Selkreg, John H., 61. 
Sheldon, Benjamin, 52. 
Stiles, Charles A., 68. 
. Terry, Eugene, 53. 
Thompson, Thaddeus S., 20. 
Titus, Charles M,, 36. 
Tompkins, Myron S., 22. 
Treman Family, the, 15. 
Van Cleef, Mynderse. 59. 
Van Kirk, E. C, 33- 
Vfin Kirk, Leroy H., 62. 
Van Vleet, De Forest, 42. 
Wiliams, Josiah B., 60. 



PART III. 



CAROLINE. 



Atwood, George W.,3. 
Bacon, L. D., 146. 
Bailor, Daniel, 147. 
Bates, Abram, 16. 
Besemer, John J., 11. 



Bogardus, Ira, 14. 
Boice, James, 10. 
Boice, John, 147. 
Bull, John, 17. 
Bull, John E., 67. 



Bull, Justus, 10. 
Bull. Moses, 17. 
Cannon, J. D., 29. 
Cams, W. J. & Son, 62. 
Clark, Spencer L., 23. 



273 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



Cooper, John A. D., 28 
Cooper, William, 81. 
Crandall, Harris L., 23. 
Davis, L. C, 38. 
Goodrich, L. Levi, 58. 
Hi>rgins. C. B., 238. 
Hildebrant, H. A., 43. 
Janson, Henry, 79. 
Janson, John, So. 
Jenks, Anson L., 233. 
Krum, Henry S., 230. 
Kruin, M. C, 05. 
Landon, Albert H., 88 
Lane, Jacob, 85. 
Mandeville, Rev. Gerrit, ; 



Mandeville, W. K., 181. 
Mead. Benjamin F., 183. 
Meeks, C. E., 223. 
Myers, Andrew, 175. 
Patch, Horace E., 133. 
Peters. John J., 134. 
Quick, Charles, 217 
Quick, Daniel, 214. 
Quick, Mary J., 134 
Keed, F. A., Dr., 212, 
Robinson, H. H., 214. 
Roe, Moses, 140 
Rounseville, Judson, 152. 
Schutt, Aaron B.. 107. 
Shurter, Willis, 201^ 



Smith, WilliaiTi M., 161. 
.Speed, Robert G. H., 125. 
Stephens, J. L., iq8. 
Thomas, E. J.. 209. 
Thomas, H. D , 123 
Vandemarks, Benjamin, 209. 
Van Iderstine. James, 103. 
Vorhis, K C, 193. 
Wattles, Chauncey L., 1S8. 
Webb, Fredeiick M., 98. 
Walcott, George, 108 
White, D. M., igo. 
Yaple, J. J., 92. 



DAN BY. 



Banfield, Isaac, 8. 
Beardslev, Henry S., 112. 
Beers, Fred E., 82 
Beers, John E., M D., 67. 
Beers, Lucien B,, 133. 
Black, John, 112. 
Bogart, David P., 130. 
Boyd, Andrew, 14. 
Bruce, Mathias D., 131. 
Chapman, W. E , 22. 
Cooper, Festus, 148. 
Curtis, E. L. B.. 254. 
Davis, Albert H., 36. 
Dorn, Alexander, 50. 
Elyea, Horace, 250, 



Frazier, I^saac J., 31. 
Gage, L. A., 58. 
Genung, Luther G., 71. 
Graves, Mary Jane Bishop, 55. 
Hall, John L., 80 
Hamblin, S. D., 234. 
Hill, C. J., 41. 
Hill. Elbert B., 234 
Jones. James W., 232. 
Jones, M. E., 79. 
Judson, Stockton B., 233. 
Little. John, 227. 
Loomis, Simon, 227. 
Mabee, Charles C, 224. 
Manning, Julius, 184. 
Meaker, Reuben, 221. 



Ostrander, Charles H., 218. 
Roper, Luther, 139. 
Sabin, Jefferson L., 164. 
Stevens Smith D., 161. 
Swarthout, Reuben, 198. 
Thomas, John, 209. 
Townsend, Jabez B., 194. 
Trew, Samuel W., 195. 
Vorhis, Chester L., 113. 
Weed, William M., loS. 
Welch, John B , 14:1. 
Welch, William M., 189. 
Wilcox, William H., 144. 
Wright, Charles L., 190. 
Wright, Horatio D., 142. 



DRYDEN. 



Bailey, George W., 74- 
Baker, Andrew, 19. 
Baker, William H., 5. 
Barnum, R. W., 5. 
Bartholomew, Caleb, in. 
Bartholomew, Daniel, 18. 
Bloom, James H., 25. 
Brewer. Byron, 8. 
Brown, S. N., 18. 
Brown, W. E , ig. 
Burch, Chester D., 6. 
Burch, Thomas J., 20. 
Burlingame, Dewitt C, 5. 
Burr, Edwin S., 20. 
Burton, Orrin W., 131. 
Calauch, Isaac H., 150. 
Carr, Jaiues M,, 25. 
Chatfield, David A., 65. 
Clark, A. M., 26. 
Cole, Charles, 25. 
Cole, George, 149. 
Cole, James H., 23. 
Cole, Lewis, 148 
Colton, Edwin H., 66. 
Crutts, Edwin, 30. 
Crutts William B., 72. 
Darling, Edward, 36. 
Darling, Fred E., 35. 
Dearman, Henry A.. 37. 
De Puy, George G., 36. 
Duryee, Richard, 50. 
Dusenbury, Corry G., 252 
Ellis, Benjamin, 34. 
Ellis, John R., ss- 
English, Jesse U., 35. 
Ferguson, Isaac P., 33. 
Freeman, Lyman D., 246. 



French, Edwin C, 33. 
Fulkerson, Samuel C, 244. 
Fulkerson Talmadge D., 33. 
Genung, Homer, 53. 
Genung, Joseph A., 70. 
Gray, Almon, 242. 
George, A. W., 53. 
George, David, 161 
George, James H., 70. 
Givens, Edward, 55. 
Givens, W. R., 56. 
Griswold, Benjamin, 52. 
Griswold, Clarence, 240. 
Griswold, Leonard, 56. 
Griswi'ld, Luther, 52. 
Hamblin, James E., 235. 
Han ford, William, 38. 
Hart, George H., 238. 
Herrington, Henry S., 46. 
Hiles, Andrew, 236. 
Hiles, John W., 39. 

Hill, O.J. ,39- 
Hoff, S. S., 64. 
Houpt, Henrv H., 65. 
Houpt, Theron, 81. 
Houtz, Col. George A. 80. 
Hubbard, Wm. B., 39. 
Hutchings, Thomas, 44. 
Jamison, Jackson. 232. 
Jennings, Frank S., 79. 
Johnson, Theron, 232. 
Kennedy, J. H , 96. 
King, Charles F.^ 230. 
Knapp, C^^rus, 230. 
Lament, A. B., 88. 
Lamont, John D., 86. 
Lathrop, Joseph A., 88. 



Lawrence, Azel, 84. 
Lewis, Loi-enzo. 86. 
Lormor, Andrew W., 88. 
Lormor, Geor.ge W., 229. 
Lormor, Jackson, 229. 
Lormor, James, sr., 84. 
Lormor Robert H., 84. 
Lormore, Tames C, 87- 
Lupton, G. M., 87. 
Luther, Orson, 87. 
McArthur, Ebenezer, 177. 
McCutchan, William and New- 
ton R , 184. 
McElheny, John, 178. 
McKee, Samuel, 185. 
McKellar, Duncan, 227. 
Macej-, Fred H., 176. 
Marsh, Walker, 173. 
Mason, F. Oscar, 178. 
Messenger, D S., 176. 
Messenger, Levi H , 175. 
Mineah, John H., 185. 
Mineah, N. H., 184. 
Montgomery, Daniel R., 176. 
Montgomery, J. J., Dr., 183. 
Moore, William H., 188. 
Mosso, C. A., 225. 
Munroe, George E., 224. 
Nelson, Robert C, 219. 
Northrop, Amos B., 172. 
Pratt, Charles F., 215. 
Pratt, J. H., 168. 
Retd, Levi H., 139. 
Reed, T uman B , 152, 
Reynolds, William, 136. 
Rhodes, Bertrand, 136. 
Rhodes, Miles, 153. 



INDEX. 



273 



Rhodes, Omar R., 153. 
Richardson, W..H., 212. 
Robertson, Mott J., 153. 
Roe, H. W.,2i.. 
Rood, G. L., Dr., 139. 
Ross, J. U., 211. 
Rummer, Charles E., -,13, 
Rummer, Gabriel, 136. 
Rummer, Richard C, 213. 
Sandwick, Wm. H., 15S. 
Sanford, Lyman, 158. 
Scott, Adelbert C, 207. 
Shaver, Williard, 207. 
Sheldon, E., 156. 
Sherwood, William W., 125. 



Shultz, Theophilus, 207. 
Sickmon, George B., 157. 
Simons, William A., 120. 
Skillings, S. M., 127. 
Smiley, Sanford E., 206. 
Smith, William J., 156. 
Snyder, Bradford, 208. 
Snyder, Caroline, Mrs., 20S. 
Snyder, Ernest, 155. 
vSnyder, George, 125. 
Snyder. Philip S., 121. 
Space, Thomas, 126. 
Stickle, Theodore, 207, 
Sutfin, James G., 156. 
Sutfin, W. E., 196. 



Sweet, Galusha C, 157. 
Trapp, Almond, 116. 
Tripp, M. E., 115 
Tucker, George S., 210. 
Tyler, Cyrus, 195. 
Undeiwood, George E., 193. 
Van Nortwick, Simeon, 114. 
Van Nortwick, W. J., 268. 
Wade, Edwin R., 192. 
Watson, George Milton, 106. 
Wheeler, D. T.. 107. 
Willey, Albert L , 113. 
Willey, F. R., 142. 
Williams, C. D., 107. 



ENFIELD. 



Fisher Family, the, 76. 
GrifBn, Benjamin L., 70. 



Newman, Levi J., 173. 
Smith Wheeler H. and Earl V., 
164. 



Smith, William F., 154. 
Teeter, Frank, 116. 



GROTON. 



Allen, Isaac, 4. 
Ashton, James, 132. 
Avery, Edward M., 3. 
Avery, Oliver, 132. 
Baldwin, Asa, 129. 
Baldwin, M. M„ 12. 
Benedict, Thomas, 129. 
Benson, Nathan, 12. 
Benton, Orange N., 11. 
Bliss, Luther, 15. 
Booth, John Isaac, 16. 
Bradley, Daniel, 6. 
Bresee, Thomas R., 111. 
Brown, Ebenezer, 7. 
Brown, Jacob Emmons, no. 
Buck, Benjamin, 9. 
Bulkly, Hill, 110. 
Butts, Michael, no. 
Chapman, Dr. Clark, 21. 
Clark, Baldwin Phelps, 73. 
Clark, Jesse, 27. 
Clark, William S., sr., 27. 
Coggshall, David H., 255. 
Conger, Benn, 22. 
Conger, Corydon W., 30. 
Crittenden, Samuel, 254. 
Cunningham, John, 27. 
Darling, Reuben, 251. 
Davey, George W., 49. 
Field, Elisha, 50. 
Fish, George, 245. 
Fitch, William Henry, 32. 
Fitts, Paschal, 76. 
Francis, Gilbert, 244. 



Francis, Jonathan, 247. 
Francis, Richard, 32. 
Gale, William, 243. 
Galloup, Ernest G., 242. 
Gibbs, James, 163. 
Gooding Family, the, 58. 
Gross, Van Buren, 59. 
Guthrie, John, 95. 
Guthrie, William, 53. 
Halsey, Hugh, 47. 
Harris, Nelson, 239. 
Hart, Charles A., 240. 
Hart, Charles D., 40. 
Holden, William, 45. 
Hopkins, Herman S , 45. 
Hurlbut, Christopher, 237. 
Kimple, John, 94. 
Ladd, Daniel, 99. 
McKee', James and Robert, 175. 
McKellar, John, 177. 
Marsh, Zimri, 179, 
Metzgar, Andrew, 186. 
Metzgar, Casper, 93. 
Metzgar, William, 179. 
Moe, Hiram, 220. 
Moe, John, 220. 
Moe, R. Palmer, 220. 
Monfort, Cornelius L., 182. 
Morgan, Evan, 182. 
Morgan, Philip, 221. 
Morgan, Thomas, 223. 
Morton, David, 177. 
Mount, James H., 180. 
Mount, Robert N., 221. 



Mount, William Dj'C, 186. 
Nye, Edwin R., 219. 
Ogden, Lewis M., 170. 
Peck, William Mitchell, 69. 
Perrigo, Charles, 135. 
Pierce, Ebenezer, 137. 
Pike, William L., 215. 
Rejmolds, Robert C, 138. 
Rhodes Family, the, 151. 
Robertson, Burnett F., it. 
Robinson, Almon, 145. 
Rowley, Daniel W , 223. 
Sellen Family, the, 198. 
Silver, Solomon, jr., 162. 
Smiley, Joseph, 167. 
Smith, William A., Rev., 165. 
Stearns, Joseph W., 199. 
Stevens, John, 198. 
Stoddard, David, 158. 
Stout, Jonathan, 196. 
Streeter, Nelson R., 200. 
Tallmadge, Alanson, 122. 
Tallmadge, Edgar F., 122. 
Townley, Lewis J., 117. 
Townley, Richard, 196. 
Townley, Richard A., 121. 
Van Marter, Mansfield, 113. 
Vough, Aaron H., 113. 
Wartrous, Ezra Jason, 142. 
Wheeler, Seth, 107. 
White, Walter Watts, 69. 
Williams, Barnum R., 105. 
Wood, Dr. Annette, 104. 
Wyckoff, Jesse, 93. 



ITHACA. 



Babcock, George W., 130. 
Baker, George H., 15. 
Barden, John, 9. 
Biers, Andrew Jackson, 19. 
Bentley & Eaton, 109. 
Bergholtz, Herman, 19. 
Bishop. Dr. Alonson, 6. 
Bishop, Asa, 10 1. 
Blackman Brothers, 109. 
Bostwick, Hermon V,, 5. 
Brenizer, W. I., 145. 



Brooks, Arthur B., 8. 
Brown, Horace A , m. 
Brown, J. W., M.D., in. 
Buck, George E., 7. 
Burtt, David L., 18. 
Bush, Francis M., 74. 
Bush, Hattie, 6. 
Campbell, Thomas B., 20. 
Chipman, Albert Edwin, 46. 
Clinton, Charles M., 22. 
Cole, Frank C, 81. 



Crandall, Clayton, 150. 
Crawford, John R., 150. 
Cregar, James F., 21. 
Crowle3% Timothy, 149. 
Culver, Thomas S., 21. 
Dale, Alfred B., 250. 
Davis, Orlando H., 37. 
Dean David M., 252. 
Dick, James, 72. 
Dowell, William, 254. 
Drake, N. Eugene, 250. 



i74 



LANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY. 



DriscoU Brothers, 253. 
Durhng, J. J. Ayres, 249- 
Eagles, Joseph D., 248. 
Egbert, William Grant, 34. 
Egbert & Merrill, 180, 
Elston, Judson A., 35. 
Ellsworth, Perry G., 248. 
Emig, Adam, 61. 
Emig, Peter, 34. 
Emmens, Daniel, 250. 
Estabrook, William B., 61. 
Evans, Evan D., 6r. 
Fish, Gary B., 246. 
Fiske, Asa vSeverance. 126. 
Force, Albert W., 246. 
Foster, Luther C., 51. 
Fowler, A. H., 31. 
Frear, William, 33. 
Frost, George W., 31. 
Gardner, Edward T., 57. 
Gardner, Ira M., 241. 
Garrett, Charles C, 241. 
Gee, Hiram, Rev., 60. 
George, Japhus, 54. 
George, William F., 242. 
Glenzier, John J., 241. 
Grant, Schuyler, 56. 

Green, Charles, 71. 

Gregory, O. H., 52. 

GriiSn, George, 54. 

Gunderman, William A., 100. 

Hall, Edwin M., 63. 

Halliday, Samuel D., 40. 

Hanford, Ernest E,, 41- 

Hanshaw, John J., 48. 

Hardy, Charles Elias, 42. 

Hart, A. 0.,47- 

Hart, John C, 238. 

Hasbrouck, Alfred, 42. 

Haskin, Hiram L., 97. 

Hatmaker, Peter A., 237. 

Hazen, Blair A., 237. 

Hazen, Harrison, 238. 

Hedges, Elijah C, 48. 

Hibbard Family, the, 69^ 

Hildebrant, Theodore, 237. 

Hinckley, Henry L., 43- 

Hinckley, Louis E., 42. 

Hook, John, 236. 

Horton, Randolph, 97. 

House, Willard E , 38. 

Howe, Dr. John B., 45. 

Howes, Charles H., 42. 

Humphrey, William Ross, 44. 

Hungerford, Amasa A., 236. 

Hunt, Wan-en, 41. 

Ives, Charles A., 78. 



Jarvis, William, 233. 
Jervis, Benjamin F., 79. 
Johnson, Frederick D., 232- 
Johnson, Harlan P., 78. 
Jones, Heth T., 233. 
King, Frank, 230. 
Kirkendall, John S., M.D.. 91. 
Kline, Peter, 95. 
Kyle, Edmond H., 90. 
Latta, Elmer M., 85. 
Lang, John B., 85. 
Leary, Frank M . 227. 
Lyon, Marcus, 85. 
McClure, Gideon C, 180. 
McClure, J. Otis, 222. 
McCormick, Walter, 183 
McGillivray, Ellsworth, 17S. 
McKay, Arthur A., 181. 
McWhorter, Lockwood S., i8c 
Mabee, Theodore, 223. 
Mack, William, 224. 
Manning, David, 22.5. 
Mannmg, Thompson, 177. 
Marshall, B. H., 222. 
Meaney, Edward, M.D., 175. 
Merrill, Jason P., 222. 
Miller, Thomas G., 184. 
Miller, William H., 187. 
Mitchell, Frank, 224, 
Mitchell, William L., 185. 
Morris, Charles L., 188. 
Morrison, James T., 174. 
Newman, Jared T., 173 
Northrup, George H., 172. 

Ouan, S. D., 172. 

Owen, Duane D., 218. 

Pearson, Pierce 216. 

Peck, Solomon H., M.D , 169 

Perry, William H., 168. 

Peters, Jacob, 135. 

Pierce, Clarence W., 215. 

Pierce, W. B., 169. 

Poole, Murray B., 217. 

Putney, George E., 135. 

Ouigg, James, 138. 

Randolph, Frederick P., 140- 

Reed, Joseph A., 21:. 

Reynolds, James S., 211. 

Rhodes, George, 212. 

Robinson, Edmund E., 213. 

Rothschilds Brothers, 212. 

Rowe, Jerome, 140. 

Rubin, Henry, 140. 

Riimsey, Chas. Tm 244- 

Sabin, John, 205. 

Schoonmaker, Heleu, 205. 

Scott, Jabez B., 201. 



Schuyler, George W., 56. 
Selover, Elnathan W., 155. 
Sheffer, Charles E., 162. 
Sheffer, Reuben W., 203. 
Simpson, George F., 205. 
Sisson, P. F., 157. 
Slocum, Benjamin F., 204. 
Smith, Charles A.. 202. 
Smith, Clarence L., 167. 
Smith, Horace I., 205. 
Smith, James, 202. 
Smith, Simeon, 160. 
Smith, V/illiam Hazhtt, 159- 
Sprague, Joseph B., 204. 
Stephens, Clements T., 159. 
Stephens, Henry W., 204. 
Stephens, Jesse W., 160. 
Stephens, Philip, 127. 
Stephens, Thomas J., 202. 
Stewart, David B,, 166. 
Stewart, Edwin C, 124. 
Stewart, Olin L., 159- 
Stoddard, Edward Schuyler, 

122. 
Storms, John B., 203. 
Sullivan, Charles W., 154. 
Synnott. S H., Rev., 159- 
Taber, Benjamin F., 118. 
Tarbell, Doctor, 119. 
Tarbell, Thomas B., 119. 
Teeter, William H., 123. 
Tibbetts, Frank E., 116. 
Tibbetts, J, Warren, 194. 
Tichenor, James H., 118. 
Titus, C. A., 195 
Tompkins, Joseph A., 117. 
Townsend, Andrew J., 194- 
Tree, Edward, 210. 
Van Order, W. A., 115- 
Van Orman, Myron, 193. 
Vorhis, Jotham, 115. 
Warner, Frank A., 102. 
Warren, James C, 143. 
White, David, M.D., 191. 
Whitlock, Charles, E., 105. 
Whitlock, Lorenzo R., 143. 
Williams, De Forest, 104. 
Williams, George O., 102. 
Willson, Herbert G., 91 
Willson, William H., 192. 
Winslow, John A., M.D., 100. 
Winton, Samuel W., 98. 
Wolf, Reinhold, 103. 
Wood, A. B., 189. 
Woodford, Prank D., 103. 
Wortman, Jacob, 106. 



.dgart, Mrs. Christina, 60. 
Bacon, Daniel Lucius, 66. 
■ Ba nes, Stephen I., MS- 
\Bower, Charles F., 74. 
Bower, George L., 75. 
■Bower, Mervin, 73- 
Bogardus, Andrew B., 147- 
Bogardus, E. K,, 147. 
Boyer, Charles, 73. 
Brink, Andrew James, 77, 
Brooks, Mrs. Cornelia, 75. 
Brown, Bichard H., 146. 
Buck, Edward E., 66. 
Bush, Stroud, 63. 
Campbell, Frank Eugene, 65. 
Chase, D. Wssley, 82. 



LANSING. 

Conklin, John H., 149. 
Dates, William Morehouse, 252. 
Davis, Joshua B., 61. 
Davis, Samuel L,, 248. 
De Camp, Daniel, 71. 
Drake, Henry B., 249. 
Drake, William, 62. 
Egbert, Peter V., 94- 
Fenner, Elizabeth, Mrs., 150. 
Ford, James M., 63 
French, Sarah, Mrs., 247. 
GifEord, Gardner C.,240. 
Green, William La Mar, 51. 
Hagin, Barnard M., 64. 
Hagm, Charles G., 68. 
Halladay, Benton M., 68, 



Haskin, Clinton A,, 43. 
Hedden, Mrs. Louisa, 47. 
Howell, Milo, 235. 
Jacobs, Jesse, 234. 
Jefferson, Theodore T., 231. 
Kelley, Dennis, 95. 
King, Edmund A., 231. 
Lamberson, Royal V., 228. 
Lane, Eliza, Mrs., 228 
Le Barre Family, the, 89. 
Lobdell, Denton M., 92 
Luce, George N., 89. 
Lyon, Nelson E., 92. 
McKinney, James M., 174. 
Miller, Irving C, 187. 
Miller, Peter, 226. 



^ 



Jlitchell, John Wilson, 225. 
Moran, Frank, 225. 
Oz.nmn. Ira, 218. 
Ozniun, William A. J., 170. 
Robertson, Orris, 141. 
Robinson, Charles D., -152. 
Sclienck, Aniasa Dana, 120. 



INDEX. 




Searles, ;Marciis W., 155. 


Townle 


vShank, Lucy J., Mrs., 208. 


Wager, 


Shoemaker, Jacob, 201^ 


Wilcox, 


Smith, Henry, 128. 


William 


Stout, Wilmer, 124. 


Willis, • 


Tarbell, Frank H., 116. 


Wood, ' 


Teeter, Georg-e W., 210. 





NEWFIELD. 



Albright, J. B., 132. 
Alexander, Mary J., 
Anderson, B. B., 7S. 
Bower, Jacoc, 131. 
Hoj'er, Herman E , i 
Brown, Alvah D., 13 
Brown, C.C, 16. 
Brown, E. A., 15. 
Brown, Holden T. , g 
Bush, Nelson, 131. 
Carpenter, Jay, 148. 
Carpenter, L. T.. 148 
Clark, William, 148. 
C.ormish, Mary, 81. 
Crawford, Alpheus, 



Curtis, David W., 28. Palme 

Dassance, Albert, 253. Pratts 
Doug-lass, Marj' A., Mrs., 72. Pratt> 

Drake, A. O., 253- P"ff, 

Dudley, P. S., 97. Rums 

Estabrook, Robert C , 50. Shaff 

Farmer, William E., 245. Smit^ 

Ham, George W., 239. _ .Stew 

Hazen, John P., 47. ' ' Swai 

Holman, I. M., 239. Tabt 

Horton, William H., 240. Tag 

Kelloge. Joseph, 96. Tin; 

McAllaster, B. R., 221. Ton 

McCorn, Moses, 178. ■ Wef 

Palmer, H. B., 138. Wh'' 



ULYSSES. 



Almy, Erastus C, 132. 
Atwater, Manning, 3. 
Batty, George, 17. 
Hoardman, Truman, 14. 
Brinkerhoff, William D., 6 
Brotherton, George, 129. 
Brown, Enos L., 16, 
Cady, Ellis W., 24. 
Camp, Edward, 255. 
Carman, Frank W., 60 
Carpenter, Leonard W., 24. 
Chase, Abram, Dr , 72 
Clapp, Charles, 23 
Clark, Harriet, 26. 
Colegrove, David, 24. 
Corcoran. Edward M., 29. 
Corey, Jesse G., 29 
Crandall, Albert, 25. 
Dean, Oscar K., 251. 
Dewey, Eugene V., 36. 
Dimick, Sainuel G., 37. 
Dorsey, Adel, Mrs., 251. 
Dorsey, Lloyd, 37. 
Dumont, Waldron B., 251. 
Farrington, Warren G., 81. 
Fish, Charles H., 245. 
Fowler, Eli, 244. 



Fuller, Wilson A., 245. 
Ganoung, William H., 54. 
GifEord, Norman R., 57. 
Gould, Lotan H., 243. 
Graves, Orange S,, 242. 
Gregg, Chauncy P., 59. 
Hall. William L., 234. 
Hazlitt, William H., 48. 
Hill, R. B3'ron, 40. 
Holman, Frederick, 43. 
Hopkins, George A., 38. 
Johnson, Daniel, 78. 
Kerst, John, 229. 
Kins', J- Parker, 96. '' 
King, Sylvester, go. 
Kirby, Jonas W., 90. 
Krum, Landon D., qg. 
Lunkej'', Henry, 86. 
McLallen, James G., 219. 
Mekeel, Walter and Isaiah, 179. 
Miller, Ephraim, 226. 
Mockford, Richard, 222. 
Morgan, Howard, 183. 
Moss, James H., 226. 
Nixon, William J., 210 
Oltz, John, 171. 
Osborn, Fred W., 171. 



Ov 

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portrait: 



Almy, Bradford, facing 58, Part I. 
Baker, Eugene, Dr., facing 78, Part I. 
Baker, James L., facing 60, Part I. 
Barnard, John, facing 56, Part IT. 
Besemer, Martin, Dr., facing So, Part I. 
Blood, Charles F., facing 166, Part I. 



Boardman 
Carey, W. 
Collins, SI- 
Cook, Anc 
Cornell, .« 
Cornell, E 



.ANDMARKS OF TOMPKINS COUNTY 



iS, Part I. Paddock, S. J., facing- 212, Part I. 

, Part 11. Sage, H. W., facing 63r, Part I. 

, Part I. Seabring-, S. A., pr., facing- 50, Part II. 

ft II. Seaman, Charles' S., facing 62, Part I. 

!, Part I. Selkreg, J. H., facing 42, Part I. 

art I. Sheldon, Benjamin, facing 262, Part I. 

193, Part I. Sibley, Hiram, facing 642, Part I. 

Part I. Stiles, C.A., facing 68, Part II. 

136. Part I. Terry, Eugene, facing 53, Part II. 

lit I. Thompson, Thaddeus S., facing 200, Part I. 

64, Part II. Titus, C. M., facing 179, Part I. 

61, Part I. Tompkins, Myron H., facing 22, Part II. 

art I. Treman, L.., facing 15, Part II. 

'art II. Van Cleef, Mynderse, facing 74, Part I. 

Part II. Van Kirk, E C, facing 164, Part I. 

, Part I. Van Kirk, L. H., facing 25, Part I. 

irt I. Van Vleet, D. F., facing 160, Part I. 

icing 38, Part II. "Williams, J. B., facing 126, Part I. 
2, Part I. 



"T 



/. 



